Thanksgiving Update from Mexico

Saul and Pilar have just sent this update through from Mexico. Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Further details on Saúl's UK visit

Saúl Cruz will be in the UK from 18th - 27th September:

On 19th September he will be preaching in London at All Souls Langham Place at the 6:30pm service. You can also join us from 4:45 - 6:00pm when there will be a time to find out more about the work of Armonía at the Waldegrave Hall (All Souls - lower floor).

If you'd like to see pictures from this summer at Armonía please follow this link:

http://gallery.me.com/eidicruzv#100128

Look forward to seeing you soon!

Dates for Saul and Pilar's next visit to the UK

These are: 18th - 27th September

More soon on where they are going to be speaking

Could this cloud have a silver lining?

The High School in Oaxaca that Armonía has partnered with since 2007 when AIMS was set up is under new Management and has been experiencing a few challenges lately. However, some of the parents from the locality as well as Joaquín from Armonía (who acts as an Older Brother to the Armonía Students) have had meetings recently with the directors and things seem to be on the right path again.

Going back a bit for the school’s history – the previous Director used to accept indigenous students from Armonia who were on the AIMS programme. A strong bond was formed between the 2 organisations. The school ran sports activities among many others and the Armonia International Board visited and were impressed with what they saw. The PTA were won around to the work the school was doing with the Armonia students. So successful was it that non AIMS students began to ask if they could go to Armonia! In a schools wide exam in Nov ’08 the top 3 places went to Armonia Students representing the school at State Level and also at an Olympiad – a University Challenge type event at schools level. The Director and Saul & Pilar were understandably thrilled at its success. The partnership was coming to fruition! Then, last year, out of the 17,000 University applicants in Mexico City, 5 Armonia Students were placed in the top 25 (including the three who won the Oaxacan Olympiad). Quite an achievement, I’m sure you’ll agree.

However, publicity like this can be double-edged. News of this success spread quickly and a new scholarship scheme is being set up for non-indigenous students. Some kids from the Community Centres in and around Mexico City have been identified. This is great news and shows the ripple effect that empowering a small group of indigenous students has.

Unfortunately, news of this success spread to the wrong kind of people too. Armonia is about creating new possibilities.... it doesn’t drive for publicity but sometimes it comes anyway. Giving a voice to the voiceless can lead to negative consequences. At times politicians want to cash in on the publicity but of course this runs against the principles of walking alongside the poor.

However, there is always a strong belief in the way God rules in all things. As we know, the current AIMS Residence came out of a difficult situation. Armonia has to constantly adapt to the context it finds itself in.

Which brings us to the good news – a new community centre is in the process of being planned and built near the new residence. Though a lot of prayer and funds are still needed. This may be able to double up as a school in the future, which will not only take Armonía students but serve the local community as well.

The Daisy House

The newest residence for AIMS students is called 'Casa Margarita' - the Daisy House. It was named after Saul and Pilar Cruz' second daughter, who was still-born.

"For many years we didn't understand why God put us through that", explains Saul. "But now we realise that although we lost our precious daughter, God has given us many more children in the students. We're privileged to be considered like parents to them".

The railings along the balcony and stairs have been decorated with metal daisies in honour of the old Margarita and the new life that Casa Margarita represents.

AIMS Residence, Oaxaca

Following Saul and Pilar's recent visit to the UK, we now have some more photos to put up to update you on what's going on in Mexico.

I'll be posting some from time to time and although I posted about Saturday a moment ago, this one is so spectacular that I can't wait to next week to put it up! It strikes me that the vibrancy of the residence against the rugged Oaxacan back-drop mirrors the vibrant lives which the students have found in the Christian community of Armonia.

Armonia UK Celebration

Last Saturday afternoon, a collection of visitors, volunteers and friends of Armonia came together at St. James the Less for an afternoon of sharing, news updates and food. Saul, Pilar and Eidi Cruz were able to join the Armonia UK Team and other visitors for the few hours. Each person had their own fond memories of visits and adventures. As we shared, we found that the work of Armonia in Mexico had touched each one of us in a special way.

For some, it was the teaching on poverty that the Cruzes are so clear on. For others, the memories of summer schools and teaching kids who would otherwise have little hope apart from the work of Armonia. For yet others, it was the impression of seeing the conditions in which some live; images that never leave.

Yet all of us found our memories came a little more alive as Saul and Pilar gave an update on the work. We watched the newest Armonia promo/update DVD, which we hope to post a link to soon here. We heard of how the community centres are progressing and saw the fantastic photos of the newest students' residence. The orange walls struck a stark contrast against the deep blue Oaxacan sky. We saw familiar and unfamiliar faces and our links with Mexico were re-kindled.

To finish, we ate a simple (but tasty) meal. It was just 4 in the afternoon but seemed fitting as we shared food; just like the disciples did in Jesus' time and just like many of the Armonia communities would be doing over in Mexico.

More news from the update will follow here. But if you were there, please make sure you have given us your contact details so we can keep you in touch with all that's going on in Mexico. And if you weren't, get in touch with the Armonia UK office to make sure you hear about the next get together, probably in October when the Cruzes will return with more news.

Paloma

It is with great sadness we regret to tell you of the death of Paloma aged 7 on Thursday February 11th during her heart surgery operation. Her parents Remedios and Jose and her brothers Aaron (10) and Josue (9) are being supported by Saul and Pilar, Saul Junior and other members of Armonia at this time and will send news when they can. Please keep the whole family in your prayers at this sad time.
Paloma was born with a heart condition and by Christmas 2009 needed urgent reconstruction of one of the valves or the installation of an artificial one. Sadly she didn’t survive the surgery. The news has shocked everyone who knew her especially her school friends and people at the community centre.
Paloma’s mother, sad but strong said to Saul and Pilar at her funeral “Thank you for making my little princess so wonderfully happy all her life”. She was buried as the song ‘children belong to Christ’ was sung.
It was at the Christmas celebration in Jalalpa last year that a spontaneous offering was taken up to help pay for the cost of Paloma’s surgery. The $1500 collected just exceeded the amount needed and was a true expression of the community’s love and support for her and her family. Without this offering, there would have been no chance of surgery at all.
Provisions for family expenses and food have been taken by the Armonia community and friends.

MANCHESTER - MEXICO CULTURAL EXCHANGE

http://www.mexicomanchester.co.uk/ is the new website created by a group of Manchester people - promoting a trip to Armonia in June. They are hoping to spend two weeks linking up with Armonia's "family and friends" mainly in Oaxaca to make music, paint, photograph and in all ways get colourful and creative.

If you want to hear about their project - then try to get to Manchester Cathedral on Tuesday March 2nd at 7pm.
There are also places for new people to join the team. More information from their website.

ARMONIA DIRECTORS IN UK for MARCH

March 1st-23rd Saul and Pilar Cruz will be visiting churches and groups -
if you can't meet them at any of the venues listed please Email us!
and we'll see if we can arrange a meeting.

Tuesday 2nd March

MANCHESTER

7.00 p.m. Manchester Cathedral, Launch Event
Mexico-Manchester 2010 Intercambio



Sunday 7th March

LEICESTER

Carley Evangelical Baptist Church
Wharf Street North
St. Matthews
Leicester
LE1 2AB

10.45am & 6pm church services


Wednesday 10th March

NEWCASTLE

Email mission@church.org.uk
If you wish to be included in their appointments


Saturday March 13th

LONDON


MEXICO PARTY – INFORMATION - MOTIVATION
2.30pm-6.30pm, St James The Less SW1

2.30pm
Introduction Conversation and interview
Refreshments – snacks and drinks

3pm-4.30pm
Saul and Pilar keynote address
including premiering new film
Reminiscences from volunteers

4.30-6.30pm
Food and fun, networking and conversations

The Upper Room
St James the Less
Thorndike Street
off Moreton Street
London
SW1V 2PS

Nearest Tube – Victoria / Pimlico


Sunday March 14th

CAMBRIDGE

Eden Baptist Church – Administrator Ruth Tricker
1 Fitzroy Street
Cambridge
CB1 1ER
Tel: 01223 361250
www.eden-cambridge.org

LUNCH 12.30pm-2.15pm at Eden

6pm – interviewed and preach at evening service


Thursday 18th March

KENT

8pm

St Peter’s hosted event

Stream Cottage,
Ditton
Aylesford
Kent
ME20 6AG


Sunday March 21st

OLDHAM, LANCS

10am Church Service

St. Mary's High Crompton
Rushcroft Rd,
Shaw, Oldham,
Lancashire OL2 7PP

SALE, MANCHESTER

St.Mary Magdalene
44 Moss Lane
Ashton on Mersey
Sale, M33 6GD
Junction of Harboro Road
& Moss Lane

7pm church service

Reflaction

Most of us are accustomed to reflection before action: education precedes employment, knowledge equips us to perform particular tasks, and learning leads to new forms of living. During our year as Armonía volunteers, however, we experienced a more dynamic way of relating reflection and action.

First, we experienced reflection on action. The Armonía directors frequently encouraged this by asking the pivotal question: “What did you learn today?” With the hard work of the day still fresh in our minds, and often the smell of sweat still on our skin, we debriefed, discussed and prayed together, learning more from these times of reflection on action than we could ever glean from books.

In addition to reflection on action, we also experienced reflection in action. This type of reflection occurs by asking: What are we learning right now? Some of our most memorable insights into the meaning of ministry and Christ-centred service arose in the midst of digging a ditch, teaching an English class or washing dirty dishes. By reflecting in and on action, we allow God’s Spirit to convict and convince without giving our minds time to distill what forms of action are the most manageable. Reflection in/on action is the method for cultivating kingdom lifestyles, propelling us beyond comfort and convenience.

It is difficult to communicate the dynamic interplay between reflection and action. Perhaps an illustration is helpful. Reflection and action are related like eating and exercise. Eating without exercising is like reflection without action: we get bloated with ideas and spiritually out of shape. But the opposite is also true: exercising without eating well is like acting without adequate reflection, since we will not have the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual nutrients to keep going, running the risk of burnout. To fully convey the inseparable relationship between reflection and action, we use a new, blended word: reflaction.

Volunteering with Armonía in Mexico was a unique way to experience and grow in our ability to reflact. The challenge for all of us is to practice reflaction as we seek to know and follow Jesus in unique situations and circumstances. How will you reflact today?

Wes and Steph Vanderlugt (centre) were long-term volunteers with Armonia, living and serving in Mexico between August 2008 and July 2009. Here they are teaching visitors and AIMS students alike to dance after visiting the Oaxaca Guelaguetza (annual dance festival). They now live, study and serve in St. Andrew's, Scotland.

Six Flags and Six Baskets

12 of the students from the residence in Oaxaca were rewarded for their high academic achievement just before Christmas with a week-long trip to Mexico City which included, amongst other things a trip to ‘ Six Flags’ - the Mexican equivalent of Alton Towers. They also had a cinema trip to see the film ‘Avatar’ (followed by a very interesting discussion lead by Saul Cruz on the links of the plot with the history of Mexico), saw some city sights and enjoyed the novel experience of using an escalator - some spent half an hour travelling up and down ....!
Their city trip gave also gave them the opportunity to work alongside locals and volunteers from the UK and US in giving out food for Christmas to poor families and organise games for children in some of the community centres. This type of experience is very important as it gives the students a window on other things going on in Armonia and enriches their cultural understanding. For most of the students this will have been their first trip outside Oaxaca!
The students who didn’t do quite so well in their studies (and therefore had to stay behind to do extra revision for their re-takes) were presented with a challenging forfeit – Saul got them to each fill six baskets full of harvest produce from the land cultivated around the residence in Etla. This was no mean feat as the baskets were pretty large! Produce included maize and root vegetables among other things. This exercise taught the students how to harvest maize and the result has been that they think they have enough maize to last the whole year! Food growing is just one of the skills that the students are learning as part of the AIMS programme.
Photographs to follow

All Souls Team at Dedication of Students Residence

The dedication ceremony of the Students residence was poignant. The beautiful Oaxacan mountains surrounded a large plane, the sun beat down and for the 200+ who gathered - neighbours, local dignitaries and children from the Summer Course and their parents - a feast was served. Saul and Pilar Cruz shared their vision for the Students residence, and the Community Centre to be built there.

The residence for young indigenous students had taken 2 years to complete, and we felt privileged to contribute in just the last two weeks. Our team of 23, in itself cross cultural with 9 nationalities represented, found ourselves forming strong relationships with the students through our common tasks together – running a Summer Course for about 50 children each afternoon – and painting the Students residence. Despite little language in common, we had become a wider family as we walked alongside Armonía and tried to understand the meaning of true community in Christ with others around the world.

We pray that the residence will continue to be a welcoming home for generations of students as they develop intellectually, socially and spiritually – building possibilities for their future and avoiding the need for illegal migration. We also pray for funds for a second residence.

Back in Mexico City, we were challenged by widespread urban poverty, and in the same way by our own preconceptions of poverty. We participated in another Summer Course, visited Armonia’s three Urban Transformation Centres and also spent time with the Hornos community, who were displaced because their fragile shacks had been built on the side of a steep, sandy cliff and had began to collapse. In re-housing the community, the government provided one small room for each of the families, with up to 8 people. Some in this community had much praise for God, though little material comforts. For us it is often the reverse.

We are deeply grateful for all the support given to us in order to make this trip possible. Each team member returns with their own story enriched in some way – friends made, thoughts about poverty alleviation challenged, holistic gospel emphasised, dependence on God reinforced, serving others tangibly modelled and a new sense of becoming a community and family in Christ. Our adventure isn’t over. The challenge now becomes applying what we’ve learnt in our own contexts.

We've finished the Residence!

The new AIMS Students’ Residence ‘Casa Margarita’ is now open in Oaxaca!
The new students’ residence was officially opened and dedicated in a celebration in October 2009. The ceremony was attended by Saul and Pilar Cruz, the International Board of Armonia, students, volunteers, local residents and other staff from Mexico City. The Wetfoot team of volunteers from All Souls Langham Place were also present, having helped put the finishing touches to the building (see previous story). Celebrations included a Feast, a Sermon, a blessing for the local community and local traditional dances performed by the students in their traditional dress. Saul says a huge THANK YOU to God and for the support from Armonia International and its world wide community.
The Residence provides a safe environment for the students aged between 14-18 in which to live and study. With the “Older Siblings” overseeing it during their pre-university year of service, it is a place where ‘Community’ and loving others are given a strong focus; a place where the Gospel is lived and preached, and the students are equipped with books and uniforms. They are given ongoing daily support in various forms: basic living skills including hygiene and communal living, Spanish lessons and bible studies to name but a few.
Selection is two fold: Students selected have to be among the best in the Mexican state School system (that is achieve 9’s and 10’s in their final exams) and they need to be committed to the ongoing activities of the AIMS community.
At present, the students love the new residence so much that Saul and Pilar have arranged for two groups of students to alternate between the residence in Oaxaca city centre and Casa Margarita (about a half hour outside town) so there is no favouritism. The new residence is proving to be very popular indeed.

London 14 year old does Mexico Trip

I think that one of the amazing things about a trip like this is the way that, however much you give, you receive so much more in return. I went to Mexico thinking that we would be teaching the Mexicans and that they would be learning from us, but in reality it was completely the reverse. During those three weeks, I learnt so much from everyone there about humility and what it is to have a servant heart and I really feel like God was changing me through those individuals.

Mexico is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. Everywhere you go you see colour and vibrancy and, between the people, there is a sense of community which you often don’t find in central London. This really challenged my perception of poverty because, despite being poor and coming from very broken backgrounds, many of these Mexican Christians have a joy and contentment that all our money hasn’t been able to bring us. So, in some ways, they are richer than we are.

I feel very fortunate to have gone on this trip, particularly as a teenager, and I know that I learnt so much while I was there, things that I can hopefully bring back and apply to my life. Being a similar age to many of the students was lovely because I got to know them really well, but at the same time, I often felt like I could never understand where they were coming from, as their situation is so alien to me. In their villages, these girls would be expected to marry and have kids at an age as young as 14.

But it was incredible the way in which God worked through our team. Firstly, to think that He chose each member of our group for a reason and a purpose is hard to comprehend, but very beautiful. It is such a privilege to have been used by God in even just a tiny part of His huge plan and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.

Victoria Gallagher, 14 years old, went to Armonia Mexico with the ‘WETFOOT’ team from All Souls Langham Place, London in August 2009

Sergio - sheer Grace and virtuosity

Sergio has a story which deserves to be heard all over. The sounds of an old busted clarinet, a boy with a lot of hutzpah, and an intervention from Christians in the USA with the arrival of a heavy package just in the nick of time... read all about it in our last newsletter. To be sent your own copy in future (January, April, July, October) please Email us! giving us your name and address.

To view our newsletter on-line click here

SPRING UPDATE

Please click here to see the latest SPRING 2009 update from Armonia Mexico

SWINE FLU - RISK LEVEL NOW ZERO

Armonía friends-

We are very glad to inform you that the flu epidemic level has gone back to zero here in Mexico. A week ago, both the World Health Organization and Mexican National Health secretary officially declared that Mexico is no longer under any level of alert. Therefore, we are glad to see that tourists, and even the cruise ships, can come back to all the wonderful Mexican destinations. Mexico is struggling to recover from the financial effects of this problem, to which Armonía responded by providing food, once a week for a month, for 120 of the poorest families in Armonía’s Transformation Centers.

With the flu scare behind us, Armonía is open, ready, and willing to welcome all group and visitors for the summer. We look forward to the ways that we will partner together with you in the coming months!

Blessings-

Saul and Pilar Cruz

Pilar Cruz health scare

Pilar - Director of Armonia (Saul's wife)- has had a shocking viral attack which has part paralyzed her face. Please do pray for them as it requires day and night care to irrigate her eye and she is suffering quite severe pain from behind her ear to her forehead. Last night she was able to speak to me on the phone and was grateful to God that there had been signs of improvement. Today and tomorrow they have appointments with doctors and neurologists.

This is a virus which has been in Pilar's body since childhood chicken pox.

It has nothing to do with the swine flu and is not contagious.

Click here and again here for more information

UPDATE 4 - SWINE FLU

click here for the latest news