Lori Neighbor

Lori is a breath of fresh air! This Woman of Value was born and raised in Redding, California. She has two son's, one daughter and three grandchildren. Lori's mother was a gifted, anointed church organist who passed on her love of God and music to Lori.  Both of Lori's sons serve on the church worship team. Together they have ministered in Guadalajara and in several outdoor locations around Lakeside. She has produced a couple of wonderful CD's which continue to usher in the Holy Presence of God! Lori is a pastor's granddaughter, and Pastor Gary's adored wife. Lori and Gary dated in high school, got married and have ministered extensively in Mexico since 2004. While living in the USA, they ministered together in California, Colorado and Kansas for 16 years. Gary was asked to pastor Abundant Life church in San Antonio Tlayacapan in 2006. After personally participating in the monthly Sisterhood Bible studies for women who attend Abundant Life Church, I learned about the many outreaches Lori has been involved in throughout her life. This post is to encourage you to personally take time to get to know Lori.  Her children call her blessed, and so do I!  Locally, Abundant Life Church serves Chapala, Ajijic, Riberas del Pilar, Jocotopec, San Juan Cosalá, and surrounding communities. And through our emphasis on missions, we serve communities throughout Mexico and around the world. Abundant Life Church began in 2003 in the home of a local believer who believed that God wanted to meet and transform the English speaking community in the lakeside area.  Soon a local fish market was purchased and our current building was built through a joint venture with the Assemblies of God USA department of missions and the Assemblies of God México.  The church began Spanish language ministry in 2006 when our current pastor, Gary Neighbor, came.  Since then, the church has grown to include children´s, youth and adult ministries in both English and Spanish.  The church currently has 2 daughter churches in different municipalities giving supervision and ministry.  Abundant Life Church has a heart for the lost and is always included in the list of churches highlighted by the denomination for her giving to missions. The Neighbor family 2019.

The Children's Ministry has impacted the pueblo of San Antonio by feeding the local kids solid food. This year the theme for VBS was entitled "Aleluia Fest" Ninety one kids and their families were there for the graduation. "Every Praise is to our God" Lori and Gary have been serving in Mexico since 2004. Pastor Gary's life long desire was fulfilled as Abundant Life Church got recognized for the impact they have in the mission field. We are blessed to be in the Presence of the Lord as Lori and her talented sons, Matthew and Joshua, and Neto and the rest of the praise team use their God given talents each Sunday. Gary and Lori Neighbor welcome all church visitors to get to know them personally at monthly church family dinner's out.The weekly sermons will nourish your soul. Abundant Life Church, San Antonio Tlayacapan Mission Statement: Abundant Life Church exists to reach the lost, teach holy doctrine and present the culture of Jesus to a diverse community with the goal that the community desires to be part of a new culture and experience the transformation needed in order to be a full citizen of heaven, providing a secure place where people can attend and worship God while giving love and hope through Evangelism; Discipleship; Worship; Missions. CLICK for more info about:  Abundant Life Church  Sample a sermon July 23, 2023  "Our Dreams Serve the Lord" Willing to have Dream Modified?

Sacha Phariss

Sacha is an amazing young Woman of Value who was born on September 10, 1990 in Santa Cruz, California. Since childhood she confessed that she has always wanted to be a missionary. Sacha beamed “Our family never went on vacations, my dad would seize every opportunity to tell people about Jesus, so even when the family went to Hawaii, it was a mission trip.” When she was 4 years old her memories of Haiti was the extreme poverty. She was deeply disturbed as she watched people eating newspapers and while taking a shower, the cinder block walls would swarm with cockroaches.” Sacha’s desire to be a missionary was because of what God allowed her to see all before the age 12. She had been to Chili, Barbados, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Her perspective and goals in life were radically different from all of her home schooled peers. Sacha recalls returning home to a fridge full of food and a comfortable bed which was a stark contrast to the reality she experienced in the mission field. Her father and mother, Kenneth and Susanna met at Bible School in Santa Cruz. When Sacha was nearly 13, the family moved to Monterey, Mexico. Her only sibling Eric was away in school and while her mom and dad attended to legal matters in the city, Sacha spent hours at home alone, doing her homework, communing with God and sketching horses in pencil. Looking back Sacha appreciates that this time alone deepened her reliance on God. She had no friends and zero outdoor activities to

distract her. While interviewing Sacha she twinkled “I was never really a rebellious child, except for the fact that I never wanted to learn Spanish or move to Mexico. I did however want a horse, and by moving to Mexico it was more financially feasible.” To her great delight, her dad brought home an abused pregnant mare that Sacha named Twilight. After one year living in Monterey, the family moved to Ajijic which was near her mother’s relatives in Guadalajara. The family lived in a house without furniture. “We used boxes for tables, and our mattresses were on the floor." Over the next couple of years Sacha's family traveled to host seminars and evangelize all over Mexico. Sacha found herself fumbling to translate conversations in Spanish for those participating in the mission trip. Through her obedience to serve as she could, she admits that she was way out of her comfort zone. “God has blessed me in so many ways. Trust me when I say that I have not lived as a suffering missionary kid. God has blessed our family with a beautiful office/home in San Juan Cosala." When I inquired about her choice to become a professional Equine Artist, Sacha replied “Thinking that I needed to serve in some way, from the age of 22-25 I volunteered at a local thrift shop at Lakeside. During this time, my desire to paint horses professionally became an internalized spiritual struggle. How could my painting possibly glorify God?" Sacha continued to paint as she sought God for direction. Sacha concluded that it is the Holy Spirit that distributes all gifts, according to His will. The characteristic of a servant is in their ability to see a practical need with a great desire to meet that need with much joy. Sacha had studied the gifts of the Spirit and determined that there was little joy for her in serving as a volunteer. It became clear that she remain pure and true to how God wired her. It was confirmed in her spirit that only God can fulfill her and that His joy was made complete through her painting. At the age of 27 Sacha chose to gladly express her God given talent by praying over each painting. Her prayer is that God would draw others to Himself as He speaks to each recipient through the painting. Sacha currently has over 18,000 followers on Instagram. She tells of how people worry and complain in comments about people who

steal their ideas and use their artwork to sell coffee mugs etc. “There is no such thing as an original idea, all good gifts come from God above. With the blessing I pray over every painting, if that image gets duplicated, glory to God, the blessing is then multiplied to touch more people!" Consider the Apostle Paul and how he prayed over handkerchiefs that people spread around and many were healed! Sacha’s favorite scripture: “God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." Acts 13:22 Sacha shared that the highest compliment she has ever received from someone is; “you really have a heart after God”. This confirmed and validated her choice to paint horses for God’s glory! With unique style and various mediums, this equine artist places these muscular beauties in settings  she has personally visited. She produced a miniature series which combines the most stunning feature of the animal in real landscapes she has been.  Sacha sold home baked goods at the Monday Market in Ajijic to fund her trip to England. "I know God multiplied the funds because I just did not bake that much stuff." Sacha also traveled to Ireland, France, and Austria.  In order to produce her best work, Sacha humbly shared that she has endured one difficulty after another, but with the help and work of her family and friends, she was able to push through. Sacha believes that art trains people to focus on the details. She admits that she has grown to genuinely appreciate the sacrifices that her family has made in order to help make her dream a reality.

All art forms instruct the heart of the artist with patience, perseverance and respect for the Creator of all things beautiful. Her art studio is overflowing with masterpieces that broadcast her incredible talent. "Out of the Blue" has been completed and the original was recently sold and will be shipped to Kentucky. Prints of all her originals are available to purchase locally, or online. Her passion is felt in each art piece that hangs in homes around the globe. Early on, her dad's enthusiasm about serving God developed her passion to share God's love using art. "It is amazing to me that people who never noticed me before come to respect my words simply because the art I produce is highly recognized as good. It is my task to remain humble as I use this platform as an opportunity to witness how God blesses all who choose to serve Him.” She prays that God gives all those that look upon her art eyes to see, and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. “I have found that the best way to share God with others is to share my personal testimony of how He changed my heart.” In 2019 Sacha attended her first art show in Scottsdale, Arizona. She had prepared for six months with prayer, hard work and was convinced that God would bless what He encouraged her to do. “It was a total shipwreck, I lost money and for the first time in my life I was in debt. There were no visible blessings and I came home so discouraged. While unpacking I also discovered that my original of 'Hidden Wonders' was severely damaged. My feelings overruled the Spirit in me as I questioned how God could let this happen. During the following six months God changed my heart forever. His Presence washed over me as I heard my Father say ‘Trust Me’."   On the morning she decided to tackle repairing the damaged painting 'Hidden Wonders',

all scratches had miraculously disappeared.  God does work in mysterious ways! “acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." 1 Chron 28:9 Before this astonishing miracle, Sacha's faith had increased and her renewed zeal encouraged her to now pray more specifically as she paints. All things are possible for those who place their trust in God! “I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the LORD, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing. ” Psalm 34:1-9 - Sacha is a member of the Society of Arts, Ajijic, Mexico. She has given classes on acrylic pouring and is currently creating an instructional video series on her YouTube channel. One of her goals is to live up to the meaning of her name 'helper of mankind'. Sacha hosted her first Equine Art and Tea Party on December 14, 2019. It was attended by both art and horse aficionados. Local people marveled at her passion filled talent and she personally baked all the delightful pastries.  Her mother and father both were engaged in this wildly successful event!  Sacha's art has been sold at various charity events to benefit horse rescues in the USA. Click to view what is currently available Pharris Horse Art

Terry Crockett Esquivel

Terry was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala in 1958. She has three sisters and one brother all born in various locations throughout Latin America and the USA.  Their dad was a diplomat in the US Foreign Service and served specifically in Latin America. Terry is an experienced expat who cherishes all that she learned from her dad. She recalls that her dad would destress in nature and that the family would take off in a 4 wheel drive through the rain forest. "On one escapade, dad drove past these enormous trees and stopped at a narrow wooden bridge that crossed over a very deep ravine. Dad tested the bridge for safety by  jumping up and down on it, then we crossed!"  Terry and her sister have almost completed the publishing of their father's memoir. As a result of his different assignments, over the years, the family lived in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the USA. From age 6-8 Terry lived in Costa Rica, and also in Nicaragua for 10 years. "The family never discussed religion, but our mother and father taught us to always tell the truth, to be kind and other Biblical basics.  We did have a bible in the house."  During an RV trip across the Southwest when Terry was eleven years old she remembers being involved in the decision as to where the family would land after their dad retired. "I voted we move back to Nicaragua because it was lovely and I had horses. It was a peaceful country and safe at the time." When the family returned to Nicaragua her dad purchased and cultivated land for a cattle ranch."

A major turning point occurred when Terry was 14 years old. After a series of earthquakes that destroyed the city of Managua where the family was living, she recounts "We had 48 hours to pack up what we could to move to San Juan del Sur." From the age of 14-18 we lived in the remote town of Rivas.  Because of the devastation of the earth quake Terry missed one year of school. At the age of 17, during the 2 years that Terry attended high school in San Antonio, Texas her mom died of complications during her treatment for cancer. After many bad decisions and poor choices, at the age of 18 Terry had met and married a man that her dad did not approve of. It was very painful for Terry to be cut off from her dad. At the age of 20 she gave birth to her son Jonathan in Panama City, Panama. Times were rough and Terry was taught how to bake cakes and sell them for 25 cents each.  Terry was living off the grace of a God that she did not know...yet. The room in which she lived as an expectant mom was adjacent to a Christian Church. "There was not enough money to pay the rent and when the landlord came by to collect, out of her compassion she allowed me to stay.  It was comforting to hear people singing through our thin adjoining walls." Long story shortened, the first time Terry entered that church

and heard the Gospel "I felt a physical Presence.  I went forward and I was overtaken. The congregation surrounded me, laid hands on me and audibly prayed over me. My eyes were opened and I thought 'what am I doing here?' Terry ended up calling her uncle Jack who agreed to advance her the annual portion of a small inheritance. It was exactly the amount needed to purchase tickets to San Diego.  Jonathan was 7 months old when she landed back in the USA with $100 dollars and a suitcase. In 1980, her first job was scooping ice cream at Savon Drugs for minimum wage.  Her manager was Gene, the man she eventually ended up marrying. Once Terry decided to take charge of her life, her dad resumed his full support and helped his daughter make a budget to live on food stamps while honestly reporting every cent of help from dad. While living on food stamps, and working at Savon, her dad paid the tuition to attend a Trade School. Persistent in her quest to improve her living conditions, Terry eventually got her Master's degree.  In 1987 she married Gene. Forming a family together with their combined children, Jonathan and Duana, they have now enjoyed 31 years together.   In their first year of marriage they also bought their first home in Lemon Grove. Within a few years they both began attending the Christian Church of Lemon Grove. They both worked in corporate America with increasing responsibility and pressure that would eventually threaten their health and happiness.

In 2010 they decided to retire early.  It took 5 years to execute their plan. In 2014 they visited Ajijic and in 2015 they sold their house and gave away most of its contents. "I had underestimated the work effort and sheer determination required to move from 2500 sq ft into 1058 sq ft then eventually into the 340 sq ft of a motorhome. With great excitement we drove to Miami and along the way the RV life gave way to a costly reality of repairs etc. Homesick, they sold the RV and moved to Modesto, California. They planned their relocation to Mexico, and in January 2018 they drove across the border and settled in San Antonio Tlayacapan. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11  Over the years Terry and Gene have held bible studies in their homes and while at Lakeside they have contributed greatly in their community. Terry has taught a group of Expats to sing Spanish praise songs.  After a fabulous career, Terry retired well out of a managers position. We are blessed to have her as a "Temporary Resident" in Mexico. Among her many wonderful gifts, the one I admire the most is how she swiftly engages everyone she meets with a genuine love that flows through her from above.  What perseverance and faith it took to be such a victorious "overcomer".  This Woman of Value is a tremendous asset to wherever God may take her!