Siempre's 6th Annual Golf Tournament

Siempre's 6th Annual Golf Tournament at beautiful Indian Hills Golf Club in Riverside is just days away.  Tournament Director (and founder), Tom Buckingham and his wife Ellen, along with an amazing team of volunteers, have been working hard to make this the best event yet.  Tom says they have more raffle prizes and give-aways per hole then he knows what to do with and the auction's got some incredible items to bid on.  Last years tourney raised nearly $25,000- to improve the lives of abandoned children in Tijuana through our work with Siempre Para Los Ninos.  Absolutely amazing generosity in such tough times for so many in our community.  With an improving economy the possibility of doing even more is within our grasp.

I dust off the clubs at least once a year, gather together my foursome, and always have an outstanding day... even won a new putter one year!  It's a great time with friends, family and the auction's filled with items that you'll have a tough time finding anywhere else: vacations on the beach, in the mountains, a years worth of golf, an afternoon of kayaking, stand up paddle board lessons, a summers worth of fun!  And every penny goes to help build and nurture the mission of Siempre. 

Register Today!  The cost is $100- and includes 18 holes of Tournament play golf, give aways at every hole, lunch on the course (usually a cart drive up to to Tom and Ellen's house!), dinner and entry to the auction.  If you have questions- would like to register - or want to know about sponsoring a hole, call Tom Buckingham at 951-314-7411 or download the registration for, print it out and mail it in today!  Who knew we could have fun AND change the world?  God is too good!  Look forward to seeing you.

Please share this on facebook, google+, your web site or email it to all your friends.  We can take up to 144 golfers - we've never had that many - but wouldn't it be FUN!

Golf Registration Form and Info Side 1

Golf Registration Form and Info Side 2

Cold, rainy, hard wind blowing off the ocean and slate gray skies greeted us Wednesday afternoon as we pulled into Siempre.  People from the community made their way through the little colonia's muddy streets, most without any rain gear, many without jackets... two emotions jump within me: celebration for the family and protection that the children of our household have against the raging storm... heartbreak for the thousands- in Tijuana alone -who would face the night, cold, wet and with little or no shelter from the storm.

Stormy weather presents a different kind of problem at Siempre: kids home from school with no where to play but inside... bouncing off the walls, literally, trying to entertain themselves.  Our workers earning stars in their crowns as they embrace the day with patience and creativity.  Sitting in the front room, couldn't resist sitting on the floor and making a short video just to give you a taste of the moment.  It just might drive you crazy!

Long time friends and supporters of Siempre, (and the fearless leaders of Siempre's annual Golf tourney - YOU'RE INVITED!) Tom and Ellen Buckingham, brought their friend Betty, a community leader in Riverside and a woman who has traveled the world for Rotary- more countries than I can remember -to bring peace and health.  It was fun, as it always is, to give the fifty cent tour- telling Siempre's story -and to hear healing tales of the eradication of polio and other diseases as Rotary has worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation spending nearly a billion dollars in many of the earth's "forgotten" or neglected people groups.  Inspiring and humbling.

Opening doors- telling stories of each build -sometimes I was sad to say that as cold wind was blowing and rain pelted the poverty stricken community -Siempre still had open beds...  We need to do so much more.  Than leaving our little Medical Clinic and opening the door to Siempre's long awaited Dental Clinic it was like sharing a miracle- a brand new portable- everything a dentist needs to do his or her job machine-was sitting between our dental chairs.  The long maligned vision of love, bringing real dental health care to Siempre's kids and the broader community, was not only nearly complete- but already in action!  Praise God!  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  How many countless lives will be changed by this act of generosity and service?  More than we'll ever know.  Please keep this work in your prayers.

"'Til the storm passes over, 'til the thunder sounds no more, 'til the clouds roll forever from the sky..."  We don't know how long life's storms will last- but like the old hymn that came to my heart this morning in prayer we can ask: "hold me safe, let me stand, in The Hollow of Your Hand. 'Til the storm, 'til the storm passes by."  When the rain and cold is gone, the storm of doubt and questions remain for the most secure of children at Siempre. "Why was I abandoned" "Why did this happen to my family?"  "How come I'm not like other kids?"  Your continued support insures that they can weather the storm and find a future and a hope they would've never known without Siempre Para Los Ninos.

Join me in praying for our leadership at Siempre.  Add them to your daily conversation with God.  Pray with me that as Siempre becomes more secure that our doors will open wider to the many who may have just made it through the cold and rain of this week but remain desperate and hungry- at risk of the worst of human predators in border cities -and need to know the warmth and love we have to offer.  Some tasks are HUGE, relocating and giving your lives in service to Siempre's kids, other's are HUGE steps, committing to join us as we prepare to build this Memorial Day Weekend and others still will profoundly impact eternity as we pray, give, visit and support the work of Siempre Para Los Ninos in love.  You're Invited.  You're Needed.  Now, more than ever.

siempre,

Eric M. Denton, pastor
Central Community

a prayer for oscar...

Great Prayer Update from Mackenzi Kingdon's FB.  Mackenzi has given much of her heart, time and love to Siempre's kids and invites us to pray for Oscar.

30 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR SIEMPRE:

 

Oscar

Oscar without ...a doubt is a star of Siempre. Full of energy, love, cuddles, and a little bit of UFC fighter sass he steals the hearts of all he meets. This little boy has an inexplicable cuteness that everybody instantly falls in love with. But while Oscar's adorable demeanor often grabs peoples' attention, he still faces the reality that he misses his mom dearly. He came to Siempre with his family, and now he is a part of the even bigger family that Siempre has to offer. Today let's pray that Oscar feels the deep love of God. That the love he experiences is beyond the fact that he is adorable, and penetrates deep into his heart of who he is. And let's pray for the protection of his future, that God would guide and cover him in the following years of his life.

If you are interested in learning more about Oscar, or Siempre please either contact me or check out http://www.siemprekids.org/ and I will get you hooked up!

 

I'd like to continue this prayer for Siempre's kids. I believe that every single face is important, and by making these kids famous we can make God famous! I invite you to PRAY for them, ask about supporting them, or REPOST this to spread the prayer! It's very simple, all you have to do is read!

Why not ask to be Mackenzi's friend on fb and join Siempre's growing prayer team.

turning

Jonathon and Stevan- both 3rd born children -each of them have outstanding older and in Jonathon's case- almost star-powered -younger siblings.  Stevan makes a way for himself, (Jonathon not so much...)- the two are just 7 or 8 years old.  In his family, the strength of Carlos, the quiet beauty of Melissa and the full blown energy of his little brother Oscar... Jonathon can easily be overlooked.

When guest come to Siempre they often share their photos with me.  Across the years I've used them as a way to identify the social stars and social isolates among Siempre's kids.  Don't remember anyone ever saying to me that Jonathon was their "favorite" child.  And, perhaps more telling, is how difficult it is finding his picture in the mix of crazy shots of Fabian, Arturo, Vanessa, Oscar... the shiny pennies in the family.  Even going through the group photos I take every Wednesday, it's as if Jonathon's oblivious to the camera, rarely paying attention, often with his back turned, ready to move on to whatever's next.  Stevan- he jumps out of every frame -not Jonathon.

From his first day at Siempre- something about Jonathon made me want to follow up on him.  Like him, I'm third born with outstanding siblings: older and younger and something in his eyes, something about the way he'd wander off alone but then run back and plead for attention, reminded me of me as a child.  He's such a great kid!

On a recent Wednesday afternoon Debi and I were alone in the car.  We had business to tend to in San Diego and arrived at Siempre an hour or so later then usual.  Opening the doors we were swarmed by children- everyone wanting to "help."  Except Jonathon- while unloading this and that out of the back of the truck -he pulled at my shirt, my legs and kept repeating something in Spanish that I wasn't getting.  First I incorrectly thought he was asking if there were cupcakes for a birthday.  Turned away and went back to "work" but he was relentless- so unusual for him -I thought he was asking when the next party was.  Wrong again.  Finally Courtney, one of the wonderful young women giving their lives to Siempre's kids, rescued me- translated his question -it's one I've heard too many times from children old enough to know- but, broken, abandoned, entrusted to Siempre Para Los Ninos, they come without such simple knowledge.

"When's MY birthday?"  Turning to listen to Courtney translate for me- getting down eye to eye with Jonathon -giving my 100% attention, I listened again as she told me "He wants to know when his birthday is."  I don't know what age a child remembers their birthday, googled it and there doesn't seem to be any massive consensus- other then probably by the age of 6.  Doubt that it's a huge sign of developmental delay or even a massive reflection of being raised in dirt poverty with so little parental oversight... but it could be.  Even still, for Jonathon, quiet little guy that he is, to be demanding my attention and asking the question as if he was afraid it would somehow slip by and he would go unnoticed, made my heart catch in my throat and reminded me to slow down, take time, to let Jonathon know he matters in the middle of it all.

A photo I took of a group of kids in Kenya sits beneath my monitor.  In the heart of it is a child named Daniel Wekesa.  Think I took the photo on our first or second trip to Kitale and Lydia Monroe, a friend and founder of Oasis of Hope, (be their friend on fb!) an outstanding ministry to street children in Kitale, Kenya, recognised his face.  Like Jonathon, Daniel's lost in the middle of bigger kids, all of them pushing, crying out for attention.  I haven't been back to Kitale since 2007, even still, Daniel pushing his way through the midst, speaks deeply to my heart... reminds me of Jonathon, who wanted to know when HIS birthday was.  Daniel, like hundreds of millions of children in poverty, too many living on the streets, will never celebrate or even know the day of their birth.

It's time for a turning in America... around the world... haven't heard one presidential candidate talk about it, but it's what Jesus talked about- a turning -that when children pull at us for attention, we're not too busy... when children cry out with questions that cut to the core of all that's important to them at that moment, we get down on our knees- look them in the eye -and listen.  Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me and forbid them not, for of such is The Kingdom of Heaven."  If we fail to turn and listen it's not just the children who are lost- it's us -the best of who we were created to be quickly slips away.

Every birthday gets BIG TIME ATTENTION at Siempre!  Debi shopped for gifts and brought cakes for years.  Over the last few years Becky's fallen in love with spoiling Siempre's kids with cupcakes that speak to kids.  One party they'll be covered in gummy worms, once they were whales, they're always special, the kids receive a great gift and they know they're loved.  When we're not there- Alejandro and Aracelis, our directors, make sure there's a cake and mark the day in much the same way any family might.

Imagine trying to remember all the birthdays of the children at Siempre!  We've kept list for years- just too many kids.  I didn't bother to reach out and dig up my list for Jonathon's birth date- I just let him know that he wouldn't be forgotten... that was enough... he ran off to play and ignored me the rest of the day.  I doubt he even remembers asking but I haven't forgotten.  It was my miracle moment that Wednesday afternoon.  A simple reminder from Our Father- through Jonathon -to turn, listen and slow down.

Miracles live at Siempre.  Two groups are there this weekend discovering all God has to offer them as they give 100% to Siempre's kids... as they begin to learn how to turn.  We're going this Wednesday afternoon.  You might not be able to make it to Kenya- but there's a place in my car and You're Invited.  You're Needed.  Now, More Than Ever.  I'll introduce you to Jonathon.

siempre,

Eric M. Denton, pastor

Central Community

a brief moment of grace...

But now we have been given a brief moment of grace... I see these early pictures from Siempre... just a little more than 7 years ago- an Indian Summer like afternoon -Arturo, just a baby in Aracelis lap, Noemi- barely up to Aida's shoulders... all the kids so small... God was watching over our innocent little flock.  Incredibly- through so many children -lovingly, He's watching, loving and providing for us still.

We dreamed of a safe place to rescue children- today it's a reality.  We dreamed of a missions house- today Alisha and Courtney, missionaries to Siempre's kids, are making that dream a reality as they give themselves in love.  We dreamed of Samaritan's House, a place to welcome workers, builders, friends of Siempre- groups now enjoy it's comfort as they come to serve.  We dreamed of Beginnings@Siempre, a home to abandoned infants- today the home is filled with joy, love and learning as little abandoned babies begin to crawl, take first steps, speak their first words and grow up protected- dozens of infants and toddlers have already been adopted into "forever" families where they've found a home, a name, a future and a hope.

We dreamed and workers stood up to build.  We dreamed and many of you began to support the work financially.  We dreamed... and soon the dream was so much greater than anything we ever imagined... it had become the dream of so many others... and we dreamed of what God might do next.

A brief moment of grace- it's really all we have -whether we live to be 103 or not nearly so full an age- it's brief -and we have today to make the most of it.  This photo's from a book our son John made us back in 2005.  In it he poses the question: "Dad, is this what you imagined when you first had a dream?"

All of that... and so much more!  These kids, all the kids in the cold, heartbroken and without today, they all need the dream of Siempre Para Los Ninos - always for the children, a place where they can find family, a place to dream and discover the life God wants for them.  To find a future and a hope.

How long does a dream last?  We know we've been given His Grace for this "brief moment."  The dream we're living out through Siempre is big enough to share.  The need is beyond our imagining.  There's more than enough room for you.  Children grow up so quickly.  Arturo's nearly 8 and the life of Siempre.  Noemi turns 16 this year... a beautiful young woman.  Aida, now 18, Siempre's first girl, moved out last week.  Our prayers and love go with her... she's family... she's a reminder: we have today... and it's brief.

Happy New Year!  Make the most of each moment.  Live out your dream... and if your dream seems a little like the dream of Siempre... You're Invited.  You're Needed.  Now, more than ever.

Siempre,

Eric M. Denton, pastor

Central Community

Enjoy this new update by Jill Fawcett, covering the work Pacific Coast Church in San Clemente is doing at/for Siempre's kids. Such a HUGE blessing. So many incredible things are taking place as we enter into this season of miracles and wonders.


Many blessings,


Eric



A big huge thank you to all of you, who provided jackets for the kids at Siempre para Los Niños Childrens Home. They will be very warm this winter, thanks a ton!


God answers prayers! The above picture is of Manuel and Monique (my sweet friend from church). Manuel is a 2 year old, in the nursery at Siempre, who has Cerebal Palsy. Being a child of special needs, prayers for his provision and care are always going up to the Lord, and this past Friday a walker was donated to him, by Monique's friend, whose son outgrew this cool gold walker!! I wish you all could have seen Manuel's face, and hear his giggles as he tried out the walker. He really didn't know what to make of it, but you could tell he thought it was cool. :) God is good!


Also, another cool provision for the kids, came from Eunice in Colorado, from our church. She heard the kids needed pillows. Well, she not only provided the pillows, but her and her neighbor sewed custom pillowcases for each one!!!! Thanks so much Eunice, the kids went wild when they got their hands on those pillows!!


Thank you all for praying and giving to these sweet kids. It makes me want to cry, when I think about how you all have shown God's love to the least of these.


Blessings to you all,


Jill


Here is the current needs list.

Current Needs


For Beginnings @ Siempre (babies):

•4 High Chairs

•Formula (any kind)

•Baby food (cereals, fruits, veggies & Toddler Meals)

•Rocking Chairs For Adults

•Walkers For Babies


For Siempre Casa (older kids)


Immediate needs:

•Food of any kind (enough of each type for 45 people)


•Oatmeal (360 ounces dry per meal)

•Pinto Beans (10 pounds per meal)

•Rice (1/2 Brown and � white � 6 pounds per meal)

•Macaronni (Whole Wheat and Regular � 16 pounds per meal)

•Spaghetti Noodles (whole Wheat and Regular � 16 pounds per meal)

•Spaghetti Sauce ( 360 ounces or 3 gallons of sauce per meal)

•Whole Chicken (5-6 per meal � please take frozen)

•Lentils (10 pounds per meal)

•Canned Fruit (23 pounds or 368 ounces per meal -- lower sugar if possible)

•Canned Corn (180 ounces per meal)

•Hot Dogs (125-145 per meal - take frozen please)

•Garbonzo Beans (10 pounds per meal)

•Potatoes (25 pounds per meal)

•Pork Roast (20 pounds per meal - Take frozen please)

•Turkey (20 pounder with bake in bag if possible)

•Ham (for Sandwiches � 90 sandwiches per meal)

•Peanut Butter ( 48 oz per meal)



•17 Blankets (preferably warm quilts for each bed for winter)

•Hats & Gloves for each Child

•Jeans for Each Child

•Long Sleeved Shirts for Each Child

We Can Fix it There... or Fight it Here.

Riverside Girl Trapped in Tijuana Child Sex Trade

A real life story of what Siempre's trying to prevent in Tijuana and in our neighborhoods. Worth reading. Pray for this young woman and the millions like her around the world.

The solution to the drug/sex trade/illegal immigration challenges we face in the United States today is Siempre Para Los Ninos and the strong, honest, well educated and Godly young leaders The Lord is raising up for Mexico. Please keep us in your prayers.