We had a great response from so many people donating financial assistance as well as food and clothing for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. We have received $4,150 in financial contributions. Some of these funds have already been used to put roofs on two houses, to rebuild one small house and to replace some mattresses and other necessities. Also, Judy and Wendy traveled Thursday Sept. 27 - 29 to take 19 boxes of food, 45 boxes of clothing and 1 box of over-the counter meds to Orlando so it can be crated and shipped - PTL!.

This is the first time SOAR has been involved in a project like this so we thank everyone who donated and made this effort such a success - to God be the glory. We'll keep you posted on the progress of the shipment. And by the way - we can still accept financial contributions if you would like to help with this project.

There is still time to get involved in this year's Angel Tree Project. We have had a great response from people sewing bags that will be filled. If you or your group would like to help in the filling of bags or collecting other items that will be hand delivered to children and families in Mexico, just e-mail us at angeltree@soarministries.org. We are also still taking financial contribution to offset the travel cost of delivering these items. Just mark your donation Angel Tree and mail it to SOAR Ministries Inc., 1384 Meadow Springs Drive Lilburn, GA 30047. For more details on the Angel Tree Project check out the website.

Our church has supported Cris Garcia for many years and I have heard many stories about the work going on with the Bethshean Mission.  As is often the case, the stories and pictures just can't convey the magnitude of what the Lord is doing in Mexico.  From the home for the elderlies, to the churches we visited, to the children's camp, I was struck by the desire of these people to serve with excellence.  Our Mexican pastors and their families are awesome people of God and they deserve all the support we can give, and then some.  I also need to brag on the SOAR folks for just a moment.  Part of the reason I went on this trip was to get "uncomfortable for the Lord."  Well, I have to say, because of their dedication to the SOAR mission - our trip was much more comfortable than I had imagined.  I had been anxious about taking my 11 year old daughter on a trip to a foreign country.  Our team was free to serve in Mexico because SOAR was serving us - from the time we arrived at the airport to leave for Mexico to the time we drove away from the airport back home, they were there like shepherds watching over us.  They inspire me and I treasure the friendships made.  The trip was life changing for me and my daughter.

Now that my mom has talked it is my turn. At first I did not want to go. I thought it would be a back breaking experience, but it turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to me. When at Mexico I met a boy that was fascinated by the digital camera. I asked him if he was going to camp the next day. He said he was. He had been asking me questions in Spanish of course I did not understand what he was asking me. I finally understood he was asking me if I was going to camp as well. I told him yes, he was the most excited boy I have ever seen or probably will see. That was the highlight of the week. It just made me feel special. I will never forget that, but unfortunately he did not come the next day to camp. God blessed me and my mom abundantly while we were there and at home .Thank you SOAR ministries, friends, and family, we could not have done it without you!

It is hard to believe that after more than a year in the works, we are now moved into our office. Men from Mt. Carmel Christian Church volunteered their services to transform the rough basement of our (Keri & Melinda) house to a very nice office space. We have a large gathering room for team meetings - we have already used it for two picture parties - an office area, a storage room, a full bath, and a kitchenette. We are excited about the possibilities this will open for us as we continue to grow. We now have a place where volunteers can come and help us with part of our administrative duties, and we can even house visiting missionaries if needed.  We are investigating the purchase of a color copier, then we will pretty much be set! We actually enjoy saying "we will both be in the office on Friday".  Thanks to everyone that has helped make this a reality.

The annual National Missionary Convention is November 15 -  18 in Cincinnati, OH. Judy, Wendy, Melinda, and I (Keri) will be traveling to the convention to learn more about God's mission work around the world and be encouraged in our ministry. We will be conducting a workshop on Cultural Preparedness in Short Term Missions. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this workshop.