On
this CD there are 1,500 pages
of resources -- games, active
bible studies, devotionals, small group lessons, as well as
interactive courses, animated comic series modeling biblical
ways to deal with difficult situations and much more -- all
for just 10 pesos
(about
$1).
They
look incredulous; they look excited, but they always dash forward
and say, "I'll take one."
Tim
talking to Nachita, a workshop attendee, about possible ways that
she could use our devotional materials to help her kids enjoy
the Bible
Working
with resources and publications we know about the cost of production,
the cost of distribution, the cost of advertising and promotion...
but after 6 years of polling and teaching people in different
geographical and socio-economic conditions in Mexico, we know
their need for ministry tools and know that money for such resources
comes from their limited personal funds. So it gives
us great joy to get quality resources to people for the cost
of the photocopies or the CD.
Even
though they pay the actual cost of the thing they are buying,
the real cost is much higher. We have costs for transportation,
electricity, office staff, computers and office supplies. We
pay our staff people-artists, editors, and programmer-and occasionally
pay for translation. There is also the cost of our living in
Mexico (salary and other expenses). And that's where you
come in... your financial support covers those costs - freeing
us up to offer the kind of quality resources most youth leaders
here could never afford - that is if they could find any (there
are probably less than 30 bookstores that carry a decent selection
of youth ministry titles in all of Mexico.) In essence, your
support of our work frees us to sell materials at a price that
gives it worth but is within the means of nearly everyone.
youth leaders using our materials during one of the
group analysis activities during the 3 day workshop
When
we return to areas where we've taught seminars previously the
people invariably tell us what a blessing the resources have
been, how the students enjoy what they are learning, and the
leaders are eager to buy more. We know you make this possible
and we hope that our monthly letters help you feel like the
part you play is worth the sacrifice.
As
they say in Mexico, "Que Dios
te lo pague" (May
God repay you).
annette and tim
If
you'd like to see some interesting photos (with commentary)
from our last two conferences in the southern Mexican state
of Guerrero, click on our photo and then look for the link
entitled, Southern Mexico Photos (on right and top)
