Homes of Hope Edition 

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.
-Isaiah 65:24

It’s that time again! We are preparing for our return to Mexico, this time it will be in February!

Last year, we built a house for a family of 6 who were sleeping on the cement floor of their maternal grandmother’s house. The students were able to put to use the skills they learned throughout the program to build the house and share the Gospel with them and the neighborhood. Joel was able to return this past summer and visit them in their new house! It has changed the lives of the young children who now have a secure place to live and call home.

This year, we want to do it again! In order to do this, we have to raise $12,000, which covers the cost of building materials, modestly furnishing the home, and their first grocery run.

Please prayerfully consider partnering with us in prayer and fundraising!

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

-Romans 15:5-6

The Process

Through Homes of Hope, families apply to receive a home. The organization meets with the families, gets to know them, and learns about their current living situation. They visit often with the family throughout the process and establish relationship with them.

Once a build team raises enough funds to build a home, the family is notified that they will be receiving a home. The family covers the cost of laying the cement foundation, which is completed prior to build team arrival.

During the build, the family participates as much as they are able to. Anna Karen was so gracious a host and made us food to supplement the lunches we brought each day. We were able to share in their joy when they finally received their home!

The students were able to put the skills they had learned throughout the program year into action!

We had varying skill sets and levels of construction knowledge on the team. Everyone worked together to help, teach, and build!

This project showed the students that serving Jesus with your talents can look like hammering, painting, measuring and cutting (and doing that right the first time!), handing out water, and giving someone a hand. It can be as simple as something like recognizing someone else’s need and being willing to be the person that helps.

We hope to be able to give this year’s students the same experience and help another family receive stable housing!

The money raised includes modest furnishings and a $200 grocery run (which goes much farther in Mexico than in the US).

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Our God sees and knows and loves the Castro-Zarate family. By His doing, we were able to demonstrate that in a tangible way for them. And it was not just by our hands, but by the generosity of the ones who were able to help raise the funds to do it. When we think of this precious family, we also remember the ones who helped to make the gift of stable housing possible for them!

Please consider partnering with us to do it again in February 2026!

We would love to sit down with you to share more about how we saw the Lord move during last year’s trip. You can call us, or email us using equip@cmtsministries.com to set up a meeting!

Please consider partnering with us in prayer – for the family who will be receiving the house, for last year’s family, for the students and staff, and for wisdom as we plan!

Thank you for reading!

Nolan and Jenny Lapp