May the Lord's blessing continue to be upon you as you serve him.
The Lord is continuing to bless the Baker's as we strive to serve Him on the Mexican border. Rosa and I have been invited to participate in the Bi-Lingual Convention, February 22-25. We would love to see you there! Work is continuing on the church site in Zaragoza. I will be picking 200 concrete blocks this week in Piedras Negras and taking them to Zaragoza. These blocks will go a long way to enclose the fellowship hall. The Home Depot in Piedras is selling 8 X 8 X 16 blocks for just a few cents more than it would cost us to make them on site. We still make half blocks and lintel blocks with our equipment since they are not available in Mexico.
The Lord is moving in regard to the purchase of the house in Eagle Pass. As you know, we were the winning bidders at auction. The final price (including the 5% buyers premium) was $9,475.00 more than we were prepared to pay. Closing has been set for February 22. We now have the minimum required to close. We are confident God will continue to meet our needs regarding this purchase. We want to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible in order to get long-term financing in place. A major portion of our short-term financing is being provided by a family member. However, in order to make the offer, our local bank has given us a line of credit for $19,000.00. The interest on these funds is high and we only want to use as little of those funds as possible.
We are prepared to sell a vehicle and trailer in order to help out financially. The vehicle is a 1982 pickup with a utility box. We have not been using it for some time. It needs some work to get it ready to sell. The trailer is a heavy, 20-foot flatbed which is a little big for our needs right now. When the time comes, I would like to replace it with a smaller and lighter trailer.
Please keep these items in your prayers! It is evident God is moving and will continue to move regarding our needs for a house of our own.
Please continue to keep us and our ministry in your prayers!
May the Lord Bless your efforts for Him,
Bill and Rosa Baker
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
A LOOK FORWARD IN 2013
As we look toward 2013, Rosa and I have a special prayer and financial request. First, some background: We have been struggling to get into a home of our own since our return to Eagle Pass in 2004. When we returned, we were not able to get our mission income up following a located ministry in Wellington, Texas. I was forced to seek an outside income. I began doing "contract work" with several different servicing companies. In November, 2006, we were able to purchase a house. In December of 2006, we learned two of the companies I was working for were not able to renew their contracts with Radio Shack and Dollar General Stores. I was auditing Radio Shack in our region and merchandising in Dollar General. In January, we lost approximately $1,500.00 in monthly income. In order to not loose the house to eventual foreclosure, we were forced to sell it. We did not loose any money on the transaction but had to live on the proceeds until we were able to get our income back up.
Since that time, our mission income has gradually come up and because of my hip replacements, I qualify for a little disability income. However because of the uncertain nature of our income, it has been almost impossible to qualify for a home loan. Through private sources, we were able to get together short term funds and make an offer on a foreclosed house in Eagle Pass. The property in question was on the market with an asking price of $50,900.00. We made a cash offer for the asking price a few days before a scheduled auction. The bank did not act on our offer or cancel the auction. On Saturday, January 19, we were successful bidders. However, we had to go $57,500.00. That figure was a few thousand dollars more than our available funds. We have until February 18 to come up with those additional funds. Also, we will be needing approximately $5,000.00 to make the needed repairs.
Since that time, our mission income has gradually come up and because of my hip replacements, I qualify for a little disability income. However because of the uncertain nature of our income, it has been almost impossible to qualify for a home loan. Through private sources, we were able to get together short term funds and make an offer on a foreclosed house in Eagle Pass. The property in question was on the market with an asking price of $50,900.00. We made a cash offer for the asking price a few days before a scheduled auction. The bank did not act on our offer or cancel the auction. On Saturday, January 19, we were successful bidders. However, we had to go $57,500.00. That figure was a few thousand dollars more than our available funds. We have until February 18 to come up with those additional funds. Also, we will be needing approximately $5,000.00 to make the needed repairs.
As you can see, the exterior will need a lot of work! However, our plan is to get moved in as soon an minor repairs are completed inside and then turn our attention to the exterior.
The picture above is of the two houses directly across from the one we are puchasing. As you can see, the neighborhood is very good. Below are a few pictures of the interior of the house. As you can see, the interior was not trashed like many foreclosed properties.
We appreciate your prayers as we get closer to the closing date of February 18, 2013. We will have to close with cash or loose the $2,875.00 we have given down. At the time of this writing, we are short about $5,000.00 of the needed funds. Should you want to help us, funds can be mailed to: Bill Baker Mission, PO Box 2541, Eagle Pass, TX 78853. If you would like to use PayPal, that can be sent to: BillBaker@Reagan.com .Funds sent through the link above will also go through PayPal. However, if the link is used, small handling fee is deducted from the total amount we receive.
Thank you in advance for your prayers and for taking the time to read our blog!
A LOOK BACK AT 2012
January, 2013
Dear Friends,There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)
I don't want to presume to add to scripture however, as we begin this new year, it is a time to look back and then to look forward. In looking back, we were able to make many advances in the Lord's Kingdom as a result of the gifts the Lord has provided through His people. You are a part of our work!
Physically, it is exciting to see the improvements completed in both Zaragoza and San Carlos. The church building in Zaragoza is continually becoming more useful in God's Kingdom as we expand the facility. All work has been done on a cash basis. The entire facility is more functional as the fellowship area is taking shape. One restroom is functional, the roof, back wall and concrete floor have been installed. Permanent lighting and ceiling fans have been installed in the auditorium. It is a blessing for the congregation to have a functional fellowship area in addition to the worship facility.
In San Carlos, the house for Jose and Ana is also much more functional. The windows and doors have been installed. In Mexico, the glass is not normally included when the windows and doors are ordered. The glass is also in place. The house is much more secure and comfortable. When Caleb first began his relationship with Jose and Ana, they were living in the shell of a full sized van. It has taken a long time but, they are much more comfortable.
Our son, Caleb and Jonathan Branson built this house several years ago. It was a huge step up from living in the shell of an old full sized van.
Jose and Ana's new house is not elegant but it is much better than what they had a few years ago. As you can imagine, the health of the family has improved along with the house.
Spiritual growth is much more difficult to quantify. As the facility in Zaragoza is becoming more usable, the congregation is also becoming more stable. Carlos and Josefina faithfully continue to serve. The ministry is to some degree moving from home studies to more activities at the church building. Jose is growing in his faith and has begun some "fill-in" preaching as the Lord provides an opportunity.
VIOLENCE IN MEXICO CONTINUES
Our last blog was posted in May of 2012. It is time for several updates. I will be posting several blogs today to get things up to date with the Bakers of Eagle Pass, Texas.
While I was in Zaragoza with Caleb and a team from Illinois and Indiana on Monday, November 5, Rosa had to stay in Eagle Pass instead of spending time in Zaragoza. She had piano lessons in the afternoon. She likes to go to the Eagle Pass flea market on Monday and made her regular visit. During her visit, a gun fight broke out in Mexico, just across the Rio Grande from the flea market. Some stray bullets made their way to the flea market parking lot. The Eagle Pass police did not allow any one to get their vehicles and leave the area. She had to watch and hear the shooting for about two hours. She was safe but needless to say shook up. She did not o back to the flea market for several weeks. However, when our daughter Frances and her family visited us for Thanksgiving she made a return visit and has been back several times since.
While I was in Zaragoza with Caleb and a team from Illinois and Indiana on Monday, November 5, Rosa had to stay in Eagle Pass instead of spending time in Zaragoza. She had piano lessons in the afternoon. She likes to go to the Eagle Pass flea market on Monday and made her regular visit. During her visit, a gun fight broke out in Mexico, just across the Rio Grande from the flea market. Some stray bullets made their way to the flea market parking lot. The Eagle Pass police did not allow any one to get their vehicles and leave the area. She had to watch and hear the shooting for about two hours. She was safe but needless to say shook up. She did not o back to the flea market for several weeks. However, when our daughter Frances and her family visited us for Thanksgiving she made a return visit and has been back several times since.
The above picture was printed in the local Piedras Negras Newspapers.
Your prayers are needed as we continue to serve on both sides of the border. The situation in Mexico is very fluid. We seem to have periods of calm and then without warning, something new comes up. There are weekly and almost daily reports of shootings and other activities which are drug related. While Rosa and I were away from Eagle Pass, there was a gun fight in Eagle Pass less than a mile from our house. I am still convinced the only answer to this situation is the Gospel. However, all indications are that this situation will continue until the return of our Lord!Thursday, May 17, 2012
News Update From the Baker's
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Our last blog was dated September 26, 2011. We have had a lot of things happen since that post. This post will be a little long, so bear with me.
In late October, after working in Mexico for two days during the same week, I noticed severe swelling in my right leg. I had a regularly schedule Doctor visit scheduled for Monday so I decided to wait two day and mention this in my regular visit. On Monday, my Doctor sent me to the hospital for a sonogram. The sonagram indicated I had a large blood clot in my leg. I spend three days in the Eagle Pass hospital and was referred to a specialist in San Antonio. In February, it was determined it was not a blood clot but an aneurism. Since we had a a rather full schedule until the end of March, surgery was planned for late March.
We were able to make our trip to Nebraska and assist with the memorial service for Howard and Virginia Roseberry. They were true and faithful servants of the Lord and both Rosa and I felt honored to be a part of their farewell celebration. Above is a picture of the Roseberry Family after the service.
We were also able to spend some time with my brother in Longmont, Colorado. He looked good however, the prospects of his getting out of the nursing home are not very good. As you may know, he had a hip replacement in October of 2010. Since that time he has either been hospitalized or in a Nursing Home. Your prayers on his behalf would be appreciated.
Apart from that trip, our plans for the balance of March and April did not see fulfillment. While we were in Nebraska, we received word of a major battle between the Zeta drug cartel and Mexican authorities in Piedras Negras. The "official" report indicated that only one female police officer was killed. Through private sources, we confirmed it was much, much worse.
We have learned the situation began when the Mayor of Piedras Negras tried to put the Zeta Cartel head in Piedras Negras in jail. When the authorities made the attempt, they were not able to capture the head of the cartel. However, they did place his entire family into custody. In retaliation, the cartel head had his men take over several of the busses in Piedras Negras. His men simultaneously began shooting up the passengers of the busses. Then the Mexican authorities entered into a full-fledged shoot with the Zeta members. Pictured at the right are some of the guns confiscated after the battle. Severely injured were flown to Monterrey and Saltillo for medical attention. We were able to confirm from several independent sources that over 200 people were actually killed and about half of them were civilian. Here is a picture of some of the guns confiscated during that battle.
You can imagine our concern for the safety of a group from Knoxville, TN which was scheduled to arrive within a week. We would be responsible for the safety of approximately 45 individuals, including two of our own infant grandchildren. After intense phone conversations, we canceled the mission trip. The group had sent down $6,000.00 for materials in advance. We had windows and doors custom made for the house in San Carlos and the roofing materials had been special ordered and waiting for pickup in Del Rio, TX.
Our son, Caleb decided to still make the trip. He, Kelly and their two girls were able to spend some time with us in Eagle Pass. But for safety reasons, they did not cross the border into Mexico. Caleb did help pick up the roofing materials for the church in Zaragoza. They were stored in Del Rio for later delivery.
We were grateful however because they were able to be with us during my surgery in San Antonio on March 28. I had the bypass surgery in my leg. The surgery was a lot more invasive than the hip replacements four years ago. Everything went well and I have had two follow up appointments with the surgeon. Although medicare is covering the majority of our expenses, we will still be short about $3,000.00 to cover all expenses. We are making payments as we can. The Doctor recently gave me a good bill of health and said he doesn't want to see me again until mid-July.
Since the last appointment, I was given the go ahead to get back into Mexico. I have made two trips into Zaragoza and San Carlos. It felt good to be able to travel in Mexico after an absence of almost three months. I was able to manage much of the work "long distance" and get funds moved through Western Union during that time.
We are now in the process of getting the roof installed on the addition for the church in Zaragoza. In San Carlos, Jose and Ana are also installing their new doors and windows. The well they have been digging by hand on their property has reached water. This is a big blessing for them as well!
Your prayers are needed as we continue to serve on both sides of the border. The violence in Mexico is not abating. Every week we hear reports of additional killings. We have several friends who have been affected. Most are not talking about the situation because of the fear of reprisal. We hear of people who have disappeared while riding on commercial busses from the interior to the border. It seems entire busses are disappearing! This war is real! I am convinced the only answer to this situation is the Gospel. However, all indications are that this situation will continue until the return of our Lord!
Our last blog was dated September 26, 2011. We have had a lot of things happen since that post. This post will be a little long, so bear with me.
In late October, after working in Mexico for two days during the same week, I noticed severe swelling in my right leg. I had a regularly schedule Doctor visit scheduled for Monday so I decided to wait two day and mention this in my regular visit. On Monday, my Doctor sent me to the hospital for a sonogram. The sonagram indicated I had a large blood clot in my leg. I spend three days in the Eagle Pass hospital and was referred to a specialist in San Antonio. In February, it was determined it was not a blood clot but an aneurism. Since we had a a rather full schedule until the end of March, surgery was planned for late March.
We were also able to spend some time with my brother in Longmont, Colorado. He looked good however, the prospects of his getting out of the nursing home are not very good. As you may know, he had a hip replacement in October of 2010. Since that time he has either been hospitalized or in a Nursing Home. Your prayers on his behalf would be appreciated.
Apart from that trip, our plans for the balance of March and April did not see fulfillment. While we were in Nebraska, we received word of a major battle between the Zeta drug cartel and Mexican authorities in Piedras Negras. The "official" report indicated that only one female police officer was killed. Through private sources, we confirmed it was much, much worse.
We have learned the situation began when the Mayor of Piedras Negras tried to put the Zeta Cartel head in Piedras Negras in jail. When the authorities made the attempt, they were not able to capture the head of the cartel. However, they did place his entire family into custody. In retaliation, the cartel head had his men take over several of the busses in Piedras Negras. His men simultaneously began shooting up the passengers of the busses. Then the Mexican authorities entered into a full-fledged shoot with the Zeta members. Pictured at the right are some of the guns confiscated after the battle. Severely injured were flown to Monterrey and Saltillo for medical attention. We were able to confirm from several independent sources that over 200 people were actually killed and about half of them were civilian. Here is a picture of some of the guns confiscated during that battle.
You can imagine our concern for the safety of a group from Knoxville, TN which was scheduled to arrive within a week. We would be responsible for the safety of approximately 45 individuals, including two of our own infant grandchildren. After intense phone conversations, we canceled the mission trip. The group had sent down $6,000.00 for materials in advance. We had windows and doors custom made for the house in San Carlos and the roofing materials had been special ordered and waiting for pickup in Del Rio, TX.
Our son, Caleb decided to still make the trip. He, Kelly and their two girls were able to spend some time with us in Eagle Pass. But for safety reasons, they did not cross the border into Mexico. Caleb did help pick up the roofing materials for the church in Zaragoza. They were stored in Del Rio for later delivery.
We were grateful however because they were able to be with us during my surgery in San Antonio on March 28. I had the bypass surgery in my leg. The surgery was a lot more invasive than the hip replacements four years ago. Everything went well and I have had two follow up appointments with the surgeon. Although medicare is covering the majority of our expenses, we will still be short about $3,000.00 to cover all expenses. We are making payments as we can. The Doctor recently gave me a good bill of health and said he doesn't want to see me again until mid-July.
Since the last appointment, I was given the go ahead to get back into Mexico. I have made two trips into Zaragoza and San Carlos. It felt good to be able to travel in Mexico after an absence of almost three months. I was able to manage much of the work "long distance" and get funds moved through Western Union during that time.
We are now in the process of getting the roof installed on the addition for the church in Zaragoza. In San Carlos, Jose and Ana are also installing their new doors and windows. The well they have been digging by hand on their property has reached water. This is a big blessing for them as well!
Your prayers are needed as we continue to serve on both sides of the border. The violence in Mexico is not abating. Every week we hear reports of additional killings. We have several friends who have been affected. Most are not talking about the situation because of the fear of reprisal. We hear of people who have disappeared while riding on commercial busses from the interior to the border. It seems entire busses are disappearing! This war is real! I am convinced the only answer to this situation is the Gospel. However, all indications are that this situation will continue until the return of our Lord!
Monday, September 26, 2011
It's Been A Long Time!
I haven't shared anything on my blog since April. That's too long! The treatments for Rosa and the Swine Parasite are going well. I have not noticed any new seizures for several months. We were able to spend the month of June in Montana, preaching at Fort Benton Christian Church and assisting with three weeks of Church camp at Little Rockies Christian Camp. We had several vehicle problems during that trip. But that will be something for another blog. I want to share some updates on the work in Mexico in this post.
We were blessed last week with a visit from George Martin, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Willie Drake, Wheeler, Illinois. They have been making annual motorcycle trips to visit our work for several years. This year, they accomplished many good things. Thanks to their diligent effort and financial support, they were able to paint the church building in Zaragoza.
In addition to painting the building, they provided the funds for the materials to complete the electrical work on Jose and Ana's house in San Carlos and provide for the electrical entrance and panel on the church building in Zaragoza. They provided approximately $1,500.00 dollars in materials. These materials will allow us to work on site for the next couple of weeks. Thanks, George and Willie for all you have done for the Lord's work in Mexico!
We are still short the funds needed to purchase the electrical meter for the church. Currently, we are "borrowing" electricity from the parsonage. that entrance is only a 60 amp 110 meter and it is wholly inadequate. The new meter for the church will be 100 amp 220. About $150.00 are still needed for the purchase and installation of the meter loop.
Our next group will be a team from Summit Christian College, Gering, Nebraska. They will be arriving on October 16. We plan to work with a short VBS type of program for the neighborhood children and also continue with the site development.
Your prayers and support are much needed at the present time. The political and economic situation is still very fluid. We hear daily of reports of drug related killings in our area. The Lord has kept us safe thus far! Today, when leaving Zaragoza, there were three military "hummers" in Zaragoza with about 30 soldiers. The soldiers have a big job to do, keeping our region safe. The problem is the drug lords have more money and bigger weapons than the government army.
We were blessed last week with a visit from George Martin, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Willie Drake, Wheeler, Illinois. They have been making annual motorcycle trips to visit our work for several years. This year, they accomplished many good things. Thanks to their diligent effort and financial support, they were able to paint the church building in Zaragoza.
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| George, Rosa and Willie just before George and Willie headed back north on Friday, September 23. |
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| George beginning to paint the side of the building. |
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| The building really looks good! |
Our next group will be a team from Summit Christian College, Gering, Nebraska. They will be arriving on October 16. We plan to work with a short VBS type of program for the neighborhood children and also continue with the site development.
Your prayers and support are much needed at the present time. The political and economic situation is still very fluid. We hear daily of reports of drug related killings in our area. The Lord has kept us safe thus far! Today, when leaving Zaragoza, there were three military "hummers" in Zaragoza with about 30 soldiers. The soldiers have a big job to do, keeping our region safe. The problem is the drug lords have more money and bigger weapons than the government army.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Special Prayer Needs
For several years, I have been concerned about Rosa's health. She has been having a series of seizures or blackouts. I have not been able to share this publicly because it has taken a long time for Rosa to accept she has had this problem. We have seen a Doctor in Eagle Pass but, because of limited funds, we have not been able to fully check it out. She did have a test some months ago. The results were inconclusive. Additional tests on this side of the border would be several thousand dollars. We have been wanting to go to Monterrey for further tests but, because of the problems with the drug violence Rosa has not wanted to make the trip. Yesterday, April 5, she had another spell and realized she had the spell. We have an opportunity to attend a wedding in Monterrey over the Easter weekend. An appointment can be made for extensive tests following the wedding. We are not sure what the test will cost. But we do know the trip will more than we can afford at the present time financially. Our papers for the car will need to be renewed. We will have to spend a couple of days in a motel prior to the wedding. After the wedding, we can stay in a private home. Our finances have been extremely low during the past several months. We have also been using some of our personal funds to keep up with expenses in Mexico. Please pray the Lord might provide a way for us to make the trip and get the required tests for Rosa!
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