March Updates for Rick Alonzo Ministries

This last month was incredibly busy but so, so fun. We've had the blessing and privilege of working with so many people that desire to make a lasting change and impact in ministry and in the different schools we've worked with.

Our first event of the month was at the Refinery West McKinley campus for their volunteer dinner. This was a time to honor and give thanks for all the many volunteers that gave their time, resources, and energy to serve the Church and to serve others. The theme of the night was superheroes - hence the paintings of Spiderman, Captain America, and Superman. Our message was about Jesus being our true superhero.

We had a school assembly at Sundale Union Elementary for their after school program. Thank you Brian Griffin for inviting us; it was great seeing you and getting to meet your awesome staff and students. Our message was about specific character traits using superheroes (it's a popular theme if you couldn't tell). Superman represents integrity, Spiderman is responsibility, Captain America represents respect, and Iron Man symbolizes excellence. We had so much fun with the kids and we're looking forward to working with them again next week.

The following week, we had a group painting class with 120 students at Indianola Elementary School. We were teaching the kids how to paint a springtime meadow scene. They had a blast and so did we. Painting with students brings so much joy and amusement since I get to hear all the different things they have to say while helping them with their paintings.

During spring break, we did a spring break camp in Armona where we got to be there Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm, invest in the students, create relationships and art with them, and have great conversations. We taught them how to sketch, how to shade, how to determine their light source, vanishing points, etc. On the last day, we performed a last-minute performance for them. It was so cool because they were so excited to not only have us as their teachers but to see the other part of our job.

Lastly, we had the blessing to work with Northwest Church again for Easter weekend. We had three performances (one on Saturday evening, two Sunday morning). Dad painted Thomas seeing Jesus for the first time after his resurrection. I painted Jesus hugging Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. The sermon was called "Jesus is Better than You Think". Pastor Will gave a great message on how much Jesus loves us and made him very real and personable to every person that attended. So many raised their hands to accept Christ into their lives. It was such a blessing for us to be a small part of it.

God is doing awesome things and I'm excited to share more of what we'll be doing this year. Thank you to all who have been praying and continue to pray for us.

Dad is still healing but God is good in taking care of him even when we're impatient. Please be praying for both of my parents as they've had some more health issues come up. We desire full and complete healing that only God can provide.

Thank you all. As always, we appreciate all your encouragement, support, and love.

In Him,

The Alonzo Family

The Escobedo Family