 Dear Partner, I’m writing again to update you on the mission. And the mission remains the same: to go and make disciples, teaching them everything that was taught to us. One of the reasons I love this ministry so deeply is because we’re literally discipling these children—day after day—with the Word of God, the love of God, and the gentleness of the Holy Spirit working through our staff. La Casa de mi Padre is truly a family—a kind of family most of these children had never known until they came to the House of My Father children’s home. It’s such a joy to be part of this ministry with you, our faithful partners in Christ. We couldn’t extend His love—physically or spiritually—without your prayers and monthly financial support. We’re so grateful. As I was writing this, I realized many of you may not know what an average day looks like at the children’s home. So here’s a little window into daily life: The children wake up early—around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m.—and begin their day with morning chores: taking out the trash, cleaning the yard, and getting ready for school. Some head straight to the kitchen to help prepare the first of about 90 meals served each day. Except for the littlest ones, no one is standing around. The older girls help the younger ones—brushing hair, getting them dressed, and doing other small tasks. The older boys help the younger ones too—though maybe with a little less attention to detail (boys will be boys). They’re learning God’s ways through one another. It’s a joy to see. Sure, sometimes they have to be reminded twice to get out of bed or finish a chore, but there’s rarely any fighting or negative talk. They smile easily as they work and play. And when Papa Luis or Mama Lucy speaks, there’s very little hesitation to follow their lead. After breakfast, the little ones head upstairs for school, while the older kids leave for secondary or high school. These schools are off-campus, and we pay for their education after primary school—something many children in Mexico never get the opportunity to pursue. I’m pleased to tell you that those who stay with us through high school do graduate and have the chance to attend trade school or college. And don’t worry—they absolutely get free time! In the evenings, they gather as a family for worship and teaching that speaks to their lives. They play basketball, ride bikes and scooters, and enjoy time just being kids. The day ends much like it began—with cleaning, playing, and sweet (and sometimes not-so-sweet) moments between staff and children. Discipline here is never harsh. Most of these kids have only known a heavy hand. But here, they receive encouragement, a listening ear, and yes—gentle but firm correction. This is my eyewitness account of the beautiful interaction between adults and children here every single day. God's Spirit is truly at work in this place--healing, restoring, and saving. Thank you for praying. God is listening, and He’s bringing peace to very troubled children—a peace the world cannot understand, nor can it take away. Thank you for giving, and thank you for loving them.  FACILITIES UPDATE: We had extremely high winds at the home a few weeks ago, and a large tree was knocked down. When it fell, it pulled on the electrical line across the street and brought down the pole with it. The home was without power for a while, but we were so thankful when the contractor showed up with a new pole and had everything fixed within 48 hours. We were incredibly blessed by our brother in Christ, Arturo, who stepped in during the gap and brought a generator to help us through. Unlike in the U.S., we’re responsible for repairs and costs. This one came to about $2,000—an unexpected expense.  Below are pics of the front wall going across the length of the total property (500+ linear feet!)   It seems like it’s always something... but praise God, He always comes through! “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (AMP) Sometimes I really do love that AMP’ed up Word! Co-labors’ in Christ, Terry Slack Sus Manos Extendidas All gifts are tax deductible PO Box 768 Leander TX 78641 “Allow the children to come to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16  Got to hang out with the kids, starting the new wall that’s going across the front of the property, and took the kids for ice cream! Margie and I were able to bring down a much-needed new washer, and we celebrated Richard’s and Brittany’s birthday. ¡Feliz cumpleaños!  Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope this letter finds you doing well. We have a new year coming up…2025! Let this be a year of happiness in Christ. Say and pray with me every morning: “FATHER, I AM EITHER HAPPY IN YOU NOW OR I WILL BE!” It is our greatest daily achievement–TO BE HAPPY IN HIM. Please, this season, remember that what you have is more than what you don't and that gratefulness will turn what you have into enough. I am so grateful for you because you are the vessels through which God's grace is given to the children and staff at la Casa de mi Padre. We could not extend His love physically, nor spiritually without you. Your prayers and monthly financial support are vital to the mission God has placed on our hearts for His children. By the time you receive this note, the holidays will be upon us and maybe beyond. And so I want to breathe a prayer over us: Father, life is so complex, and there is so much busy-ness, but God, let us not forget, especially in this season, we find our happiness in You.  Our team and I recently returned from the children's home (12/13), and what a delight and joy it was to see all the children again. There were 10 individuals on the team for this Christmas trip. Glad Tidings Church's Liberty Hill campus stepped up and provided all the Christmas gifts. Also, David and Isebel Doran, and friends, supplied Crocs and bed covers. Phoenix Clincy and friends gave towels, soccer balls, and basketballs. Plus, Joey and Cheryl McGirr gave light jackets to all the children. Leon and Dora Reynosa gave throw blankets, and friends from Freedom Church, through Dora's hard work, gave a second set of shoes for each child because the shoes they got for Christmas will be grown out of by this summer. What a thoughtful thing to do! I remember when our children were growing up, and we had to get them new shoes every 3 to 6 months. Well, we have 24 fast-growing children in the children's home.
Another part of the team that went gave the gifts, comforted the children and staff, served the community, and did some work projects. To them, I want to say, “Thank you again for being the ‘sent ones’ for the cause of Christ!” Thank you to all who gave gifts to the children and staff! You even gave towards paying the duty tax when we crossed the border.
So yes, we came bearing gifts that were both needed and desired. The children celebrated their Christmas that Wednesday evening. It was such a good time, and they were excited and grateful. A great big shout out to my wife Margie and her team here at home and on the trip that ran all the logistics of getting these specific gifts into the hands of the children they were intended for (It's a HUGE job and takes about 2-3 weeks to complete). And, of course, the reward for us is to see all the smiling children get what they asked for. In their young lives, they rarely get what they desire, much less what they ask for. It is through His unlimited resources and limitless generosity that we can be generous. I want to add fuel to your faith with this last bit of truth that I hope you will meditate on and ponder on.  Jesus conveyed that under the new covenant, we do not love God and love our neighbors. Under the new covenant, we love God by loving our neighbors. Whether across the street or beyond our borders, these our neighbors be, "…when you do it to the least of these, you do it to me." - Jesus (Read about it in Matthew 25). Here is a slideshow of photos from the visit! Praise God! We are about 98% done with our three big projects! But first, I want to thank God for his provision and you, our givers, for your generosity. May we all continue to strive for the joy of giving over the security of keeping. It’s been a busy time these last few months, but it has also been very fruitful. First, the apartment: We moved furniture and appliances in on June 7th. Joel and Isabel, our new help, and their children Flor and Samuel moved in the following week. They are so happy to be in their much larger new home—from 100 sf to 1200 sf of livable space!   What a blessing your generosity has built! All for our new staff and their children. And it couldn’t come too soon because we now have 29 children. In April, we received four new children who are all siblings. Then, during the last trip Margie and I took, four more children (also siblings) came in to make eight new children over the previous three months. We’ve also had a few who moved back in with their families, but we are maxed out now and have no more space. The construction projects are great, but it’s all about, ”Suffer not the little children to come unto me.” (Matthew 19:14). They are in the house of the Lord, and there are angels over them, mentors discipling them, and the Spirit of God, through our leaders, loving them. “True religion"—this is what it looks like.  Our second project has also been completed. The solar panels are up and running. We are monitoring the usage of solar panel energy generated during the day and the electric grid producing our power at night. Daytime power generation not only applies energy for sunlight hours but also produces credits for nighttime use. After all is said and done, we hope to see $0 usage on our monthly bills  The third project is also completed. Our new A/C system is working, and it was just in time for the brutal summer heat, as it was 111° a few weeks ago—YIKES!  And here is our new crew! What a beautiful mess they are. All I can say is, “Thy will be done…” as we love on them all, so God bless this mess and this children’s home, La Casa de mi Padre. I want to leave you, our givers and partners, with this word: When things are good, praise Him on the mountain, but when they’re not so good, praise louder in the valley! He’ll show up, and he will show off! Praise Him on the mountain, louder in the valley! Co-labors in Christ, Terry Slack Sus Manos Extendidas All gifts are tax-deductible PO Box 768 Leander, TX 78641 “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27 ESV Greetings to you, who faithfully pray and give to the children of la Casa de mi Padre. What a start to 2024! We have been busy bees, to say the least. All our dreams and plans (combined with your generosity) are taking shape to the glory of God and love to the children of Mexico. So, if one picture can paint a thousand words, here are 20,000 words. Seriously, though, I will be brief with my words and let these pictures do the talking…    The solar panel project is 95% complete. This will cut our electricity bills and provide power to the whole property.   Above is a partial demo of the new apartment for our new staff and their families. It starts with the roof, trusses, and preparations of the first-floor concrete.      Second-floor structural preparation and installation were done while pouring the concrete on the first floor, and then more construction materials were delivered.    The second floor is being installed, and vertical beams are being welded into place. The removed roof is now being reused and reinstalled.    The summers are brutal in Mexico. With your help, mini split A/C units are being installed in the large dorm building and new apartment. (Lucas and Carlos, our older boys, are helping with the work) We have sized our solar panel system to provide enough power to run these appliances.     As of March 15th, we are installing the framework, windows, and siding, plus beginning the rough-in for the plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning! Well, there it is: your 20,000 words in 20 pictures! We now have three significant projects simultaneously: the new solar array, the new apartment, and the new A/C installation. The work is progressing well, and we anticipate completion within the next few months.  Our last trip, on the first of March, was met with the joy of spending time with the children, and these guys are why we do this.
Co-labor's in Christ, Terry Slack Sus Manos Extendidas “Religion, that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans, and widows, in their affliction, and to keep oneself, unstained from the world.” -James 1:27 ESV  Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope this letter finds you doing well. Joy to the world, for our Savior has come! This is reason enough to be grateful, hopeful, and full of faith for our future in Christ. I thank God for all of you because you are the vessels through which God’s grace is given to the children and staff at Casa de mi Padre. We could not extend His love in physical or spiritual ways without you. Your prayers and monthly financial support are so vital to the mission God has placed on our hearts for His children. By the time you receive this, the holidays will be completely upon us and maybe a little behind. And so, I want to breathe a prayer for all of us: In all the business and distraction of the holidays, Lord, help us remember that You are where our hearts belong. Life is your symphony, and we are Your epiphany, so give us clarity so that we may respond.  Life is so complex, but God demands we keep it simple. So again, let us not forget, especially in this season, that it is to Him that our hearts belong. So, praise the Lord! We have life in our bodies, hope in our scars, and if we could count our blessings, they’d rival the stars, with Christ being the brightest by far! Our team and I recently returned from the children’s home, and what a pleasure it was to see all the children once again. There were a total of 11 members of our team on this Christmas trip. Freedom Church once again stepped up and provided Christmas gifts, and the team that was sent to give the gifts, serve the children, and love the community in which they live. Thank you again for being the “sent ones” for the cause of Christ! So yes, we came bearing gifts that were both practical and fun. The children celebrated their Christmas on Tuesday evening. It was such a good time, and they were so excited and grateful. A great big shout out to my wife Margie and her team here at home and on the trip that ran all the logistics of getting these specific gifts into the hands of the children they were intended for. And of course, the reward for us is to see all the smiling children. Also, I want to say a thank you to Phoenix Clincy and his group of friends who provided 30+ fitted sheets and pillows for the kids.  On Wednesday morning, we had a partial work day and were able to get a little painting done.  In the afternoon, we gathered food together and boxed it up to be given to the community of Plan de Ayala. Also, the children chose one gift they had received to give to those in greater need than them. Then all the children, staff, and our team went and served.   It truly was a beautiful sight to behold! The next day we had a church service, and we had a few of the people come from the “Dump.” And praise God, they decided to follow Jesus in that service!  On a final note, we have had so many good things happen over the last several months that I want to update you guys on them: We hired a couple to be support staff for Luis and Lucy. This has been a MAJOR ANSWER TO PRAYER! Meet Joel, Isabel, Flor, and Samuel.  We also tore down the old stairs and built a new staircase. Additionally:
 Thank you, Phoenix! Finally, we have received several new children in recent months as well. We are now up to 29 kids. Two or three will be there for only a short time, but as long as they are with us at Casa di mi Padre, they will have a safe and loving home. We currently serve 110+ meals a day. This is the single greatest daily need that we have, and it is a constant 24/7, 365 days a year need. One of the first things Jesus noticed when a great crowd had gathered around Him was, “These people look hungry…” (My paraphrase). They were hungry, and Jesus fed them. All I’m asking is for you to give your loaves and fish and let the “Miracle Maker” do the rest. By faith this home was built, and by faith it is sustained, and by faith it is a light penetrating the darkness and breaking down the gates of hell. One last thought for you, our supporter... The above truth is for you and your family as well, and when that old liar comes mouthing off and tells you something different, you just start singing your adoption song and remember that you and I are His children living at home in the welfare of our Father‘s unlimited resources and his limitless generosity. Co-laborers’ in Christ, Terry Slack “Religion, that is pure and undefiled before God the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27 ESV    Fresh from our most recent visit, we are thrilled to share the joyous moments we experienced with the children. On this trip, our team consisted of friends David Doran, our pilot; Isebel, our teacher; Carmen, our architect/planner; my wife Margie, our encourager and invaluable helper, and myself, Terry Slack. My father, Papa David Slack, was on a well deserved vacation in The States with his wife LaVerne, his presence was felt, and we had a successful trip. We cannot express enough gratitude for the overwhelming support and love you continuously pour into La Casa de Mi Padre, Hogar. You are the vessels through which God's grace is extended to the precious children and dedicated staff. Your prayers and monthly financial contributions play an indispensable role in nurturing the physical and spiritual well-being of these little ones. The warm greetings and hugs from the children upon our arrival were heartwarming. We witnessed tremendous improvements during our visit, from newly installed shower doors and repaired countertops to up-graded faucet fixtures; The place is truly transforming, thanks to your continuous support. One of the highlights of our trip was witnessing a graduation ceremony in soaring temperatures! Luz, Arely, and Jonathan graduated from kindergarten, while Christian graduated from elementary school. We also celebrated the advancement of Caleb and Juan to high school and the bright future awaiting Mirta and Vidiana as they plan to start nursing school in the fall. Carlos, our first graduate beyond high school, completed Air Conditioning trade school and intends to embark on an internship with my A/C company in Texas. Together, with your help, we are breaking the cycle of poverty, crime, and spiritual depravity. The future for these children at La Casa de Mi Padre is undeniably bright. As followers of Christ, we are united in the mission to rescue these little ones from the clutches of the enemy. Your involvement is key to this joyful and glorious endeavor. Our days were filled with games and educational videos, thanks to Isebel's dedication to teaching the children. Margie and I collaborated with Carmen on building measurements, electrical power, septic, and water capacities for our new property extension. The cleanup process has already begun, and by late August, we will have a blank canvas to envision the future of the orphanage. In our pursuit of expansion, we humbly request your special and specific prayers for potential new staff members. With the children's needs growing, finding the perfect fit for Luis, Lucy (our in-house administrators, aka: “Papa and Mama”), and the home's running is crucial. We believe that God will bring in the right people, and we ask for your support in this endeavor. As we consider increasing staff, we also appeal for additional monthly support to ensure that these children continue to receive love and care from quality caregivers. Your obedience and love for God and these precious children are evident in your unwavering support. On behalf of LaVerne, Papa David, Margie, and myself, We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your compassion towards the children of Mexico. With your partnership and God's guidance, we look forward to an even brighter future for La Casa de Mi Padre. Let us co-labor together in Christ, spreading love and hope to these young souls who deserve nothing less. In His Love, Terry Slack  David Doran, our pilot; Isebel, our teacher; Carmen, our architect; my wife Margie, and myself, Terry Slack. From the Desk of David Slack, DIRECTOR, SUS MANOS EXTENDIDAS  Miriam, in the green tee shirt While praying this morning I feel strongly that God laid you; our partners, especially those of you supporting the Children’s Home ministry, on my heart. The Lord reminded me that if we did not have PARTNERS LIKE YOU there would not a children’s home period. You are invaluable, crucial, critical, key, vital and irreplaceable. To each child in the children’s home you are their miracle. To Juan found in a sewer pipe, to Miriam & Angel whose mother and father were killed by the cartel; and to the others whose parent simply cannot take care of them. You clothe them, feed them, love them, you are their family! Some of you have gone to the children’s home and felt the genuine love from the kids. I believe you are planting seeds of the Gospel that will produce Godly men and women. If you could have seen the downcast looks on Miriam and Juan faces when they first came to the children’s home and what they look like now, you’d declare it to be a true transformation.  Well adjusted Juan Prayer alone did not do it, God laid it on someone’s heart, and they responded! You responded! You could have ignored that still small voice, but instead you responded and gave generously and abundantly. Each time I pray for you, our partner; I ask God to bless you with a 100-fold return; that you would have an abundance and be able to be a continual blessing to others. The kids need and depend on you, I need and depend on you, never let satin tell you that the monies you send are not important... ...because they are, every penny!  Shelter in place, together! While the children’s home is doing great, it is under a “shelter in place” ordered by the Mexican government; just as we are by our government. I don’t know how bad it may be or bad it might get; when I returned March 12th from the children’s home the Mexican government wasn’t reporting much about Covid-19 but then you never get the full details in any event. Because Mexico is our neighbor doesn’t mean they have resources needed to fight the Covid-19 outbreak. However short the resources in America are they will be much shorter in Mexico or non-existent. I am asking you to believe with LaVerne and I that the blood of Jesus is covering the children’s home and that the angels are surrounding and protecting it and that no device or disease can come against it in Jesus Name! Remember we are going THRU this, not camping out! Again, I just want to say to all of those who pray and support us, THANK YOU! If you would like us to pray with you about a need please contact us. We would be privileged to do so. I Love and appreciate all of you. Walk with God and you will reach your destination! LaVerne and I thank God for you and for your compassion for the people of Mexico. God bless, -David Slack
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows
in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." -James 1:27 NIV  We were blessed to have Pastor Dawn Slack, pastor of Grace Alive church in Liberty Hill, TX and her husband Jim Slack travel with us to the children’s home. Thank you Pastor Dawn and Jim for coming and blessing the kids! I Love and appreciate all of you. Walk with God and you will reach your destination! LaVerne and I thank God for you and for your compassion for the people of Mexico.  Note our 15 passenger American van has now been turned into a 30 passenger Mexican van!
Fall is near, the kids are in school and life at La Casa de mi Padre is good! There are now eleven children. Mirta, Brandon, Xeimania, Rubi, Jhosaffath, Tania, Geraldine, Jeremy, Eider, Juan Armando, & Angel. All of the kids are home schooled at La Casa de mi Padre except those 12 and older. These children go to the Secondary school in Plan de Aya. I hope you are praying for La Casa de mi Padre Children, while all is going well there are some needs that money can’t supply. We are in need of a man and women that can come and stay in the dorms with children during the night, we also need a handy man around to help do the maintenance and help in other areas of the children’s home as needed. Luis is busy with teaching and management of the home, Lucy is busy with taking care of the children, planning the meals and cooking. God is not “surprised” but I am reminded “that we have not because we ask not”. I’m praying and asking you to pray that these needs will be met, with the right person for the job. We do have a widow lady that comes and helps Lucy with the cooking which is a great blessing. While we’re not in the “construction mode” we do have some projects going on. We just started today building a carport to keep the vehicles out of the elements. The sun does a number on vehicles when they sit out in the sun. Outstanding projects is the perimeter fence and a playground. The playground is a necessity and will need to come real soon. As most of you know we did not plan on any children less than 6 years of age, however we have two 5 year olds and an 18 month old baby. The smaller one take a lot more time and attention, so be praying for the home. We took in one 5 year old and the 18 month old because they, Tania and Geraldine, are part of a family. Angel the other 5 year old is a true orphan, both his mother and dad were killed by the drug cartel. Again I personally want thank each person that has given a penny thru SME ministries. Be it for the children’s home, for Pastor Tavita, Dr. Reyna or monies that were un-designated which allowed us to share with other ministries. Only eternity will reveal the lives it has and will effect for Christ, our purpose, our drive and our passion! Not by just preaching but by “doing”. In the following scriptures God shares some truth’s that we should never forget. Prov 22:9 “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. And in Prov 19:17 “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” NIV This is not why we give, we give because we realize all that Christ has done for us! It’s just something God said he wants us to do as his obedient children. Eider, pronounced A-dare
Thank you for praying & supporting the Children’s Home, Dr. Reyna, Pastor Tavita, and all the people you have allowed us to help spiritually and physically. LaVerne and I thank God for you and your compassion for the people of Mexico. |
David SlackWe are excited about all that God has planned for you, the children we care for and this ministry. We pray for you as our partners and believe that as you give you will have a continual harvest, and that all your needs will be generously and abundantly met. 3rd John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 
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