Remembering…

Kiana asked, “What can I learn to draw?”  How about some people or characters?  So when she showed me what she did, I immediately asked her to draw us a reminder of the wonderful time we had with our recent Canadian team.  She did!  What do you think?

Can you guess who each character in the picture represents?  

Those around the picture are the congregations visited in Mexico.

Trusting Him

With our youth outing Friday, we’ve had several families interested in sending us their young people for Saturday’s “Reposteria” class, that is, baking class taught by Kiana.

With our family evening snack, we’re beginning a class on marriage relationships that will meet monthly to give the parents a night out and time to talk.  God is good!

When You Least Expect It

Had you asked me, “What happened the week after VBS?”  I would have said, “Not much.”  But this weekend we could see God’s handiwork by doubling our attendance on Sunday with lots of new faces… and families.

Some of the new families were contacts made with our Avance (Spearhead) friends.

So What’s Next?

Last night, Tracey and I chaperoned our first youth group meeting – an outing to the local theater to watch “Pacific Rim.”  The youth came up with some good answers to the questions we asked before the movie.  How do you grow a friendship?  This was one of the questions we asked them to think about.  So after the movie, standing at a hamburger stand, we all responded to the question and a few more.  Next week, we’ll be at our home for the next activity.

And tonight, Saturday, we invited two of our faithful families to have a snack with us.  The kids played badminton outside until dark while the adults talked.  The food was great and the friendships even better.

Serve One Another – Galatians 5:13

This week, the One More for Christ congregation served in the One in Christ church’s VBS program.  It’s been a wonderful experience in serving, working together and becoming a part of God’s BIG family.  We appreciate the enthusiasm, energy and help offered by each.

Gerardo & Carmen were two of the adults, accompanied by their children, who helped several of the days.

Once Again?

This week, the Bread of Life congregation initiated their VBS program out on the street on front of the church.  Beginning with games and choreographies, they drew in over 70 kids.  They were able to use the newly paved construction area that the Canadian team helped to prepare and provide for.  They used the “Colosal” VBS materials (used by the One More for Christ and the One in Christ churches) funded by the Byron United Congregation.

Do it Again!

On Tuesday, the One in Christ Church began their VBS on the only basketball court in their community. The One More for Christ congregation got up early and headed to La Guadalupana to give our sister church a hand.  We spent most of our time putting up tents and tarps.  And then, together, we taught the theme song, “Colosal Parque.”

Before & AFTER

It took a lot of work by our teams to practice for the several choreographies that they presented to the kids to see and then to participate in.  It was wild seeing the transformation from the days before VBS to the last day.  Boy can they JUMP!

The kids continue to sing the songs even after the fact.  

We are practicing Sé Fuerte (Be Strong) as a congregation to remind us of God’s help in trying times.

It’s about Time!

After waiting several months, Tracey and I head out to conclude the last steps of our visa.  We could use your prayers as we head to the state capital in Toluca.  It will be an all day ordeal standing in a long line outside in the hot sun.

A Bit of History?

On the only day of rest that the team got, we hopped a bus over to the local pyramids.  The first stop was the Avenue of the Dead.  The team went up some steep stairs to get to the top of a temple mound overlooking the carvings of the local plumed serpent god.  Watch your step!

So Close?

Getting ready for our afternoon service in One More For Christ, I glanced out our window and wondered if a new plant was firing up their engines, but on Sunday?  As I watched, there seemed to be too many flames.  Yep, it was a fire.  But of what?  The news confirmed a petroleum “duct” fire.  It had burned since the morning and was out by the time the service began.

Brick by Brick

The first day of construction was by far a learning experience.  While the heavy work would come later, patience with the culture and learning a new task kept us busy.  The team became experts in building support structures and splitting bricks to finish a wall.

Standing Tall

On an unusual outing, Pastor Greg and his host family joined our volleyball training class.  While the class couldn’t imagine blocking his spikes, they tried.  It was a physically stretching time.  Upon returning with Kiana last Thursday, Ricardo – one of the taller men – asked me, “Where’s shorty?” referring to Greg.

New Songs for Church

We enjoyed the choreographies that the teams prepared and wanted to hold on to those that inspire us to stand for Jesus, so this is one we’ll be practicing during the service on Sunday to keep fresh in our minds.  It’s called “Change Me!”

Looking to Move

Our Wednesday night prayer meeting is meeting in a home outside of the neighborhood where most of the believers live.  We brought up the prayer request for a new home where we can meet that is closer to our rented facility.  Each family (Carmen & Gerardo) offered their house.  Now we’re waiting on God’s response.  Pray with us as we seek to serve Him.

Wednesday night's prayer group

In Good Hands

Iasi went in to have her elbow checked on Wednesday by and orthopedic surgeon.  The bad news… this kind of injury requires immediate surgery.  The good news… after taking another x-ray, the bone seems to be mending by itself.  The question… who set it?  The answer… an intern.  The response by the doctor…  “An intern?”

The doctor said, “She must be a special girl.  I’ve never seen bones align themselves and reset themselves like this before.”  We know she’s in His good hands.

Very SPECIAL Request

The daughter of one of our key church members fell on Sunday near her home and broke her elbow.  She was rushed to emergency where the family spent the night waiting for her arm to be put into a cast.  On Wednesday morning, she “IASI” will go to see an orthopedic surgeon.  Please pray that God will heal.  (She's the one in black and white.)

This afternoon, her mom helped us to track down a dozen of the families that attended our VBS.  We’re excited about how many of them responded to the invitation to return on Sunday.

Talk about powerful!

Our choreography team did an incredible job at making the songs stand out and easy for the kids to follow.  We hope to make this one a keeper for our own congregation.  Practices begin on Sunday at 5 p.m.  Want to join us?

A word of gratitude

Thanks Byron United team for your spirit of service and enthusiasm. 

And thanks Byron United church for your constant prayers for the success of your team in Mexico.

I’m tingly all over… Val

There was so much excitement in the air as we geared up for our last VBS day, this time at 4:30 p.m.  There were certificates, candies and gifts to give out.  There were hugs to share and tears to shed for us all, realizing that our teams were doing this for the last time.  It was incredible.  The parents were grateful.  The kids didn’t want to leave.  We could have stayed all night.  

It’s like coming home… Jerry

We made it to the La Presa church this morning for Pastor Greg to preach and for Mary and Rose to give their testimonies.  It was a bitter-sweet moment because while we got to greet folks, the team was also aware that this was the last time that they would see the first people they came to know and stay with in Mexico.

Pulling out all the Stops

We had a fantastic day yesterday with the teams working together to bring excitement into the air especially through their choreographies, crafts and great food.  We took a picture just for you of all who participated.  Hope you enjoy the smiles.

 Our Teams

 Some of our kids

What? Over 90 kids!

As the kids continued to flow into our summer program, we didn’t have enough to cover all the needs today.  We were scrambling to get what was necessary.  “I didn’t make enough jello for all these kids and their parents.” Mishel commented.

 still clowning around

We stretched the program to also include some nutritional tips and some health checks.

 testing for blood sugar

 testing for pressure

“How are you, Gerardo?” asked Jerry. “I’m Tired!”

While the team’s energy and organization make things run smooth, sounds like some of our national workers are feeling the pressure placed on them to lead and host the children and their parents.  We’ve had a great turn out of local kids and their parents.  Pray for our daily strength!

Can you find our team, in red?

 Can't stand still with so many kids around

Now Comes the Hard Work…

We were running around getting the choreographies, crafts, music and snacks together for the summer program, that is, our VBS.  Everyone is in good spirits and in good health.  “One thing I notice, is that this team is very excited and has lots of smiles,” Mishel (one of the moms hosting the team.)

 

Clown skit

 Moving to the music

OK… Back to Work!

There was lots to do and not enough time to do it all.  Our Mexican brothers didn’t want us to overdo it, but our Canadian brothers and sisters were up to the task.  What a great team!  And everyone pitched in to lay the ground work for this construction project.

Jerry's shoveling it...

Greg is wheeling it...

the Mexicans poured it...

and we all enjoyed the time after...

Pyramids? In Mexico?

Taking a short break from the construction in La Presa, we shot north to visit the ancient ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.  We walked and saw, climbed and touched these incredible structures.  Best of all, we enjoyed our time spent together – Mexicans and Canadians.

Spanish or English, which one?

We worshipped in the morning with the Bread of Life Church in La Presa where the Byron United team sung a song in Spanish.  The congregation loved it.  In the afternoon after we worshipped in the One More for Christ congregation, the group had fun learning to speak English with the Canadians.

“I broke a brick in half all by myself!” Kiana

The day was cloudy but warm as we began our construction work.  Some learned to lay brick while others were tying rebar together for the support columns.  Many took on the task of cutting bricks in half to bring the walls up to the right heights. 

If that wasn’t enough, after the meal (Mexican “taquitos”) a group went up to pray for a family near the top of the hill.

 mixing cement

 tying rebar

“I’ve been up since Wednesday” Val

On time, but worn out by the trip, the Canadian short-term mission team from Byron United sits down after a yummy Mexican grilled chicken lunch to listen to Tracey give a short orientation on the culture and on the work ahead.  Thanks for praying for their safe arrival!

Working His Plan Together