We just got back from the City of Angels in Cozumel.

AWESOME trip and an amazing work. What a BLESSING!

The reason 100x was formed is to come along side ministries with excellence and help them expand their work.

Ciudad de Angeles is one of those ministries. Everything they do is first class. From the way children are selected to the quality housing and care.

Here are some pictures…

Set 1

Set 2

And a video…

Peace,

Paul

Here’s the Latest City of Angels Newsletter… City of Angels June 2010

House 4 is ready at Ciudad de Angeles!

Construction for Casa 4 is coming along GREAT!

“I am VERY pleased with the construction on the new house.  We are adding another bathroom upstairs – so it can be used as a small bedroom.  Also, they are moving quickly and should be finished by the end of March.  The Foreman told me they would make the poor on the last roof by middle January. ” ~ Gary Gardner

Here are a few photos…

It is amazing how this work has progressed over the past copule of years.

YOU are a big part of the blessing!!

In Christ,

Paul

I’ll try to explain the big event from today – as long as you realize it is second hand reporting from Cozumel.

First of all, everyone found it unusual that earlier last week-end, our path to the property suddenly was filled with dirt and graded into something that resembles a road.  I am not saying perfect, but Dennis reported that it was much more passable with the van.  This was rumored to be in anticipation of the visit from the governor and/or his wife; perhaps to see us or perhaps to visit the new home for the elderly being built behind our property.  However, in typical Mexican fashion, the details were not exactly clear.

Without details, it was decided that Sunday afternoon should be a “lunch on the grounds” day at the property . . .just in case the rumors were true.  Of course, no one apparently showed up . . . unless it was during church.

Then, it was reported that an army of Mexican laborers showed up to do clearing and clean-up and preparations – which was another indication that something was going to happen.  However, still nothing too concrete.

Today, without too much warning, the entourage arrived . . . .WITHOUT the governor or his wife (she was planning to be there, but was apparently ill).  However, it was reported that there was ample hoopla, none the less.  Everything was accompanied with lots of press coverage and security and pomp and circumstance.

Dennis reports that he was able to get in some good plugs in here and there about items of concern and needs on our part, such as property taxes . . . . and that the points that were made seemed to be considered positively.

Finally, Dennis reports that we were presented the TITLE to the property.  I have to confess that after almost two years of waiting for this document, that I am relieved.  I was always told that not having the formal title was a formality – but I did breathe a sigh of relief on receiving it.

So. . . . .this is certainly good news on all fronts and an answer to a number of prayers.  Now is the time to send up prayers that the requests for help that has been so carefully cultivated will reap some support . . .such as final installation of the electrical trunk, removal of our real estate taxes, and getting us a better road . . .just to name a few

Thanks to each of you for your support and patience as we manage these cultural issues and government maize . . . and more importantly – thank you for your prayers!In Him,

Gary

New photos of the children at the City of Angels.

What a blessing!

Blessings!

Pau

To my pleasure (and a little bit of a surprise), it looks like we may move the angels over to the houses in the next week or so – on schedule and on budget.  Almost every critical item is finished.  The windows and doors are being hauled down today from the brother in Carrillo Puerto that is building them.  The water system should be tested next week.  WE ARE REALLY GETTING CLOSE!  I am attaching a few photos which will help you envision the latest.

The only hang-up (which we all expected) is the electrical power.  We decided several weeks back that we will go with diesel generators until they finish running the power line over.  That is really our only remaining large project.

Snakes, Scorpions and Tarantulas

Working in the sweltering jungle heat of Cozumel, Mexico the campus of Ciudad de Angeles is taking shape. Snakes, scorpions and tarantulas did not hold us back!!

Finishing touches on the first house are nearing and the first wave of children should be entering next month.

Children like Jose.

http://tinyurl.com/55bajo

Jose’s father passed away and his mother is mentally handicapped. Unable to tend to her young child he entered state custody.

Because his mother is alive Jose became one of the “un-adoptable.” Destined to live the remainder of his childhood and adolescence in state care. At 18 he would leave un-educated and with little hope for the future.

The state ward called Dennis Wilson – executive director – and said, “Can you please take Jose? He would be ideal for the City of Angels. He has so much potential that will go unrealized.”

Jose is THRIVING at the City. His smile is contagious. His brothers and sisters have welcomed him with open arms and love. God’s love is shining through him!!!

Each child – Floricita, Gutiavo, Martin – they all have similar stories. All were without hope. Now they are growing up in the Lord.

Photos of the trip are here…

http://picasaweb.google.com/100Xmissions/CityOfAngels02

Blessings!
Paul

The Angels new campus is coming along. Next week Ben and I will be there all week with the Landmark Church crew. Keep praying!!!!

Peace,

Paul