January 2023 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
We hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that this New Year will be filled with joy and blessings! I want to share with you a story that has touched our hearts. It has made us think that in 2023, maybe what people really need to know is that they are loved and they are CHOSEN!
I find it so wonderful and comforting to think that God chose me. I think people in the world today need to know that he has chosen them too!
First Corinthians 1:30 says that it is because of God (and only God) that we are in Jesus Christ. It wasn't anything I did. God did it all, in spite of my problems and failures. He still chose me! In John 15:16, Jesus says to is disciplines, "You did not choose me, but I chose you."
Recently, Enrique was able to minister to a young man that has become very dear to our family. They have been walking closely together for a while now. He was put in several foster homes growing up and moved all around as a child, going back and forth from his mother’s home to his grandmother's home, and never felt wanted. All his life, he has lived with feelings of rejection. But to our hearts’ delight, he told Enrique he wanted to follow Jesus. Enrique told him that he was chosen and loved. There was such a sweet atmosphere as God’s love filled the room.
Enrique asked him, "Do you remember in school when they would pick team leaders and they had to choose who they wanted to be in their group?" "Yes," he said. Enrique went on: "Remember how some kids got chosen first, and others got left out or were chosen last...maybe because they were not thought to be good enough. But that isn't how it is with God. He picks us! We were not left for last or chosen by what we can or can’t do. The world may choose us for what we can do for them, but God chooses us because of what HE can do for us!" This seemed to really resonate with our friend, and he thought for a moment and said, "I was that kid. I always got chosen last. Nobody wanted me." But oh, how wonderful that God reaches in and says, "I choose you! I love you!" He doesn't see our flaws and family problems or our sins and faults. He chooses us anyway and despite it all!
I remember when one of our daughters came home crying because kids at school found out she was adopted and laughed at her in class. It was such a hard day. But Enrique told her that we have all been adopted. He showed her in Ephesians where it says God adopted us all...even in advance...into His very own family! So, we are ALL adopted. This brought her so much comfort to know she was chosen. She was picked to be in God's family. How many people need to hear this wonderful news?.
I pray 2023 will bring us all many opportunities to reach out to the rejected and lonely. The ones who feel hopeless, maybe like they are just not good enough to be on anyone's team. Thinking God would never pick them. It is sad but there are many people who feel this way. But God can use us to bring this wonderful news and if we pray, He will open their hearts to Him.
Thank you SO much for standing with us. For making it possible to give special Christmas food boxes to needy families. For bringing joy and smiles to little children’s faces. There have been so many needs and God has been faithful. We are so grateful for what He is doing in hearts and lives. Even where we thought maybe it was too hard or difficult, He is making a way and we believe He will continue.
We want to let you know we will be making a transition to be part of International Outreach Ministries (IOM). We have been part of them in years past and have remained close. But we would ask that all donations for Hidden Treasures go directly to IOM. We are excited about what the future holds and walking closely with our dear friends there. If you send a check: Mail your contributions to IOM, PO BOX 2140, McComb, MS 39649. Make checks payable to IOM and indicate that it is for Hidden Treasures on your check. IOM works with more than 100 missionaries, and they will need to know where you want your donation to go. You can also donate through PushPay or PayPal online if that is easier. You can go to iom-online.com
Please keep us in your prayers as we continue walking with children and families that have faced many difficulties. We need God's direction and guidance. Also, our youngest foster child's case will be going before a judge in February. Please pray for the right decisions to be made. If it were up to us she would never leave. We love her dearly. Your love and support mean so much to us and so many! Thank you!
"God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him pleasure. So, we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear son" (Ephesians 1:5-6).
Much love,
Enrique and Charlyn Mejia
P.S. Would you please keep us in your prayers and in your giving this month? All U.S. gifts are tax-deductible. In addition to our Facebook Page, you can also visit our website: HiddenTreasuresOutreach.com