Peru? Really?

This was the response I got from the members of the One in Christ church when I visited them on Sunday.  We hadn’t mentioned that Keila was off in Africa and Kiana was off in Peru, both on short-term missions to serve.  I did get word from all three this weekend.  Thanks for your prayers as each does their part to help God’s kingdom to grow.  Here’s a pic Tracey sent me from the coast of Lima.

Notice the hang glider in the background?

A much needed visit

Pastor Manuel Vivanco, pastor of the mother church, joined our church for its service on Sunday.  He shared a much-needed message of interest and of discipline.  He came to motivate us to seek God’s best for our lives.  His sermon was on the different levels of financial commitment in the church.  I think many have know about some of these levels, but Manuel’s reiteration solidified their beliefs. 

Church outside of our services

On Saturday, some elementary school students in our church invited me to their “banda de guerra" presentation (marching band).  While it has less to do with marching and more to do with the disciplines of playing, the group was made up of drums and trumpets only.  They did a great job of playing together.  Here are some pics of the ones who participated.

Coming back… to fun

Tracey and Kiana were only back for a week before they had to ship out again for Kiana’s short-term mission trip to Lima, Peru.  The youth put together a going-away party for her, filled with food, games and lots of laughs.  They served Kiana’s favorite Mexican dish.  Kiana and Tracey will be back near the beginning of July.

Coming back… to Mexico

Kiana's Pic

While flying into Mexico City, Kiana took this pic.  It was almost midnight and she used my old Olympus camera 3.2 MP.  It’s amazing and breath taking to see where we live and how big it all is.  I’m glad to be back.  But it’s back to work.

 Taken from internet

When we’re together…

God abundantly supplied when we flew up to California to see my mom.  She was in good health, in good spirits and keeping active in her daily routine.  While the time was short, we enjoyed her company and managed to take her out to eat along with the rest of my family.  May our time apart be even shorter this time.

When speaking in “tongues…”

I had to video tape the sermon at the Pentecost service in my home church.  It was inspiring and motivating to see my pastor preach in English while representatives of the Chinese and Hispanic churches translated to their congregations.  No high tech devices, just a time to share in our unity and our diversity in Christ.  Wow, something to consider for our congregation in Mexico!  (Here's just a sample of the video)