Dear Friends and Family of CCA 11th Gr. Team
Last but not least, I would like to encourage you to find out from your student how the following "Upper Room" time has affected and impacted them for their mission at home and globally.
Sat: Debrief and recap of our village mission experience & exhortation by P. Chet
Sun: Debrief of Host Homes Visits and Broken Bread Experience - Aaron, P. Topher and P. Mark
Mon: Communion and Worship - Closing by P. Topher and Aaron
It has been a great privilege for us to serve alongside you and your students. It has been a glorious mission trip. A total of 16 souls saved through village visits and street evangelism. Another 90 to 100 children gave their hearts to the LORD at our VBS presentation in two villages over 4 days. More than 200 folks heard a gospel presentation during our 10-day mission trip in Merida, Tabi & Hocaba. His work in us has just begun.
Bel for P. Topher & Aaron Mills
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Day 8: Work Day in Merida
Dear Friends and Family
Project Love at Casa Abuelos continued with preparing a piece of unused ground for a garden. Initial plans was to add top soil, plants and sods to the garden. However, the contractor wanted us to make a more gradual decline to that plot so we had to removed sand and gravel first before we can go about doing what was planned. At the end of it, it was all worth being soaked in soil and dirt. It added a peaceful and restful atmosphere to Casa Abuelos.
Another group went to CCA Merida and spent time with the students there. They made a lot of friends (from K to 6 Gr), and was surprised with a bag lunch prepared for them by the CCA Merida students. Love in Christ is so sweet, isn't it?
In the evening, we went on a city tour with Dr Aguayo. He gave alot of historic background to the students and it was greatly enjoyed. Followed by souvenirs shopping, and a farewell dinner to our missionary families and interns.
Please pray for safe travel home tomorrow and that the interns will be able to experience the leading of God in their pursuit of him in this mission field. To follow up on the new Christians at Tabi and Hocaba.
Love and thank you for all your prayers, intercession and financial support.
God Bless.
Project Love at Casa Abuelos continued with preparing a piece of unused ground for a garden. Initial plans was to add top soil, plants and sods to the garden. However, the contractor wanted us to make a more gradual decline to that plot so we had to removed sand and gravel first before we can go about doing what was planned. At the end of it, it was all worth being soaked in soil and dirt. It added a peaceful and restful atmosphere to Casa Abuelos.
Another group went to CCA Merida and spent time with the students there. They made a lot of friends (from K to 6 Gr), and was surprised with a bag lunch prepared for them by the CCA Merida students. Love in Christ is so sweet, isn't it?
In the evening, we went on a city tour with Dr Aguayo. He gave alot of historic background to the students and it was greatly enjoyed. Followed by souvenirs shopping, and a farewell dinner to our missionary families and interns.
Please pray for safe travel home tomorrow and that the interns will be able to experience the leading of God in their pursuit of him in this mission field. To follow up on the new Christians at Tabi and Hocaba.
Love and thank you for all your prayers, intercession and financial support.
God Bless.
Day 7: Fellowship, Visit Host Homes and Broken Bread
Dear Friends and Family
We were so looking forward to our church service at CC Merida. We were only able to briefly talk to some on our way in last week. Pastor Sam gave us a warm welcome, and gave the church an update on what we were able to accomplish in the last week at Tabi and Hocaba. The water filtration site and all our building projects should be fully ready in three weeks. Also, that the he had turned in a petition for the government to give to the ministry a machine to make tortillas at Tabi. It has already been approved, and their government had offered to provide the machine and the ingredients to make tortillas for the village at Tabi. What an awesome testimony of God's provision.
Pastor Topher taught that morning. He shared from Col 1, giving praise and thanks to the church for being so faithful at reaching out to the Mayans in Tabi and Hocaba. Encouraging them to continue in the good work, walking in a manner worthy of Christ. Their correct understanding of Christ's heart for the lost, has led to correct actions and Faith, that produces fruit.
In the afternoon, we were able to lunch with host families, and experience a time of intimate fellowship and breaking bread. Their hospitality was so simple yet extravagantly lavished upon us.
In the evening we had a Broken Bread Experience. In a nutshell, it is a poverty meal that most refugees and HIV infected patients eat on a daily basis in any third world country. The object lesson that Aaron Mills shared was to encourage the students to tie in their mission experience so far with those whom we met at the homes in the villages of Tabi and Hocaba. Most families in the villages live on $1 to $2 a day, surviving on home made tortillas and leaves from plants. The more fortunate ones have eggs and peas on them. How can our faith motivate us to help the people we see in Tabi, Hocaba and beyond affected by poverty, and the children that are orphaned by AIDS worldwide. In our small groups, we shared and prayed, asking God to show each one of us what we can practically do to help those that are affected by the vicious cycle of poverty, hunger and aids.
We were able to have a good time of reflection personally (on Luk 22:19 & John 6:48) and then corporately in our small groups discussed John 6:1-14, 2 Kings 4:2-7. Followed by a fast that night. Our students are moved to act. They thought about starting from cutting down on unnecessary STARBUCKS, Movies, sodas at home, then in their immediate community at CCA advocating for students to hear God's heart for the poor. At the end of the night, students gave their pesos to help buy flour to make bread for Tabi.
We are blessed.
We were so looking forward to our church service at CC Merida. We were only able to briefly talk to some on our way in last week. Pastor Sam gave us a warm welcome, and gave the church an update on what we were able to accomplish in the last week at Tabi and Hocaba. The water filtration site and all our building projects should be fully ready in three weeks. Also, that the he had turned in a petition for the government to give to the ministry a machine to make tortillas at Tabi. It has already been approved, and their government had offered to provide the machine and the ingredients to make tortillas for the village at Tabi. What an awesome testimony of God's provision.
Pastor Topher taught that morning. He shared from Col 1, giving praise and thanks to the church for being so faithful at reaching out to the Mayans in Tabi and Hocaba. Encouraging them to continue in the good work, walking in a manner worthy of Christ. Their correct understanding of Christ's heart for the lost, has led to correct actions and Faith, that produces fruit.
In the afternoon, we were able to lunch with host families, and experience a time of intimate fellowship and breaking bread. Their hospitality was so simple yet extravagantly lavished upon us.
In the evening we had a Broken Bread Experience. In a nutshell, it is a poverty meal that most refugees and HIV infected patients eat on a daily basis in any third world country. The object lesson that Aaron Mills shared was to encourage the students to tie in their mission experience so far with those whom we met at the homes in the villages of Tabi and Hocaba. Most families in the villages live on $1 to $2 a day, surviving on home made tortillas and leaves from plants. The more fortunate ones have eggs and peas on them. How can our faith motivate us to help the people we see in Tabi, Hocaba and beyond affected by poverty, and the children that are orphaned by AIDS worldwide. In our small groups, we shared and prayed, asking God to show each one of us what we can practically do to help those that are affected by the vicious cycle of poverty, hunger and aids.
We were able to have a good time of reflection personally (on Luk 22:19 & John 6:48) and then corporately in our small groups discussed John 6:1-14, 2 Kings 4:2-7. Followed by a fast that night. Our students are moved to act. They thought about starting from cutting down on unnecessary STARBUCKS, Movies, sodas at home, then in their immediate community at CCA advocating for students to hear God's heart for the poor. At the end of the night, students gave their pesos to help buy flour to make bread for Tabi.
We are blessed.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Day 6: Work Day in Merida
Dear Family & Friends
Greetings.
Casa Abuelos Update:
Love Abuelos Project : To install a garden for the abuelos, clean and mop each room in the Elderly Folks Home. A lot of heartbreaking sights and stories, we were thankful that we could share, pray and comfort with the abuelos. One old lady, Maria Jesus, shared that her mom and dad died very early in life and she was abandoned by her children 7 years ago. That sent immediate tears down our throat. Our students from Team God and Jesus, interacted with all the abuelos, and participated in clearing up the waste area that would become the garden for our abuelos.
Other God Stories:
Laura was asked if she could help clean up an old lady, she felt privileged, humbled and also very blessed to be able to serve her that way. She helped to comb her hair afterwards, and that open up a way for them to communicate openly.
Katie was cleaning a room and discovered an old man sleeping on his own feces. She was in a state of pain for him because he should not have to live like this. Our students interacted with all the abuelos, and participated in clearing up the area that will become the garden for our abuelos.
CCA Merida Update:
Paint Project for the Additional 2-Storey Building of CCA Merida : Students put on their work clothes and painted the interior of the new classrooms and the surrounding walls of the new building. It was fun as the students painted and sang together on this work day. Time flies when you enjoy your work, isn't it.
Pray for our time tomorrow, we will be visiting CC Merida and visiting with different host homes for lunch. We want to get to know and fellowship with the Merida family too. Please pray for continued good health for all. For Pastor Topher as he will be teaching tomorrow.
God Bless.
Greetings.
Casa Abuelos Update:
Love Abuelos Project : To install a garden for the abuelos, clean and mop each room in the Elderly Folks Home. A lot of heartbreaking sights and stories, we were thankful that we could share, pray and comfort with the abuelos. One old lady, Maria Jesus, shared that her mom and dad died very early in life and she was abandoned by her children 7 years ago. That sent immediate tears down our throat. Our students from Team God and Jesus, interacted with all the abuelos, and participated in clearing up the waste area that would become the garden for our abuelos.
Other God Stories:
Laura was asked if she could help clean up an old lady, she felt privileged, humbled and also very blessed to be able to serve her that way. She helped to comb her hair afterwards, and that open up a way for them to communicate openly.
Katie was cleaning a room and discovered an old man sleeping on his own feces. She was in a state of pain for him because he should not have to live like this. Our students interacted with all the abuelos, and participated in clearing up the area that will become the garden for our abuelos.
CCA Merida Update:
Paint Project for the Additional 2-Storey Building of CCA Merida : Students put on their work clothes and painted the interior of the new classrooms and the surrounding walls of the new building. It was fun as the students painted and sang together on this work day. Time flies when you enjoy your work, isn't it.
Pray for our time tomorrow, we will be visiting CC Merida and visiting with different host homes for lunch. We want to get to know and fellowship with the Merida family too. Please pray for continued good health for all. For Pastor Topher as he will be teaching tomorrow.
God Bless.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Day 5: More Confession of Faith made in both Hocaba and Tabi
Dear Parents and Friends
We got to complete the basketball court at Tabi today. Lots of cement mixing today. We started the morning with visiting the community in Tabi. By the way, there were at least two confession of faith made in Tabi yesterday. Mr Salvatelli, Laura Foreman, Jenn Schmidt, Ryan and Camilla got to witness to a 19 year old gal who lives in Tabi all her life. Laura shared her testimony and David translated and also shared in the preaching of the gospel. Maria put her faith in Christ after our short 20 minutes of sharing. What a glorious day, for the students to see the work of the Holy Spirit in action.
Dan T., Jessica M., Grace and Raisa met an alcoholic and was so burdened for his salvation that they ran back to get help in presenting the gospel to Jose. Aaron Mills, Mr Alvarez and myself were blessed to be able to lead Jose to Christ. Jose struggled with drinking for a long time and really wanted to get out of his cycle of alcohol abuse. Whilst talking to him, we found out that he really considered himself unworthy before God because of his alcohol abuse. We explained to him why that is not the case, because Christ died for unworthy sinners like us all, and loved us before we know of Him..... One water, one sow, one harvest..... what an awesome God we serve.
In Hocaba, our teams have also divine appointments besides their laborious hard day of finishing up the foundation at the water filtration site. The foundation has to be laid with rocks, sand and gravel before they could do the flooring of it. Mrs Klipfel, Mr Matthews and the bus driver chance upon the neighbor's home next to our work site. They went in to visit and it ended up to be a divine appointment for the 3 young mason workers. They gave their life to the LORD and fell to their knees. Last but not least, the bus driver, Antonio gave his life to the LORD too.. What a Faithful Father we have to teach us his heart for the LOST.
Pastor Chet, the 10th Gr. Visionary Team and Mr Lofthouse also visited both Tabi and Hocaba today, praying and planning for the trip that would take place next year.
More updates to follow. Please pray for our work day in Merida for the next weekend. Thanks.
We got to complete the basketball court at Tabi today. Lots of cement mixing today. We started the morning with visiting the community in Tabi. By the way, there were at least two confession of faith made in Tabi yesterday. Mr Salvatelli, Laura Foreman, Jenn Schmidt, Ryan and Camilla got to witness to a 19 year old gal who lives in Tabi all her life. Laura shared her testimony and David translated and also shared in the preaching of the gospel. Maria put her faith in Christ after our short 20 minutes of sharing. What a glorious day, for the students to see the work of the Holy Spirit in action.
Dan T., Jessica M., Grace and Raisa met an alcoholic and was so burdened for his salvation that they ran back to get help in presenting the gospel to Jose. Aaron Mills, Mr Alvarez and myself were blessed to be able to lead Jose to Christ. Jose struggled with drinking for a long time and really wanted to get out of his cycle of alcohol abuse. Whilst talking to him, we found out that he really considered himself unworthy before God because of his alcohol abuse. We explained to him why that is not the case, because Christ died for unworthy sinners like us all, and loved us before we know of Him..... One water, one sow, one harvest..... what an awesome God we serve.
In Hocaba, our teams have also divine appointments besides their laborious hard day of finishing up the foundation at the water filtration site. The foundation has to be laid with rocks, sand and gravel before they could do the flooring of it. Mrs Klipfel, Mr Matthews and the bus driver chance upon the neighbor's home next to our work site. They went in to visit and it ended up to be a divine appointment for the 3 young mason workers. They gave their life to the LORD and fell to their knees. Last but not least, the bus driver, Antonio gave his life to the LORD too.. What a Faithful Father we have to teach us his heart for the LOST.
Pastor Chet, the 10th Gr. Visionary Team and Mr Lofthouse also visited both Tabi and Hocaba today, praying and planning for the trip that would take place next year.
More updates to follow. Please pray for our work day in Merida for the next weekend. Thanks.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Day 4: God Story: Life in Tabi
Dear Friends and Family
2.7 billion people in the world live on less than $2 a day, and 1.1 billion people in the world live on less than $1 a day. Most of the folks in Tabi and even Hocaba live the statistic. We met a young man who used to be a juvenile and was miraculously released from jail through Pastor Sam's ministry to him in the jail. Got saved and now married with child. He works in a bee farm, and get sting on a daily basis in order to get a liter of honey each day. This young man makes between $60 to $75 a month. Mr Matthews, one of the parents on our team, and our students were blown away by poverty they witnessed, but more so the LIFE Changes that had happened in many lives in TABI because of Christ, the work of the Church and its saints in that community.
Please pray for continued vision, and for God's calling on our body to participate in transforming lives.
Blessings.
2.7 billion people in the world live on less than $2 a day, and 1.1 billion people in the world live on less than $1 a day. Most of the folks in Tabi and even Hocaba live the statistic. We met a young man who used to be a juvenile and was miraculously released from jail through Pastor Sam's ministry to him in the jail. Got saved and now married with child. He works in a bee farm, and get sting on a daily basis in order to get a liter of honey each day. This young man makes between $60 to $75 a month. Mr Matthews, one of the parents on our team, and our students were blown away by poverty they witnessed, but more so the LIFE Changes that had happened in many lives in TABI because of Christ, the work of the Church and its saints in that community.
Please pray for continued vision, and for God's calling on our body to participate in transforming lives.
Blessings.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Day 4: Update
Dear Friends and Family
It has been such a memorable day for Team God and Sin. We did brick and mortar on the side walls of the bakery and the distribution centre for Tabi. It took a while to learn how to use the plumb line, learning to "slap on" the right amount of cement so that the mortar will stick. A group of students also went to visit with the Mayan families living in that village. A Mayan Village Home is a stick hut, with just an opening to enter the hut, hammocks for sleeping, a stove to make tortillas, a wash basin at the side of the hut to wash clothes, and very barely furnished.
Praise report: a team of students during the house visits led Sophia, a young mom who is 17, to the LORD. Another student Dan, led a 14 year old to the LORD during our VBS activity. The VBS went well for God team, and we have a total of 62 young lives at this VBS. We pray that we are building in the foundation of these young lives, besides the foundation we are trying to lay for the village and community church projects.
Hocaba report: Team Jesus and Commitment wanted to complete their project at the Water Filtration Site. They were trying to fill the site with rocks, soil and gravel so that it can be cemented. It took a lot of team work to fill up a third of the site.
Seeing Jose at the work site was the highlight of the day for everyone on the team. Our teams met this 10 year old boy on our first day at Hocaba. We found out that he lived with his grandmother and was abandoned by his natural mother after he was born, and his birth dad was dead a few years ago. Jose has not gone to school all this time. Because of our friendship with Jose, a group of CCA students and Anya started to pray about the possibility of doing a "School for School Project" for Hocaba and Tabi next school year.
More updates to follow. God Bless.
It has been such a memorable day for Team God and Sin. We did brick and mortar on the side walls of the bakery and the distribution centre for Tabi. It took a while to learn how to use the plumb line, learning to "slap on" the right amount of cement so that the mortar will stick. A group of students also went to visit with the Mayan families living in that village. A Mayan Village Home is a stick hut, with just an opening to enter the hut, hammocks for sleeping, a stove to make tortillas, a wash basin at the side of the hut to wash clothes, and very barely furnished.
Praise report: a team of students during the house visits led Sophia, a young mom who is 17, to the LORD. Another student Dan, led a 14 year old to the LORD during our VBS activity. The VBS went well for God team, and we have a total of 62 young lives at this VBS. We pray that we are building in the foundation of these young lives, besides the foundation we are trying to lay for the village and community church projects.
Hocaba report: Team Jesus and Commitment wanted to complete their project at the Water Filtration Site. They were trying to fill the site with rocks, soil and gravel so that it can be cemented. It took a lot of team work to fill up a third of the site.
Seeing Jose at the work site was the highlight of the day for everyone on the team. Our teams met this 10 year old boy on our first day at Hocaba. We found out that he lived with his grandmother and was abandoned by his natural mother after he was born, and his birth dad was dead a few years ago. Jose has not gone to school all this time. Because of our friendship with Jose, a group of CCA students and Anya started to pray about the possibility of doing a "School for School Project" for Hocaba and Tabi next school year.
More updates to follow. God Bless.
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