Mindy Nichols

Mindy grew up in Texas. She is a preacher's kid who continues to enjoy every minute of being immersed in ministry. "My dad never made me go to church, it has always been my choice and my blessing to go!" She is a native Texan, born in Wichita Falls and she spent her high school days in Waco.  Her dad was a Professor in Theology and in the Air Force. His family was his ministry and as a military God squad they lived in Arizona, Kentucky and a few seasons in California.  Mindy attended Bethany Nazarene College near Oklahoma City for two years and then she studied at LSU to become a nurse. While in college Mindy went on a few short term mission trips. The one she recalled as the most profound was the three months she spent in the Dominican Republic, near the border of Haiti. Spells of witchcraft are cast and devil worship is common and widespread throughout the territory. "Kids would come to the bible school and report what babies were sacrificed the night before." We spent a lot of time in prayer to demolish evil strongholds. God warns us to fight the good fight on our knees. The same kind of unseen, but effective Spiritual warfare is needed DAILY, no matter where we live. Fast forward through a short union in marriage #1 to her blissful marriage #2.  Thirty two years ago Mindy met Bill when she worked as a nurse supervisor. Bill was the hospital chaplain and they both responded to CODE BLUE alarms. Mindy would pronounce them dead and Bill would pray and contact the families. They became friends and one day a person in the Coronary Care Unit said "Hey why don't you guys have a heart to heart date?" A year later they tied the knot and today Bill and Mindy celebrate 31 years together and they have chosen lakeside as their permanent paradise. Mindy's first marriage produced two wonderful kids. Mindy's daughter Brooke, her wild child is now 37 years old and her son Calvin, the miracle child is now 34.  Mindy says her daughter was a woman determined to take the world by the horns.  Brooke,  the intellect, can speak six languages and for many years worked on private yachts. After a time in jail and few other hard knocks, Brooke returned to Jesus and now works in Texas managing musical events. Her son Calvin moved to Chapala after the 2017 hurricane wiped out his home and Mgr. position in a large hotel on the island of St Thomas.

Haiti - prevalent demonic forces

Almost as an after thought, Mindy shared "Oh yeah, when Calvin was born I had a near death experience." Calvin is my miracle baby because an incident occured during childbirth that normally results in death for the delivering mother and the baby. I hovered above my body and saw all the details of the doctors life saving maneuvers to bring me back to life.  I then sped up to a higher bright light where I had no pain, no fear and total peace. "God has given me a few opportunities to "go home". During this incredible NDE a clear voice gave me the choice to go back down and raise my two kids or stay in heaven.  I do not remember hesitating I guess because I was only 29 and wanted to live more."  Mindy laughed and said "Either way it will always be a WIN, WIN for me."  Mindy reports that since her personal NDE she has an acute awareness of God and His Presence, you might say a higher perception, and most certainly a heavenly 'bigger picture' view of the world. In 1995 Mindy took a 72 hour church leadership class entitled "Walk to Emmaus".  At the age of 40, this twice married woman of value, and the mother of 4 children (2 from Bill) claims that this class was a major game changer for her.  In her words "Before the class, after completing a 24 hour shift as a helicopter nurse,  I would walk through the door of my home, pass my husband without a word and go check to see if any dishes needed to be washed. That 72 hour class taught me to acknowledge and engage the people in my life, and maybe passover the unfinished work for some quality time. People are more important than events or things." Those disciples who did not recognize Jesus, were they just too busy about their work, their studies, or too deep in grief to recognize their Friend?  From 2011-2013 we pastored a small church in Wimberley, Texas. Much like here at Lakeside, the average age was 73 and the people were pretty set in their beliefs about what is important. Social events would supercede a bible study every time.  From 1990-2006 we pastored a very different small church in Dripping Spring, Tx where the people were hungry for God's word. In 2006 we moved to Mazatlan to retire and we attended "The Blue Church". A Mexican congregational church.

The Mexican pastor asked Bill to preach for a month, well that month turned into six years!  We grew from 6 in attendance to over 400 combined between the English and Spanish congregants. Mindy led the worship while playing guitar and singing. "The best I can do on the ivory is clink clink clink" It was absolutely a blast. We held a "Brigada" outreach in which we set up a medical and dental clinic for the community. During the heat of the summer, church attendance went to zero so we travelled to Lakeside.  Initially we lived in Puerto Corona which is directly across from Chapala on the other side of the lake. In May of 2017 we chose to move to Chula Vista permanently.  A couple of more opportunities to join Jesus occured within four months of our arrival at Lakeside.  In May of 2017 after church and lunch we went home for a siesta and my arm went numb, my speech was garbled and I knew I was experiencing stroke symptoms. The small voice in my head said "go to the hospital or die". We went to Marascas Clinic and after a CT scan, the report indicated an emergency surgery was necessary as I had a 99% blockage of my carotid artery.  On the table I understood what the Mexican neurosurgeon was saying "Get her husband on the phone, I don't think she will make it".  They handed me the phone and I said "Hi, I'm in surgery and I'm ok."  My leg was blue, it was dead from no circulation. After surgery I was in ICU for 2 days and after the miracle of getting pulse back in my leg, I was released to go home. Six months later in March of 2018 the stint that was placed in my neck malfunctioned and I stroked out.  I could not speak or swallow. My thoughts during those next 12 hours of silence were filled with scripture.  The surgeon replaced my stint and when I woke up at 4 am, I was so blessed that I could talk!   I thought of Saul being struck blind for three days and I am so glad I was only struck dumb for 12 hours.  No doubt about it, Jesus lives and He still heals folks today!  I am indeed a walking and talking miracle!  God has me here at Lakeside for His purpose and I guess He wants me to be able to ask questions and speak! My favorite life scripture is "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8. Mindy's birthday on earth is Sept 4th and she has blessed many with a life well lived!  Mrs Miracle Mindy and her retired pastor hubby Bill moved back to Texas in June of 2019. They left a loving mark on us all at Lakeside.

Dana Hagstrom

Meet Dana, a dynamic woman born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1962. Currently Dana and her Preacher husband David are leading worship at a local church at Lakeside. Dana thrived during her childhood. "Back in Iowa, people knew their neighbors. I attended St Mark's Lutheran Church and Sunday school every Sunday. It’s what we did as a family.” Dana recalls that her youth was idyllic. "I had fantastic parents!" When Dana was 16 years old she met a guy named Erik. "My parents did not approve of Erik and I guess that may have attributed to my attraction to him. Erik came from a dysfunctional family, and in my innocence, I figured all he needed was my love." At 16, Dana and Erik enjoyed a brief summer romance and then they broke up. Dana shared "Growing up I knew all the bible stories, but when I was 17 years old, an older school chum named Jill introduced me to the Holy Spirit." Dana's first year of college was in 1980, studying music at Coe College. She reunited with Erik, without the blessing from her parents, and they were married in 1983. Dana didn’t finish her college music degree because her income was needed to support Erik as he finished his degree. Dana gave birth to her son Zachary in 1989, then in 1992, her daughter Sarah came along. "My marriage was a nightmare! Erik abused me physically and verbally. His persistent name calling crushed any identity that I had 'in Christ'. Alcohol and drugs changed my husband and he used Scripture to manipulate and control me." Dana was given the choice to obey her husband’s horrible demands or lose her friends to his disgusting perversions. During 15 years of marriage, because of Erik's job hopping, they lived in Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and then back to Iowa. Living once again in her home town, in 1990 Dana began working as a legal secretary for Tom Wertz. "At work I excelled, and I was appreciated. My job was my only safe place where I could shine!” Within a year of on the job training, Dana was promoted to her dream job and became a bonafide Paralegal. “In my codependency, I was a major people pleaser. When I got home from work, I walked on egg shells afraid of what mood Erik might be in. I was totally controlled by him." Dana confessed that she was a broken woman who had just

been co-existing for years with a man that she was afraid of. She was so fearful of what Erik would do to her or the kids if she ever left him. She felt trapped. She struggled with what God wanted for her and waited patiently for him to rescue her. "I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands." Psalm 119:176 With great trembling, in 1998, “I was compelled to keep myself and my kids safe and I filed for divorce." Dana immediately returned to her childhood church with her kids and re devoted her life to Jesus. On her knees, she cried out, “Use me, God. I will never forget the first time I saw David! He was the handsome Associate Pastor at St Mark's and he was playing the guitar!" Dana got to know David through some counseling sessions. She humbly remembers that David recognized the beauty of her soul, and he inspired her to sing in the praise band. "Allen Koepke was the amazing director of the worship team. Between David's reassurance and Allen's patience, I found my voice. Eventually David broke down and sought the Senor Pastor's permission to date me." Pastor Gary gave them his blessing and in July 1999 Dana married David Hagstrom. "We are a God blessed happy family. With David’s two kids, Mikhal and James, we have such a beautiful blended family. It’s like we’ve always been together. After 19 years of marriage, we are still GAGA over each other.” In 2003 they moved to River Falls, Wisconsin where David became the Senior Pastor at Ezekiel Lutheran and Dana was the leader of the Praise Team. You may be wondering what Scripture that Dana depended on through it all? "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NIV While visiting Saddleback Church in California for some continuing education, a Celebrate Recovery Leadership pack was brought home. David had done a 12-step program in a previous congregation and had heard good things about Celebrate

Recovery. Today, the Celebrate Recovery group that was initially born at Ezekiel Lutheran is still going strong at Abundant Life in River Falls, Wisconsin. In 2008 The Hagstrom's moved back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. David had been “re-called” to serve as the Executive Pastor at St Mark's Lutheran and Dana served as the Director of the Children's Ministry for a 4-year term. Another scripture that kept Dana bouncing back "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5. From 2012-2016 Dana and David lived in Parkersburg, Iowa and served at Bethel Lutheran Church. "Both David and I were city folks, now living within a small population of only 1,500 wonderful people. I wore all the hats at this small congregation. I was the worship leader who also sang in the choir. I also volunteered with children and youth ministry." After a budget reality check, David suggested that they explore their options for retirement in Mexico. God was leading us in a new direction. "We both were drawn to the Hispanic culture. David made a spreadsheet and researched many locations for cost of living, medical care and climate, etc. We flew to Chapala in January 2016 and fell in love with the area! By Easter 2016, we announced our retirement plan to our congregation and on September 29, 2016, we packed up our four dogs, and drove our Prius across the border!" Very soon they will be celebrating their two year Mexico transplant and this amazing couple have already contributed greatly at Lakeside!  With tremendous joy and energy they now minister in the Praise Team at 'The Lord's Church" in San Antonio, Tlayacapan. They are far from being retired! They now are connecting with people globally online and running their own highly visible marketing business. Both are excited for the journey God has before them. Bienvenidos! Dios los bendiga a ambos!

Elizabeth Bellon

Elizabeth is Rabbi Manuel's daughter, and she is married to Claude, who is in school to become a Messianic Rabbi. Elizabeth was born into a Catholic family in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mx. After her mother Celia encountered Jesus through a Christian missionary group, her mother was baptized, received the Holy Spirit and was miraculously healed from an illness. Secretly, for ten years Celia took Elizabeth and her sister and brother to a Christian church in Guadalajara. Elizabeth accepted Jesus and got baptized at the age of 5.  During her youth, her father was a source of pain at home because of his excessive drinking. As a result of 10 years of fervent prayer by her mother, Elizabeth's father eventually surrendered his life to Jesus,  got baptized and immediately replaced his thirst for alcohol with a hunger for the Word of God. Elizabeth was a witness to the hand and power of God in her dad's immediate transformation. Her dad, Rabbi Manuel Hernandez was called by God to minister to the Jewish people of Mexico.

He finished seminary, got a Master's in theology and as a Rabbi established the 'Yeshua Ben David' Synagogue in Guadalajara. In 2018 the Synagogue celebrated it's 31st anniversary. Our Father in heaven hears our prayers and He responds in ways that we could not even imagine. In 1986 at the age of 19 Elizabeth entered La Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara to become a doctor. "I was swept up into the world as a very innocent girl. I came from a traditional Mexican family who all attended church." During her internship in Ensenada, Elizabeth met and married a man who was also enrolled in school to become a doctor.  My husband said he believed in God, but his life choices did not match his words. Elizabeth graduated Medical School and received her license to practice medicine in 1992.  When she was only 23 years old, in 1993 Elizabeth gave birth to a son which she proudly named Isai.

Her son was named after Jesse the Father of King David. Isai grew up comparing his mother's walk with Jesus and his dad's walk through a world of drugs and alcohol.  As there were no Christian schools in Guad at that time, her son attended Catholic schools. His teachers were confounded by all of Isai's questions! "Why do you put food out for dead people on the Day of the Dead? They are dead!  Why do you pray to statues when you can pray to a living God?" It was such a blessing that Elizabeth's childhood friend Fernanda was a Christian. Fernanda attended grammar school, high school and medical school with Elizabeth and Fernanda was there to comfort and give wise counsel when it was desperately needed. In the words of Elizabeth "As I was pursuing my way, not His, I would not listen to God during the turbulence of my marriage. After years of being stubborn and self-sufficient, I finally  broke down and cried out to God 'You freed Your people from slavery in Egypt, why must I remain enslaved to this man I married?  My mother prayed for my papa for 10 years and I saw how You transformed him!  Now I have been praying for 20 years and my husband remains the same!  Why? Lord how can I alone protect my son? I want a family for my son. Please Lord, I want to meet You in Your holiness and I ask that You mold me as my Creator shapes the clay"   Fernanda saw that her friend was struggling with what to do about her marriage and asked Elizabeth "Do you think that you can care for your son better than God?  Why don't you trust God with Isai?" These questions stirred the heart of Elizabeth and she knelt down to beg for God's mercy. She asked for God to forgive her for not truly trusting Him with all her heart. Elizabeth then entrusted her one and only son to her Savior, to the God of all power and greatness. She had waited until her son was 18 years of age to talk to her son about her desire to get a divorce. After an emotional, compelling encounter with God, Elizabeth told

her son that she could not remain married to his dad. Isai said "But Mama, I cannot leave my dad, he will die. You have God, my grandparents, and uncles, but my dad only has me."  With her heart breaking Elizabeth called Uber and went to go live with her dad and brother. "I had left Egypt and went to the promised land.  Even though I was suffering a clinical depression, I trusted that God knew my heart. I believe that my heavenly Father always keeps His promises."  Elizabeth lived with her parents and brother for a year and then one day her family decided that it was time for Elizabeth to open up her own Medical practice in Chapala.  Her brother paid her rent, food and he also leased the office space where Elizabeth now practices natural medicine."One day God brought a man to my herbal store. Claude Bellon, a man of the Catholic faith, a man who God had chosen for me.  My parents were hesitant to give us their blessing because Claude was older, a Catholic, a diabetic. Claude came to the Abundant Life Church and my pastor baptized him. We trusted God and within 6 months we got married."  It is the tradition and culture of Mexico to first have a civic ceremony, then a church ceremony.  A judge in Jocotopec came to the house of her brother and performed the civil service on March 15, 2014. Elizabeth's best friend Fernanda, her spouse, and Elizabeth's brother, her uncles and Claude's family were there to witness. At about 7:30 pm all the guests left accept Fernanda. After midnight, the phone rang and it was Isai's dad.

He told Elizabeth that their 20 year old son had been in a car accident on his way to Manzanillo.  Elizabeth was not alone, God had given her a loving husband Claude. Within hours Fernanda, her spouse and Mr and Mrs Bellon drove to Colima to visit Isai. On March 21, 2014, just six days later, Isai went home to be with Jesus for eternity.  Elizabeth recounts the story, not as a tragedy, but as the mercy and grace of God.  Three months later on June 14, 2014 Claude and Elizabeth were surrounded by family and friends as they exchanged vows at the Abundant Life Church in San Antonio.  Elizabeth's brother gave her away on her wedding day.  Eventually, after a time, her parents fully and proudly embraced their son-in-law. Today Rabbi Manuel is Claude's mentor and all of God's people in the family of Elizabeth are rejoicing in what the Lord has done! "Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In You our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were saved; in You they trusted and were not put to shame." Psalm 22:3 ------- CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE.

Dawn Armstrong

Dawn is a precious Japanese flower that was transplanted from Hawaii to Mexico! Her dazzling soul touches many! She is also known for those hurricane force hugs that squeeze the joy right out of you!  She is another Preacher's wife at Lakeside. Dawn was born in Honolulu in 1959.  She has one older brother who lives in Utah, and a younger sister that lives in Hawaii. With a wide smile Dawn shared "God blessed me with awesome parents!  Growing up in Hawaii was more magical than the popular show 'Leave it to Beaver!'  My mother came from Okinawa at the age of 4 to Hawaii. I am so proud of my mom, she studied hard and worked as a nurse for many years. My grandparents on mom's side were exposed to Christianity by a neighbor who took the family to a Salvation Army church. It was astonishing for me to learn that my grandparents deviated from the common Buddhist practices of their culture to a faith in Jesus."  Dawn accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was just 15. "The Truth showed me that my thoughts were not His. Right after I got saved I foolishly dreamed 'I am a Christian now and life will be so easy!' Life took a few hard turns before I obtained my degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hawaii." For 20 years Dawn blessed many children with her teaching and example of God's mercy and love!  After college Dawn chose to get married.  In 1989 she gave birth to her daughter Kelli , then in 1992 her son Todd was born. Soon after her son was born, Dawn chose to re-dedicate her life to Christ. After seven years of marriage, Dawn and her first husband divorced. For the next four years, this single mom continued to work as the Director of a church Preschool. God had His plans for Dawn and while still living in Hawaii, Dawn met Ken, her current husband.

"Ken was the CEO of Habitat for Humanity and his office space was provided by the church I was working in. In December of 1998 I took my kids around the offices to sing Christmas carols.  I knocked on Ken's office door and when he opened it... I thought 'who was this man?'.  My kids and I sang a few songs and that very night is when our romance began." Ken and Dawn got married in April 2000.  While the family took their time to adjust, in 2001 this newlywed couple moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. Blending her kids with Ken's daughter was difficult as Amanda lived in California. "I had lost my passion for teaching kids and agreed to look after our pastor's mother-in-law.  Well I loved it! For the next 14 years, while living in Oregon, I was fulfilled by a career in Elder Care. Ken became the Associate Pastor in two Oregon congregations and we also conducted a "home church".  In 2005 Ken and Dawn were led to open a coffee house which they named the 'Wildfire Christian Fellowship'. God provided all that was needed, but He was not done with His greater plans for this obedient couple. In 2009 Dawn's dad lost his battle with cancer, but before he went home to Jesus, it was his wish that the family reconcile their differences. "My dad's personal relationship and trust in Jesus gave him peace. John 14: 1-4 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am." In March of 2016 Ken interviewed to fill a pulpit position in Oregon.  Ken put the word out that he was available for a few months before his new position began. A dear friend from Mexico suggested that Ken fly to Lakeside and preach for 5 weeks.  Ken accepted the invite and flew to Guadalajara by himself.

On the phone with Dawn in Oregon, Ken shared that he felt the call to move and serve in Mexico. "Ken and I had colorful phone discussions and I was absolutely opposed at first! Then against my will, God gave me His peace over the move.  I flew to Mexico for Ken's 5th week of preaching at Little Chapel.  We visited a few small fishing villages and I fell in love with the people and the culture! I found myself saying 'Let's do this!' Ken and Dawn packed 6 giant tubs and their wonder dog Duke into their car and on October 1, 2016 they drove to Mexico.' We make our plans, and the Lord changes them!  What we thought we would be doing has changed many times since we moved to Lakeside." On Mother's Day 2018 Pastor Ken and his beautiful bride Dawn established a nondenominational Christian congregation, "The Lord's Church" which is located in San Antonio, across the street from Panino's.  Dawn has held tightly to the Truth of Jeremiah 29:11. Ever positive, she encourages everyone to "Trust in God, and in His plans.  He never changes, but His plans for us may take us in surprising directions. Our Father shows us a few steps ahead, never all the bumps, twists and turns.  That is where our 'FAITH' comes in.  Today I can honestly say that I have no regrets. My life has been filled with delightful surprises! Two grandchildren and a wonderful, faithful husband who encourages me to be all that God has designed me to be!" Living in Mexico is a new exciting chapter for Ken and Dawn, and while they still maintain a strong connection to their Oregon church "family", they praise God for their new family at Lakeside. The above cutie picture is of Dawn's grand kiddos taken in Sept 2018. A happy Pickles is holding her new baby brother Kolten. "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wing. Psalm 17:8" For certain, with good reason, Dawn is the apple of Ken's eye!  Lord thank You for giving us Dawn to cherish, we see Your reflection of love in her eyes! Dawn and her husband Ken moved back to the USA in May of 2019. We pray for Ken Armstrong as he was called to run for the President of the USA on the Libertarian ticket.