A Biblical pattern
 Moses and Joshua. Eli and Samuel. Elijah and Elisha. Paul and Timothy. The older teaching the younger, one generation to the next. We each were created to learn; we also were created to teach. From that natural curiosity evident in small children, to the deep hunger of every human to know their Creator, it is clear we were designed to grow in knowledge and then pass it on to others. Some things are "taught," while others are "caught."
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God's purpose in common activities
For many children growing up in the United States, 4-H was a valuable program for passing down skills and knowledge development. This agricultural-based summer program involved children in an assortment of activities, from showing sheep to sewing, rock collections, photography, food, art, and just about every farm animal imaginable. Projects were designed to be worked on throughout the year, and then ultimately presented and judged at the local county fair.
 Such a program did not exist in Mexico, but through the reminiscing of a few staff members of CVE, it became evident how useful a similar program might be for both the children at CVE and the community in Magdalena.
It would encourage relationship building between adults and children, and foster responsibility and a good work ethic, useful qualities sometimes lacking in children of dysfunctional and broken families. And so began "Expo Esperanza" which has been a part of CVE for the past three summers. Houseparents and children partner together in a biblical tradition of discipleship as they work on projects of farming, garden, cooking, sewing, music and art.
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Strength for life
 One houseparent testified of the beauty of working side by side with his boys as God used their projects to spark "teachable moments." It has also been a productive way to fill up those long summer days as the children discover the valuable connection between hard work and a just reward.
A quality job receives a higher rating on presentation day, and this experience impresses children with a standard of excellence that prepares them for adulthood. The Expo also provides an opportunity to emphasize commitment and perseverance to the children as they work through the difficult phase of bringing a project to completion.
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Being salt in the world
As the 4-H program at CVE has grown, it has also become an opportunity for outreach into the community as local ranchers have become livestock judges, town kids now participate, and other projects encourage children to seek out interactions among the elderly in Magdalena.
Through relationships, the truth of the Gospel has opportunity to penetrate, and Expo Esperanza can help jumpstart those meaningful connections. It is the vision of CVE to grow the program and facilitate more community involvement, both with children and adults.
 Would you consider coming in July or early August 2013 to come along side children finishing their projects? Are you interested in participating as a judge of projects? If so, email cvemexico@gmail.com and we will connect you with those who administer Expo Esperanza. Please join in praying for God's purpose to be accomplished and His glory proclaimed through opportunities like the growing 4-H program in Magdalena.
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Magdalena, Mexico Location
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 Work team volunteers are picked up in Tucson and returned back to Tucson as needed. All meals and lodging would be provided while at CVE.
Location:
Carretera Internacional km 178+500
Col. La Misión
Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, México
C. P. 84160
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This is not easy with a child coming from a broken home. Something as simple as an annual 4H Fair at CVE has generated good fruit in building trust with the children and the community of Magdalena.