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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Day 3: Updates
Dear Family and Friends
Our 4 teams consisting of God, Sin, Jesus and Commitment went two different directions to do work projects at the village churches and VBS. Day 3: Team God and Commitment went to Hocaba, whilst Team Sin and Jesus went to Tabi. The folks at Tabi surrounded our team with lots of curious children wanting to work as hard as our students. The team was asked to find more rocks to fill the land marked out to be a basketball court, and they dig and they dig for all kind of soil in the village, surrounding the church. The villagers were friendly and helpful in their endeavor. VBS went well for the team, they said the children were very receptive and half of them were at our presentation last year. They got a lot of work done, in fact a sense of satisfaction was definitely on their countenance as they shared how pleased they were at the hard work they put in and the friendships they developed with the children.
Team God and Commitment were at Hocaba, and Commitment was asked to fill out the church kitchen and office with sand and gravel so that they can lay the foundation with cement. Team God has the task to remove all the stubble in the ground at the water filtration site. Then fill up the foundation with rocks and gravel so that cement work can take place in the next day. With the help of the other team, we managed to fill up a third of the water filtration site with rocks and gravel.
Now, VBS for Team God and Commitment went really well. They were able to minister in the downtown of Hocaba and invited about 40 to 50 children out to this VBS presentation. They grow with each minute. Our students rawk.
Not to forget, a group of us was asked to help divert a group of troublemakers who are trying to distract the VBS presentation. Tim Davis, Joel DeSousa, Nic Seagraves, Mr Alvarez and myself got to share our testimonies and two youths received Christ. Their names are Giovani and Victor. Five other friends of theirs also heard the good news, and are seriously contemplating the gospel. Please pray for these youths, that they will go to CC Hocaba and check out the bible studies there. They were also introduced to the local Pastor.
Ok, try to update you guys soon about what's going on on Day 4.
Blessings.
Our 4 teams consisting of God, Sin, Jesus and Commitment went two different directions to do work projects at the village churches and VBS. Day 3: Team God and Commitment went to Hocaba, whilst Team Sin and Jesus went to Tabi. The folks at Tabi surrounded our team with lots of curious children wanting to work as hard as our students. The team was asked to find more rocks to fill the land marked out to be a basketball court, and they dig and they dig for all kind of soil in the village, surrounding the church. The villagers were friendly and helpful in their endeavor. VBS went well for the team, they said the children were very receptive and half of them were at our presentation last year. They got a lot of work done, in fact a sense of satisfaction was definitely on their countenance as they shared how pleased they were at the hard work they put in and the friendships they developed with the children.
Team God and Commitment were at Hocaba, and Commitment was asked to fill out the church kitchen and office with sand and gravel so that they can lay the foundation with cement. Team God has the task to remove all the stubble in the ground at the water filtration site. Then fill up the foundation with rocks and gravel so that cement work can take place in the next day. With the help of the other team, we managed to fill up a third of the water filtration site with rocks and gravel.
Now, VBS for Team God and Commitment went really well. They were able to minister in the downtown of Hocaba and invited about 40 to 50 children out to this VBS presentation. They grow with each minute. Our students rawk.
Not to forget, a group of us was asked to help divert a group of troublemakers who are trying to distract the VBS presentation. Tim Davis, Joel DeSousa, Nic Seagraves, Mr Alvarez and myself got to share our testimonies and two youths received Christ. Their names are Giovani and Victor. Five other friends of theirs also heard the good news, and are seriously contemplating the gospel. Please pray for these youths, that they will go to CC Hocaba and check out the bible studies there. They were also introduced to the local Pastor.
Ok, try to update you guys soon about what's going on on Day 4.
Blessings.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tabi Update from Day 2
Dear Friends and Family
The Tabi team worked so hard today... they had to fill a basketball court with rocks and then leveled it with gravel. Students were mixing cement, and digging the ground for rocks to do the duties assigned to them. Talk about faithfulness and diligence. All our ministry teams worked so hard, that we could only say... Pastor Sam's vision for CC Tabi and the community, is our motivation to participate in building this house of worship, and a basketball court that they can do ministry with teens.
Last but not least, we had a time of street evangelism in Piste, and we divided to meet the young people in Piste. Mr Alvarez, Meagan, Jessica, Dan Tracy, Jennifer Schmidt and myself got met two groups of teens. We were able to present the gospel to a group of 10 to 15 boys, and see two young men come to the saving knowledge of Christ. Our teams invaded the downtown of Piste with the urgency of the gospel. Neat to see that. We are also invited to a friendly Mexico/America basketball match in the next few nights.
Keep praying for us.
The Tabi team worked so hard today... they had to fill a basketball court with rocks and then leveled it with gravel. Students were mixing cement, and digging the ground for rocks to do the duties assigned to them. Talk about faithfulness and diligence. All our ministry teams worked so hard, that we could only say... Pastor Sam's vision for CC Tabi and the community, is our motivation to participate in building this house of worship, and a basketball court that they can do ministry with teens.
Last but not least, we had a time of street evangelism in Piste, and we divided to meet the young people in Piste. Mr Alvarez, Meagan, Jessica, Dan Tracy, Jennifer Schmidt and myself got met two groups of teens. We were able to present the gospel to a group of 10 to 15 boys, and see two young men come to the saving knowledge of Christ. Our teams invaded the downtown of Piste with the urgency of the gospel. Neat to see that. We are also invited to a friendly Mexico/America basketball match in the next few nights.
Keep praying for us.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Building Projects at Hocaba
Dear Friends and Family
We saw the vision for the CC Hocaba building, and it made our day of laborious work so much more meaningful because believers in this Mayan village will be able to meet in a sanctuary, and the students be able to have rooms for Sunday School. There will also be an office and kitchen instead doing church in ONE makeshift hut. They will also have a water purification plant in the vicinity, providing drinkable water to the village.
Alot of construction was taking place before we arrived, and the construction workers were pleased to receive additional help, so that the building could be completed before the deadline. They were also surprised that our American students (girls and guys) came all this way to do hard labor work, carrying blocks of concrete for up to a mile in some cases.
Well, to be like Christ to all men.... that is a moment to savor. One of our students leader said, well, at least we can say we have help build a Village in Mexico for Christ in our life time. A good way to look at it.
We will be doing an outreach in Hocaba tomorrow, be praying for our VBS presentation as well.
Waiting for the Tabi team to come back, and will post you their updates.
God Bless, Christabel
We saw the vision for the CC Hocaba building, and it made our day of laborious work so much more meaningful because believers in this Mayan village will be able to meet in a sanctuary, and the students be able to have rooms for Sunday School. There will also be an office and kitchen instead doing church in ONE makeshift hut. They will also have a water purification plant in the vicinity, providing drinkable water to the village.
Alot of construction was taking place before we arrived, and the construction workers were pleased to receive additional help, so that the building could be completed before the deadline. They were also surprised that our American students (girls and guys) came all this way to do hard labor work, carrying blocks of concrete for up to a mile in some cases.
Well, to be like Christ to all men.... that is a moment to savor. One of our students leader said, well, at least we can say we have help build a Village in Mexico for Christ in our life time. A good way to look at it.
We will be doing an outreach in Hocaba tomorrow, be praying for our VBS presentation as well.
Waiting for the Tabi team to come back, and will post you their updates.
God Bless, Christabel
Sunday, June 1, 2008
We Arrived ... Chichen Itza
Dear Friends and Family of the Mexico Team
We landed in Merida at 1515hrs and drove straight to CC Merida. What a sight to behold, the one storey kindergarten is now a full blown elementary school (2 floors) for up to six grade. All within one year of our last mission trip here.
Got to mingle with some old friends from CC Merida, sat in for worship, and headed out to PISTE, Chichen Itza in the evening to check in to our hotel.
The best time of ministry happened during our travelling to Piste from Merida. The students shared God stories, struggles, painful events surrounding their lives, honest to the core, seek counsel and wisdom, etc. LOVE it when the Holy Spirit ordained ministry to His Saints, touching and healing them, setting them apart for the ministry ahead of them.
Please pray for our students health and for protection. We will begin our construction projects in Tabi and Hocaba tomorrow at 7.30am (1 hour behind Florida Time), VBS in the afternoon and an evening outreach to families in Tabi at night.
LOVE FROM CHICHEN ... christabel
We landed in Merida at 1515hrs and drove straight to CC Merida. What a sight to behold, the one storey kindergarten is now a full blown elementary school (2 floors) for up to six grade. All within one year of our last mission trip here.
Got to mingle with some old friends from CC Merida, sat in for worship, and headed out to PISTE, Chichen Itza in the evening to check in to our hotel.
The best time of ministry happened during our travelling to Piste from Merida. The students shared God stories, struggles, painful events surrounding their lives, honest to the core, seek counsel and wisdom, etc. LOVE it when the Holy Spirit ordained ministry to His Saints, touching and healing them, setting them apart for the ministry ahead of them.
Please pray for our students health and for protection. We will begin our construction projects in Tabi and Hocaba tomorrow at 7.30am (1 hour behind Florida Time), VBS in the afternoon and an evening outreach to families in Tabi at night.
LOVE FROM CHICHEN ... christabel
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