Stone Island is a peninsula across the water from downtown Mazatlán but it seems an age behind. The land is all sand and it feels like a sleepy tropical island; but beneath the surface, poverty, illness and illiteracy have been rampant. Taking the boat over to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island) on a Thursday or Saturday can be a very rewarding experience, as you spend some time at the La Vina church there. The leaders of this church Irma and her husband. Every Thursday, approximately 30 kids arrive in the afternoon for Bible stories, music and games with Jorge, and an activity to go with the story. Outside the main door you will find women studying the Bible with their Bible Study teacher, Irma. A new class has been added as Jorge teaches young boys how to play the guitar. The boys love the class, Jorge, and the encouragement to change the direction of their lives. It is an exciting time as the church becomes a real community center. For a few of the women who cannot come to the church, Irma goes to their homes and teaches the Bible study on a one-on-one basis. Then on Saturday, there is a feeding, kids program and again a women’s Bible study. Many of the kids have been coming for years, and love the hugs they receive each time the church doors are open.
