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.

 

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.

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!