Day 1
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Buenos dias Garden Fellowship! We arrived safely in Guadalajara Thursday morning and spent a wonderful first day at Brazos de Amistad. Despite our lack of sleep, everyone was excited to meet up with our church family in Mexico. For those who were here last year, it was a blessing to see everyone's smiling faces again. For the team members who have not been here before, their hearts were touched by the love of the missionaries who dedicate their lives to the children at Brazos de Amistad. Jesus' love is ever present.
We when first arrived, a delicious breakfast was waiting for us. One thing I can say about Mama Dela is that she will always make sure you have a full stomach. As a team who is here to serve, it is humbling to have the family work so hard to serve us. It's just one example of how they pour out their lives for others.
Although the schedule for the rest of the day was open, so people could catch up on sleep and settle in, there was still a diversity of activities going on. Dawn, Erica, and Dee Dee helped prepare lunch for the kids. Because of the construction in the soup kitchen, food preparation takes place at Pastor Alfonso's house and then everything is carried down the street to the church, where the kids eat lunch. Many members of our enthusiastic team helped serve food to the kids. Dawn commented on the pure joy that fill these children. The comedor is a tremendous part of their lives. For many of them, it is the center of their lives, not because of the food they get, but because of the love they receive.
After lunch, Holly and Tiffany P. taught a choreographed dance to the dance team girls of Brazos de Amistad. It was fun watching Holly and Tiffany doing eight counts in Spanish; they did it with such determination and passion. There are four more dance practices before the kids perform at the community outreach in the park Tuesday evening. Let them praise His name with dancing! Following dance practice, Brianna, Tiffanne M., Casey, and I made rubber band bracelets with some of the young children from the comedor. The kids laughed and joked as they made pulsera after pulsera to share with their friends and family. Outside the church, you could see Steve DeLaCampas lovingly sharing the gospel with passerbys, young and old alike. It was awesome to see God using him as a vessel for street ministry. Meanwhile, Eugenio, Pastor Brian, Pastor Rob, Jackson, Wyatt, Paul, and Steve Davis took many of the kids to the park, where there was an intense game of soccer between the kids and the adults. From the sounds of it, the adults were losing miserably until Rob stepped in to redeem them. Note to future missionaries...brush up on your soccer skills! Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to the rematch.
Much work has already been accomplished on the roof construction at Brazos de Amistad and Calvary Chapel Guadalajara, but there is still a great deal left to do. For several hours, our brothers Chris, Jeshua, Zach, Mark, Paul, Rob, and Steve Davis worked hard leveling the ground, mixing cement, and laying brick. Because they lack many resources and tools for construction here, the process of building is slow and very different than in America. The construction for the comdeor doesn't have a completion date set, but they are so grateful for the financial support from The Garden and the extra labor our mission team is providing.
Ruth and Brooke drove in from Mexico City, where they live and teach, and joined our team later in the day. They had a great time playing charades with the children in the streets. In addition to our team, there are three other missionaries here from various locations in California and Mexico. They come as often as they can for weeks at a time to serve. This place draws you in, and once you experience the love and joy of Pastor Alfonso's family and the children of Brazos de Amistad, your heart is touched, your life is changed, and you want nothing more than to return again and again. God's provision and His hand are evident in everything that goes on here.
Later that evening, as we all sat around the dinner table laughing and enjoying the wonderful food, Mama Adela came bolting out of the kitchen and grabbed for a handful of sweet rolls. With her hands full, she pushed through all of us out into the road where several hungry people had gathered. We hadn't even noticed them gathering as we enjoyed the blessing of the fellowship. Our team was resting and being filled as the staff served us. For those that work here, however, the mission never rests. Mama Adela had the eyes of Christ to see those in need. What a testimony to us! Lord that we would all have those eyes to see who God is crossing our paths with and that we would serve them with the urgency she showed to us.
We pray for God to guide us, so that we may do His work during our short time here. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. We look forward to what God has planned for us tomorrow!
Blessings,
Noelle and Alexis
"Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples." 1 Chronicles 16:24
We when first arrived, a delicious breakfast was waiting for us. One thing I can say about Mama Dela is that she will always make sure you have a full stomach. As a team who is here to serve, it is humbling to have the family work so hard to serve us. It's just one example of how they pour out their lives for others.
Although the schedule for the rest of the day was open, so people could catch up on sleep and settle in, there was still a diversity of activities going on. Dawn, Erica, and Dee Dee helped prepare lunch for the kids. Because of the construction in the soup kitchen, food preparation takes place at Pastor Alfonso's house and then everything is carried down the street to the church, where the kids eat lunch. Many members of our enthusiastic team helped serve food to the kids. Dawn commented on the pure joy that fill these children. The comedor is a tremendous part of their lives. For many of them, it is the center of their lives, not because of the food they get, but because of the love they receive.
After lunch, Holly and Tiffany P. taught a choreographed dance to the dance team girls of Brazos de Amistad. It was fun watching Holly and Tiffany doing eight counts in Spanish; they did it with such determination and passion. There are four more dance practices before the kids perform at the community outreach in the park Tuesday evening. Let them praise His name with dancing! Following dance practice, Brianna, Tiffanne M., Casey, and I made rubber band bracelets with some of the young children from the comedor. The kids laughed and joked as they made pulsera after pulsera to share with their friends and family. Outside the church, you could see Steve DeLaCampas lovingly sharing the gospel with passerbys, young and old alike. It was awesome to see God using him as a vessel for street ministry. Meanwhile, Eugenio, Pastor Brian, Pastor Rob, Jackson, Wyatt, Paul, and Steve Davis took many of the kids to the park, where there was an intense game of soccer between the kids and the adults. From the sounds of it, the adults were losing miserably until Rob stepped in to redeem them. Note to future missionaries...brush up on your soccer skills! Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to the rematch.
Much work has already been accomplished on the roof construction at Brazos de Amistad and Calvary Chapel Guadalajara, but there is still a great deal left to do. For several hours, our brothers Chris, Jeshua, Zach, Mark, Paul, Rob, and Steve Davis worked hard leveling the ground, mixing cement, and laying brick. Because they lack many resources and tools for construction here, the process of building is slow and very different than in America. The construction for the comdeor doesn't have a completion date set, but they are so grateful for the financial support from The Garden and the extra labor our mission team is providing.
Ruth and Brooke drove in from Mexico City, where they live and teach, and joined our team later in the day. They had a great time playing charades with the children in the streets. In addition to our team, there are three other missionaries here from various locations in California and Mexico. They come as often as they can for weeks at a time to serve. This place draws you in, and once you experience the love and joy of Pastor Alfonso's family and the children of Brazos de Amistad, your heart is touched, your life is changed, and you want nothing more than to return again and again. God's provision and His hand are evident in everything that goes on here.
Later that evening, as we all sat around the dinner table laughing and enjoying the wonderful food, Mama Adela came bolting out of the kitchen and grabbed for a handful of sweet rolls. With her hands full, she pushed through all of us out into the road where several hungry people had gathered. We hadn't even noticed them gathering as we enjoyed the blessing of the fellowship. Our team was resting and being filled as the staff served us. For those that work here, however, the mission never rests. Mama Adela had the eyes of Christ to see those in need. What a testimony to us! Lord that we would all have those eyes to see who God is crossing our paths with and that we would serve them with the urgency she showed to us.
We pray for God to guide us, so that we may do His work during our short time here. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. We look forward to what God has planned for us tomorrow!
Blessings,
Noelle and Alexis
"Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples." 1 Chronicles 16:24
Day 2
Friday, July 18, 2014
Hello Church,
We miss you all and wish we could all be experiencing this together. We thank you for your prayer over all of us and the church and ministry that we are desiring to come alongside during our time here.
I have to tell you church, this has been an amazing experience thus far. This place is a stark contrast to where we call home. The culture, the people, the lifestyle, everything you here see is nothing like what we all are used to. I am professing this to you as I am confessing this before our God. As I look around I am seeking to engage with the people, there are kids everywhere, little ones, people that our Lord loves. I keep hearing the Holy Spirit ask me the question, what do you see? Are you looking at the different buildings, are you looking at the people on the street, are you looking at their circumstances? Is your eye good, is your eye healthy? Do you see what I see?
The verse that God has put on my heart during these first few days is Matthew 6:22 “the lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good than your whole body will be full of light”. What God is speaking to me through this verse is the same question He is speaking to my heart, what do you see?This is such an important question that must be answered in the heart of everyone here to serve these people. You see, if youreye is bad, if your eye is unhealthy your going to miss the most amazing things about this place. You won't see it, you can't see it. When I came down here my eye was not focusing on the right things. I didn't know what to look for or what to expect, I was intimated and distracted, my eye was unhealthy. God put this verse on my heart and since I have prayed diligently, Lord make my eye good, Lord let me see Your light in this place. Churchtoday, God answered my prayer and changed that.
I awoke today with God’s mercies renewed and a new eye. And ever since my heart is breaking with every moment as God lets me see more and more through His eyes. I see people in need, I see kids without parents, without homes, yet I see a hope in them that I can't describe. Regardless of all that surrounds them they have a love and a hope that only comes from our Lord Jesus. What do I see? I see God moving in the hearts of little ones, I see the faith of a child trusting in The Lord for their next meal, for their next breath. Should kids have to have so much faith, maybe not, but I see where they go to fulfill their need. They come to the Lord’s house and they are fed by the LordJesus and what He provides through His servants who are pouring themselves out hour by hour…. I wish you all could be here to experience this. We get to be representatives of that hope and even sources of that love right here in their world, right here where they are at. The smiles and laughter from these kids is pure joy of the Lord, it is changing my heart, it is filling my life with praise to our King. Lord Jesus, keep our eyes healthy so we won't miss seeing anything you want us to see during this trip. Amen.
Brian
We miss you all and wish we could all be experiencing this together. We thank you for your prayer over all of us and the church and ministry that we are desiring to come alongside during our time here.
I have to tell you church, this has been an amazing experience thus far. This place is a stark contrast to where we call home. The culture, the people, the lifestyle, everything you here see is nothing like what we all are used to. I am professing this to you as I am confessing this before our God. As I look around I am seeking to engage with the people, there are kids everywhere, little ones, people that our Lord loves. I keep hearing the Holy Spirit ask me the question, what do you see? Are you looking at the different buildings, are you looking at the people on the street, are you looking at their circumstances? Is your eye good, is your eye healthy? Do you see what I see?
The verse that God has put on my heart during these first few days is Matthew 6:22 “the lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good than your whole body will be full of light”. What God is speaking to me through this verse is the same question He is speaking to my heart, what do you see?This is such an important question that must be answered in the heart of everyone here to serve these people. You see, if youreye is bad, if your eye is unhealthy your going to miss the most amazing things about this place. You won't see it, you can't see it. When I came down here my eye was not focusing on the right things. I didn't know what to look for or what to expect, I was intimated and distracted, my eye was unhealthy. God put this verse on my heart and since I have prayed diligently, Lord make my eye good, Lord let me see Your light in this place. Churchtoday, God answered my prayer and changed that.
I awoke today with God’s mercies renewed and a new eye. And ever since my heart is breaking with every moment as God lets me see more and more through His eyes. I see people in need, I see kids without parents, without homes, yet I see a hope in them that I can't describe. Regardless of all that surrounds them they have a love and a hope that only comes from our Lord Jesus. What do I see? I see God moving in the hearts of little ones, I see the faith of a child trusting in The Lord for their next meal, for their next breath. Should kids have to have so much faith, maybe not, but I see where they go to fulfill their need. They come to the Lord’s house and they are fed by the LordJesus and what He provides through His servants who are pouring themselves out hour by hour…. I wish you all could be here to experience this. We get to be representatives of that hope and even sources of that love right here in their world, right here where they are at. The smiles and laughter from these kids is pure joy of the Lord, it is changing my heart, it is filling my life with praise to our King. Lord Jesus, keep our eyes healthy so we won't miss seeing anything you want us to see during this trip. Amen.
Brian
Day 3
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Only day three and the emotions of the Holy Spirit and hard work are amazing. The amount of hard work I've seen from Pastor Alfonzso's family surpasses anything I've seen or done. The hard work is incredible, but the love behind it has been the biggest eye opener and life changer. This morning some of us woke up at 5:30 and went to the market place where they get the food donations for the soup kitchen that feeds the kids. We started by unloading the seats out of the van, and then 10 of us piled in with the food crates. The market place is very busy and you've got to be alert at all times; we whipped our dollies through traffic and went on the normal route to the known generous vendors. The fruits and vegetables are beautiful, but I noticed most of our's were at the end of their ripeness. Every so often you would see amazing generosity and have baskets full of fresh greens. When we were done, the van overflowed with produce, so we took the bus back to the church. Once all the food is unloaded, more hard work is needed. About ten ladies go through the produce and separate the good from the bad; they even cut out the good pieces of what looks to be a rotten fruit or vegetable. Amazing humility and gratefulness would be the theme for the day. All this hard work goes on after we leave, and it's not just to make the kids happy and full, but to create hope and the possibility of them knowing our Savior King Jesus and too have a chance to save their parents from the deep pit they're in. Thank you for all the prayers--the Holy Spirit is in Guadalajara because of it. God bless the Garden family back home; we miss you. Last but not least Mamma Adella's cooking is muy deliciouso.
Chad
Chad
Day 4
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Today was not what you would call a normal Sunday at Calvary Chapel Guadalajara. We had the honor of being here for the church's 15th anniversary. God's timing is always so perfect! After last night's awesome Spirit-filled--and very late--devotion and fellowship, we were given a chance to sleep in this morning. You're probably wondering why a mission team would be sleeping in on a Sunday when there is so much to do to prepare for church and Sunday school, but I promise you, we were not neglecting our missionary duties. As part of the anniversary celebration, the regular 11AM service was moved to 5PM, with an "Americano" BBQ to follow. Late morning and early afternoon were spent cleaning the church, classrooms, and construction site in preparation for the BBQ. I love watching our team work alongside those here. We spent months praying that we would work as one unified body in Christ during our mission trip. As always, God is faithful, and despite the schedule changes, language barrier, and cultural differences, everything has gone smoothly and according to God's plan. How great is our God!
During our down time before church, several members of the team went to pick up supplies for the women's devotion on Thursday night. Others spent the time playing with and talking to the children. Even though Brazos de Amistad is closed on Sundays, the street kids still come by the house to say hi or play. We even had a mini beauty salon going on in front of the house where we painted a few of the girls' nails and brushed and braided one of the girl's hair. As you look into the eyes of a a five-year-old girl who is covered in dirt and lice, you see nothing but inexpressible delight while her hair is being braided and her nails are being painted. Your heart cannot help rejoice as you see her smile. What a blessing it is to spend time with these children.
The church service itself was amazing. Ana and her sister Martha led worship, and Pastor Brian spoke about the charge to stand fast in the Lord and the power of His might. Steve Davis graciously translated, and several people told me how great it was. Meanwhile, the rest of our team either poured themselves out as BBQ masters or as Sunday school and youth teachers. Because it was the church's anniversary, some of the class sizes were much larger than usual, but all went well. Glory to God. I am so grateful for the teams that God sent down here, this year and last year. God has gifted each member accordingly, and it is beautiful to watch everything fall into place.
The best part of the evening was serving dinner to Pastor Alfonso's family and the rest of the church congregation. A mariachi band played while our team prepared and passed out hamburgers and hotdogs to everyone. Over 150 people showed up for church and the anniversary fiesta, and it was a grandioso time! When the food had been eaten and the plates cleared away, the dancing begun, and several of us joined into the festivities with the rest of the congregation. Everyone stayed until after the sun went down. It was at that time that our team took an impromptu trip to the taco stand a few blocks away. (Go figure...we serve American food for dinner, and then go out for Mexican food after.) I'm so grateful that we were allowed to be here for this special occasion. God has worked through Brazos de Amistad and Calvary Chapel Guadalajara, and they have brought the good news of Christ to a very dark part of the world. God has used them as lights on a hill, and it will be exciting to see how He will use these vessels in the future.
Tomorrow starts our first day of VBS! Please pray that all goes according to God's plan. The children are already excited. We are expecting to have 60-80 kids, ages 2-12, and we hope that other kids from the community hear about it and join us, so they too can learn that "Jesus loves you!" Tomorrow we also say goodbye to Greg and Kathy, their daughter Brooke, and her friend Ruth. Although their time with us was short, they were a tremendous blessing. And although we are sad to see them go, we are looking forward to the rest of our team (Tiffany H., Barb, the Odowds, and the Carsons) joining us over the next two days. Please pray for everyone's safe travel.
God Bless,
Noelle
"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8
During our down time before church, several members of the team went to pick up supplies for the women's devotion on Thursday night. Others spent the time playing with and talking to the children. Even though Brazos de Amistad is closed on Sundays, the street kids still come by the house to say hi or play. We even had a mini beauty salon going on in front of the house where we painted a few of the girls' nails and brushed and braided one of the girl's hair. As you look into the eyes of a a five-year-old girl who is covered in dirt and lice, you see nothing but inexpressible delight while her hair is being braided and her nails are being painted. Your heart cannot help rejoice as you see her smile. What a blessing it is to spend time with these children.
The church service itself was amazing. Ana and her sister Martha led worship, and Pastor Brian spoke about the charge to stand fast in the Lord and the power of His might. Steve Davis graciously translated, and several people told me how great it was. Meanwhile, the rest of our team either poured themselves out as BBQ masters or as Sunday school and youth teachers. Because it was the church's anniversary, some of the class sizes were much larger than usual, but all went well. Glory to God. I am so grateful for the teams that God sent down here, this year and last year. God has gifted each member accordingly, and it is beautiful to watch everything fall into place.
The best part of the evening was serving dinner to Pastor Alfonso's family and the rest of the church congregation. A mariachi band played while our team prepared and passed out hamburgers and hotdogs to everyone. Over 150 people showed up for church and the anniversary fiesta, and it was a grandioso time! When the food had been eaten and the plates cleared away, the dancing begun, and several of us joined into the festivities with the rest of the congregation. Everyone stayed until after the sun went down. It was at that time that our team took an impromptu trip to the taco stand a few blocks away. (Go figure...we serve American food for dinner, and then go out for Mexican food after.) I'm so grateful that we were allowed to be here for this special occasion. God has worked through Brazos de Amistad and Calvary Chapel Guadalajara, and they have brought the good news of Christ to a very dark part of the world. God has used them as lights on a hill, and it will be exciting to see how He will use these vessels in the future.
Tomorrow starts our first day of VBS! Please pray that all goes according to God's plan. The children are already excited. We are expecting to have 60-80 kids, ages 2-12, and we hope that other kids from the community hear about it and join us, so they too can learn that "Jesus loves you!" Tomorrow we also say goodbye to Greg and Kathy, their daughter Brooke, and her friend Ruth. Although their time with us was short, they were a tremendous blessing. And although we are sad to see them go, we are looking forward to the rest of our team (Tiffany H., Barb, the Odowds, and the Carsons) joining us over the next two days. Please pray for everyone's safe travel.
God Bless,
Noelle
"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8
Day 5
Monday, July 21, 2014
This morning we began VBS! Today we welcomed over 60 children to Los Brazos de Amistad so that they could learn how God’s love is one of a kind. Today our theme was “even though you’re different, Jesus loves you.” It was incredible for the children to learn the truth that God uniquely created us all, and those differences are beautiful because the body of Christ can’t be all hands. Seeing our team work together, I am definitely seeing some eyes, ears, arms, etc. We need these differences in order to work together. Continue to pray for VBS, that as the week goes on, these kids would not only have a fun time, but that they would come to know Jesus. At the end of the day we gave the kids a small gift and told them that “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:20) What an amazing gift, not only are we filled with the joy of Christ, but we can share that joy with others!
After VBS we helped serve the kids at the soup kitchen. It is incredible to see that this massive effort happens every day without our help. Even with the 20+ Americans here it is a lot of hard work! God is using people like Vero and Eugenio here in mighty ways to reach the children in this neighborhood.
Being here the Lord has been reminding me of the “Parable of the Lost Coin,” how the woman looks everywhere for the coin and when she finds it she rejoices. At the end of the parable Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) I am reminded of the joy the Father feels seeing His children worship Him here at VBS, that he created every one of these children to know and love Him. Pray that as we continue to pour into these children they would see Christ in us.
In Christ,
Quinn
After VBS we helped serve the kids at the soup kitchen. It is incredible to see that this massive effort happens every day without our help. Even with the 20+ Americans here it is a lot of hard work! God is using people like Vero and Eugenio here in mighty ways to reach the children in this neighborhood.
Being here the Lord has been reminding me of the “Parable of the Lost Coin,” how the woman looks everywhere for the coin and when she finds it she rejoices. At the end of the parable Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) I am reminded of the joy the Father feels seeing His children worship Him here at VBS, that he created every one of these children to know and love Him. Pray that as we continue to pour into these children they would see Christ in us.
In Christ,
Quinn
Day 6
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Colossians 1:27 Christ in
you, the hope of glory
One of the most powerful aspects about this mission trip has been the ability to demonstrate the love of God to the community. We have literally invaded this block. Since the mission team arrived here 6 days ago, there have been over 30 strange faces walking around the narrow streets and amongst the closely conjoined infrastructure. Who are these people in the corner store, trying to play futbol (soccer) over in the park, offering to buy local kids ice cream at the parlor, or walking up and down the streets? The people here all look at us in a curious amazement. “Who are these people? What are they doing here? Why are they smiling and laughing and showing so much joy on their faces? Why do they care about our kids? Why do they care about this community? Um, was that just Spanish they tried to speak to me?" (I am trying desperately to learn the language but am only confusing people.)
The people of all ages want to talk. They want to know the answers to these questions. The people want to know because they see something in each member of this team that they want. They see Jesus in us.
This evening we did an outreach out at the local park. We first showed up with brooms and trash bags. We started cleaning the place up. It was like someone pushed pause on the playground. Everyone stopped what they were doing. Why are Americans coming here and picking up the trash? Why do they care about the park? Then we brought the sound equipment from the church and set up big speakers and a microphone. There were choreographed dances which some of the ladies on the team spent considerable time teaching the young women here. There were skits appealing to their culture--things they like. People kept crowding around to watch. Then the VBS kids came up. Their parents, their community watched as they danced and did the motions from the songs they have been learning the past two days. As the crowd started to swell, there was a skit performed by some of the youth here, a skit on the passion of Christ and His resurrection, it was done well and it was powerful.
You see, we do look different. We don’t fit in perfectly, and we are not necessarily even trying to. We just want to love them. First and foremost, we do love them. God has given us a supernatural love for this community and its people. From the kids on the streets, to the teenagers playing futbol in the park, to the parents, to the crippled man that sits out on the street waiting for someone to give Him a Coca-Cola. We want to serve them. That is what we have been doing. Loving them and serving them.
If I was asked at the beginning of this trip what my main goal was, I would have said I only want to represent Jesus. I want these people to see Jesus in me. Isn’t that exactly the way it is supposed to look? Love comes first. God is love, and God has given us the ability to love as He does. Then comes servitude. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve. Jesus is the greatest servant this world has ever and will ever know. We want to demonstrate God’s love in all we do, we want to be servants, laying down our lives for another. Once God has provided that, there is the most important truth, and the source of it all. Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Savior, Jesus is the only name under heaven that men and women may call on to be saved. After we have been able to demonstrate His love (by His grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit) and after we have chosen to serve people in the Lord’s name, then the gospel was presented and people heard of the life changing, life saving grace of God through faith in Jesus. I believe that it was heard and in many hearts (only God knows) it was received. The gospel has to be shared because Jesus is the answer to all the questions they are asking of us. He is who, He is the why, He is the what, Jesus is the only reason we are here.
With just love we are a charity, with just service we are a non-profit, but with all three we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. It has been and it always is an incredible privilege to let the world know the hope that we have, Christ in us, the hope of glory!
Brian
One of the most powerful aspects about this mission trip has been the ability to demonstrate the love of God to the community. We have literally invaded this block. Since the mission team arrived here 6 days ago, there have been over 30 strange faces walking around the narrow streets and amongst the closely conjoined infrastructure. Who are these people in the corner store, trying to play futbol (soccer) over in the park, offering to buy local kids ice cream at the parlor, or walking up and down the streets? The people here all look at us in a curious amazement. “Who are these people? What are they doing here? Why are they smiling and laughing and showing so much joy on their faces? Why do they care about our kids? Why do they care about this community? Um, was that just Spanish they tried to speak to me?" (I am trying desperately to learn the language but am only confusing people.)
The people of all ages want to talk. They want to know the answers to these questions. The people want to know because they see something in each member of this team that they want. They see Jesus in us.
This evening we did an outreach out at the local park. We first showed up with brooms and trash bags. We started cleaning the place up. It was like someone pushed pause on the playground. Everyone stopped what they were doing. Why are Americans coming here and picking up the trash? Why do they care about the park? Then we brought the sound equipment from the church and set up big speakers and a microphone. There were choreographed dances which some of the ladies on the team spent considerable time teaching the young women here. There were skits appealing to their culture--things they like. People kept crowding around to watch. Then the VBS kids came up. Their parents, their community watched as they danced and did the motions from the songs they have been learning the past two days. As the crowd started to swell, there was a skit performed by some of the youth here, a skit on the passion of Christ and His resurrection, it was done well and it was powerful.
You see, we do look different. We don’t fit in perfectly, and we are not necessarily even trying to. We just want to love them. First and foremost, we do love them. God has given us a supernatural love for this community and its people. From the kids on the streets, to the teenagers playing futbol in the park, to the parents, to the crippled man that sits out on the street waiting for someone to give Him a Coca-Cola. We want to serve them. That is what we have been doing. Loving them and serving them.
If I was asked at the beginning of this trip what my main goal was, I would have said I only want to represent Jesus. I want these people to see Jesus in me. Isn’t that exactly the way it is supposed to look? Love comes first. God is love, and God has given us the ability to love as He does. Then comes servitude. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve. Jesus is the greatest servant this world has ever and will ever know. We want to demonstrate God’s love in all we do, we want to be servants, laying down our lives for another. Once God has provided that, there is the most important truth, and the source of it all. Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Savior, Jesus is the only name under heaven that men and women may call on to be saved. After we have been able to demonstrate His love (by His grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit) and after we have chosen to serve people in the Lord’s name, then the gospel was presented and people heard of the life changing, life saving grace of God through faith in Jesus. I believe that it was heard and in many hearts (only God knows) it was received. The gospel has to be shared because Jesus is the answer to all the questions they are asking of us. He is who, He is the why, He is the what, Jesus is the only reason we are here.
With just love we are a charity, with just service we are a non-profit, but with all three we are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. It has been and it always is an incredible privilege to let the world know the hope that we have, Christ in us, the hope of glory!
Brian
Day 7
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
As part of the last team members to arrive to here at Brazos de Amistad, we immediately noticed the loving bond that has formed between the team and the local community - children and adults alike. Today was the third and final day of VBS, and the kids, like their Garden Fellowship counterparts, were totally engaged with the music, the games, and the message that "Jesus Loves You". Throughout the week the team has been sharing the love of Jesus with children through their words and actions, We also learned that several local children made first time decisions to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior (we would say "it's amazing", but that word doesn't translate into Spanish!). The outreach also drew curiosity seekers from all over the community as several new faces (moms and their children) were in attendance today! We pray that the seeds which were planted today will bear fruit in the months and years to come.
Today was the last day of the soup kitchen until next week, because of the heavy construction which will take place over the next few days. Many children were overcome with emotion knowing that this was the last day of VBS and the last lunch time meal for a few days. So many have become attached to the volunteers (and vice-versa). Hugs and tears abounded today!
As part of the last team members to arrive to here at Brazos de Amistad, we immediately noticed the loving bond that has formed between the team and the local community - children and adults alike. Today was the third and final day of VBS, and the kids, like their Garden Fellowship counterparts, were totally engaged with the music, the games, and the message that "Jesus Loves You". Throughout the week the team has been sharing the love of Jesus with children through their words and actions, We also learned that several local children made first time decisions to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior (we would say "it's amazing", but that word doesn't translate into Spanish!). The outreach also drew curiosity seekers from all over the community as several new faces (moms and their children) were in attendance today! We pray that the seeds which were planted today will bear fruit in the months and years to come.
Today was the last day of the soup kitchen until next week, because of the heavy construction which will take place over the next few days. Many children were overcome with emotion knowing that this was the last day of VBS and the last lunch time meal for a few days. So many have become attached to the volunteers (and vice-versa). Hugs and tears abounded today!
The arduos task of expanding the soup kitchen continued before, during and after VBS! The entire expansion area was covered with precast brick which were inlaid into the i-beams placed earlier in the week. The cement mixer was delivered today in the back of a pick-up and unloading the machine proved to be the first of many obstacles today. Upon successful unloading, it was discovered that the machine had not been used in over a year and would not start! Luckily, Paul Kemp jumped in and worked tirelessly until the mixer was again running. Please pray that the machine will run the full day, as it has a big job to do tomorrow!
After lunch the team traveled on foot across the highway to the community where many of the soup kitchen kids live. What an unbelievable and eye-opening experince for all of us. This is an area approximately 500 feet from the soup kitchen know as "La Isla", which is quite literally an island of trash. The trash pile and surrounding area serves as "home" to over 150 people. The land is government owned and the residents live under the constant prospect of being displaced. As Pastor Eugenio led our tour and spoke to the locals, we were were privileged and humbled to witness God's work here in Guadalajara as he treated everyone with great love, kindness, and dignity. In particular, one family whose members include 13 children, live in that trash pile. The children run in and out of the pile of trash, and to them it is home. We were invited inside, and once you passed through the tarp that serves as an entrance, it was a long canyon of trash, waste, and chickens. It was easy to undertand why the children who live here are often subjected to rat bites. Upon entry you are immediately struck with the tremendous stench, and as we walked deeper into the trash canyon the odor made it increasingly difficult to breath. We did not observe any rooms, just a long narrow trail that meandered through the trash heap. When we endured as much as we could stomach, we turned and hastily exited, tripping over debris every step along the way. We entered the trash canyon with a sense of curiosity, but exited with a deep sense of frustration and sadness for the inability to help these precious children of God get out of that trash pile. But, we certainly witnessed a "God sighting", because as we walked away we were serendaed by several of our VBS participants, residents of the trash pile, joyously singing the VBS songs at the top of their lungs! We are so thankful for the ministry of Brazos de Amistad, and the pastors and staff who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to reach these people for the Kingdom of the Lord.
Please pray for these precious children who live in conditions that are unimaginable by our American standards. Pray for the staff of Brazos de Amistead who are called to serve in this important ministry, and for clear vision as to how the people of The Garden Fellowship can partner in this important work in the years to come.
Patrick and Kathy
Please pray for these precious children who live in conditions that are unimaginable by our American standards. Pray for the staff of Brazos de Amistead who are called to serve in this important ministry, and for clear vision as to how the people of The Garden Fellowship can partner in this important work in the years to come.
Patrick and Kathy
Day 8
Thursday, July 24, 2014
The soup kitchen has a roof! The guys spent all day on Thursday mixing and pouring cement and finished the roof!
I thought that I would be coming here to Brazos de Amistad to serve these children and help encourage those that serve here, but I have truly seen what a servants' heart looks like and have seen true authentic Christianity being lived out minute by minute. The ladies here serve. They are in the kitchen from early morning til late at night preparing meals for their families, preparing meals for the children for the soup kitchen, and while we are here, for us. They are always smiling and laughing and speaking with such joy to one another. It is amazing to see. So selfless. So humbling. So like Jesus. Always looking for someone else's need to meet.
The children from Brazos de Amistad are precious. They are cute, and a litlle dirty but starving for love. It was a priviledge to love on them. Some of them have never been touched with love before. I just have to share a story about Teffy. On Tuesday night, after a long day of VBS and an outreach at the park, we headed back to Ana's parents house to have dinner, devotion and worship. I had asked Ana's sister Vero where Teffy could have been all day. I didn't see her once that day and she is always around at the church and even at the house. She told me that sometimes her dad chains her up to keep her at home. Teffy is a little off--she has a mental disability but is not autistic -- just a little slow. My heart broke. Chained up? This is reality for some of these kids. Just a few minutes after we started worship, Teffy walked into the house and sat in a chair next to the couch where Holly, Noelle, and I were sitting. She looked very sad. Her eyes full of sadness. Worship music was being played. The team was reflecting on the day and worshiping, but all I could think about was this sweet girl and the life she lives day in and day out. She laid her head on the arm of the couch and I heard The Lord tell me she has never had a touch of love. I wanted her to feel love, so I began to run my hand through her lice infested hair, just rubbing her head. Then her arm. Just giving her tickles up and down her arm. she kept looking at me so confused and surprised. She seemed a little hesitant at first but then she started to realize that it felt good. That she was feeling love through touch. I began to weep. Noelle began to weep, and as we looked down at Teffy, tears were rolling down her cheeks. Tears of joy, tears of feeling love. I tickled her arm, and Noelle began to rub her back, and she was loved. She is loved.
Teffy has left a mark on my heart along with the staff here at Brazos de Amistad. To live each day looking for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Sometimes I think we get caught up in using the right the right words or saying the right things to people to win them over to God. I could not use any words to share with them about God because we speak a different language, but we all speak the same language of love. We can all love like Jesus loves without saying a word.
Tiffany H.
I thought that I would be coming here to Brazos de Amistad to serve these children and help encourage those that serve here, but I have truly seen what a servants' heart looks like and have seen true authentic Christianity being lived out minute by minute. The ladies here serve. They are in the kitchen from early morning til late at night preparing meals for their families, preparing meals for the children for the soup kitchen, and while we are here, for us. They are always smiling and laughing and speaking with such joy to one another. It is amazing to see. So selfless. So humbling. So like Jesus. Always looking for someone else's need to meet.
The children from Brazos de Amistad are precious. They are cute, and a litlle dirty but starving for love. It was a priviledge to love on them. Some of them have never been touched with love before. I just have to share a story about Teffy. On Tuesday night, after a long day of VBS and an outreach at the park, we headed back to Ana's parents house to have dinner, devotion and worship. I had asked Ana's sister Vero where Teffy could have been all day. I didn't see her once that day and she is always around at the church and even at the house. She told me that sometimes her dad chains her up to keep her at home. Teffy is a little off--she has a mental disability but is not autistic -- just a little slow. My heart broke. Chained up? This is reality for some of these kids. Just a few minutes after we started worship, Teffy walked into the house and sat in a chair next to the couch where Holly, Noelle, and I were sitting. She looked very sad. Her eyes full of sadness. Worship music was being played. The team was reflecting on the day and worshiping, but all I could think about was this sweet girl and the life she lives day in and day out. She laid her head on the arm of the couch and I heard The Lord tell me she has never had a touch of love. I wanted her to feel love, so I began to run my hand through her lice infested hair, just rubbing her head. Then her arm. Just giving her tickles up and down her arm. she kept looking at me so confused and surprised. She seemed a little hesitant at first but then she started to realize that it felt good. That she was feeling love through touch. I began to weep. Noelle began to weep, and as we looked down at Teffy, tears were rolling down her cheeks. Tears of joy, tears of feeling love. I tickled her arm, and Noelle began to rub her back, and she was loved. She is loved.
Teffy has left a mark on my heart along with the staff here at Brazos de Amistad. To live each day looking for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Sometimes I think we get caught up in using the right the right words or saying the right things to people to win them over to God. I could not use any words to share with them about God because we speak a different language, but we all speak the same language of love. We can all love like Jesus loves without saying a word.
Tiffany H.
Day 9
Friday, July 25, 2014
Today is our last full day here, and we are sad to see our mission trip come to an end. Several team members have said that they want to stay longer. The soup kitchen is closed today because the family and our team need a day of rest after such a busy week (and on the ninth day they rested), and we spent our time sight-seeing and shopping.
Our time down here has been full of heartwarming moments, but there were definitely times when we individially felt as if we had hit a wall, even little Landon. There were several occasions each of us felt emotionally--and sometimes spiritually--exhausted. And after spending fourteen hours completing the roof yesterday, the men were physically drained as well. It's during these moments, however, when you are most vulnerable, you realize that you cannot continue in your own strength, and you cry out to the Lord for His Spirit to fill you. It is incredible to experience how our God sustains us when we don't think we can keep going for a minute longer. And it is beautiful to see how He uses our chruch family to encourage us and remind us that God is our rock, our strength, and our refuge.
This mission trip has been an eye-opening experience, even the second time around, and I look forward to returning again in the future.
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Noelle
Our time down here has been full of heartwarming moments, but there were definitely times when we individially felt as if we had hit a wall, even little Landon. There were several occasions each of us felt emotionally--and sometimes spiritually--exhausted. And after spending fourteen hours completing the roof yesterday, the men were physically drained as well. It's during these moments, however, when you are most vulnerable, you realize that you cannot continue in your own strength, and you cry out to the Lord for His Spirit to fill you. It is incredible to experience how our God sustains us when we don't think we can keep going for a minute longer. And it is beautiful to see how He uses our chruch family to encourage us and remind us that God is our rock, our strength, and our refuge.
This mission trip has been an eye-opening experience, even the second time around, and I look forward to returning again in the future.
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Noelle
Day 10
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Holly interviewed members of our team yesterday and today and asked, "How would you summarize your mission experience? What don't you want to forget when you leave?" This is what some of them had to say...
"I want to come again." -Tyler
"Most of my experience was spent with the ladies in the kitchen...It was a very humbling experience...I learned so much more than just cooking. The ladies have such a huge heart of service, and they get up very early in the morning--five thirty or six o'clock--and we prepare the breakfast, and the team would come and eat. When they were done, we would clean up, and they would have 15-20 minutes to sit down before preparing lunch for the kids. They feed the kids, clean up after the kids, then make lunch for the team. It was all day. We were in the kitchen all day. There is not much time to sit down and rest." -Dawn
"There is good no matter where I go, and He is there." -DeeDee
"This mission trip was the same place as last year, but it felt a lot different. We had a lot more strenuous labor this time, a lot more activities planned. There was a lot of beautiful work being done. It was awesome to see our team work so hard in different ways and do so without complaining. That was, to me, something very special. It was just back to back to back activities, and not a whole lot of sleeping, and that said a lot about the character of our team." -Steve Davis
"If you have the opportunity, I would definitely recommend coming and checking this out because it will be an experience you will never forget, and your life will be changed forever." -Tammie Sue
"I have been so blessed to be able to teach the older girls dances and go around and sing the songs. They [the kids] keep telling us, "Otra! Otra!" because they wanted to sing again and again. Seeing these children has just been a blessing to me, and makes me want to come back next year. It's the greatest opportunity and eye-opening to see how these people live and how much joy they have even though they are in some of the worst conditions you could ever imagine." -Tiffany P.
"About seven or eight days into the trip, I got very frustrated. I was just like, I'm so done with these kids. They kick, they scream, they scratch, they bite, and I was like, I don't want them anymore. And, the very next day, we went over the bridge to the homes where they live, and these kids are living in brick rooms with no roofs. Some are just living in giant piles of trash with garbage bags as covers. And I realized it's not about me. It's about the kids. I shouldn't be sitting here complaining. I need to put everything towards them because they have nothing. God really opened my eyes right there." -Paige
"I would summarize our mission trip as life changing and spiritually amazing. Seeing the true Christianity down here has been the biggest life lesson for me personally. I really hope and pray when we get back, we will carry this with us forever." -Chad
"When we first came, the walls weren't even finished, and now we have a roof...I am amazed what we have been able to accomplish with our brothers here in Mexico in such a short amonut of time because you people back home were willing to give out of your hearts." -Paul
"I want to come again." -Tyler
"Most of my experience was spent with the ladies in the kitchen...It was a very humbling experience...I learned so much more than just cooking. The ladies have such a huge heart of service, and they get up very early in the morning--five thirty or six o'clock--and we prepare the breakfast, and the team would come and eat. When they were done, we would clean up, and they would have 15-20 minutes to sit down before preparing lunch for the kids. They feed the kids, clean up after the kids, then make lunch for the team. It was all day. We were in the kitchen all day. There is not much time to sit down and rest." -Dawn
"There is good no matter where I go, and He is there." -DeeDee
"This mission trip was the same place as last year, but it felt a lot different. We had a lot more strenuous labor this time, a lot more activities planned. There was a lot of beautiful work being done. It was awesome to see our team work so hard in different ways and do so without complaining. That was, to me, something very special. It was just back to back to back activities, and not a whole lot of sleeping, and that said a lot about the character of our team." -Steve Davis
"If you have the opportunity, I would definitely recommend coming and checking this out because it will be an experience you will never forget, and your life will be changed forever." -Tammie Sue
"I have been so blessed to be able to teach the older girls dances and go around and sing the songs. They [the kids] keep telling us, "Otra! Otra!" because they wanted to sing again and again. Seeing these children has just been a blessing to me, and makes me want to come back next year. It's the greatest opportunity and eye-opening to see how these people live and how much joy they have even though they are in some of the worst conditions you could ever imagine." -Tiffany P.
"About seven or eight days into the trip, I got very frustrated. I was just like, I'm so done with these kids. They kick, they scream, they scratch, they bite, and I was like, I don't want them anymore. And, the very next day, we went over the bridge to the homes where they live, and these kids are living in brick rooms with no roofs. Some are just living in giant piles of trash with garbage bags as covers. And I realized it's not about me. It's about the kids. I shouldn't be sitting here complaining. I need to put everything towards them because they have nothing. God really opened my eyes right there." -Paige
"I would summarize our mission trip as life changing and spiritually amazing. Seeing the true Christianity down here has been the biggest life lesson for me personally. I really hope and pray when we get back, we will carry this with us forever." -Chad
"When we first came, the walls weren't even finished, and now we have a roof...I am amazed what we have been able to accomplish with our brothers here in Mexico in such a short amonut of time because you people back home were willing to give out of your hearts." -Paul