God Responds in Big Ways!!!!

Hi Everyone, I am trusting that you are well and enjoying your summer!

I am so excited at the way God is moving. We are busy raising awareness for the orphanage and for the purchase of the land we want to buy in Mexico. I am so excited, in the past week God has blessed this ministry tremendously! To date we have received sponsorship for 7 of the 44 acres we are raising money for.
I want to thank each one that has already committed to sponsor and acre of land! What a blessing you are!

Please pray that God would continue to lead me to the people that He chooses to support this project. We are looking for people that are interested in taking the "buy an acre Challenge." If you are interested in helping the orphaned and abandoned in Mexico, please contact me.
Also pray that each child that comes into our lives through this ministry is blessed and ultimately comes to know the Lord. I thank The Lord for each one of you, and for the encouragement and Love that we feel from all our supporters. It is an honour serving in Mexico and representing our amazing community.

Blessing to each of you.

Brian

Hello Friends

Wow, time flies by when your having fun!!!! It is good to be back in Winkler reconnecting with all our friends and family. We have missed you all so much and are excited to continue our visits.
We are doing well, we are booked most evenings with different families and friends. The Winkler cooking has been great! We have also met new people along the way and it is always a blessing to add to the friends list.
I have been sharing in a few different churches which has gone well. I have the Winkler Grace Church booked for Sept 1 for any of you in the area that are interested in coming out to visit. I am also planning a informal information night where I can share a few more details about the plans to buy land for the orphanage and the plans moving forward. Ill keep you advised of that when the details become available.
So, when I say we are having fun, of course building on relationships is always fun, for me anyways, but the real exciting thing that I am having allot of fun with is talking to people about the land we plan to buy. I am so excited at everyones response. We are giving people the opportunity to sponsor an acre of property for the orphanage. Farmers and business people are really liking the challenge! I am finding that they are not only stepping up but they are talking about the challenge to the friends, neighbours and collogues.  If you are interested in getting involved in the acre challenge please let me know. I can explain in more detail. We are looking for individuals, small groups, youth groups, neighbours, friends, etc. Anyone interested in jumping on board with sponsoring an acre so that we can buy and purchase the land this year. This week alone I have had 6 acres sponsored out of the 44 acre plot we are buying! Praise The Lord! If you or anyone you know is interested in getting in on the fun please contact me. I would love to talk on the phone or set up a meeting.
So I ask you to pray that this challenge will be met. I believe all 44 acres will be sponsored!

God's Richest Blessings!!!!!

My contact info

bckrahn@gmail.com
Cell: 204-384-9842

We are almost back to Winkler!!!

Greeting friend and family,

We are almost back in Winkler!

We have been on the road now for a few days. Actually its been almost 2 weeks! We decided to take a little extra time coming home for a couple of reasons. We wanted to take some time to re group as a family but we also knew that when I arrive in Winkler I'll have to hit the ground running. :) This trip back to Manitoba has been a real blessing, we have tented most of the way down and it has really helped us to adjust back to our culture before we arrive so that I can focus on what needs to happen when we get there.

I want to take the opportunity to thank you for all your support this year. As we prepare for the next season, and with the dream and plans to construct the orphanage I ask that you please remember us and the project in your prayers. This truly cannot happen without Gods blessing on it. I believe with all my heart that this is Gods plans and that He will bring it to pass! We are so excited that we have the privilege to continue serving our Lord at this capacity! It has been an absolute privilege! Our lives have changed.

I want you all to know that I will be arriving in Winkler this Saturday afternoon and I am scheduled to give a report in our church (Winkler MB Church) on Sunday the 14th. You are all invited! I know that it is summer time and many will be out on vacation but it sure would be great to have a full house! Even if you are not a MB'er please feel welcome to come! It would be a huge encouragement to Clarissa and I. Although it does add some more pressure to me and my presentation. LOL (i promise, if you are not blessed by my presentation you will be humoured! This is not a strength of mine) :)

Sooo, having said all that please come out and hear what God has been up too in our lives. I will be sharing a few stories, giving an update on what the future holds and stuff like that. Also prayerfully consider how God might use you to be involved! As I mentioned, I can't do this alone. I am currently booked to speak in 3 different churches in MB and hoping to line up some churches in the USA on the way back to Mexico. We are promoting the orphanage plans and raising funds to launch the project this fall. If you know of churches or organizations that may have a desire to help with this need please let me know. I have also started to take reservations with small groups and personal supporters for the month of July and August. We want to connect with as many of you as possible so please let us know if you would like to get together with us.

I pray Gods richest blessings on each of you. You are all constantly in my prayers and I thank The Lord for each one of you and for the blessing you have been to us! We have an amazing support network, it is a privilege for us to know and be a part of your lives as well.

Dios te Bendiga!!! See you next week:)

Brian
   

Words don't cut it

 

James 1:27

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

NLT

This building appeared to be barn stalls. In actuality they are homes.

DIF delivered three boys to Maggie's ministry. They were with her about a week then returned to their parents who live here in one of these.

This is another type of hut made of sticks and tarp. Keep in mind how hot it gets down here. It is very common to be in the 40's. Their is no relief from the heat of summer. I was inside one of the huts and the flies were almost unbearable.

Someone's home

This is a bathroom. I gathered it to be public

Aside from the heat, this day it was quite windy. Their was allot of dust in the air.

This is the mother of the children that were dropped off at Maggies.

This is a little girl eating a cookie delivered by DIF.

A mother and child listen as the President of DIF gives a short presentation.

I wonder what is going through his mind. How is his life going to turn out?

A little girl watches as her mother goes through some donated clothing for their family.

With the temperatures starting to climb, we decided that it would be best to make our visit to the community of Marquez in the morning to avoid the heat of the afternoon. Maggie and I packed up my truck with a load of donated clothing and headed off to visit the family of three children that stayed with Maggie at her ministry for approximately a week. Prior to leaving for Marquez, Maggie mentioned to me several times that this would be an experience I would never forget. She said, "This will be like nothing you have ever seen before." I've seen some pretty ugly places and honestly, thought I had pretty much seen it all. I'm not sure anything can prepare you for walking through a community like this, without question, this was another community that ranked right up there with the worst ones I have visited.

 

In the community of Marquez the men work hard. They are out in the heat working the fields. I am not sure which crops are grown here but the soil looks really good. The men and young boys work long hours to provide income for their families. Families can rent these barn style homes for 400 peso's per month which is a little more that $30.00. I had the opportunity to walk inside one of the homes. It was pretty much empty, a small table and some old dirty 5 gallon pails to sit on. Their was no bed, only some blankets and some old foam for the family of 6. On the small table was a watermelon that had been cut open, half was gone and the remaining half was left, crawling with flies. I am sure that was their lunch. Their are no coolers or refrigerators to keep their food out of the heat or protect it from critters.

 

When we arrived in Marquez we happened to run into DIF. (Social Services) They were doing a clothing distribution in the community that day as well. Ironic! We partnered with them as they we headed for the exact same place we were going. God has blessed us with an amazing relationship with DIF. It is so essential in order to work with them in the future. The President of DIF was there as well and her and I connected, I had the chance to share with her for the first time our plans to construct the orphanage. She was very excited and offered assistance to us. It was a divine appointment, I still can't believe how we crossed paths. Even she said to me, "I feel God arranged for us to meet today." WOW!

 

I look back on this experience. I don't know what to say, I don't have words. If I think of the comforts of life that I have, even living in Mexico, it simply blows my mind how good we have  it. I can't believe that there are still people living like this? I think of North American and all the things that we take for granted. This sure could be me in one of those photos, it could be my children, but for whatever reason God chose to put us in North America. A nation that is blessed beyond belief! Wow, can you imagine what it would be like living in a barn stall? I can't imagine and don't even want too.

 

 

Wow, what a challenge. It sure makes me ask myself allot of very hard questions?

 

Be Blessed everyone,

Con Mucho Amor

 

Brian





Dream Big

Hey Folks, how are you all doing? I trust you are well and enjoying the warmer temps.  Well, an update is long overdue and I hardly know where to start, but here we go!

 

Over the past two years Clarissa and I have been exposed to the many needs here in our region, particularly the needs of the children, and so we believe that God has laid it on our hearts to construct and develop an orphanage.  God has already started to open numerous doors affirming that this is God's calling for us and we believe this with all our hearts.

 

In September of 2011 we were heavily involved with the food program in Fatima and it was there that God really spoke to my heart about the possibility of opening an orphanage. I didn't experience any dramatic visions nor was there any climactic experience; it was a simple nudging in my heart, a silent prompting. I shared this with Clarissa and she affirmed the great need for an orphanage, but I think we both had the same thought. What is God up too?

 

We spent a lot of time praying about it and I knew that if God wanted us to be a part of that journey He would open the doors and lead us into it, and that is exactly what He’s been doing.

 

After our decision to follow God’s gentle nudging for an orphanage we knew there were some significant steps that needed to be taken.

 

The first was for me to become a Mexican citizen. I found out that through my Dad’s Mexican Nationality that I was entitled to become a dual citizen of Canada and Mexico. Again, this opens many doors for us personally as well as for the orphanage. I was a bit overwhelmed at the process of applying for my Mexican citizenship but wouldn't you know God had that worked out too! Through a friend I was introduced to a lady who knew the right contacts in Canada and I literally had to do nothing other than mail the documents and I found out a week ago that I am now officially a dual citizen!

 

A second, fairly critical step in this adventure was to partner with a group or organization that has experience with orphanages.  I was introduced to an organization called "Children of Hope" based out of BC Canada who are very interested in working with us on this project. They bring years of wisdom and advice to the table. Right now I am still in the application process with them, so please pray that this process will go smoothly.

 

Once I receive the formal documentation for my citizenship I can begin the process of setting up my Mexican charitable status. We are applying for a highly credited status that is greatly respected and with this higher status comes more accountability, such as monthly minutes and yearly audits. We want to run the Orphanage with the highest integrity and transparency, we want our supporters to feel confident in us that their donations are being used as intended and that God is being honoured through it.

 

Even as I write this letter to you God is moving and opening doors for us in ways I could never even have imagined.

 

The first tangible order of business is for us is to look at the possibility of purchasing some land for us to build on and through an amazing series of events I will be looking at multiple land options for the orphanage.  When God moves, He really moves!  I can hardly wait to share the stories of how God has begun to make this all possible! 

 

We believe that God is asking us to trust Him and to dream big!  So we are!  We don’t want this to be just an orphanage, but a safe place where children can learn life skills, like farming, sewing, cooking, taking care of animals, the options seem endless.  We dream of eventually having a school on the property that would offer these children proper schooling in a Christ centered atmosphere.  With God all things are possible!

 

Please consider how you would like to be a part of this!  This is far bigger than anything we can accomplish alone so we need your help!  We need prayer partners, people who are committed to praying for us continuously!  If you’d like to join our prayer support group please let me know!  We need financial support, whether a one-time gift or ongoing support, it’s all important to God’s kingdom! If you are interested in becoming a financial supporter please contact me and I can walk you through the process!

 

Our passion is that through this orphanage we will be able to give children that come from hopeless and dark situations into a home where they will feel love and security.  A place where we can equip them with life skills that they will take with them for a brighter future.  A future that offers security, hope and a promise of God’s unfailing love for them.

 

I f you would like more information about Children of Hope please feel free to look up there website at www.childrenofhope.info.com

Sweet Leah is One!

Sweet Leah is one of my favorite blessings that God has given us.  She is quite the character, and she has only reveiled what she is able at such a early age!!  But what we do know about her, we want to share. :) First off, she LOVES animals.  If there is an animal in her view, that is what she is focused on.  There has been numerous times where I'd try to get her attention to only realize that as long as the dog/cat/bird you name it, is in her view; the animal will have full attention.  I took her along to see the Sea Lion show at the local Dolphinariam, and she was great!!  As I have learned how big her curiousity and love is, I've consciously positioned her in sight of animals.  Here we are on a outting at our beach, and the seagulls are being their normal curious selves.  Great!!  Leah has animals to watch and distract her from wanting to crawl in the ocean. :)

As of lately, Leah is drawn to her brothers when they are sitting at the homework table.  She doesn't understand what they are doing, but all she knows is that she wants to join!!  Cole is a helpful brother who doesn't mind having a distraction from his schooling.  (Who wouldn't have at that age?!)  It's funny to watch, as she wants whatever writting utensil he is using, PLUS all the markers.

Leah has been figuring out how to play with dolls.  She loves Mason's Toy Story dolls.  Why?  Because they talk when you pull the string!!  It is one of the many easy ways to get a smile out of her.  The funny thing about how she holds them is by their neck.  I'm not sure why, but I'm wondering if it's because that's how she can make them look like their dancing, just like mommy makes them dance.  When she plays, she loves to have toys that use fine motor skills.  She loves to sit with her books and turn pages, she loves to try to open plastic bags with items in it.  She loves to figure out and pull apart the boys lego.  She loves their lego train!!  I don't know why, but her favorite place to play is in our fire place. (?!?)  My guess is that because it's a step up, or that it's kinda it's own room? 
  Leah is the most playful when she is on the couch with Brian or I, or in our bed with us.  She likes to show us how she can stand on her own, and of course she puts up her arms like she's on a roller coaster ride! lol 
   We have started teaching her sign language for the last 2 months to help her communicate in a different way then screaming.  Our favorite one is her "all done".  She both signs and says it.  Just today I was laying with her on our bed, trying to get her to rest with me.  She played along for a couple of minutes, but then she'd turn to me and both said and signed "all done"! 

The weeks before Leah's birthday, I stressed about how we were going to celebrate.  The tradition here is that there is a huge party with a pinata, cake, music and food.  Everyone comes!!  Oh, don't forget the decorations and center pieces!!  I was concerned about who all from Fatima would show up, because I really don't know how many that would be.  As her day was drawing near, I was freaking out.  I couldn't hand out invitations that would invited only certain people, because the ones not invited would be upset.  So I had a great chat with my study girls, and I received some great advice.  The people will less likely be offended if no one is invited at all!!  Wonderful!!  I wanted something small, and with people who love Leah.  So Brian and I decided we were having a family day away at the Zoo.  :)  We invited Cristian. (He is like family.)  Off we went!!  We headed for the Hermosillo Zoo.  We showed up, and we shortly found out that the zoo was closed to the public.  Ford was having a family day for their workers. :(  I was disappointed, but then the Ford representative stepped forward and invited us to join. (!!)  His finishing comment was "Buy a Ford", LOL  So we were blessed with free admission from Ford!! (Buy a Ford!!) 
    We spent 3 1/2 hours touring the Zoo, and we had hit the spot for Leah.  She loved the hippos, who quite honestly weren't doing anything but sleeping in the water.  This is a picture of her taking it in.  We also went on a Safari tour, and the people were given carrots to feed the animals.  Again, another hit for her! 

We decided to go out for supper at Applebee's.  It's has always been a treat for Brian and I, and we rarely take the kids in with us.  So you can probably guess how many times we have actually gone in the last couple of years.  It was such a blessing that we were the  only ones there. (Or it felt like it.  There was one other 1 child family that got a good Krahn show.)  When we got our food, the floor manager approached me and informed me of another female waited that would LOVE to hold Leah while I ate. (!!!)  For real!!  You bet!  So I got Leah fed and brought her over to the waitress that was eyeing Leah.  This is the best Birthday ever!!  The waitress played with Leah (in eye sight) while I enjoyed my meal.  And get this, they had a kid corner where there would have been the waiting area.  It was all windowed in, and there were 7 TV's in it!!  They had 5 x-box's and 2 movie tv's.  (wow, I'm getting a little distracted.)

 

  Each day that God has blessed us with Leah, our love for her has grown more and more.  She is our sweetheart that easily smiles, loves to explore and check out her little world God has given her.  You will often find her on my left arm while I'm preparing our meals.  Already with her baby doll, she acts out care to the doll.  I thought this last year was great.  I am looking forward to what the next year reveal about our Sweet Leah.

It's HOT down here and there is no snow!

Greetings Everyone

Sorry for the bad humor in the name of my post. It was Clariss's idea. I couldn't comeup with anything.
Well, with this years busy season now behind us I finally seem to have time to clear my mind and think about the up coming year. This season has been interesting to say the least. We have seen miracles, we have had the opportunity to work with so many of you on a personal basis here in the Guaymas region, and we have had the opportunity to be a part of new and exciting things to come for this area. The launch of Children's Camps Int. as well as personal project that I have been working on over the past year and a half or so. So....needless to say we are excited to see what God has in store for us.
Along with all the great things we see God doing with us, there has also been the challenges. These are expected though, it seems the enemy can never just back off for a little while. In the hustle of the busy season some things sure got neglected. We are excited though, we know God continues to affirm us and is continuing to bring restoration to all the places in our lives that need it. God is faithful, He allows challenges in our lives in order to keep our focus on Him. I sure enjoy seeing all the pieces come together! One of the biggest challenges this year for me has been health. I have had a stomach problem since mid February. I have seen 2 different doctors and have undergone blood work and "stuff." I received results back yesterday from all my tests and for the most part everything came back negative, so that is a praise item, but it still leaves us wondering why I still am battling with my stomach? I would venture to say I have lost about 20-30 lb. I have started to eat more regularly so things are looking up for me. Strange things have happened though, I can hardly convince myself to drink coke and only in the last few days have I started to drink coffee again. Maybe that is a good thing.
Soooo, having said that Clarissa and I are going to make a commitment to update this blog more often. We have very exciting news that we hope to announce next week. We are working on launching a project here in Guaymas and are trusting that all of you can be a part of it in one way or another. I can't announce it today, as much as I would like too. BUT I believe that I can announce it next week. There is a meeting happening today and the outcome may directly impact the direction we are going so I hope that you can understand I don't want to get the cart ahead of the donkey. (I think that is the saying???)
Like I mentioned, with the busy season subsiding, we are finding the time to shift priorities a bit. We are working on our family structure. It was long over due to spend some time together. Clarissa is busy home schooling the boys and I am happy to say that it is going really well. Aside from that she has her hands full with our little Leah. I am still looking at ways that Children Camps Int. can work here in our region. We have some meetings regarding this coming up so I ask you to prayerfully consider them. We have seen how children's clubs have greatly impacted children and families here in Guaymas. There is no doubt that CCI has a lot to offer the City of Guaymas. Aside from working on my side project, I am helping out at Maggie's (Agua Y Mas) fairly regularly. Her program runs daily in the afternoons. Today is field trip day, so we will all be loading up our trucks and driving the kids to the beach!!! I should also mention, we have not been involved in the Fatima program for quite awhile. Upon returning to Mexico this year, we really felt that we did all we could do to launch their program. Rafael and Maricella have done a great job managing things and we saw very quickly we were not needed anymore. In fact, so much so that we felt we were almost a burden in Fatima. Only because I am starting to see the importance of the Mexican nationals taking care of their own people. In Fatima, the community was starting to tie white people with money and blessings. Instead of them focusing on God for blessings they started to focus on man. (the community) We felt that our presence only made things more difficult so we decided to take a step back. I am happy to hear that nothing has skipped a beat. The program continues and the lives of the Children continue to be transformed.
We are starting to plan our trip home for this July. We are looking forward to seeing a bunch of you and having the opportunity to share what has been happening in our lives and what we feel God has in store for us in the future. We pray and thank the Lord for all our supporters. We think of you often. Our plan is to arrive in Winkler on July 13. We want to spend the first week catching up with family but plan to fill up our time with all of you. If your interested in a visit lets start booking the days??? I am already starting to book different churches. We are only in Winkler for a month or so and I know that it won't take long to fill up the schedule. :)
Gods richest blessing to all of you and your families. We look forward to hearing from you. Please don't hesitate to send an email or drop us a line and say hi. I listed our Canadian phone number and email address below.
Please pray that God would continue to provide and that He will give us courage and strength as we prepare for the new season. Ohhh, and lots of wisdom. We have big decisions to make.

Brian