A Glimpse of Glory

The fact of what heaven would be like bounced off the top of the new believer's head. Tonight I (Christian) shared with a new believer about our home in Glory. As we read Revelation 21, I started to tear up. It simply overwhelmed me.

I sensed a deeper understanding in his voice as he eagerly asked what he needed to do next - I told him to keep on accepting the free gift and to trust in the Word.

Revelation 21:3-5 - "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

This is forever!

This is his new destination! And this should be our ultimate motivation in winning souls.

Prayer - who need's it anyway?

We have been charged with facilitating all staff meetings and training on the Mexico field and find it a great opportunity to challenge ourselves and other missionaries spiritually and professionally. Yesterday Christian led a discussion on the National Day of Prayer from the US (we heard a podcast from Focus on the Family). After the podcast was over, the question was simply asked, “So what do you think?”

The overwhelming response was how much each of us concentrates more on doing than praying. It was a great reminder that even our Lord Jesus needed to pray. If Jesus needed to draw closer to his father in heaven, then how much more do we need to do the same?

Encouraging

Neither of us have the gift of encouragement. But just because it’s not one of our top gifts doesn’t mean that we are notto be doing the business of encouraging. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – says that we are to encourage the timid.

At a recent birthday party Christian had an opportunity to encourage a church leader who was a bit discouraged about his work. He was discouraged as well at the lack of leaders stepping forward in the church with true conviction and loving hearts for Christ. Pray for our church that more lay leaders will come forward and thus encourage those who are already in leadership.

Discipleship

Tonight a mentee and Christian spoke about deepening our relationship with Christ through the church. His biggest concern with church is that it seemed like there are some church attendees who look at a verse or listen to a sermon once a week and then hang that truth up in the closet only to discuss it again the following Sunday. His faith is growing though and just his questioning of the importance of church is evidence of that.

Conflict resolution

Robin had the opportunity to go a layer deeper in our cultural understanding yesterday. One lady she has mentored had developed what we call in our house a “sour grapes” attitude toward others. She was able to go "in love" to her friend who was guilty of this and “call” her on it. We must say that she felt like walking on thin ice because of the unknown especially confronting in another culture. This culture, like many others, would rather just cover it up and pretend that an offense never happened. But that is not what we are called to do says Matthew 18.

We knew that a wrong attitude by her friend could turn to bitterness, but with God’s grace the lady admitted to a critical spirit and thus things were restored– Praise God!

Easter Lunch

On Easter day we hosted 25 people for lunch and for a time of celebrating the meaning of Easter. In this picture we are having a time of sharing how Jesus has worked in our lives in the past few months. It was a real blessing to remember that He still moves stones!

Working with Short Term Teams

Over the past 3 weeks we have been hosting a wonderful team from Northern Ireland. The highlight for this team was definitely working with the street kids. Christian translated for and led the team around with the help of our fellow Social Outreach Mexican friends.

Pictured with a thumbs up is Edgar - he shared with Christian the following, "So I hear you can help street kids get off the street and off drugs - so what can you do for me? You know I've been living on the streets for 17 years, ever since I was 5 and I'm so tired of this life. I want out now! How can you help?" With vulnerable hearts like this one it is so easy to lead one to Christ, but the hard part is discipleship. Please pray for Edgar as he hopefully attends his first church service this Sunday. May the bond with he and Fidel be one like Paul and Timothy. (Fidel is one of the social outreach workers and is key in building relationships with the thousands of street kids in Mexico City.)

Sowing Seeds

We have a heart for leading short term teams because it was while Christian was on a short term team experience in 2003 in Russia that we received our call to be a part of missions. Pictured is part of the team from Northern Ireland on a street kid visit. One gal is giving her testimony and Christian is translating. There were many tears and prayers for forgiveness during this visit to the group in downtown Mexico City. A girl names Mirah was so moved that she checked herself into a local drug rehab center (for the 2nd time). Please pray for her!

Preparing for Next Year

Above are photos of two posters made by the MOPS Leadership team here to advertise for the next years MOPS (starting in September). Aren't they wonderful? Each of the ladies pictured is a member of our leadership team and is pictured with her kids.
The Leadership Team has also starting preparing and selling breakfast once a month for after the 8:00 am service at church and sandwiches and fruit after the other two services as a way to raise funds for MOPS. This past Sunday was our first sale and we earned 160 dollars! Glory to God for the wonderful things happening in MOPS!

A Ladies Tea

Today the missionary ladies were treated with a lovely tea party. We were blessed with a visit from Sue Smith from OMS headquarters. Sue works in womens ministry and she took some time to share and encourage our hearts. It was a real blessing. And of course, there is Ethan who is joining in at the table!

Pray for MOPS

Here two women from our MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) leadership team pray as we begin our MOPS meeting.

At our last MOPS meeting a pediatric ophthalmologist and a dentist shared about children's health. At the end of our meeting some women from a local clinic were available to give free vaccinations to the children.
Will you pray for MOPS? While we consistently have 20 women in attendance we believe that we could reach more and we want to see spiritual break through in the lives of the women. Will you pray for Jesus to bless this effort and to reach more women and their families through MOPS? We also need prayer for the leadership team - that Jesus would help these women to catch the vision of MOPS and to be encouraged in their efforts.

Mexico Team Retreat

We recently traveled to a small village a few hours from Mexico City for a 3 day retreat with all of the other OMS Mexico missionaries. We had a wonderful time of planning, praying, and team building. Please pray that the Lord will continue to cultivate a spirit of unity amongst our team.Here our team plays a fun team building game.....

Here is Robin pictured with our three kids and 5 months pregnant with our fourth!

"Christians"

We recieved this poem from a supporter of ours. We really liked the words and thought we would share it with you.

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Sharing the GREAT NEWS!

On Christmas Eve Christian had the opportunity to preach at the Campanario church. He highlighted the fact that Jesus wasn't just a small baby laying in a manger...but that He was and is our SAVIOR... the only sacrifice suitable to pay the price for our sins. Several people raised their hands to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior that morning. We give praise to Jesus for this opportunity!

Kid's Christmas Celebration at our Church

Merry Christmas from Mexico! Below is a video taken two nights ago at our church here in Mexico. Many of the activities you see are traditional Christmas activities. You'll see Madeline in her first play ever, all three will take a swing at the piñata, and all three will sing and dance to traditional Christmas music.

Thank you for our food...

This week Genesis, a street kid, prayed for our lunch as we took a break from the work at the drop in center. I’ll never forget his request to God, “Please be with those who have nothing to eat Lord.” My mouth almost hit the floor as I pondered the fact that most meal times for Genesis involve only thinking about eating. Lord forgive us for ever complaining.

Drop in Center Construction

From October 21-31 we had the opportunity to help host and work alongside 7 very committed men from Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. They were successful in completing phase one of the street kid drop in center which will allow us to disciple new believers, teach trade skills, and of course evangelize. Thanks a million to Wayne, Randy, Stan, Chris, Garrett, Doug, and Ed. Special thanks also to Jose, Robin D., Bebe, Angel, Margaret, Alejandro, and Patty.

Drop in Center Dedication

Last Monday Christian had the opportunity to be part of finishing up phase 1 of the Street Kid Drop in Center. Above are Christian co-laborers (prayer team, Mexican co-leaders, contruction team from the U.S., and of course our cherished street kids). The purpose of the center is discipleship, evangelism, and skill building.

Celebrating Salvation

This is a photo of one of our students, Mari, being baptised. She came to the church for English classes and started attending church....she accepted Jesus as her Savior and was baptised in October. Praise God!

On this same day two other English students were baptised and two street kids accepted Christ!

That which you do unto the least of these....

On Tuesday, October 10th we held our third MOPS meeting. It was a lovely time with a speaker on nutrition and health of children - a topic that was of great interest to the moms. We had several new women present. I am always interested to hear who the new women are and how they found out about MOPS. This week there was a sweet petite mom with her one year old daughter. I inquired from Kay, our MOPS mentor, (who had spent time speaking with the woman) about who she was and how she found out about MOPS. Kay told me that this woman had actually come to the church looking for a pastor and that she had come around the day before as well looking for the pastor. She had recently discovered she was pregnant and her husband kicked her and their one year old baby out of the house. He simply could not afford to care for his children and the thought of another baby was too much. He told the woman that before she could come back home she must give the one year old away to someone and that she must not have anymore children. She and her infant slept in a church the night before and they were desperate for help. She said she wanted to return with her child to where her parents lived but had no resources. Kay gave her the bus fare (about 20 dollars) and she gave her the left over food from our MOPS meeting. The woman was beyond grateful. Can you even imagine being in her shoes? She had not one penny - no diaper bag, no car, no cell phone - just the clothes on her back and her baby girl.
I know that there are a lot of details missing from this story that I do not know - but what I do know is this. MOPS in Mexico is changing lives and offering hope - perhaps not in the same way it does in the United States but each meeting we have had has been used by God to seriously impact women.
In my past I have been used to a MOPS where we swap ideas on romantic dates, brainstorm on Christmas traditions we would like to start in our family, or listen to discussions on different schooling options for our children - all of these things were valuable and useful to me and I anticipated we would do similar things in MOPS here. Yet every MOPS I am struck but the harsh reality of how hard life is here in Mexico City for women and their children. Conversations at the tables have been centered on what to do in abusive home situations and where women will get money for food for their children.
The experiences are so very different - but one thing remains the same. We have a Savior that loves us and cares about our deepest needs. We have hope because we have the promise of eternal life. And we have the Lord's promise that His grace is sufficient to carry us through every hardship and every trial.