Clausons in Monterrey

Mexicali

The last week of September, we traveled to the other corner of the country to visit the dear brothers and sisters we served with in Mexicali for a year and a half. Last fall, three of them attended the Foundation’s training on conflict resolution and invited us to give a workshop on the same topic for a larger group of leaders.

We presented the participatory workshop to more than 20 of the pastors and leaders of the three churches in the beautiful new second story of Alpha y Omega church (great work, University Covenant!) While the content of the workshop, which touches on areas such as self-esteem, abuse of power, domestic violence, and positively dealing with conflict, was meaningful and impacting for everyone involved, the best part was just being together with our good friends.

The picture here shows us with Pastors Abraham and Claudia Guerrero of Alfa y Omega Church.

Click here to see pictures.

Community Transformation Ministries

On Saturdays we have been facilitating the Conflict Resolution class in a home in La Campana, the community right in front of the Foundation. Nils offered to help Erika the first class and when the owner of the house decided to participate even though he is the only man (it is very difficult to get the men to participate), we decided it would be best if we continued to facilitate the course together. It has been a rich experience for us both and for the six regular participants as well! God is healing and transforming them and their relationships and we also trust drawing them to Himself.

In September, we completed the first phase of programs for adolescents in the same community of La Campana and immediately began a second. The goal is to offer youth activities that provide a positive alternative to gangs and also promote Christian values. Nils enjoys teaching an English class on Thursdays and participating in a team of leaders that offer a guitar class and hopefully soon a soccer program. Please pray with us for God’s direction and leading in this program and positive transformation in the lives of each adolescent.

Personal Update

Erika has just entered the third trimester of her pregnancy and the baby seems to be developing very well. Please pray, however, for the discomfort she is experiencing in her lower leg and foot – it may be caused by circulation problems or a pinched nerve.

Also, the first week of October, Nils had the opportunity to travel to Colorado to be at his oldest brother John’s wedding. It was a great time to be with family with a beautiful ceremony along the banks of the river where John has worked as a rafting guide for many years.