DAY 1
THURSDAY: JULY 19, 2018
"We made it to Guadalajara! One half of the team has been here since yesterday setting up for the VBS at Villa de Guadalupe. The other half is on their way. I touched down at 6am this morning and was picked up graciously by Martha and Gamma. We came straight to Brazos de Amistad to join the team for breakfast. Mama Dela had a bowl of hot Avena (Oatmeal) waiting for me. It was delicious! There was also fresh cut fruit, yogurt, granola and huevos rancheros. After we ate the team jumped into the van and drove to Villa De Guadalupe to put on their first VBS. In true Mexico fashion we got lost along the way and showed up 30 minutes late! The kids were lined up waiting for us as we arrived. This year we are doing the VBS Shipwrecked theme for the kids here. The Garden Fellowship donated all the decorations and Brian from Group Publishing donated the Spanish VBS curriculum. 33 kids showed up and we are excited to return tomorrow!
After VBS we came back to soup kitchen and helped serve the kids their meal. I finally got to go to the house I am staying in and shower and rest. When I returned to soup kitchen the rest of our team arrived. I immediately began to prepare for worship for a bible study that Calvary Guadalajara was having. After service Mama Dela and her girls served us a delicious meal of carne asada, beans, nopales."
It was a blessed day!
-Anita Gonzales
After VBS we came back to soup kitchen and helped serve the kids their meal. I finally got to go to the house I am staying in and shower and rest. When I returned to soup kitchen the rest of our team arrived. I immediately began to prepare for worship for a bible study that Calvary Guadalajara was having. After service Mama Dela and her girls served us a delicious meal of carne asada, beans, nopales."
It was a blessed day!
-Anita Gonzales
DAY 2
FRIDAY: JULY 20, 2018
Today was an adventure to say the least! The team arrived and had a quick breakfast that was as delicious as everything we've had the pleasure of eating thus far. Since we were a tad late to day 1 of VBS, today we made sure to leave early! As we made our way to Villas, we found that Guadalajara is a huge city full of freeways and streets that all look the same, similar to LA!! Two hours and a flustered team later, we arrived! The kids were eagerly waiting and excited to get started. Funny thing is our bible point of the day was "Cuando Batallas, Jesus Rescata", (When you struggle, Jesus rescues). I think God was throwing a little humor in there. Ana was able to share our story and show the kids that even adults struggle and we have to trust that Jesus will guide us and rescue us!! The ride home was much smoother and we arrived to an amazing lunch awaiting. You'll find a common theme in the blog this week- awesome food!
The team rested for a little bit and came together for devotions. Then we prepared for a marriage conference. Tim brought his culinary skills and made home made lasagna for 36 couples attending the conference. Pastor Chris Martinez from Calvary Chapel Tijuana and his friend Bryce beautifully shared the WORD about tools for husbands and wives to help them feel loved and respected. I learned that resolving conflict COMPLETELY is so important, not only in life but especially in marriage. Today's Bible Verse: Quedense quietos y sepan que soy Dios. Salmos 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10 What a blessed day we had. Looking forward to many more adventures to come! -Ashlie Torres |
DAY 3
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DAY 4
SUNDAY: JULY 22, 2018
"Today I got to experience one of the most blessed and spirit filled days. It started off with a quick breakfast as everyone prepared for the wedding. Some of our team members were bridesmaids for Martha, and everyone was dressed up so beautiful. Martha is a dear friend of mine and watching her walk down the aisle in that white dress was a very special moment to me. There were many moments of laughter and tears throughout the sanctuary. Right after the ceremony we cleared the chairs and turned the church into a dance party with music provided by a live mariachi band! Sadly we had to end the fun to clean up and set the church up for VBS. Being a young adult I was used quite often; however, I had moments to sit back and see the servants of the Lord hang up all the handcrafted decor. To see so many adults work this hard for the benefit and joy of little children blesses me immensely. However, it wouldn't be a mission trip without some trials! There has been sickness floating throughout the team, BUT GOD will always be victorious and it has not stopped any of the members from working hard."
-Alinah Espinoza |
Now time to clear out the church and set up for VBS...............
DAY 5
MONDAY: JULY 23, 2018
"Today was the first day of VBS at the church location and we all had a blast learning about how Jesus Rescues! (Jesus Rescata!) The Children discovered that even when they feel lonely, Jesus is always with them and never takes His eyes off of them. In Bible, they were told about the Parable of the Lost Coin to demonstrate how God goes after the one and rejoices when each one comes to Him. Dr. Chunga, the leader for Imagination station, elaborated on the truth that Jesus rescues us when we feel lonely and sent the kids home with a cool toy flyer.
I was touched by a little girl named Jocelyn. She attended our VBS last year for the first time and gave her life to the Lord. She now continues to come to church consistently without her parents and she's only 10 years old. Her step dad is the neighborhood drug dealer, but if you saw the joy on her face and her love for the Lord, you would think that she comes from a loving, stable family. Her commitment despite her circumstances are so encouraging. Brazos de Amistad has been discipling her for the last year and this year she was on the VBS dance team at the church location and also at Villas De Guadalupe. She showed up early everyday with a smile on her face. Her testimony after being saved at last year's VBS shows just how important events like these can change lives.
I love how the team has come together as a church body as we prepare for each event. We've all been using our gifts to do what needs to get done everyday. Everyone jumped in to decorate for VBS while others got the crafts ready for the kids. During VBS, Anita got the kids energized and dancing by singing live. Ana taught all three age levels of Bible and she did an amazing job. Erica kept track of time and made sure the groups went to their designated stations. Missy went around taking memorable pictures. Everyone else volunteered to do the tough job of a crew leader and did it well! My job was to oversee and help where needed and I enjoyed doing that because I was able to see everyone in action having so much fun."
-Lorena Sarrouf
"Today was the first day of VBS. This day in games, the children played a three-legged race game while having to carry an egg (it was fake!) on a wooden spoon. I tried it, but because of the great difficulty of the game it took a long time for me to get to the finish line. I still got there first though! The past couple of days were jam-packed with stuff. Everyone is getting sick, like more than ever! But God will help with our illnesses. On Sunday we had Martha and Leo's wedding which was awesome, (the cake was good). Well, bye for now!"
Sincerely, Johny Sarrouf
I was touched by a little girl named Jocelyn. She attended our VBS last year for the first time and gave her life to the Lord. She now continues to come to church consistently without her parents and she's only 10 years old. Her step dad is the neighborhood drug dealer, but if you saw the joy on her face and her love for the Lord, you would think that she comes from a loving, stable family. Her commitment despite her circumstances are so encouraging. Brazos de Amistad has been discipling her for the last year and this year she was on the VBS dance team at the church location and also at Villas De Guadalupe. She showed up early everyday with a smile on her face. Her testimony after being saved at last year's VBS shows just how important events like these can change lives.
I love how the team has come together as a church body as we prepare for each event. We've all been using our gifts to do what needs to get done everyday. Everyone jumped in to decorate for VBS while others got the crafts ready for the kids. During VBS, Anita got the kids energized and dancing by singing live. Ana taught all three age levels of Bible and she did an amazing job. Erica kept track of time and made sure the groups went to their designated stations. Missy went around taking memorable pictures. Everyone else volunteered to do the tough job of a crew leader and did it well! My job was to oversee and help where needed and I enjoyed doing that because I was able to see everyone in action having so much fun."
-Lorena Sarrouf
"Today was the first day of VBS. This day in games, the children played a three-legged race game while having to carry an egg (it was fake!) on a wooden spoon. I tried it, but because of the great difficulty of the game it took a long time for me to get to the finish line. I still got there first though! The past couple of days were jam-packed with stuff. Everyone is getting sick, like more than ever! But God will help with our illnesses. On Sunday we had Martha and Leo's wedding which was awesome, (the cake was good). Well, bye for now!"
Sincerely, Johny Sarrouf
DAY 6
TUESDAY: JULY 24, 2018
"Today started with a delicious breakfast of beans, tortillas, eggs, and potatoes. With other great side options including fresh fruit (which is so delicious here in Guadalajara). Tim is now famous for his very strong coffee-- it really has the strength that gets a mission team going for the big day of service! The kids were ready for Day 2 of Vacation Bible School. We are thankful that there was a good number of NEW kids attending today. The energy and engagement by the kids was incredible. I'm personally thankful for an opportunity to interact with the kids. Even with a language barrier, laughter and fun are universal. Most of the kids like to give high-five followed by a fist bump as a greeting. Doing that greeting with the kids is a great way to break the ice. We are praying that the spiritual work today will lead to decisions to have a personal, life-long relationship with God.
After VBS, we had a great lunch that included pork tortas and chicken tacos. Then it was time to clean and set up the church for a women's event. Part of our work is doing acts of service; doing dishes, sweeping, setting up tables and chairs. One of my favorite things is being able to talk as you work. The depth of conversations is incredible, I would consider these conversations as "holy moments" that make a mission trip extra special."
-Brian Diede
"As the second day of VBS came to an end, one thing that really impacted me was hearing the beautiful children singing "Tu nunca me dejaras, tu eres mi Dios y en ti confiare." (You will never let go of me, You are my God and I will trust in You). The smiles they had on their faces as they shouted that with all they have was so tear breaking to see because most of them don't even know where their next meal is going to come from. Just thinking about all the things they struggle with at home and that they would know that God is by their side is a source of hope! After VBS and Soup Kitchen was over we started getting ready for the Day of Refreshing for the women of the church/community. Something that impacted me was that most of the women that attended just had enough time to make it after work/school to the Day of Refreshing. How much they needed and deserved a day like this where they can sit down and be served and enjoy a few worry free hours and hear/see what the Lord had for them. Seeing all of them with a huge smile on their face brought so much joy to my heart. They truly felt so loved and cherished by us but most importantly by Jesus Christ. They were all moved by Joni's wonderful message on the woman at the well. At the end of the night they didn't even want to leave!
As my last day on this short trip to GDL comes to an end, one word or phrase that comes to my mind is genuine, authentic, love. I see it in the church congregation how day after day, they do whatever it takes to come serve these precious children that Christ died to save. If it means getting up super early in the morning to catch the bus and taking a 2 hour bus ride to get to the church by 6 am and then return home sometimes as late as 10pm. The staff here at Brazos/Calvary GDL has a genuine love for the Lord and His children. Even though I've been here over 3 times, I can say that this time the Lord broke me down and showed me how abundantly blessed we are in the US. Even though I might not have much to offer as a young 18 year old, I want to give everything I can out of a pure heart just like the servants in GDL do. My encouragement for the body of Christ back home is to not forget about our brothers and sisters in this part of the world that are struggling to get the gospel out and sharing His love with the least of these. Sometimes giving financially is difficult for some people, so why not take a few minutes of your day and lift them up in prayer."
-Brianna Vasquez
After VBS, we had a great lunch that included pork tortas and chicken tacos. Then it was time to clean and set up the church for a women's event. Part of our work is doing acts of service; doing dishes, sweeping, setting up tables and chairs. One of my favorite things is being able to talk as you work. The depth of conversations is incredible, I would consider these conversations as "holy moments" that make a mission trip extra special."
-Brian Diede
"As the second day of VBS came to an end, one thing that really impacted me was hearing the beautiful children singing "Tu nunca me dejaras, tu eres mi Dios y en ti confiare." (You will never let go of me, You are my God and I will trust in You). The smiles they had on their faces as they shouted that with all they have was so tear breaking to see because most of them don't even know where their next meal is going to come from. Just thinking about all the things they struggle with at home and that they would know that God is by their side is a source of hope! After VBS and Soup Kitchen was over we started getting ready for the Day of Refreshing for the women of the church/community. Something that impacted me was that most of the women that attended just had enough time to make it after work/school to the Day of Refreshing. How much they needed and deserved a day like this where they can sit down and be served and enjoy a few worry free hours and hear/see what the Lord had for them. Seeing all of them with a huge smile on their face brought so much joy to my heart. They truly felt so loved and cherished by us but most importantly by Jesus Christ. They were all moved by Joni's wonderful message on the woman at the well. At the end of the night they didn't even want to leave!
As my last day on this short trip to GDL comes to an end, one word or phrase that comes to my mind is genuine, authentic, love. I see it in the church congregation how day after day, they do whatever it takes to come serve these precious children that Christ died to save. If it means getting up super early in the morning to catch the bus and taking a 2 hour bus ride to get to the church by 6 am and then return home sometimes as late as 10pm. The staff here at Brazos/Calvary GDL has a genuine love for the Lord and His children. Even though I've been here over 3 times, I can say that this time the Lord broke me down and showed me how abundantly blessed we are in the US. Even though I might not have much to offer as a young 18 year old, I want to give everything I can out of a pure heart just like the servants in GDL do. My encouragement for the body of Christ back home is to not forget about our brothers and sisters in this part of the world that are struggling to get the gospel out and sharing His love with the least of these. Sometimes giving financially is difficult for some people, so why not take a few minutes of your day and lift them up in prayer."
-Brianna Vasquez
Team Devotions...................
DAY 7
WEDNESDAY: JULY 25, 2018
Today was a tough day. It was the last day of our second round of VBS, so that's 6 days of VBS in 7 days with a wedding in the middle and a women's day of refreshing event in the mix. Not to mention feeding the kids at the soup kitchen. I could see some exhaustion setting in on our team. I don't think we've ever crammed so much activity into a single mission trip. What I like about working so hard at the ministry there though is that we get a taste of just how hard the labor is there. It always gives me renewed respect for our brothers and sisters who work there every day. So after VBS we did what every good missionary does when they are exhausted: we got ice cream.
I am proud of this team. even though I was only down for part of this trip, I have been so impressed by the group of missionaries from our church and the Oasis church. I have heard no complaints, even though we're sleeping on floors and many of us are sharing just one bathroom and we are working most of the day. I am so grateful for all who have come to help and support.
Brazos de Amistad, The Garden Fellowship, Capilla Calvario Guadalajara, Iglesia Misionera Oasis, Group ministry resources worked together as one on this trip. It was beautiful to see and be part of.
-Steve Davis
1 Corinthians 3:5-11
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
I am proud of this team. even though I was only down for part of this trip, I have been so impressed by the group of missionaries from our church and the Oasis church. I have heard no complaints, even though we're sleeping on floors and many of us are sharing just one bathroom and we are working most of the day. I am so grateful for all who have come to help and support.
Brazos de Amistad, The Garden Fellowship, Capilla Calvario Guadalajara, Iglesia Misionera Oasis, Group ministry resources worked together as one on this trip. It was beautiful to see and be part of.
-Steve Davis
1 Corinthians 3:5-11
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
DAY 8
THURSDAY: JULY 26, 2018
"With half the team gone now, and almost all of our work done, we are ready for two free days of adventure! We all got to sleep in, and then in true Mexico fashion, we jammed 26 people in a 15 passenger van and headed to Mama Dela's favorite breakfast place in Guadalajara called El Tango for an all you can eat Mexican buffet. It was such fun and very delish. Next we drove back to the church to get our suitcases and take a family photo of all the Lopez family, since every sibling was in town for the wedding! At 1pm we hit the road for the ranch house owned by Arturo and Adi in Mazamitla! We did take a detour and saw some amazing round pyramids, the only ones in the world, at Huachimontones. They are said to have been built one thousand years before Christ! Along the road trip we experienced an awesome thunderstorm, stopped for grilled elote (corn), gas, chips, drinks, bathroom stop, grilled elote, bathroom again and even tacos! It took close to seven hours to get to the ranch but it was such great fun and fellowship that it seemed to speed by! Since arriving to the ranch at 7:30pm, the kids have ridden a horse, played pool and foosball, and we've walked to see the cattle, horses, perico (parrot), and mules. It is such a beautiful relaxing place and wat a blessing to Leo and Martha and the team. I must run now, cuz there is a buzz in the kitchen as everyone pitches in to make tacos and hot cocoa! Thank you, Jesus, for this very special gift, and for your sweet, sweet, love!!!"
-Missy McCoy
-Missy McCoy
DAY 9
FRIDAY: JULY 27, 2018
"Friday morning we all woke up in Arturo and Adi's cabin in Rancho Viejo. After everyone got ready for the day and the guys fixed the broken quad, we set out to the property that Arturo donated to Brazos de Amistad. I was a little late, so Pastor Dave came back on the Quad to bring me to the property. We all joined in prayer that God would mightily use that property for His glory.
Ana, Lorena and myself took a ride on the quad down the grassy bumpy roads and around the little village. Ana loves to go fast and I was holding on for dear life........... but it was so fun! After everyone took a turn riding, we all piled into the van and took off to spend a free day in Mazamitla. Our first stop was to have the most amazing breakfast at Restaurante Quinta del Bosque. It was interesting trying to read the menu when your knowledge of Spanish is limited and you rely on Google translate, which isn't always that accurate and can be very funny at times. After breakfast and pictures were taken, we again piled into the van to drive to downtown Mazamitla to shop, buy souvenirs and look around. In the town square there was what looked like a high school Mariachi band to serenade all the onlookers. After 2 hours or so walking around the town, eating pan dulce, ice cream, and pepinos y mangos con sal y chile, we all piled back into the van to drive back to the ranch house where some of us, myself included, took a little siesta. We packed up the van and piled in once more to drive back to Brazos de Amistad. Driving through the countryside was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. We drove around Lake Chapala, the biggest body of water in Mexico, through a colony where some Americans retire.
When we arrived back to Brazos, tamales were waiting for us and a storm was brewing. After dinner we got back into the van to go back to the house we were staying in, to turn in for the night. There was a great lightning show along with pouring rain. What a wonderful way to end our last night here in Mexico. Tomorrow we fly home to the states.
Thank you for all your prayers during our trip here. It went by so fast, we accomplished so much and the days were long, but all the glory goes to God. Can't wait for the next trip!"
-Lauren Hutchins
Ana, Lorena and myself took a ride on the quad down the grassy bumpy roads and around the little village. Ana loves to go fast and I was holding on for dear life........... but it was so fun! After everyone took a turn riding, we all piled into the van and took off to spend a free day in Mazamitla. Our first stop was to have the most amazing breakfast at Restaurante Quinta del Bosque. It was interesting trying to read the menu when your knowledge of Spanish is limited and you rely on Google translate, which isn't always that accurate and can be very funny at times. After breakfast and pictures were taken, we again piled into the van to drive to downtown Mazamitla to shop, buy souvenirs and look around. In the town square there was what looked like a high school Mariachi band to serenade all the onlookers. After 2 hours or so walking around the town, eating pan dulce, ice cream, and pepinos y mangos con sal y chile, we all piled back into the van to drive back to the ranch house where some of us, myself included, took a little siesta. We packed up the van and piled in once more to drive back to Brazos de Amistad. Driving through the countryside was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. We drove around Lake Chapala, the biggest body of water in Mexico, through a colony where some Americans retire.
When we arrived back to Brazos, tamales were waiting for us and a storm was brewing. After dinner we got back into the van to go back to the house we were staying in, to turn in for the night. There was a great lightning show along with pouring rain. What a wonderful way to end our last night here in Mexico. Tomorrow we fly home to the states.
Thank you for all your prayers during our trip here. It went by so fast, we accomplished so much and the days were long, but all the glory goes to God. Can't wait for the next trip!"
-Lauren Hutchins