VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Greetings from Refuge Ranch here in Central Mexico….my home and the center of Fishers of Men Ministries!

I never imagined that I would one day sit down to write a blog/letter/post such as this, but the Lord knew and is in our midst;  never-changing, always redeeming, never leaving and always loving.

We are only a few days away from the one year anniversary of my husband, Victor Zaragoza’s, agreeing to go to the United States at the request of a group of five godly men in order to spend, at that point, an undetermined amount of time in the United States for counseling and restoration for habitual sins that were affecting our marriage, family and ministry and had not found healing through less extreme means.

After six months of therapy and discipleship, Victor returned to Mexico this past April, yet not to our family nor to the ministry, as time was needed to give him the opportunity to live out in tangible ways what we hoped had been accomplished in his heart and mind during his stay in the U.S.

Sadly, now, six months later, a lack of fruit of repentance, sufficiently changed attitudes and transformed behaviors has revealed Victor’s continuing choice to not submit to the Lord’s leadership in his life. 

Therefore, I have made the decision to get a divorce, with the understanding of my Pastors and family that this is a necessary step, and with the permission granted by God’s Word, thereby ending our 18-year marriage, much of which was marked by abusive behaviors that placed both myself, our children and the ministry in spiritual, emotional and physical danger.

Those who know me, know that such a decision was only reached after gut-wrenching prayer, fasting, consideration, godly counsel from my pastors, leaders and family, and after years of marriage counseling, waiting, and forgiving time and again while hoping for a transformation.

I would ask for your fervent prayers for myself, my children and grandchildren as we seek the Lord’s comfort, healing and restoration.  And, of course, continue to pray for Victor.

I am fully committed to continue to carry out the Lord’s good will and work through Fishers of Men Ministries, both the Evangelistic Medical Mission Crusades and Refuge Ranch.  I felt the Lord’s call on my life at age 13 and specifically to Mexico at the age of 16, much before meeting Victor and becoming husband and wife.  Therefore, my call and commitment to the Lord and, specifically, to His work in Mexico through Fishers of Men remains steady, firm and lifelong.  The Lord has provided an incredible staff at Refuge Ranch, excellent leadership for the crusades, a Board of Directors and passionate volunteers, as well as each of you, to continue to grow and minister His love and hope to Mexico!

In order to clarify, a daughter organization grew out of Fishers of Men several years ago here in Mexico.  A body of believers began Fishers of Men Pacific (Pescadores de Hombres Pacifico) following the pattern of our Evangelistic Medical Mission Crusades.  While we share a common love for Christ and for spreading the Gospel, as well as a very similar style of ministry and nearly identical logos, we are independent organizations and do not share leadership nor finances.  Victor has recently been involved with their organization, so I find it necessary to explain that any communication from him or photos that appear to be related to Fishers of Men MEXICO is not so.  He is no longer associated with Fishers of Men Ministries, commonly known here as Fishers of Men Mexico. 

Thank you for your continued prayers for the ministry and, especially, for your continued and generous financial support during this difficult and tumultuous time.  Such support allows me to concentrate on loving my children through these days, as well as leading the ministry and its volunteers.

Following Christ in a sinful world where He lovingly allows each of us to decide whether we want to live in accordance with His will and way or not, does not always pan out the way we had expected.  My heart is grieving, the tears are many and frequent, the hurt is oh so real, but I choose to trust daily that the reality of Christ’s love and Word is even more real! 

May you find, in the midst of your own challenges and turmoil, the same hope, security and love that I have found through God’s Word expressed through the prophet Isaiah when he wrote:

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
… Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you.” Isaiah 43:1-4

Lastly, I would request that any contact with my children be limited to expressions of support and care and that any questions regarding what I have shared here be directed to me.  Thank you!

In Christ,

Julie