These last two weeks after the retreat have been kind of slow in comparison. The church is moving and doing amazing things and it is a very exiting to time to be involved in the work here. We are looking to start planting two new churches next year and as the church of León Sur is taking leadership of itself and becoming more independent this frees us to work on more outreach into different areas.
Our Spanish classes are within mere days of being completed and with the holidays rapidly approaching and the advent of having more time I am looking into finding new ministries to be able to reach out to the amazing people here. One of these I am looking at is English classes using the bible. This has always been something I have been exited for and I am exited to get started with it.
One ministry that we are trying as a group is designated disciples. I have three young men that I am trying to reach out to and build a relationship like Paul had with Timothy and several different men have had with me. The names of these three guys are: Carlos, Álan, and Christian. Please pray for these guys. They have busy lives and Satan is just as active in their lives as he is in mine and yours. My goal is to journey towards a closer relationship with God with them.
I ask that you pray for me with the upcoming holidays coming up. I am very exited to experience a Christmas in Mexico but it is always hard to be away from family (physical and church) during the holidays. I ask for your prayers in my ministries that I can reach out effectively to our brethren here in Mexico. God has blessed me so much through you and I thank each and every person for the prayers that you offer for me and the work here in Mexico.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Retreat in Ixtapa
This last week we had the Mexico Missionary Retreat in Ixtapa. It is amazing how refreshing it can be to hear lessons and singing in your own language. I got to meet missionaries from all over Mexico and be encouraged in my ministries. There were 30 missionaries, missionary kids and AIMers total. To see the glory of God in his creation was something that I had been missing. That is one thing that I have found very hard about living in the city. I don't get much time to just sit and admire the beauty of God's creation.
The church that meets here in León is moving forward. We announced elders this last Sunday. This is an incredibly exiting for the time for the church. This is the ultimate goal of missionaries and even though I have only been here for the very last part of the process it is exiting to see the church I am working with growing. Please keep praying for the church here in León.
I would like to thank everyone for all of the prayers and love that I have received. Working on the field is hard at times but it makes it much easier knowing that I have a God who is able to do all things and a home congregation that is praying for me. I love you all in His love.
The church that meets here in León is moving forward. We announced elders this last Sunday. This is an incredibly exiting for the time for the church. This is the ultimate goal of missionaries and even though I have only been here for the very last part of the process it is exiting to see the church I am working with growing. Please keep praying for the church here in León.
I would like to thank everyone for all of the prayers and love that I have received. Working on the field is hard at times but it makes it much easier knowing that I have a God who is able to do all things and a home congregation that is praying for me. I love you all in His love.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
God is alive
My life has been changing a lot recently. The first way is that we have moved onto the next part of our Spanish class which is researching about a person that effected the Latin world in Spanish then writing a paper about that person also in Spanish. This has been pushing and stretching my Spanish skills. I am getting to where I am able to communicate and talk with my brothers and sister here in Mexico in their language and the praise goes to our heavenly Father.
When I was told I was going to a field where I would have to learn a language I didn't realize what that really meant and how much frustration there is in not being able to communicate with someone. At first it really got me down and I definitely had some very hard days being frustrated that people didn't understand me and I felt very helpless. Now I have gotten to a place in which I am able to get into peoples lives to work with the people.
As a team we are preparing for a presentation to the new AIM class for a team next year. I am not traveling to Lubbock to help give the presentation but we have been filming for the last couple of weeks.
One thing that is new is we have started doing classes with our coordinator. The first part of our time here was very hectic as we had people leaving, moving, and all kinds of other things happening. Now that we have been able to settle down a little bit we have started a class every Friday where we get to do the sit down side of being his apprentices.
I ask for your continued prayers for my work and this amazing journey that God has put me on. I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and I thank our God for your participation in it with me.
When I was told I was going to a field where I would have to learn a language I didn't realize what that really meant and how much frustration there is in not being able to communicate with someone. At first it really got me down and I definitely had some very hard days being frustrated that people didn't understand me and I felt very helpless. Now I have gotten to a place in which I am able to get into peoples lives to work with the people.
As a team we are preparing for a presentation to the new AIM class for a team next year. I am not traveling to Lubbock to help give the presentation but we have been filming for the last couple of weeks.
One thing that is new is we have started doing classes with our coordinator. The first part of our time here was very hectic as we had people leaving, moving, and all kinds of other things happening. Now that we have been able to settle down a little bit we have started a class every Friday where we get to do the sit down side of being his apprentices.
I ask for your continued prayers for my work and this amazing journey that God has put me on. I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity and I thank our God for your participation in it with me.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
My work this week
This last week has been a weird one. I was sick for two days so that kept me from doing a lot and really put me out of the loop. It is very hard to be sick on the field where a person feels guilty for every second that is wasted and even more so for an entire two days.
On the positive side I got to go to the Children's Home on Saturday for the first time in a couple of weeks. We try and go every week on Saturday but for the last 3 or so Saturdays either the Children's Home had been doing something or we had been doing something that prevented us from going. The kids were so exited to see us and immediately latched on, this isn't word play they literally did. I got to play the game where two kids grab unto my legs and i walk along with them hanging on. This seems to be one of their favorite games. Actually just tackling me in general is one of their favorite games. These kids put WWE wrestlers to shame when it comes to jumping off of high places onto people.
The really cool part of this story is that today the kids were able to come to church and although they were late they got to go to class. It is very exiting to think about the seeds that are being planted that God will be able to work with.
Our team is going through a bit of a rough time right now so prayers for us would be greatly appreciated. The devil will use any tool that he can to drive wedges between us and God, and us and our fellow Christians.
On the positive side I got to go to the Children's Home on Saturday for the first time in a couple of weeks. We try and go every week on Saturday but for the last 3 or so Saturdays either the Children's Home had been doing something or we had been doing something that prevented us from going. The kids were so exited to see us and immediately latched on, this isn't word play they literally did. I got to play the game where two kids grab unto my legs and i walk along with them hanging on. This seems to be one of their favorite games. Actually just tackling me in general is one of their favorite games. These kids put WWE wrestlers to shame when it comes to jumping off of high places onto people.
The really cool part of this story is that today the kids were able to come to church and although they were late they got to go to class. It is very exiting to think about the seeds that are being planted that God will be able to work with.
Our team is going through a bit of a rough time right now so prayers for us would be greatly appreciated. The devil will use any tool that he can to drive wedges between us and God, and us and our fellow Christians.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Update!
This last month has been a busy one (I know! I am very sorry it has been a month)I have been hitting Spanish class pretty hard and in between visiting families, being sick, and trying to figure out how to get all my homework done in one day I have been pretty busy.
The biggest story right now is that we are preparing for the Youth Conference in October. The missionary who was in charge of the youth has returned back to the states and so the youth are stepping up and taking charge of this themselves. It is amazing to see the things that God can do with situations that may seem sad at first.
A couple of weeks ago we returned to Cañada to do a series of bible lessons with the Children there. The group that I was working with was learning about the importance of non-violence and conflict resolution. One story that really sticks in my mind is about a little very, very poor girl. All of the children there were very poor but most were clean and had decent clothes. This little girl was very dirty and had a dirt stained orange shirt, shorts, and a pair of very old shoes on. She wasn't part of the group of children in the class but was hanging around anyways. I invited her to come in but one of the girls from Cañada told her no so she wouldn't come in. Then one of the guys who came with us invited her in again and told her to sit down. The look on that little girls face as she watch the puppets was one of those things I wish I had a camera for. She was enthralled and it just goes to show you that you never know when and where Jesus will be able to reach out and touch a life!
One thing that I have started to go to is a small group about an hour, by bus, away. It is in a very poor part of town but the people who participate love God deeply and with my improving Spanish I have been able to communicate better with them! I thank God for opportunities!
Mexico is celebrating it's bicentennial this year and I ask for your prayer as the nation and people of Mexico move into the next day, week, month, year, or decade of their lives that they will be open to the Gospel and as many souls as possible will be saved.
The biggest story right now is that we are preparing for the Youth Conference in October. The missionary who was in charge of the youth has returned back to the states and so the youth are stepping up and taking charge of this themselves. It is amazing to see the things that God can do with situations that may seem sad at first.
A couple of weeks ago we returned to Cañada to do a series of bible lessons with the Children there. The group that I was working with was learning about the importance of non-violence and conflict resolution. One story that really sticks in my mind is about a little very, very poor girl. All of the children there were very poor but most were clean and had decent clothes. This little girl was very dirty and had a dirt stained orange shirt, shorts, and a pair of very old shoes on. She wasn't part of the group of children in the class but was hanging around anyways. I invited her to come in but one of the girls from Cañada told her no so she wouldn't come in. Then one of the guys who came with us invited her in again and told her to sit down. The look on that little girls face as she watch the puppets was one of those things I wish I had a camera for. She was enthralled and it just goes to show you that you never know when and where Jesus will be able to reach out and touch a life!
One thing that I have started to go to is a small group about an hour, by bus, away. It is in a very poor part of town but the people who participate love God deeply and with my improving Spanish I have been able to communicate better with them! I thank God for opportunities!
Mexico is celebrating it's bicentennial this year and I ask for your prayer as the nation and people of Mexico move into the next day, week, month, year, or decade of their lives that they will be open to the Gospel and as many souls as possible will be saved.
Pictures from Chetumal
Us AIMers with some of the people who worked with us in Rancho Avalancha and Juan (in the red in the center) and Anita (in the yellow on the left) that let us stay with them.
The youth from Chetumal with Ramiro.
Stuck in traffic for 4 hours.
A few of the kids at the VBS.
Brother Abner from Chiapas.
Some more kids of the VBS.
Marquasitas one of the best foods ever!
Angel and Josué the sons of Juan and Anita the family that we stayed with.
The church building in Chetumal.
Me and Floracita a girl from the youth in Chetumal.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My week in Chetumal (pictures to follow)
So this last week has been amazing. Five of my teammates and I traveled down to southern Mexico to a city called Chetumal in the state of Quintana Roo to work in a VBS. The entire experience was amazing and has helped renew me in my work here in Mexico.
We left from Leon on a Friday at 12:30 on a bus headed for Mexico city. We arrived at 5 but our next bus didn’t leave until 8:30 so we had 3 hours to kill in the biggest city in the world. I had never been to Mexico City before and was blown away by the size of it. Ironically though even though it was a huge city I was to big for everything. We met up with the sister who were going to be traveling with us to Chetumal we settled into our seats for a 21 hour bus ride. For the most part the ride was completely uneventful except for the 5 hours we got stuck in traffic.
We arrived into Chetumal at 11:00 PM on Saturday night and quickly found our ways to our hotels which amazingly had air conditioners because it was hot and humid. The next morning it was time for church. It was very interesting to worship with the small church and get to meet some of the brothers. One interesting thing about the church in Chetumal is that if you are in the church you are referred to as hermano/hermana (brother/sister).
Next stop was to get to work. We started setting up for the VBS getting everything decorate and all ready for the children that would show up in the morning. It was hot sweaty work and when we were done 6 hours later we were very relieved to walk into our cool rooms.
The next 5 days the schedule was wake up at 6 AM get ready be at the location by 6:50 to prepare for the kids and have a devotional before the niños arrived at 8. Then it was three hours of insanity. I was a helper so that meant I did a bit of everything. The kids were awesome and it was so uplifting to see them getting so exited about the songs and the activities. I have to say though as tired, hot, and sweaty as we were the leader of the VBS Carla worked twice as hard and did twice as much. We were all very impressed and refreshed by her love and devotion to the kids.
After we finished up we were free to go and check out the city and have some fun. I have to say the area is absolutely beautiful! God surely blesses His creations with amazing things and being able to see that area was one of them.
About half way through the week one of the brothers from the church Juan offered for the guys to come stay in his house. It was an amazing time to spend with a brother and even though my Spanish is the good yet I was able to basically communicate with him and his family (an awesome wife and two lively little boys) and I hope that we managed to encourage him as much as he encouraged us. A fun fact about southern Mexico culture is that every house has hammocks. It was so awesome they build hooks right into the concrete walls and just hang them up during the day.
When we left on Sunday night it was hard. We had poured ourselves out into that place so much in just a week. I pray that the 70 or so kids that came will have the seeds that were planted in their lives watered and they will produce fruit. I am so grateful to god for the opportunity he has given me.
We left from Leon on a Friday at 12:30 on a bus headed for Mexico city. We arrived at 5 but our next bus didn’t leave until 8:30 so we had 3 hours to kill in the biggest city in the world. I had never been to Mexico City before and was blown away by the size of it. Ironically though even though it was a huge city I was to big for everything. We met up with the sister who were going to be traveling with us to Chetumal we settled into our seats for a 21 hour bus ride. For the most part the ride was completely uneventful except for the 5 hours we got stuck in traffic.
We arrived into Chetumal at 11:00 PM on Saturday night and quickly found our ways to our hotels which amazingly had air conditioners because it was hot and humid. The next morning it was time for church. It was very interesting to worship with the small church and get to meet some of the brothers. One interesting thing about the church in Chetumal is that if you are in the church you are referred to as hermano/hermana (brother/sister).
Next stop was to get to work. We started setting up for the VBS getting everything decorate and all ready for the children that would show up in the morning. It was hot sweaty work and when we were done 6 hours later we were very relieved to walk into our cool rooms.
The next 5 days the schedule was wake up at 6 AM get ready be at the location by 6:50 to prepare for the kids and have a devotional before the niños arrived at 8. Then it was three hours of insanity. I was a helper so that meant I did a bit of everything. The kids were awesome and it was so uplifting to see them getting so exited about the songs and the activities. I have to say though as tired, hot, and sweaty as we were the leader of the VBS Carla worked twice as hard and did twice as much. We were all very impressed and refreshed by her love and devotion to the kids.
After we finished up we were free to go and check out the city and have some fun. I have to say the area is absolutely beautiful! God surely blesses His creations with amazing things and being able to see that area was one of them.
About half way through the week one of the brothers from the church Juan offered for the guys to come stay in his house. It was an amazing time to spend with a brother and even though my Spanish is the good yet I was able to basically communicate with him and his family (an awesome wife and two lively little boys) and I hope that we managed to encourage him as much as he encouraged us. A fun fact about southern Mexico culture is that every house has hammocks. It was so awesome they build hooks right into the concrete walls and just hang them up during the day.
When we left on Sunday night it was hard. We had poured ourselves out into that place so much in just a week. I pray that the 70 or so kids that came will have the seeds that were planted in their lives watered and they will produce fruit. I am so grateful to god for the opportunity he has given me.
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