ALL Things

All is a small word but a powerful word all the same. It can, in one fell swoop, be used to both include everything your speaking of and exclude everything contrary to what your speaking of.

Here is an example...

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

This passage of scripture uses the phrase "ALL things" meaning ALL situations and ALL circumstances in our life whether good or bad will work together for good. This scripture does not leave room for any other variation or variable. It does not only mean the fun things, or the mundane things, or the Sunday morning things...it really does mean all things.

This is good news.

This means we can rest and know that God is GOD and is always working and moving on our behalf. Even in the times of our lives that we seem to be the most down and out, HE is working out everything for good.

The past couple of months have been great but also a little bit stressful. Don't get me wrong, God has blessed Danielle and I more than I could have imagined. Even still, in the midst of all of the blessing we have had some situations I know could have been setbacks if it were not for us holding onto HIS promises.

Danielle and I this year have had.... my truck broken into(twice)with my car stereo stolen, Danielle's bike stolen, Her car's timing belt went out causing over $1200 worth of repairs, her two front tires were running on their last layer, and then last week my truck died..

The reason I run down this list of "bad" situations is not to say what a terrible year we had...in fact it is to say that I see this as our best year ever!

Here is how GOD used ALL of those things for the Good of Danielle and I...

The insurance paid not only for the break in of my truck but also a brand new stereo, a brand new dash board and a brand new window, two individuals completely paid for Danielle's car repairs one of them was someone we had never even met, we received two brand new tires for her car which we didn't pay a cent for, and just this week someone called and said that they were able to help pay for our truck as well.

Above all else we have been blessed with knowing that we will be welcoming our daughter Madison Saige into the world with ALL God has for her in the coming year. 

We are more than blessed and more than just provided for. It is a great feeling having ALL that we need and knowing that God is using ALL the things in our life for good.

I would like to challenge you to take inventory of this past year and really ask yourself how did GOD use the ALL in your life.

You will be excited to see His signature on your life and you might just be surprised at just how GOOD things are!

Javier Mendoza

UnSilenced: Our Responsibility

I find it to be very disturbing that 1 in 4 women will experience Domestic Violence in their lives and yet there is still little to no personal responsibility taken by the rest of us to help. In this era of having access to quick information, being "connected" 24/7 to our friends, and super fast travel of online "support" for the myriad of "good Causes" it is a shame for us to not be just as eager to share support for the "cause" of Ending Domestic Violence.

I guess for us to properly call for an end to Domestic Violence we would first have to admit there is a problem. Hundreds of thousands of us have yet to admit that Domestic Violence IS a problem and that only adds to the problem. We decide to believe that it is not real and that it does not happen or worse yet that it does not affect ME.

Domestic Violence is real and it is happening.

As you read this a women, maybe even someone you know, is becoming a victim of Domestic Violence. In fact, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds here in the United States.
So often we ignore or choose not to understand what Domestic Violence really is. I guess that is why we have allowed this type of behavior to become so "normal". We have even begin blaming the victims by saying, "Well, if it is that bad she should just leave, " or "What did she do to deserve that,". Why are we so judgmental towards the victims for "not leaving"? As if it is the victims fault for getting beat.

We need to stand in the way of Domestic Violence and stand up for the millions of victims that dont have anyone else. Victims are many times separated and alienated from their family and friends and anyone else who should be in a position to help. That is why it is up to ALL OF US!

A few ways we can help the victims by getting the word out.
They need to know that they are not alone and that we will not stand by and watch while they are victimized over and over. We need to make every effort to research ways to get involved in our community. We can find out ways to aide in writing and enforcing stronger penalties for abusers and higher quality help for victims. We can honor the survivors who have broken the silence and encourage others to do the same.

There are many things we can do to support those affected by domestic violence but the best thing we can do is not turn our back any longer.

To immediately report abuse call the National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233

Today's Names of Texas women who were murdered by their intimate partner in 2008

Brenda Yelton, 46 Pearland d. 4-25-08
Brenda Lee Nunez, 17 Brownsville d. 02-09-08
Jaime Dawn Meyer, 41 Clay Co. d. 09-19-08
Mary Sue Doyle, 54 Altoga d. 4-22-2008
Amanda Jo Earheart-Savell, 30 Plano d. 6/05/08
Jennifer McCallum McKinney d. 04/09/08
Suanne Childress, 48 New Braunfels d. 12/30/08
Nancy Shields, 53 New Braunfels d. 7/17 08
Joy Tomerlin, New Braunfels d. 7/30/2008
Denise Banks, 59 Bangs d. 8-20-08
Norma De la Rosa, 38 Cameron Co. d. 8-11-08
Maura Marroquin, 23 Harlingen d. 1-01-08

UnSilenced: A Lesson To Our Children

Children are affected by Domestic Violence in both direct and non direct ways. Domestic Violence rarely happens in a home without a child witnessing it take place.

Each year an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence. Almost 50% of the men who abuse their wives also abuse their children, and male children growing up in an abusive home are more likely to become abusers when they are grown. Children exposed to any type of family violence are also at a higher risk to become addicted to drugs and alcohol.

We owe it to the next generation to help set them on the right path now. We need to become active in recognizing abuse in our homes, our communities and our workplaces. We need to break the cycle of Domestic Violence by putting an end to the abuse that has grown rampant in America.

If we won't stand up against the violence today, then what lesson are we teaching our children?

UnSilenced: What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence occurs when one person in an intimate relationship exercises power or controlling behavior against the partner through psychological, physical, verbal, or sexual abuse.

Domestic Violence is a unbiased epidemic. It knows no racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, or educational boundaries. It is impossible to consider a victim of Domestic Violence "typical". Domestic Violence happens everywhere and in every type of relationship.

While Domestic Violence can happen to anyone, including men, it is the leading cause of injury to WOMEN between the ages of 15-44 in the United States.

More women are injured by Domestic Violence in the US, than car accidents, muggings, and rapes, COMBINED.

Dating Violence or Relationship abuse happens between two individuals who are in a dating relationship.

Violent relationships start at an average age of 15.

1 in 3 teenagers will experience physical violence in their dating relationships.

40% of teen-aged girls know someone who has been abused or beaten by a boyfriend.

Physical and or sexual abuse against adolescent girls in dating relationships increases the likelihood that the girl:

• Will abuse drugs and/or alcohol
• Develop an eating disorder
• Consider and/or attempt suicide

Many times we make the mistake of justifying abuse by saying "that is just how they are", or "they always have drama". Sometimes we even find ourselves asking "why doesn't the victim just leave".

What we need to be asking is How can we help her.

It is up to all of us to help recognize, and help end Domestic Violence.

Today's Names of Texas women who were murdered by their intimate partner in 2008
Samantha Herrera, 21 San Antonio d. 10-03-08
Paula Meadows, 35 San Antonio d. 3-25-08
Francisca Mendez, 46 San Antonio d. 11-11-08
Christine Mora, 36 San Antonio - d. 1-26-08
Debbie Perez, 42 San Antonio - d. 02-21-08
Gwendolyn Robinson, 43 San Antonio - d. 09-19-08
Kimberly Tello, 18 San Antonio - d. 12-24-2008

If you are a victim of abuse, or know about abuse happening please call the

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or for other info for your state visit - http://www.ndvh.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/#T

UnSilenced: Presidential Proclamation in Support of Ending Domestic Violence

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 1, 2009

September 30, 2009

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country.

To effectively respond to domestic violence, we must provide assistance and support that meets the immediate needs of victims. Facing social isolation, victims can find it difficult to protect themselves and their children. They require safe shelter and housing, medical care, access to justice, culturally specific services, and economic opportunity. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act supports emergency shelters, crisis intervention programs, and community education about domestic violence.

In the best of economic times, victims worry about finding a job and housing, and providing for their children; these problems only intensify during periods of financial stress. That is why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $325 million for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This funding will supplement the Federal VAWA and VOCA dollars that flow to communities every year, and enable States, local governments, tribes, and victim service providers to retain and hire personnel that can serve victims and hold offenders accountable. These funds will also bring relief to victims seeking a safe place to live for themselves and their children.

Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support. Sadly, this tragedy does not just affect adults. Even when children are not directly injured by violence, exposure to violence in the home can contribute to behavioral, social, and emotional problems. High school students who report having experienced physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and may carry patterns of abuse into future relationships. Our efforts to address domestic violence must include these young victims.

During this month, we rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence. By providing young people with education about healthy relationships, and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that domestic violence can be prevented. We must build the capacity of our Nation's victim service providers to reach and serve those in need. We urge community leaders to raise awareness and bring attention to this quiet crisis. And across America, we encourage victims and their families to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233). Together, we must ensure that, in America, no victim of domestic violence ever struggles alone.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I ask all Americans to do their part to end domestic violence in this country by supporting their communities' efforts to assist victims in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

UnSilenced: A month of Domestic Violence Awareness

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I am committing to a month long blogging campaign to expose the stark realities we are all responsible for caused by the epidemic of Domestic Violence.

Domestic Violence is emotional, financial, mental, as well as physical and sexual; it stems from one person's need to control another in order to feel powerful. Everyone needs to know that Domestic Violence is a choice by the Abuser to threaten and carry out these threats with violence towards their spouse and family.

Domestic Violence occurs in every community, every city and in every state. Domestic Violence can happen to any one of ANY race, age, religion or gender and affects people of ALL socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

NO ONE IS IMMUNE.

In 2008, there were 193, 505 family violence incidents reported just in the State of Texas. Texas also accounted for 136 (11 each month) deaths directly related to Domestic Violence which is almost 3 MORE deaths per month than in 2007.

This has to END.

We can not keep allowing ourselves to think this does not exist or that it is just a "women's" issue. It is a problem plaguing every aspect of society. We have to learn to not only recognize Domestic Violence we also have to have the courage to stop it when we see it happen.

We can no longer sit by and act like it is "none of our business".

The safety and well being of our neighbors, our doctors, our kids teachers, our local coffee shop baristas, our grocery store clerks, our co-workers, our friends and our own family is all of OUR BUSINESS!

Today's Names of Texas women who were murdered by their intimate partner in 2008
Myra Jenkins Beggs, 58 Bastrop d. 11-20-08
Rosie Finley Graham, 56 Temple d. 3-08-08
Diana Mota, 31 Killeen d. 4-12-08
Lovera Campbell, 28 San Antonio - d. 10-07-08
Tanya Clark, 55 San Antonio - d. 07-17-08
Kaylee Stewert Garza, 17 Universal City - d. 12-01-08

Please join me in sharing in Domestic Violence Awareness Month with your friends and family on facebook, your blog, or anywhere you can think of.

If we can make a difference in one life it will be worth it. I promise

To immediately report abuse call the National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233

For more info on Domestic Violence or DVAM, please visit these resources
Texas Council On Family Violence



Violence UnSilenced







Genesis Women's Shelter

On our way

We are on our way down Texas Hwy 6 traveling towards Bryan - College Station.

Danielle and I are heading to the 3rd Worldwide Voice In the Wilderness Marriage Seminar this year. We are fortunate and blessed to have an opportunity to meet and spend time with 17 couples at the Hamilton Prison for 3 days.

We are very excited to minister and be ministered to though this weekend's seminar. There is something special about these seminars that really makes it one of my favorite times of year. We have been planning and preparimg and raising money for this weekend for 3 months and finally the day has come.

I want to thank our family that has supported us all along the way. You all have been a great source of energy, and inspiration. We could not have made this weekend happen without your love, and support both financially and emotionally.

I hope you will check our facebook group and ministry blog several times this weekend as we will be profiling this weekends events for you all to see how God is changing lives through the powerful ministries of Worldwide Voice In the Wilderness.

http://wviw.blogspot.com
http://www.wviw.com

Javier

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Photo Opportunity

Just wanted to let you know that I have set up an online photo gallery where you can view and purchase various photographs I have taken and eventually will continue taking. I have several cityscapes from Tampa, and Washington, D.C. and will soon add Dallas, TX. We have set this up as a self managed store of sorts where you will be able to browse, select, order, and have delivered high quality prints, and framed prints of any of the selected Photographs. All the proceeds will help Danielle and I with our ministry efforts here in Dallas. We have lots to do here in Dallas, and we need help doing it. This is a way to give towards our ministry and get something for your self or for a gift. I really hope you enjoy the photos.

Hint: Click on the photos in this Article to go directly to the photo galleries.

Thank YOU,

Javier

What’s all the ‘Brew’-haha? “1 in every 12 adults--abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent”…as the President advertises beer from the White House

Well, before the uproar on how a beer does not lead to alcoholism, I will say, there are a lot of different influences that go into a person's decision to drink and abuse alcohol, but I believe those influences include mainstream media.

Let's start by taking a look at some staggering statistics:

In the United States, 17.6 million people abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent and alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18-29. In fact, there are an estimated 10.8 million underage drinkers in the U.S. and Twenty-nine percent of 12th graders have engaged in binge drinking.

The average U.S. household has at least one TV set turned on for about seven hours a day and the average school-aged child spends 27 hours per week watching TV. Over the course of a year, children spend more time watching TV than they spend in school or participating in any other activity except sleep with 40 percent of a 6-year-old's viewing time, and about 80 percent of a 12-year-old's viewing time is spent watching shows intended for adults.

While I write this Google has about 162,000 pages…now 163, 000…. when you search for beer
summit obama. That is a lot of press over a gimmick to get the "American People" to buy in to our new administration's "cool" or "hip" factor.

Yes 60% of Americans do report drinking is a part of their life, but do we really need to fill the airwaves with what brand of beer suits our new chief of staff? Does this bit of information really help the ObamaNation feel closer to their President? Does drinking really lead to more meaningful conversation as proposed with this Beer Summit?

I find it very hard to believe the answer to any of these questions could be anything but an emphatic NO.

How can we suggest to our fellow Americans that all of our differences, not the least of these; race, can just melt away as long as we have our favorite beer in hand? It is preposterous to believe the hot button of race relations can be met with any amount of sincerity or see any real CHANGE when the emphasis of the Summit has, almost immediately, shifted from RACE to the President's beer preference.

After all it is not being touted as the Race Summit

Seeing this shift in emphasis is what spurred me to even open my laptop and give Google one more 'hit' for beer summit obama. When beer and not race becomes the issue we are no further along in the "Change" of this nation than when we started down this road so many months ago. Instead I suggest that when The Prez decides to down a cold one during prime time television as a platform for any reason, he serves only one purpose; to make having a cold one 'cool'.

Maybe I am stretching with this….maybe not. Only time will tell.

Until then "This Blog's for YOU"

Javier Mendoza

Beer summit 636 up, 1773 down

July 29, 2009 Urban Word of the Day

The meeting of President Obama and any parties for which an injustice has occurred. This meeting must take place in the White House and be broadcast throughout the media.

Some Monument To Last

I had the honor to be at a book signing for My Brother's first book, "Some Monument to Last". The event was held in San Antonio where he lives and was hosted by the Twig Book Shop on Broadway.

I am very proud of James' Accomplishments over the years and especially proud of the success he has gained from self-publishing his first book. He has written a very transparent account of his struggle to grow up with a "father sized hole in his heart". He writes in detail how he has suffered, how he has been challenged, and ultimately how he has overcome.

His hope is that this memoir will motivate others to face the hardship in their lives and to use it to transcend their past hurts.

I believe that everyone has something to gain from James story and if you would like to hear more from James please visit http://www.doughtyfamilies.com/. This site is full of poems, letters and quotes that will both inspire and encourage.

I hope you will also order a copy of this book for you or for someone you know who may be looking for their own Monument to Last.





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James' Book

Here is the front of the book here at the twig book shop in San Antonio, we are very proud.
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James Munoz

Here is my brother of whom I am so proud. Today he is hosting a book signing for his book Some Monument To Last.

I am glad to have such a successful and admired brother. I am proud to have shared in this Monumental event.

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Marriage Seminar Update

Wow what an amazing day.

We have seen God today in a very personal and impactful way. Today's session really put a lot in perspective and made a difference in my life.

I love to feel like God is saying no matter what my past says about me, I can always count on Him to pick me up when I'm down and to help me build a new future when I feel like I don't deserve it!

Today I felt like I deserve to have a future. Today I feel like the men and women at the marriage seminar deserve to have a future.

That is an amazing truth. That is something to build a marriage on and that gives us a reason to.

I really feel encouraged by today's messages and what it means in my heart and what I believe it now means in the hearts of so many today for the first time.

For Today I'm grateful and for Tomorrow I'm encouraged!!!!

Javier Mendoza
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Marriage Seminar UPDATE Part 2

Today has been an amazing journey already, and we still have 2 days of prison time ahead of us.

We are excited to be a part of hosting a wonderful marriage seminar in the Johnston State Prison, and are expecting some great things to happen and are already experiencing some real breakthroughs.

We have individuals here who have juggled work schedules, kids schedules, school schedules, and driven hundreds of miles and many hours all to be a part of this wonderful outreach. There are 7 Volunteer Couples and 14 Wives whose husbands are incarcerated here on the Unit.


The volunteers and the Wives who are making this weekend possible come from all walks of life. The thing that ties us together is the desire to see the prisoners of the Johnston Unit leave as better men than when he came in. I believe that WE WILL.

In today's session we helped each wife and each husband really connect and spoke to each of them about the roles in their covenant called marriage. I can tell that it struck down to the core with many and I hope that by the end of the weekend we will have seen God move on the hearts of everyone here.

The start of this seminar has been phenomenal and the best is yet to come.

I am praying that each of the 30 attendees will have open ears and open hearts this weekend and that God would move in a mighty way in all of us. I hope you will pray for this as well.

I count it a special blessing to know that I can count on so many different friends and my family to back us in this endeavor and to cover us in prayer.

Thank You from the bottom of My Heart,

Javier Mendoza

Marriage Seminar UPDATE

We are having a wonderful time here in Winnsboro, TX at the Marriage Seminar! I am amazed every time with how God really orchestrates the time we have here in the State Prison system.

This weekend is quickly becoming one of the best ever. Please continue to pray for us as we spend this amazing weekend ministering in Prison!

Javier Mendoza
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Marriage Seminar - May 22-24

Danielle and I have been blessed by the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful ministry here in Dallas.

We have met so many amazing people and really have had a great time of just seeing God work on our behalf. We have had numerous blessing both financially and spiritually.

We have had two separate marriage seminars this year be paid in full through the provision of God. We have had our faith tested and proven in the raising of the money we have needed to attend these three day seminars. All we did was commit to God and to WVIW, that we would attend no matter what and twice we have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the seminar without stress of having to come up with the fees or money needed to attend.

I really believe that we are going to have such an amazing time this weekend. For almost three months, we have been setting up motel rooms, getting food vendors, mailing to attendees and volunteers, answering questions and phone calls, gathering supplies, and making lists all for the 3 days coming up on the 22nd. All this just so that we are prepared for God to do what he always does, Change Lives.

I count it an honor, and never a burden, to be in the office preparing for these seminars and have had a great time the past few weeks. If I didnt have faith that God would be there when we show up to the prison there would be no pioint, but there is a point.

The point is that God is concerned with how we live, where we live, and what we do while we live. God has already declared that we are victorious in this life and that Light conquers Darkness, it is just up to us to spread the news.

These seminars afford us the opportunity to share this news. The news that God sent His only son to die on the Cross for Us, so that we don't have to live with the punishment our sins deserve. What a great story, and I cant wait to go and share it.

I have been waiting since the moment we drove off the Telford State Prison parking lot following the last seminar to come back and do it all over again.
And now it is THIS weekend.

I cant wait to meet my new friends and see some from last time.

I cant wait to take in the awesome presence of God I feel when Im there.

I cant wait to once again share the story of the sacrfice that was made and the victory we all share in.

I cant wait.

Javier Mendoza

Faith

Faith has a funny way of being discussed in the past tense more than present or future tense. A lot of times spotting faith goes like this; "Yeah, it took a lot of faith to see that come to pass but Glory To God….", Or " Im sure that must have taken every ounce of faith you had…..". Why is it that so many times its hard to have faith in the moment or much less, have faith for the future?

I think Faith is deciding to believe in what God WILL do and knowing that it is His will that WILL be done and not our own.

Easier Blogged, than done!!

That is why we have to practice our faith so that when God gives us something we will need faith for we can rely on faith to get us through. No matter how long it takes. I think God has us use our faith just to not have us LOSE our faith. I'm not sure but at least it feels that way sometimes.

Romans 4:18-25. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Abraham had to believe pretty hard and for a long time, but God gave him what was promised. Sometimes we have to believe in what God has promised us, "against all hope" and "without weakening" our faith. God has power to do what he has promised us and WANTS to.

Our faith is for us not for Him. I think we sometimes have faith in faith and not in God. Abraham knew his body was not capable of fulfilling what was prophesied, but he knew God was more than capable and so he did not waver in his faith.

I pray that I am unwavering in my faith in all of Gods promises and in the dreams and passions He has given me. I know that if God said it; He can, will, and wants to do it. All, I have to do is enjoy the ride and give the glory to God.

 

Javier Mendoza

 

 

 

Passion

MY definition of Passion is "the object of intense interest or enthusiasm."

God has been really moving in a great way in my thinking, in my prayers, and with the direction of my life. I feel His presence in everyday activities like never before and realize; He is always passionate about me regardless of MY level of Interest or Enthusiasm. By this I am truly blessed.

I pray that my Passion and the desires You have given me never diminish. Lord, Let me have a renewed enthusiasm every day, and let me make progress in all I set out to do. Bless my plans and make everything I put forth effort towards prosper.

Amen –

Javier

Don't Worry Be Happy...

"Don't Worry Be Happy" seems easier said than done with all the crazy in the world. All the choices, decisions, changes, schedules, meetings, bills, promotions, terminations, additions, deductions, ... How could anyone be happy or worry free...ever???

There is so much swirling around us struggling for our attention and for what? To what end? The Weekend??? I think not, because then, we still have the worry of Friday being over too quick, Saturday being too rainy to do what we REALLY wanted to do, finding out your car stranded you in the middle of nowhere on Sunday and right before work on Monday you have a flat tire!!!!

The only thing that keeps my sanity in play when the week has fought every inch of strength from me, is the fact that God has always and will always provide.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink;
or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food,
and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do
not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a
single hour to his life? Mathew 6:25-27

I was able to read these words today and it allowed me to slow down and take a breath. I can remind myself that none of the actions I do, or the running around I do can add anything to my life. I can't worry enough, or be anxious enough or do enough to change circumstances. All I can really do is put my Trust in the Lord and decide to accept His provisions, and give Him the credit.

Once I allowed myself to slow down and take account of my ever so "busy" and "Challenging" life, I realized, I already have all the important stuff, and no amount of worry can add any more icing to the already delicious cake. And That Makes Me HAPPY!

Javier Mendoza

Immediate Need

Edward Chambers, Director of Transitional Housing, has been with WVIW Ministries for nearly 18 months and is in charge of managing the day to day routines of this aftercare program. This program is designed to facilitate a safe and constructive envionment in which participants learn to lead full, and productive lives. He will do what ever is necessary for the betterment of our residents. Ed serves WVIW in a very impactful way and is a great example of faith and fortitude.

One of the ways Ed is a great help to Us is by being available to empower the men and women of our Transitional housing programs through outreach and enrichment courses. Ed teaches and attends these enrichment courses in a variety of locations, and is now in urgent need of a vehicle to continue his efforts.

We are in need of a Crew Cab style Pickup truck or similar vehicle in which Edward can not only provide transportation for our program attendees, but also a vehicle with cargo capacity for the various tasks associated with operation of our housing.

We need our friends and familiy to join us in the the challenge of helping us provide this means of
transportation

Please Contact Worldwide Voice In the Wilderness To Contribute to this Immediate need.

WVIW, PO Box 740273 Dallas, TX. 75374

972.234.6009

Thank You

Javier & Danielle

Love Actually

What does love really look like?

We are all pretty well versed in what the bible says about love. Not at all to say that we have a good understanding or deep involvement in the NATURE of love. I was taught as a child that God loved me. This idea and thought was reassuring and even comforting but it was not something I really understood. I knew my parents loved me, I knew my grandparents loved me but they are supposed to right?

I think back to the very first time I completely understood what Gods love for me looked like and felt like. It was when Javier Mendoza made CHOICE after CHOICE to LOVE me. Sure we have attractions to someone or we really like someone or even highly admire and respect someone, but that is not LOVING someone.

I Corinthians 13 says...Love is patient, LOVE is kind. Love does not envy, LOVE
does not boast, LOVE is not proud, LOVE is not rude, LOVE is not SELF-SEEKING,
LOVE is not easily angered, and LOVE keeps NO records of wrongs. LOVE does not
delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. Love ALWAYS protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.

In reading this I discovered who I have really LOVED all these years, someone to whom I have been a PERFECT example of this LOVE ....MYSELF. It is not easy to write or to say but it is indeed true. Until I became an object of Javier's LOVE, remember I am not talking about his affection, like, or admiration, I am talking about his LOVE I had no clue what it looked like. I was so very blind to Gods LOVE because of it. I had not ever seen it before or at least never recognized it.

I had also been taught growing up that God knew me, and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. I thought that God knew of me, but that he could not possibly KNOW me. Becoming a married couple does not mean you know your spouse or in most cases LOVE your spouse. You will think you LOVE him, and he will think he LOVES you, but from I Corinthians thirteens definition almost ZERO people actually LOVE someone other than themselves.

This is not to say that LOVE for others is unattainable, but to say REMEMBER what LOVE actually is. LOVE does not even come after the pretty dress in tucked away in a safe corner of your closet, and the tuxedo is a distant memory of years passed.Time is not the equivalent of LOVE. My husband has been the greatest demonstrating example in my life of this so called LOVE, and because of it I now know what it means to have and receive LOVE from God my creator.

LOVE really exists. LOVE does not just happen it is a CHOICE, a goal, a benchmark.The true nature of LOVE does not depend on the actions of the person receiving it. It is not a dream, or a far away place.

CHOOSE to LOVE those whom GOD put in your life.

- Danielle Mendoza

JMD

I just wanted to take a minute to say how proud I am of my brother. He has always been someone I have looked up to and admired but may not have ever put into words either directly or indirectly. I guess I have taken certain things for granted and never really taken the time to say what I have always thought.

James is currently a succesful television journalist who works and lives in San Antonio. I remember he has always had a deeply sincere and sometimes brutaly honest demeanor that made sure you always knew what he was thinking. He has always been a hard worker, in school, and at establishing his career path. He seemed to always know what he wanted and always seemed to get it.

I rememeber him being the first "motivational speaker" I ever encountered. He was always telling me that no matter what I wanted to be in life I could do it and I Should! He told me to never care what people said, or thought because there is no room for negativity when your accomplising your goals. I remember him always calling from wherever his career had him at the time just to check on me.

He has always worked hard at everything he has chosen to do and even harder at the things he would have never chosen. He is a man of strong conviction and stature. He gains respect in many arenas, and is a great encourager. James has become a voice for those who have no voice. He is rich in faith, and has a special relationship with God. James is creative, and he is intelligent. He has earned everything he has through blood, sweat, and tears. He is, and will always be an example of truth, integrity, and of hardwork.

I am grateful that I have known him and happy that he is blood.

James,
You are a true inspiration, to not only me, but I know to countless others.
You have proven yourself time and time again, and I know your just getting
started. I am proud of you and I pray for you often. You have made a great
example of what it takes to get the job done. I am proud of the man that you are
and I will be proud of the man you continue to be. You have paved the way for so
many, and for that you are a huge success. I am glad you are my brother.
Javi

James' New Book, Some Monument to Last, a "real-life story about losing your family, finding your family, and finding yourself" is available online at doughtyfamilies.com
Pick up Your copy Today!!!!

Marriage Seminar Update

"This seminar gave me and my husband hope and brought us closer together. This seminar was a life changing event."

"I want to thank you personally. It was a real blessing to have someone there and take pictures that we can cherish. It's wonderful to know that there are people that actually care for our husbands. You and Danielle were great. Y'all were an inspiration to the "YOUNG" couples."

"Thank you very much for being able to make all this possible. You have no idea what this seminar has done for our marriage. May God bless you and your wife!!!!"

"A little quality time with my wife has changed my outlook and growth as a man. We accepted Jesus Christ together and recommitted ourselves to each other. God Bless the individuals who made this special event possible"

This is just a small portion of the feedback we received in connection to our Involvement in the Marriage Seminar at the Telford Prison in February. I was totally blown away by the awesome presence of God, and how He showed us a new way to serve. There is no doubt in My mind, after spending three days in Prison, that God has a unique plan for each of our lives. I feel confident that Danielle and I are in the right place and in the right time to be used by God. This seminar not only opened my eyes it opened my heart.

The participating couples came from all walks of life. Some have been Christians their whole lives, some became addicted to drugs in childhood, some are musicians, some have traveled the world, and some had never even stepped foot in a prison until this Seminar, and that's just the Volunteers. The inmate couples who participated also have pretty varied backgrounds. They are young professionals, they are parents, they are newlyweds, they are different races, and all have different personalities. Some of them met in youth group, some met through relatives, and some met right at the prison.

The one unifying characteristic of the Group is we all care about our spouse and we want our relationships to not only survive our circumstances but to thrive in spite of the world we live in.

It is interesting to see the dynamic that is created when 75 people come together in a single room with a single desire. A Strong Marriage. The lines of communication seem to be more open than closed. The preconceptions, and misconceptions go out the door, and there is a comfort level that usually only comes after years of practice. No one cares where you came from, or what background you have. We are all looking for the way into our spouses' mind and heart and desire the best for them.

On a weekend in February, 37 couples met together, had meals together, laughed and even cried together. Take out of the equation that 27 men in the group are convicted inmates; you begin to realize we could be talking about couples anywhere in the world. Couples all around the world want stronger marriages. Couples all around the world desire the opportunity to meet and talk about their kids, or what their boss is like, or what they like to do on a Saturday night. It's just that on this Saturday night in February, 27 of the 37 men go to sleep in a 6 foot by 8 foot cell

I am not naïve enough to think that these 27 men don't deserve to be in prison under the supervision of the State. I just know that I serve a God who is consumed with finding the lost no matter where they are at. God wants us to have life and life more abundantly. God wants their marriages to work, He wants their eyes and hearts open to one another, He wants to pour out His love, and He wants to give them a reason to live and not die without knowing the truth. Why not these 27 men??? Why not their wives??? Why not Me???

God gave us all a chance to see His grace and His Love in ways some of us have never seen love and grace from anyone. That is what I love. That is what makes my heart beat. I love To know that God will find me and never stop pursuing me, even if I lose my way and make wrong choices. God will come to my rescue and be exactly what I need, when I need.

I am happy to have been a part of this powerful weekend. I am not ashamed to have spent my weekend in the company of convicts, because we are all convicts. We are all convicted of sin and have all fallen short. It does not matter who I think I am or who the State of Texas says I am or even who the world says I am, I have been cleansed of my sins by the Blood Of Jesus, and God says; I am a Son of The King.

Im going to be an Uncle!!!

I just wanted to share a quick note to say Congratulations to Gina & Travis and say how proud I am. You guys are going to be the best parents and I know God has an awesome plan for your lives. I cant wait to start this aventure. I am praying for you guys and will be available anytime to babysit....that is of course if you trust me to do that!!!

Javier

Our Ministry Update

Danielle and I have been very blessed by the opportunity to serve in various ways over the last year and want to share with you what is coming in 2009.
We moved to Dallas last year to follow God to the next phase in our lives. We know God has put the two of us together and can say without equivocation that we are made to live and serve together for the rest of our lives. We want God at the forefront of our lives.
God has us in Dallas to continue His work through Worldwide Voice In the Wilderness Prison Ministry. WVIW, has been greatly used and greatly blessed by God for over 30 years. Wviw is an International Prison Ministry that brings the message of Jesus Christ in to prisoners, professional correctional personnel, victims, and their respective families. WVIW’s faithfulness and hard work has been the vehicle for God to restore relationships, overcome alcohol and drug addiction, and put lives back together which would otherwise be lost forever.
I knew God called us to be missionaries from the first time I stepped on foreign soil in Honduras. I felt God stirring something up as I first heard the stories of the men and women who pioneered the ministry in Honduras forty years ago. I knew I wanted to be a part of work involving foreign places & cultures, new languages, and anything else that would broaden my thoughts about who God Is.
I used to think that a Missionary was just someone who lived in a grass hut, ate exotic food and had a hundred stamps from a hundred different countries in their passport. Now I believe a missionary is someone being called by God and sent into different and unfamiliar places, for the express “mission” of preaching His message to all he or she encounters. The experiences we have had in missions and the calling we feel on our lives has led Danielle and I to agree we want to spend our lives on the “mission field.” We know the mission field is not always thousands of miles away in some remote place you can only get to on a bumpy dirt road. God puts mission fields right in our neighborhood like the times He prompts us to visit a friend who is sick or to volunteer at the homeless shelter or when He tells us to go into prison to visit inmates.
Mark 16:15-18 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
We have decided that “All of Creation” really does mean “all” and is the reason we have decided to plug into Worldwide Voice In the Wilderness and preach the Message of Our Savior to All of Creation. Through WVIW we have the opportunity to reach the men and women behind bars who have never had an opportunity to hear about the restorative and redemptive power of our Savior.
There is a Great need in the prisons of Texas and in the world. With one in one-hundred Americans currently being imprisoned in the US; the mission field of Prisons is vast but nearby. There are over a hundred prisons in Texas which means we have plenty of opportunity here in our new “neighborhood”.
We are up to the challenge and committed to the work. It is not going to be easy and there are obstacles everywhere. There is a real enemy out there who would rather see us give up but we will fight because it is a good fight and “if God be for us then who can be against us”.
One way we are connecting through WVIW is through Marriage Seminars in the Texas prisons. What is a marriage Seminar in Prison??? Good question; it is a 3 day event in which we teach biblical principles on cultivating, maintaining, and renewing marriages with prisoners, prison officials, and volunteers. God has commanded that each of us love our brides as He loves the church. If you think it is hard to live this out in your own life, imagine how difficult it is for families to live out this commandment when divided by steel, concrete, and razor wire. Texas Prisons have been changed for the positive through these Marriage Seminars. WVIW has hosted 4-6 seminars every year for the last 14 years. Wardens, officers, prisoners, and volunteers have all seen the constructive impact of their presence. Prisons request these seminars to be held within their walls because of the positive attitude and mentality shift they bring.

We love our job and are expecting BIG things to happen this weekend. We will be in Prison this weekend for 3 days ministering and teaching to 27 convicts and their wives. Please pray for endurance, direction, and hearts to be changed. ThankYou

Javier

Valentines Day!!

What a great weekend! I love having the type of weekend like the last two days. Sleep in, breakfast at whatever time, movies or not, and of course my favorite person there all day to spend it with. I feel like nothing at all got accomplished but then again maybe more got "done" that actually needed to be done. I have such a love for my wife and everyday that we spend like this weekend I know that I am always going to love her and I even love her more which sounds weird only because I thought I couldnt love her more than I already do. She takes every situatiuon that might be boring or mundane and makes it exciting. I can always count on her to make me laugh till it hurts or make me smile till i feel crazy. Seriously, she is hilarious. I love how we can spend every second with each other and never get 'over it'. We can sit and talk about anything and everything and it never gets boring. We never need a thousand things to do to fill the space because we actually like being in each others space. Nothing makes me more happy than knowing I can count on Danielle's love and her awesome personality to make my life better. I enjoy US so much and look forward to our Date Night or Date Weekends everytime. Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is that I love My Wife and love spending time with her and that is what made this Valentines Day so great.

Change

Well, the time has come for "Change" to begin. I believe and am holding on to the fact that God is in control but, we have to all remember that we are at the start of this journey and not the destination. The second that we forget that the race has just begun is the second that we lose. The start of a new era in the United States is now here and we are all together in this race towards the "Future of America". Anyone calling the USA home now has an obligation to continue the fight for Change.

This next phase will be a time where a lot of what were used to seeing in the structure of America and the world will be changing. Some of us act like we are at some sort of finish line, can throw our hands up, and sigh in relief now that January 20^th has come, and gone. Well, I really hope that we all soon realize that now is the time to create and maintain the America that we all envision. We should also realize that America and the freedoms, which are not yet paid in full, that have been afforded us all are still being threatened all over the world. We need to look around and see that we are all in need of Change. If it's change in our circumstances, or our jobs, or even in our attitude the only person responsible for me is me... Not me by myself, not my new president by himself, but all of us with God. Just like the end of acceptance of Oath says, "So Help Me God".

Yes, Please. God please help me be a better me, please help me be a better husband, a better friend, a better son, a better employee and a better Citizen. Please help our new President be the best father, the best husband, the best friend, and the best leader that he can be so that he may be fit to execute the enormous task that is ahead of him and his family.

I pray for Change in the way that God sees fit and that we may never think that we can do anything without God.

"In God We Need to Trust"

 

From Mexico

2008

Danielle and I have been tremendously blessed in 2008. We have accomplished 18 months of married bliss and are more in love than ever. We have depended on God to show us how to love and respect each other and the wise counsel of family and friends in our lifelong quest to becoming the couple God designed us to be. Every step of the way through 2008 has been a gift from God. He has blessed us with a great family and awesome friends to help us through moving to several new places. We had friends welcome Danielle into their home through the duration of Danielle’s job having her in D.C. We also had plenty of help getting to and from all of our destinations when our vehicles were either not in sight or not “up” to the job. We were blessed with money for repairs and gas and even rides to and from the airport when we needed them. We also received plenty of help when we decided to move to Dallas. We were given support in many ways which included monetary and physical help with packing and moving. On my way driving to Texas I was able to stay and rest from the long journey twice and received warm welcomes from Danielle’s Grandparents and from my Brother. When I finally got to Dallas we immediately had a place to stay and were able to be in the home of Johnny and Betty Moffitt for about 4 months. They graciously allowed Danielle and I to live in their home with no deadline on moving out and no charges for rent. What a huge relief and blessing. We used that time to get situated in both of our jobs and figure out our plan for the New Year. I received a job practically over the phone before I even stepped foot in Dallas and God allowed me to stay there trough the First of November when Johnny and Betty had invited me to travel with them to Mexico. I believed that if God wanted me on the trip He would make it financially available to me and that everything would be paid for. Well, of course God had a plan. He used My cousin Lori and Johnny and Betty to give financially to us which allowed me to get to go and serve as photographer for Johnny and Betty in Mexico. We met several new international contacts for trips and really enjoyed seeing the power of prayer and faithfulness. We have received much needed financial support in the exact right time and at no point has God forsaken us. I know God sent us here to Dallas and that every time we receive financial gifts of any kind I feel like it is confirmation of that. Our faithfulness was specifically tested and blessed when Johnny and Betty offered to have me come work for them after volunteering for them for only 3 and a half months. God really knew we needed that and for us to be able to be working for their ministry and directly linked to the exact thing I knew God brought us here for was totally His provision and promises coming true. Danielle also received a perfect job here as soon as we needed it. We made a tough decision turning down one job offer before she was blessed with her current position. I really believe that God has guided me and Danielle by His Spirit and given us direction for Every decision we’ve been faced with. At every turn it seems like God has really given us not only our needs but even the desires of our hearts. During Christmas we moved into our own place here in the Big D and really found a great place after much prayer and even changing our minds on another place. We love our new place here and can now get back to … US. We are very grateful for the past 10 months and having a place to stay with friends and family but Danielle and I have also really savor the time we have in OUR home. We know that everything has happened for a reason and that God is in control so we don’t worry about 2009. We are exited and ready for what God brings our way. I know that we are blessed and that we have received and will receive plenty of blessing from God as long as we a faithful and diligent to complete the work he has begun. 2009 is going to be a year of prosperity in the Kingdom of Heaven and God’s name will be raised up high. Danielle and I are going to be right there for every second.