Day One
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Although our trip began months ago with prayer and preparation, our physical journey began with a verse from Romans 15. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." From the moment each of us was called to join this team, God has been our source of hope and peace. We trusted in Him to get us here safely, and He was faithful; our travels went smoothly.
We spent our day getting to know one another, being unified as one body in preparation for whatever God has in store this week. Our day together was filled with fellowship, laughter, personal stories, and some very delicious burritos (thanks Edna!). Our check in at the airport was somewhat chaotic, yet amusing. Twenty people and more than twice as many bags can do that. By God´s grace, everything worked out, and we arrived in Guadalajara, luggage and all. We could clearly see that hand of the Lord working throughout the day.
We arrived to our destination after midnight, and Pastor Alfonso and his family welcomed us with warm hearts into their home. We are blessed to be staying with such a generous family, whom seek to serve the Lord and bring glory to Him. Although the day was long, our spirits remained high, and we are eager to start God´s work here.
Blessings,
Noelle
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." Psalm 37:3
We spent our day getting to know one another, being unified as one body in preparation for whatever God has in store this week. Our day together was filled with fellowship, laughter, personal stories, and some very delicious burritos (thanks Edna!). Our check in at the airport was somewhat chaotic, yet amusing. Twenty people and more than twice as many bags can do that. By God´s grace, everything worked out, and we arrived in Guadalajara, luggage and all. We could clearly see that hand of the Lord working throughout the day.
We arrived to our destination after midnight, and Pastor Alfonso and his family welcomed us with warm hearts into their home. We are blessed to be staying with such a generous family, whom seek to serve the Lord and bring glory to Him. Although the day was long, our spirits remained high, and we are eager to start God´s work here.
Blessings,
Noelle
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." Psalm 37:3
Day Two
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Steve D. here logging some notes on Thursday morning about yesterday, our first full day here. Yesterday (Wednesday) was such a blessing. God has put together a wonderful team of brothers and sisters from The Garden Fellowship. God continues to amaze me with the work that he is doing with TGF and how He is bringing us together to be used for His Glory.
After arriving late Tuesday night the team turned in about 1 a.m. and we woke up early Wednesday morning and began working. It was great to see Dennis, Kevin, and Luis installing ceiling fans in the classrooms. Edna, Elyse, and Tiffanne worked hard cooking and preparing meals much of the day, for the team and for the soup kitchen. Rob lead a devotional with the folks who volunteer at the soup kitchen everyday. Kevin and Dennis worked hard installing and setting up new (used) computers with new monitors and stands that had been donated to the church. The folks here at Brazos de Amistad kept bringing more equipment down for Dennis and Kevin to set up and it was really cool to see them become our tech pros here. They set up a new router, computers, and set up a network printer. Now the office here is set up really nice with two decent computers, WiFi, a good printer (which still needs ink), all with a nice ceiling fan to cool down the folks working in the office....not that there is much office work being done here.
The team was impressed by just how much work there is to do here and at the strength and endurance of the volunteers who are working hard down here everyday. Turns out that it's a ton of work feeding 80-100 kids here at the soup kitchen everyday. There was a good group of kids here yesterday for lunch. I was blessed by their smiles and seeing our team interact with the children. Some of the children that come to the soup kitchen attend the church, some are from the community and some live on the streets and it's a great place for these kids from all different types of families to come together, become friends, and receive the Gospel.
The Wednesday night service was great. Noelle did an amazing job organizing the the team to teach all the children and give the regular teachers a break. So many people came to tell me what a incredible job she did. It looks like TGF has a great back-up director when Lesa needs a vacation.
I had the privilege of sharing testimony at the service. I remember that my father-in-law, Pastor Alfonso, asked me to share something two years ago and I told him then, "I don't have anything to share." I really didn't then. I was there to shoot the video for Brazos de Amistad and I did that but my heart was hard. God has softened my heart so much in the last year and a half since we've been at TGF. Last night I was able to share in front of the church and I shared in Spanish for the first time. God gave me peace and I was able to share how God has changed my heart in the last two years.
The folks here from Calvary Chapel Guadalajara and the folks from Brazos de Amistad have told me many times last night what a blessing the team is and what amazing heart that the team has. Indeed, this team of brothers and sisters has been such a blessing to me in the last 5 months or so of preparations. God has done a might work in them and is continuing to do so.
I am so thankful for all of your prayers. Pray that we continue to focus on God and be open to His call and all that He has for us.
"Oh Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise." Psalm 51:15
After arriving late Tuesday night the team turned in about 1 a.m. and we woke up early Wednesday morning and began working. It was great to see Dennis, Kevin, and Luis installing ceiling fans in the classrooms. Edna, Elyse, and Tiffanne worked hard cooking and preparing meals much of the day, for the team and for the soup kitchen. Rob lead a devotional with the folks who volunteer at the soup kitchen everyday. Kevin and Dennis worked hard installing and setting up new (used) computers with new monitors and stands that had been donated to the church. The folks here at Brazos de Amistad kept bringing more equipment down for Dennis and Kevin to set up and it was really cool to see them become our tech pros here. They set up a new router, computers, and set up a network printer. Now the office here is set up really nice with two decent computers, WiFi, a good printer (which still needs ink), all with a nice ceiling fan to cool down the folks working in the office....not that there is much office work being done here.
The team was impressed by just how much work there is to do here and at the strength and endurance of the volunteers who are working hard down here everyday. Turns out that it's a ton of work feeding 80-100 kids here at the soup kitchen everyday. There was a good group of kids here yesterday for lunch. I was blessed by their smiles and seeing our team interact with the children. Some of the children that come to the soup kitchen attend the church, some are from the community and some live on the streets and it's a great place for these kids from all different types of families to come together, become friends, and receive the Gospel.
The Wednesday night service was great. Noelle did an amazing job organizing the the team to teach all the children and give the regular teachers a break. So many people came to tell me what a incredible job she did. It looks like TGF has a great back-up director when Lesa needs a vacation.
I had the privilege of sharing testimony at the service. I remember that my father-in-law, Pastor Alfonso, asked me to share something two years ago and I told him then, "I don't have anything to share." I really didn't then. I was there to shoot the video for Brazos de Amistad and I did that but my heart was hard. God has softened my heart so much in the last year and a half since we've been at TGF. Last night I was able to share in front of the church and I shared in Spanish for the first time. God gave me peace and I was able to share how God has changed my heart in the last two years.
The folks here from Calvary Chapel Guadalajara and the folks from Brazos de Amistad have told me many times last night what a blessing the team is and what amazing heart that the team has. Indeed, this team of brothers and sisters has been such a blessing to me in the last 5 months or so of preparations. God has done a might work in them and is continuing to do so.
I am so thankful for all of your prayers. Pray that we continue to focus on God and be open to His call and all that He has for us.
"Oh Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise." Psalm 51:15
Day Three
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Thursday was another wonderful day at Brazos de Amistad. Spirits are high and the weather is beautiful. God is good! We experienced our first Guadalajara thunderstorm today. In 30 minutes, it seemed to rain more than it has all year in the desert. The kids enjoyed playing in the rain as the thunder echoed overhead.
We started off our day with breakfast and a devotional from Lucio. God used him to anoint our ears and speak to our hearts. It was the perfect start to a spiritually blessed day. Luis and James worked alongside some of the men here building a boys' bathroom for the comedor. Their work has not been easy, but they continue to serve the Lord knowing what a tremendous blessing this will be for the church. Erica, Christie, and Elyse helped prepare the meals for the comedor children, as well as our own meals (best food you will ever eat!). Edna, Ilene, Tiffanne, Brianna, and helped make the decorations for tomorrow night's graduation for the 37 children who just completed a twelve week discipleship course. While making the decorations, Pastor Alfonso's daughter-in-law, Chivis, revealed to us how God called her and her husband here from Tijuana to help their family run the comedor. She said that had almost nothing when they came, but God provided them with everything they needed, including a place to live and furniture. Her testimony is another example of the love God has for His children and the provision we receive from Him. He is faithful in all that He does. (Psalm 36:5)
Rob, Dennis, Kevin, Lucio, Tiffanne, Celeste, and Jairo accompanied Steve and Eugenio (from Calvary Chapel Guadalajara) across the street to "la isla." Many of the children that come to the soup kitchen are from there. The conditions these children live in is beyond heartbreaking. Many of their homes are made from whatever the families can find: tires, trash bags, broken toys, mattress springs, tarps, etc. They have dirt floors, and some children sleep on trash bags filled with old rags and clothes. Martha, one of Pastor Alfonso's daughters, told us that there is a great sense of spiritual darkness in la isla. Many of the parents, and even some of the children, are in bondage to drug abuse and sexual sin. In all this, however, there is hope. Our team members were invited into the home of a woman whose teenage daughters attend CCG. She recently underwent surgery to have one of her kidneys removed. Prior to the operation, she was terrified. By God's guiding hand, Eugenio visited her frequently to pray with her and bring her God's word. While in her home, our team members were also blessed with the chance to pray with this woman. It is for reasons like this that God called Pastor Alfonso and his family to start Brazos de Amistad. The men and women who work here give all they have to serving the Lord; dozens of children and several adults have received Christ through the work God is doing here.
That evening, Erica and her cousin Christie, poured out their love to Ana's mother and sisters by treating them to dinner at a very nice restaurant. The women were all extremely touched by their generosity, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Anna said that they never get opportunities like this, and they were very grateful. While they were out, the rest of the team hung out with the kids from the neighborhood. We watched a movie, ate popcorn and ice-cream, and played tag and football in the streets. Very few things are as precious as being given the chance to love on these children.
We ended our night together in prayer and worship. Several of team members shared how much our hearts have been touched in our short time here. We look forward to the rest of our time in Guadalajara. It seems to be going by too quickly.
Blessings,
Noelle
"And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." 1 Cor 12:6
We started off our day with breakfast and a devotional from Lucio. God used him to anoint our ears and speak to our hearts. It was the perfect start to a spiritually blessed day. Luis and James worked alongside some of the men here building a boys' bathroom for the comedor. Their work has not been easy, but they continue to serve the Lord knowing what a tremendous blessing this will be for the church. Erica, Christie, and Elyse helped prepare the meals for the comedor children, as well as our own meals (best food you will ever eat!). Edna, Ilene, Tiffanne, Brianna, and helped make the decorations for tomorrow night's graduation for the 37 children who just completed a twelve week discipleship course. While making the decorations, Pastor Alfonso's daughter-in-law, Chivis, revealed to us how God called her and her husband here from Tijuana to help their family run the comedor. She said that had almost nothing when they came, but God provided them with everything they needed, including a place to live and furniture. Her testimony is another example of the love God has for His children and the provision we receive from Him. He is faithful in all that He does. (Psalm 36:5)
Rob, Dennis, Kevin, Lucio, Tiffanne, Celeste, and Jairo accompanied Steve and Eugenio (from Calvary Chapel Guadalajara) across the street to "la isla." Many of the children that come to the soup kitchen are from there. The conditions these children live in is beyond heartbreaking. Many of their homes are made from whatever the families can find: tires, trash bags, broken toys, mattress springs, tarps, etc. They have dirt floors, and some children sleep on trash bags filled with old rags and clothes. Martha, one of Pastor Alfonso's daughters, told us that there is a great sense of spiritual darkness in la isla. Many of the parents, and even some of the children, are in bondage to drug abuse and sexual sin. In all this, however, there is hope. Our team members were invited into the home of a woman whose teenage daughters attend CCG. She recently underwent surgery to have one of her kidneys removed. Prior to the operation, she was terrified. By God's guiding hand, Eugenio visited her frequently to pray with her and bring her God's word. While in her home, our team members were also blessed with the chance to pray with this woman. It is for reasons like this that God called Pastor Alfonso and his family to start Brazos de Amistad. The men and women who work here give all they have to serving the Lord; dozens of children and several adults have received Christ through the work God is doing here.
That evening, Erica and her cousin Christie, poured out their love to Ana's mother and sisters by treating them to dinner at a very nice restaurant. The women were all extremely touched by their generosity, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Anna said that they never get opportunities like this, and they were very grateful. While they were out, the rest of the team hung out with the kids from the neighborhood. We watched a movie, ate popcorn and ice-cream, and played tag and football in the streets. Very few things are as precious as being given the chance to love on these children.
We ended our night together in prayer and worship. Several of team members shared how much our hearts have been touched in our short time here. We look forward to the rest of our time in Guadalajara. It seems to be going by too quickly.
Blessings,
Noelle
"And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." 1 Cor 12:6
Day 4
Friday, July 19, 2013
Blessings everyone! Today we're going to tell our day's events in reverse (just because we can). The local church has proven itself in so many ways to have it's heart wrapped up in building God's kingdom and the children in the pic above is just another expression of their undying passion! These joyful children and teens are shown celebrating their graduation from a 12 week discipleship program they had recently completed. Each of the kids thankfully received a shoebox full of gifts from Samaritan's Purse before committing to the course where they met weekly, learning God's word and memorizing scripture. It was a special moment for many of these young people because some of them don't even have the ability to attend school because their parents force them to beg on the streets for them instead of earning an education. Huge smiles were on display not only from the kids, but from the parents as well. The church uses these ceremonies to reach the parents of these graduates who, for many, church is largely a forgotten institution. It's a great connecting opportunity for these families as they cheer on their children and share a feast of "Tinga", tostadas and tres leches cake! As an added bonus, the woman who owns and rents out the building they held their event, although not a Christian, is moved by what the church is doing for the kids and gives them the building for free! You just never know how God will bless you when you remain faithful!
Back up the day a few hours...
Back up the day a few hours...
It was another blessed and fun-filled lunch with the needy children at Brazos De Amistad! Serving these precious kids always produces such a range of emotions. On the one hand, it's soo much fun playing "futbal Americano" on the street as the cooks finish preparing the meal while simultaneously tons of kids are jumping on our backs begging for a ride (while the spirit of fear is ever present, thinking, "Please Lord, don't let me contract lice from this child I'm so lovingly allowing to ride piggyback!") You can just tell they are so in need of positive attention that the Holy Spirit's power takes over and you cry out in faith, "LICE, I REBUKE YOU!!" Then you just hope for the best and keep playing! Words just cannot express the depth of desperation these kids hide behind their smile, hoping that we can spend just a little more time with them. And just about when that emotional moment of exasperation hits (leading to frustration and annoyance) Jesus speaks to our hearts and reminds us, "I will sustain you my beloved. Now get back out there and stop being a baby! These kids need more love!"
Something like that anyway...
Something like that anyway...
As a special treat today, the soup kitchen director, Eugenio, took our mission team and a van full of neighborhood children about twenty minutes away where the houses stopped and God's creation began. It was a dramatic scene as the land dropped away into a deep gorge full of green trees, pathways and rain runoff that filled a large river at the bottom winding it's way through the canyon. It was a nice reprieve from the crowded streets of the city. It was as special for the children invited as it was for us foreigners. For most of us back home, it's not very difficult for us to find the ability to "escape" to a beautiful place like the beach or the mountains to enjoy some recreational time with friends and family. For these kids, it's a different story. If it wasn't for men like Eugenio, these kids would never experience the wonder and grandeur that only God can achieve. Trips like these can inspire these discouraged youth to dream of a life beyond the depraved surroundings of their community. Thank you Jesus for a beautiful hike!
-Rob
Day 5
Saturday, July 20, 2013
All week we've been on the front lines of ministry with CCG and loving it! It's pretty incredible watching this comedor team faithfully prepare meals ALL FROM SCRATCH 5 days a week! We all know the church isn't working with much money to start with, so it makes you wonder, "Where do they get all this food?" This morning, we were invited to find out where it all comes from. Oh, and by the way, since you gringos are here, you can help us carry it!
We woke up before dawn in a downpour (well, downpour if you're from the desert and drizzle if you live here). About 5 of our team and 5 of theirs hopped in a 15 passenger van with the seats removed and headed for the main market in Guadalajara. Parked near the market, we waited in the van for a while. When we realized they were graciously waiting so their American friends didn't get too wet, we assured them Jesus don't make no sissies! For the next hour or two, we walked from stall to stall asking for donations for the children. They've been doing this for a few years so they know who usually will help them with various fruits and veggies and who won't. They told us, when they first began, there were many people who were rude to them. Some would only give them their rotten and smashed fruit which they courteously accepted only to throw away later. But over time, people opened their hearts and storehouses to them so that, now, they usually come back with a van full of healthy produce to feed the local children. It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun wheeling all that food down the potholed streets in the rain, knowing that, for another week, God has met their needs. When I think about how this is something they've been doing faithfully every Saturday morning for four years, it is humbling and we are blessed to learn from these godly people at CCG!
The rest of the day was pretty wide open for whatever The Lord needed us to do. A group of us traveled to downtown Guadalajara to pick up some medical supplies, and donations from an orphanage. There, the group was greeted by 14 orphan children of all ages. The group witnessed a strong need to give the children, love, and attention. Kevin and Dennis spent some time outside playing soccer with some of the kids. The experience was very moving and fun for them.
After dinner, Jackson, Jairo, Rob, Steve, and James played football with some of the kids around the community. It began to rain, but it didn't stop them from playing. The street kids seem to never want to stop playing. No matter what time of day it is. They can go on and on. Amazing.
Meanwhile, in the church, Jenna gave an Aerobics Workout Session. It was an outreach to the woman of the community. It's goal was to introduce a healthy lifestyle into their lives, and also, and most importantly share Jesus with them. One of the sisters that attended, later admitted that she was very stressed out before the workout. But after the workout, she felt much relief. Praise God.
Our day ended with our nightly devotional. In Kevin's words, this devotional "was the part of the trip". That is because we all shared a particular moment from the trip that moved us. Such experiences as spending time with the children, the witnessing of the strength and drive of the workers of the comedor. Plus the positive impact that it is doing for the children that came on this trip. Many tears were shed. But under those tears were smiles of praise. Smiles of thankfulness. Smile of hope. The smiles you get when you've experienced The Lord's miracles. It was an awesome feeling. The Lord has completely blessed this missions team. All praise and glory to The God Almighty.
We woke up before dawn in a downpour (well, downpour if you're from the desert and drizzle if you live here). About 5 of our team and 5 of theirs hopped in a 15 passenger van with the seats removed and headed for the main market in Guadalajara. Parked near the market, we waited in the van for a while. When we realized they were graciously waiting so their American friends didn't get too wet, we assured them Jesus don't make no sissies! For the next hour or two, we walked from stall to stall asking for donations for the children. They've been doing this for a few years so they know who usually will help them with various fruits and veggies and who won't. They told us, when they first began, there were many people who were rude to them. Some would only give them their rotten and smashed fruit which they courteously accepted only to throw away later. But over time, people opened their hearts and storehouses to them so that, now, they usually come back with a van full of healthy produce to feed the local children. It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun wheeling all that food down the potholed streets in the rain, knowing that, for another week, God has met their needs. When I think about how this is something they've been doing faithfully every Saturday morning for four years, it is humbling and we are blessed to learn from these godly people at CCG!
The rest of the day was pretty wide open for whatever The Lord needed us to do. A group of us traveled to downtown Guadalajara to pick up some medical supplies, and donations from an orphanage. There, the group was greeted by 14 orphan children of all ages. The group witnessed a strong need to give the children, love, and attention. Kevin and Dennis spent some time outside playing soccer with some of the kids. The experience was very moving and fun for them.
After dinner, Jackson, Jairo, Rob, Steve, and James played football with some of the kids around the community. It began to rain, but it didn't stop them from playing. The street kids seem to never want to stop playing. No matter what time of day it is. They can go on and on. Amazing.
Meanwhile, in the church, Jenna gave an Aerobics Workout Session. It was an outreach to the woman of the community. It's goal was to introduce a healthy lifestyle into their lives, and also, and most importantly share Jesus with them. One of the sisters that attended, later admitted that she was very stressed out before the workout. But after the workout, she felt much relief. Praise God.
Our day ended with our nightly devotional. In Kevin's words, this devotional "was the part of the trip". That is because we all shared a particular moment from the trip that moved us. Such experiences as spending time with the children, the witnessing of the strength and drive of the workers of the comedor. Plus the positive impact that it is doing for the children that came on this trip. Many tears were shed. But under those tears were smiles of praise. Smiles of thankfulness. Smile of hope. The smiles you get when you've experienced The Lord's miracles. It was an awesome feeling. The Lord has completely blessed this missions team. All praise and glory to The God Almighty.
Day 6
Sunday, July 21, 2013
The end of our mission to Guadalajara is drawing near. There are no words to describe what we have experienced here. It has been a joyous journey. We have worked, cried, and praised God for His blessings and promises.
Calvary Chapel Guadalajara has one church service, which starts at 11. Several members of our team got up early to help clean the sanctuary and classrooms. As always, Mama Adela (Pastor Alfonso's wife) and a few of her daughters got up before sunrise to start breakfast. Martha, Ana, Jaxson, and a few members of the congregation led worship, and Pastor Rob delivered the sermon, with Lucio translating. He spoke about how many people understand God's power, but they don't always understand His passion Twelve members of our team taught the Sunday school classes, giving the regular teachers a chance to attend service. It was a glorious day in God's house.
After the service, we packed into the van and truck and spent the next few hours as touristas in Tonala, where vendors are packed into tiny isles selling their local products. We ate lunch (which was definitely not as good as Mama Adela's food) and returned home to celebrate Gali's (Martha's daughter) thirteenth birthday. Erica bought a giant pinata, and the children took turns demolishing it until the candy rained down upon them. Fun was had by all.
Later that evening, Ana and I took the youth out to see a movie, which actually turned into a night of nieve y pappas fritas. We invited one of the local girls, Estephanie, who comes to the comedor everyday, even on the weekends, when the comedor isn't open. This was a very big deal for her because she rarely is given the chance to go anywhere, let alone be invited to the movies. Estephanie is thirteen years old, and one of many children. Her family abuses her. She is covered in lice and wears the same clothes over and over again, like many of the other kids in the neighborhood. She comes to Brazos de Amistad, not necessarily for food, but for love and attention. Eugenio said she spends a lot of time with the family here at CCG. She doesn't usually return home until late in the night when everyone goes to bed. Because of God's provision, Eugenio, Mama Adela, and the others here are able to provide a sanctuary for Estephanie and other kids like her. Several of the men and women at Brazos de Amistad, including Eugenio and his wife Vero, don't receive any pay. They live off of what God gives them in order to provide for the kids here. Their selflessness is a picture of Christ's love. We have been blessed to spend this past week with such loving brothers and sisters.
Blessings,
Noelle
"But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in Him?" 1 John 3:17
Calvary Chapel Guadalajara has one church service, which starts at 11. Several members of our team got up early to help clean the sanctuary and classrooms. As always, Mama Adela (Pastor Alfonso's wife) and a few of her daughters got up before sunrise to start breakfast. Martha, Ana, Jaxson, and a few members of the congregation led worship, and Pastor Rob delivered the sermon, with Lucio translating. He spoke about how many people understand God's power, but they don't always understand His passion Twelve members of our team taught the Sunday school classes, giving the regular teachers a chance to attend service. It was a glorious day in God's house.
After the service, we packed into the van and truck and spent the next few hours as touristas in Tonala, where vendors are packed into tiny isles selling their local products. We ate lunch (which was definitely not as good as Mama Adela's food) and returned home to celebrate Gali's (Martha's daughter) thirteenth birthday. Erica bought a giant pinata, and the children took turns demolishing it until the candy rained down upon them. Fun was had by all.
Later that evening, Ana and I took the youth out to see a movie, which actually turned into a night of nieve y pappas fritas. We invited one of the local girls, Estephanie, who comes to the comedor everyday, even on the weekends, when the comedor isn't open. This was a very big deal for her because she rarely is given the chance to go anywhere, let alone be invited to the movies. Estephanie is thirteen years old, and one of many children. Her family abuses her. She is covered in lice and wears the same clothes over and over again, like many of the other kids in the neighborhood. She comes to Brazos de Amistad, not necessarily for food, but for love and attention. Eugenio said she spends a lot of time with the family here at CCG. She doesn't usually return home until late in the night when everyone goes to bed. Because of God's provision, Eugenio, Mama Adela, and the others here are able to provide a sanctuary for Estephanie and other kids like her. Several of the men and women at Brazos de Amistad, including Eugenio and his wife Vero, don't receive any pay. They live off of what God gives them in order to provide for the kids here. Their selflessness is a picture of Christ's love. We have been blessed to spend this past week with such loving brothers and sisters.
Blessings,
Noelle
"But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in Him?" 1 John 3:17
Day 7
Monday, July 22, 2013
It's seven o'clock in Guadalajara right now, and, wow, the rain is coming down! About 45 minutes ago, our team and Pastor Alfonso's family were sitting down to dinner in the comedor, and a little drizzle turned into a downpour when the thunder sounded. Most of us ran into the classroom where there is a roof, while those who were cooking sheltered themselves under the fiberglass roofing shingles of the kitchen area. The dinning area of the comedor has a few tarps overhead which help keep out the sun, but they don't keep out the rain. Screams from the children and laughter about the situation filled the air as we ran for cover. The laughter soon turned to concern as the classrooms and bathrooms started flooding. The drains were too small to handle the amount of water, so Pablo, Pastor Alfonso's son, used a sledge hammer to increase the drain size. Thankfully, the water receded, and other than a few wet floors, everything was fine.
Brazos de Amistad recently wrote a grant to build a roof and industrial kitchen for the comedor. Their hope is to be able to feed 200 kids daily. If approved, the Canadian Embassy will give money to pay for building materials.* This in itself will be a tremendous blessing. Unfortunately, the money cannot be used to pay for labor, and they will need to hire two professionals and two foreman to oversee and help with the construction, as well as pay for city permits. Because of the grant's restrictions, everything has to be done within six months. Although the cost is significant, God is good, and we know He is faithful and will provide for His servants here. We continue to pray for the grant, additional financial support, and missionaries to come help with the construction. As members of the same body, please join us in our prayers.
Blessings,
Noelle
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
*The Canadian Embassy did not approve their grant, but we know God will provide, thanks to your loving donations. Thank you.
Brazos de Amistad recently wrote a grant to build a roof and industrial kitchen for the comedor. Their hope is to be able to feed 200 kids daily. If approved, the Canadian Embassy will give money to pay for building materials.* This in itself will be a tremendous blessing. Unfortunately, the money cannot be used to pay for labor, and they will need to hire two professionals and two foreman to oversee and help with the construction, as well as pay for city permits. Because of the grant's restrictions, everything has to be done within six months. Although the cost is significant, God is good, and we know He is faithful and will provide for His servants here. We continue to pray for the grant, additional financial support, and missionaries to come help with the construction. As members of the same body, please join us in our prayers.
Blessings,
Noelle
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
*The Canadian Embassy did not approve their grant, but we know God will provide, thanks to your loving donations. Thank you.
Final Thoughts...
During our last devotional meeting and the Wednesday night service back in Bermuda Dunes, members of our team shared what this mission trip meant to them. Although we left Guadalajara, as Lucio said, what we experienced there is stamped onto our hearts forever. God called each one of us there for a purpose. He blessed us; He transformed us; He opened our eyes to the love as well as needs of Calvary Chapel Guadalajara and Brazos de Amistad in order for us to share them with you.
Pastor Alfonso shared a verse with us Tuesday morning before we left. "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all" (Philippians 2:17). He said that the sacrifice and willingness of Paul has greatly impacted his life. His family gives all that they have to the children in their community and they do it with love and joyful hearts. Their ministry doesn't stop with feeding the kids, though. They reach out to gang members in the community, they comfort mothers in times of need, they drive kids to and from soccer practice, they plan movie nights and summer camps, they share the love of Christ with those God brings into their lives. The list goes on and on. Even though they have little, they give much. Everyday they step out in faith and every day God provides. Their selflessness and sacrifice is an image of who Christ is and who He called us all to be. We went there to serve Pastor Alfonso's family, but as Pastor Rob mentioned, they served us just the same. It is a blessing and an honor to call these men and women our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you for all of your prayers before and during our trip to Guadalajara. Know that God is faithful and prayers were answered. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters there, and if you feel led to do so, please pray how God can use you in The Garden's ministry of Calvary Chapel Guadalajara and Brazos de Amistad.
Blessings,
Noelle
Pastor Alfonso shared a verse with us Tuesday morning before we left. "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all" (Philippians 2:17). He said that the sacrifice and willingness of Paul has greatly impacted his life. His family gives all that they have to the children in their community and they do it with love and joyful hearts. Their ministry doesn't stop with feeding the kids, though. They reach out to gang members in the community, they comfort mothers in times of need, they drive kids to and from soccer practice, they plan movie nights and summer camps, they share the love of Christ with those God brings into their lives. The list goes on and on. Even though they have little, they give much. Everyday they step out in faith and every day God provides. Their selflessness and sacrifice is an image of who Christ is and who He called us all to be. We went there to serve Pastor Alfonso's family, but as Pastor Rob mentioned, they served us just the same. It is a blessing and an honor to call these men and women our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you for all of your prayers before and during our trip to Guadalajara. Know that God is faithful and prayers were answered. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters there, and if you feel led to do so, please pray how God can use you in The Garden's ministry of Calvary Chapel Guadalajara and Brazos de Amistad.
Blessings,
Noelle