Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Mission Journal 2
Wednesday
Lord, the burden you have given me is greater than the Mexican people. I know you want me to feel this way about all people. Paul said he daily had burden for the churches. I'm slowly understanding this - please increase that burden for the people of Eldo, a burden for true transformation - a burden for bringing Jesus to the people and the people to Jesus!
Today we went to Rio Bravo. Again there were 3 services. The colonias that we went to were Los Angeles and San Francisco.
One of the things that struck me was the pastors there - Pastor Jorge and Pastor Daniel. Jorge especially struck me as a truly humble individual. Spending time with them, talking with them (through the translators) made me realize that my work is not as hard in some ways. Thank you again Lord, for all the blessings you give.
Our first service was moved from a soccer field to the school grounds where there was more shade. After it was over we went to where we thought the second service was to be held, but it was the place for the third service. Pastor Jorge told of an area that he was just starting to reach into and we drove there, and invited people to come. Many did and lives were touched with the love of Jesus. We didn't know what would happen that day, but God did!
We then went back to the location for the third service. To make more room under a big shade tree an older Mexican gentleman was clearing out the grass and weeds. Brandon started to help him, then I took a turn. The older man had to make sure I was doing it the best and easiest way, so I got a lesson in using a hoe!
The third service was wonderful. Travis invited anyone who wanted prayer to step up and we prayed with several individuals. God really touched many hearts and lives!
One amusing thing that happened to me was that Celso, one of the translators, was shaking hands with some of the teenagers from the area - I wanted to learn the handshake which involves bumping knuckles at the end. The first time I tried it, a bigger teen hit my knuckles a little harder. It didn't really hurt, but he was grinning, just being silly, so I decided to try again! This time another teen showed me his other hand with a really big ring. I laughed and indicated that I didn't think I would try that! We all laughed and left in a good mood!
God, you are so good! Even when the way is not clear to us - it is to you, because you have prepared it. Thank you!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Mission Journal
Over the next few days I hope to write some of what happened in Mexico. These are thoughts taken from my journal and I sincerely hope you will derive some benefit from them!
Monday, May 28, 2007
A long trip today, lots of driving - but blessed. We drove from Bokchito, Oklahoma where we stayed with my good friend, Steve Summers, all the way to Harlingen, Texas. Way of the Cross Ministries is based here.
After dinner during our devotional time, one thought kept coming to me - "It is more blessed to give than to receive." My prayer is: "Lord, help me to give all of myself to this mission trip - don't leave it for another day!"
Tuesday, May 29th
MEXICO! I actually left the country for the first time. The world is a bigger place for me now.
We stopped at 3 places to sing, testify and preach. The first was a school with several hundred kids. They all sat with their grades and listened. Travis preached after testimonies by Brandon and Tessie. I made a big goof when it came to handing out the big goody bags given by the mission. I thought the group leader (Rusty) had said to begin handing them out, but he just wanted us in place. As we began to hand them out, the kids began to mob us - but order was restored :)
The second place was a public park in a colonia named control. It was just a small square of ground in the middle of town with swings and a teeter-totter. We went down the streets inviting people to "servicio". When we started there were just a few, but then the crowd grew. People came and went, but still there was a good crowd. I preached this time.
The final service was in a village, where again we walked and invited people. We would stand outside the courtyards hollering, "Buenos, tardes!" The people would respond and we would enter their courtyard to tell them of services.
Soccer balls and basketballs were given away to all the schools.
Monday, May 28, 2007
A long trip today, lots of driving - but blessed. We drove from Bokchito, Oklahoma where we stayed with my good friend, Steve Summers, all the way to Harlingen, Texas. Way of the Cross Ministries is based here.
After dinner during our devotional time, one thought kept coming to me - "It is more blessed to give than to receive." My prayer is: "Lord, help me to give all of myself to this mission trip - don't leave it for another day!"
Tuesday, May 29th
MEXICO! I actually left the country for the first time. The world is a bigger place for me now.
We stopped at 3 places to sing, testify and preach. The first was a school with several hundred kids. They all sat with their grades and listened. Travis preached after testimonies by Brandon and Tessie. I made a big goof when it came to handing out the big goody bags given by the mission. I thought the group leader (Rusty) had said to begin handing them out, but he just wanted us in place. As we began to hand them out, the kids began to mob us - but order was restored :)
The second place was a public park in a colonia named control. It was just a small square of ground in the middle of town with swings and a teeter-totter. We went down the streets inviting people to "servicio". When we started there were just a few, but then the crowd grew. People came and went, but still there was a good crowd. I preached this time.
The final service was in a village, where again we walked and invited people. We would stand outside the courtyards hollering, "Buenos, tardes!" The people would respond and we would enter their courtyard to tell them of services.
Soccer balls and basketballs were given away to all the schools.
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