Hatter Family Update 2006 - 2007

Sarah, Max and I have now been with Crossroads Missions and Team Expansion for more than 2 years. A month after Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, we headed down to Mississippi to help with the relief efforts. We were able to spend the following year leading in Crossroads projects all over the country, in our Chicago, Appalachia, New Orleans, Help Build Hope and Mexico fields. We are now wrapping up our first full year living in Mexico.
I am the project manager for all construction projects in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Crossroads has been working in Piedras for over 15 years and has constructed 2 churches, 2 schools, a medical clinic and an orphanage. We are currently mid-way through the completion of a 44 home development called Piedra Angular (Cornerstone). We have finished 27 homes and will complete 4-6 more homes a year. The recipients of the homes come from various backgrounds including several pastors, a barber, electrician and factory workers. It is extremely difficult for those living in Mexico to buy a home for their family, most end up paying for government housing their entire lives. Receiving a home from Crossroads with the hard work and sacrifice of our volunteers is a blessing for these families for generations to come.
Construction is only a part of what we do in Mexico. Crossroads has a strong and growing outreach program throughout the city of Piedras Negras, which has a population of about 300,000. We partner with churches, soup kitchens and other faith-based organizations to spread the love of Christ. Sarah also coordinates our Medical Missions program which takes place every spring. Sarah has a B.S. in Nursing and is taking a 2 year program on-line to obtain her Nurse Practicioner degree. As stated in Colossians, we believe that in Christ “….lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” This guides us in how we approach medical care, construction, education and all other activities we participate in.
Our family plans to serve in Piedras Negras for 2-4 more years. We are all hoping to be fluent in Spanish by that point, Sarah should be done with school and the projects currently underway should be near completion. We plan to remain with Crossroads and Team Expansion for many years to come and to utilize Sarah’s education. Our vision is to assist with medical clinics or other facilities in need where Team Expansion or Crossroads already exists- Sarah helping with medical and myself helping with construction. We don’t know exactly where we’ll end up, it could be the U.S., Mexico or another continent, but we look forward to seeking God’s plan for our family.
We want to thank all the churches, family and friends for their support and encouragement. We hope you all have a great Christmas and a tremendous 2008.

In Christ,
Sarah, Max, and Jimmy Hatter
(502) 819-4292
jimmy@crossroadsmissions.com
sarah@crossroadsmissions.com

-Send mail via Team Expansion/ Jimmy and Sarah Hatter, P.0. Box 34, Fisherville, KY. 40023

looking for info..

We are looking for information regarding organizations that assist single mothers. Crossroads is discussing the idea of providing housing for single mothers in Piedras Negras within a structured setting. We are looking for organizations in Mexico, Texas or elsewhere that may consider partnering with us in this effort. If you have any information or contacts, please let me know.

EXTREME VELOCITY

WWW.LUZONLINE.COM

a bit more information....

This blog is the result of an idea kicked around by friends in Louisville, Kentucky. We often discussed how there was no network that connected the hundreds of churches and faith-based organizations. We thought about the potential for the city if Christians were to communicate frequently and view themselves and part of the collective body of Christ in Louisville. A friend of mine is currently working in Louisville to break down some of these barriers. With all the skills, assetts and creativity within individual churches, why not share amongst others? For example, a church on the west side of Louisville was in need of new windows but had very little money. An organization I know, happened to hear about this and has access to free windows. In turn the organization with the free windows was looking for someone with concrete skills, which that church had a member with concrete experience. If not for a passing comment, this connection would not have been made.


This is what is meant by Sharing Information. Sharing information can include- equipment available to borrow, rent or buy, projects that organizations need help with, services that can be offerred, tips on quality and affordable materials. As organizations that may be focused in certain areas or have specific skills, by sharing information we may be able to help those in need that may occasionally slip through the cracks.


A number of people who will use this blog are Americans who have relocated to Piedras Negras. This blog will be an oppotunity to Offer Encouragement to each other. I know there are several individuals and families who have been here for as little as a few months to those who have been here for decades. This is a place to present prayer requests, offer invitations and connect each other as Christians with a common purpose.

Finally, this blog will be a think tank for those who like to Generate New Ideas. I look forward to discussing and hearing ways to serve those in need throughout Piedras. I am excited about the potential creativity and effectiveness that is possible working in a collaborative spirit.

Brief statement of purpose

The Piedras Negras Missions Network has been created to connect missions organizations, churches and community leaders who have a passion for sharing the love of Jesus throughout the city. This blog will provide a forum to share information, offer encouragement and generate new ideas.