San Luis de la Paz
Saturday-August 15, 2009
In 1 Timothy 4:12-15 Paul admonishes Timothy to be an example to other believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith and purity. He also encouraged him to read, stay attuned to doctrine and above all else not to neglect his gift. If he did all these things then he would be blessed and bless others, as well.
As we finished our week and headed back to Texas , our12 hour day on the road and an additional 2 hour wait to cross the border gave e all of us time to reflect on how we, like Timothy , were able to be an example and use our gifts to make a differenced in the lives of the Chichimeca Indians.
This summer I had the opportunity to be in a Beth Moore Bible Study of the book of Ester. Several passages from her study were especially relevant to our week in San Luis de la Paz. She stated that to live for the greatness of God is to live the great life, and this week was exactly that. She goes on to say “Every one of us who embraces the glory of God as our purpose will end up doing great things precisely because we do God-things. His holy hand resting on the least act renders that ordinary extraordinary.”
I was able to witness many of those small acts that were made extraordinary because they were done in the name of God’s love.
For example, when David stopped the van to get out and help a young man carry a wheelbarrow full of dirt over a concrete culvert; when Carlos sat brushed the hair of a little girl whose face was dirty and sadder than anyone’s I had ever seen; as Denise and Shirley helped Juanita prepare on the noon meals for all of our VBS workers and team members; as Phil, Keith and Pastor Alberto went out to show families how to start gardens, and when Angel Ibarra stopped the van to pick a mother and her four young children who needed a ride to the mission each day and then home again at night, and as the doctor, Olivia would treat the sick who came. These were only a few of the many things that were done in the name of God’s love.
Our week was indeed extraordinary!! And as Matthew 16: 24-26 reminds us, when you give up your life for Christ, he gives you a Christ-like life. Our prayer was that the Chichimecca people would see Christ in us through each small but hopefully significant act of kindness that we showed them.
What a joy it has been to serve the Lord this week! How rich we feel and how blessed! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Yours and His
Marie Davenport and the Chichimeca team.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
Friday’s Blog
Today we had an opportunity to go into the center of town and distribute tracts along with Pastor Alberto and his wife Juanita and two young women who have been helping out this week from Mexico City. We walked around the town square and up and down the streets handing out tracts as we met individuals asking them if they would accept our gift. Most people accepted the tract without hesitation. A few refused to take it. But some asked what it was about. Those that asked we were able to then stop to explain about the Good News they were holding in their hands.
We were paired up in twos. Marie Davenport and I were together in this wonderful adventure. One man I handed a tract to at first didn’t seem to want to talk to me, but I could tell he was curious about what we had to say. So I talked with him a little bit and he became some what friendlier. I used the EvangeCube to share the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection. He was very attentive and I invited him to visit the church to learn more about God and who He is. We left his store and walked around until we were out of tracts. Then I remembered I had a Spanish copy of Billy Graham’s booklet “How to Have Peace”. So we went back to find him and I was able to give in to him. He accepted it willingly and seemed appreciative that we came back. Please pray with me that he will read the information we gave him and continue to seek the truth of who God is and what He has to offer.
Some of us were able to pray with people for specific needs. Some of us were challenged about what we believe in. Specifically that Jesus is the Only Way and not through the Virgin Mary. Pastor Alberto told me of one lady who accepted the tract but then told him to throw it away. He told her, “You accepted it. If you don’t want it you throw it away,” which she did. But then he saw a young boy pick it up. We never know how the Gospel seed is planted, but I pray that the little boy will read the information and it will change his life.
While we were waiting for the group to return to our appointed gathering spot, I noticed two little boys with tracts in their hand running around the park saying “Flyers, we have flyers”. So I went over to them and asked if I could show them something. I used the EvangeCube again. The boys were young and couldn’t read so they didn’t know what their ‘flyers’ said. After I shared the message of Jesus Christ, and spoke with them a few minutes, I encouraged them to ask they parents to take them to the church at the address on the back, then I went on to meeting place. As I was walking away, I overhead one of the boys saying something about Christ dying on the cross and the bridge the cross provided. I pray that these boys also grow in Christ’s love.
We returned to the Mission to pack up supplies and say our goodbyes. This is always the hardest part of a mission trip. After the last box was loaded in the van we had a time of prayer. Pastor Alberto prayed for our safe journey as we all travel tomorrow. Then we prayed for their work and the many seeds that were planted this week. By the time the last amen was said there wasn’t a dry eye in the group. When we were getting into the vans there were several children outside playing who had been a part of the activities this week. I bent down and asked for hugs from them. Some were shy, but others were eager to put their arms around my neck and kiss my cheek. What a blessing to have been a part of this trip.
So after a day has been filled with many emotions we will now get the rest we need for the trip back. Please be in prayer for Charlotte as she goes to Queretero tomorrow to fly home. Pray for the two young women who will be riding the bus back home tomorrow. And pray for those of us who will be driving back Saturday and Sunday. We should arrive home early Sunday evening.
I just want to thank our church and Pastor Greg as you support all of our mission trips. What a wonderful experience to be a part of reaching others for God’s Kingdom.
Denise Terry
Today we had an opportunity to go into the center of town and distribute tracts along with Pastor Alberto and his wife Juanita and two young women who have been helping out this week from Mexico City. We walked around the town square and up and down the streets handing out tracts as we met individuals asking them if they would accept our gift. Most people accepted the tract without hesitation. A few refused to take it. But some asked what it was about. Those that asked we were able to then stop to explain about the Good News they were holding in their hands.
We were paired up in twos. Marie Davenport and I were together in this wonderful adventure. One man I handed a tract to at first didn’t seem to want to talk to me, but I could tell he was curious about what we had to say. So I talked with him a little bit and he became some what friendlier. I used the EvangeCube to share the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection. He was very attentive and I invited him to visit the church to learn more about God and who He is. We left his store and walked around until we were out of tracts. Then I remembered I had a Spanish copy of Billy Graham’s booklet “How to Have Peace”. So we went back to find him and I was able to give in to him. He accepted it willingly and seemed appreciative that we came back. Please pray with me that he will read the information we gave him and continue to seek the truth of who God is and what He has to offer.
Some of us were able to pray with people for specific needs. Some of us were challenged about what we believe in. Specifically that Jesus is the Only Way and not through the Virgin Mary. Pastor Alberto told me of one lady who accepted the tract but then told him to throw it away. He told her, “You accepted it. If you don’t want it you throw it away,” which she did. But then he saw a young boy pick it up. We never know how the Gospel seed is planted, but I pray that the little boy will read the information and it will change his life.
While we were waiting for the group to return to our appointed gathering spot, I noticed two little boys with tracts in their hand running around the park saying “Flyers, we have flyers”. So I went over to them and asked if I could show them something. I used the EvangeCube again. The boys were young and couldn’t read so they didn’t know what their ‘flyers’ said. After I shared the message of Jesus Christ, and spoke with them a few minutes, I encouraged them to ask they parents to take them to the church at the address on the back, then I went on to meeting place. As I was walking away, I overhead one of the boys saying something about Christ dying on the cross and the bridge the cross provided. I pray that these boys also grow in Christ’s love.
We returned to the Mission to pack up supplies and say our goodbyes. This is always the hardest part of a mission trip. After the last box was loaded in the van we had a time of prayer. Pastor Alberto prayed for our safe journey as we all travel tomorrow. Then we prayed for their work and the many seeds that were planted this week. By the time the last amen was said there wasn’t a dry eye in the group. When we were getting into the vans there were several children outside playing who had been a part of the activities this week. I bent down and asked for hugs from them. Some were shy, but others were eager to put their arms around my neck and kiss my cheek. What a blessing to have been a part of this trip.
So after a day has been filled with many emotions we will now get the rest we need for the trip back. Please be in prayer for Charlotte as she goes to Queretero tomorrow to fly home. Pray for the two young women who will be riding the bus back home tomorrow. And pray for those of us who will be driving back Saturday and Sunday. We should arrive home early Sunday evening.
I just want to thank our church and Pastor Greg as you support all of our mission trips. What a wonderful experience to be a part of reaching others for God’s Kingdom.
Denise Terry
Thursday, August 13, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
Thursday 8-13-09
This has been the hardest day in my 3 trips to work with the Chichimec people. The day has been full of ups and downs and as of the time that I’m writing this the downs are winning. There is a fight for the people’s heart between God and evil. I don’t know I have ever been involved in anything like this. I’m truly shocked to see where the opposition to the Lord is coming from. I ask you to join in and pray for a change in these people hearts. I know that prayer is the only thing that will work and I need to turn it over to the Lord and let him be in control.
Any of you that know me know how much I love the children and it has been a true blessing to be with the kids. In this last day of VBS we had 80 children and it looked as if they really understanding about Christ and his love. Tonight was the Block Party which was held at the mission, we had around 180 people and purity much filled the salon area (Worship Center) for a movie and a meal and Pastor Alberto invitation.
Earlier in the day Phil, David, Charlotte, Pastor Alberto and I worked with a mom and her 3 boys on digging and planting a garden. The boys all worked very hard and were very proud when they finished. Pastor Alberto was very happy that the garden gave him the opportunity to present the word of god and about how the seeds need to be planted in good soil just as Jesus needs to be in a fertile heart so his love can grow in us.
I see God working in the children’s lives and I ask for you to pray for the continued growth in their life’s, it was so wonderful to have the children taking us to houses and helping pass out tracks. After writing this and reflecting on the wonderful things God has done I know the UP’S have won out in this day.
Thanks for your prayers.
Keith Baker
This has been the hardest day in my 3 trips to work with the Chichimec people. The day has been full of ups and downs and as of the time that I’m writing this the downs are winning. There is a fight for the people’s heart between God and evil. I don’t know I have ever been involved in anything like this. I’m truly shocked to see where the opposition to the Lord is coming from. I ask you to join in and pray for a change in these people hearts. I know that prayer is the only thing that will work and I need to turn it over to the Lord and let him be in control.
Any of you that know me know how much I love the children and it has been a true blessing to be with the kids. In this last day of VBS we had 80 children and it looked as if they really understanding about Christ and his love. Tonight was the Block Party which was held at the mission, we had around 180 people and purity much filled the salon area (Worship Center) for a movie and a meal and Pastor Alberto invitation.
Earlier in the day Phil, David, Charlotte, Pastor Alberto and I worked with a mom and her 3 boys on digging and planting a garden. The boys all worked very hard and were very proud when they finished. Pastor Alberto was very happy that the garden gave him the opportunity to present the word of god and about how the seeds need to be planted in good soil just as Jesus needs to be in a fertile heart so his love can grow in us.
I see God working in the children’s lives and I ask for you to pray for the continued growth in their life’s, it was so wonderful to have the children taking us to houses and helping pass out tracks. After writing this and reflecting on the wonderful things God has done I know the UP’S have won out in this day.
Thanks for your prayers.
Keith Baker
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings see what God has done.”
If we begin naming our blessings one by one you will be reading for a long time because God is definitely at work in the Chichimeca reservation and in our lives. Yesterday we mentioned a “spiritual warfare” that we’ve been waging in this place--and that has kept us on our knees individually and as a team--, but we are feeling God’s presence in a very special way! We have seen a difference in the people and in the way they respond to us. Some smile (very timidly), others look down, others accept the invitation to come to the church/community center, others refuse the flyers, others listen carefully as we share the love of Christ for them and accept Him into their lives, others do not want to listen, others come in sad but leave with a smile after having been seen by the doctor… really not much different than the folk back home.
The homes of the people here are difficult to imagine, unless you’ve seen them. The homes are made of cinder blocks, and most are crudely made. Some are made of multiple types of bricks, probably because they were constructed as funds were available. Many homes house multiple families. The roads around the mission are only dirt and rocks. Few paved roads exist in the area where the mission is. During our Bible School story today the wind came up and we were all covered in dust! Many of the children attending wear the same clothes everyday. One little girl today had worn the same clothes Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. But today she had on different clothes.
This morning and until noon we had the opportunity to go walking around the reservation once again to invite others we had not reached yet, and 3 people – 2 ladies and 1 man – asked Christ to become their Lord and Savior. It is so touching to see them pray out loud asking the Lord into their lives. As we were walking back to the community center we spotted Pr. Alberto, Keith and Phil in the van coming back from planting a garden with a family from the church. They took us back to pick up Bibles and we all returned to give these 3 new Christians a Bible of their own. We had a good VBS with 61 children in attendance, many people were seen by the doctor, David and Shirley taught a few children to read, Carlos was the “receptionist” for the doctor and combed the hair of some of the little children who really needed it, Marie cut hair, Denise taught some ladies to sew, and the whole team was in action.
We count ourselves blessed to be here representing the Lord and FBC Garland, and we covet your prayers as we go through the activities of the day tomorrow followed by our big Block Party with a movie and a dedication time. On Friday we will be spending a big portion of our day at the Plaza downtown witnessing to those with whom we come in contact. Again we count on your prayer support. May the Lord bless you real good!!!
Charlotte, Patty and Denise
“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings see what God has done.”
If we begin naming our blessings one by one you will be reading for a long time because God is definitely at work in the Chichimeca reservation and in our lives. Yesterday we mentioned a “spiritual warfare” that we’ve been waging in this place--and that has kept us on our knees individually and as a team--, but we are feeling God’s presence in a very special way! We have seen a difference in the people and in the way they respond to us. Some smile (very timidly), others look down, others accept the invitation to come to the church/community center, others refuse the flyers, others listen carefully as we share the love of Christ for them and accept Him into their lives, others do not want to listen, others come in sad but leave with a smile after having been seen by the doctor… really not much different than the folk back home.
The homes of the people here are difficult to imagine, unless you’ve seen them. The homes are made of cinder blocks, and most are crudely made. Some are made of multiple types of bricks, probably because they were constructed as funds were available. Many homes house multiple families. The roads around the mission are only dirt and rocks. Few paved roads exist in the area where the mission is. During our Bible School story today the wind came up and we were all covered in dust! Many of the children attending wear the same clothes everyday. One little girl today had worn the same clothes Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. But today she had on different clothes.
This morning and until noon we had the opportunity to go walking around the reservation once again to invite others we had not reached yet, and 3 people – 2 ladies and 1 man – asked Christ to become their Lord and Savior. It is so touching to see them pray out loud asking the Lord into their lives. As we were walking back to the community center we spotted Pr. Alberto, Keith and Phil in the van coming back from planting a garden with a family from the church. They took us back to pick up Bibles and we all returned to give these 3 new Christians a Bible of their own. We had a good VBS with 61 children in attendance, many people were seen by the doctor, David and Shirley taught a few children to read, Carlos was the “receptionist” for the doctor and combed the hair of some of the little children who really needed it, Marie cut hair, Denise taught some ladies to sew, and the whole team was in action.
We count ourselves blessed to be here representing the Lord and FBC Garland, and we covet your prayers as we go through the activities of the day tomorrow followed by our big Block Party with a movie and a dedication time. On Friday we will be spending a big portion of our day at the Plaza downtown witnessing to those with whom we come in contact. Again we count on your prayer support. May the Lord bless you real good!!!
Charlotte, Patty and Denise
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
What fun we’ve had today participating in what the Lord is doing here among the Chichimecas. We began the day with our group devotional at the hotel –led by Patty Yost—who reminded us that this mission is about the Lord and not about us. As we
prayed we realized more than ever what a spiritual battle Pr. Alberto is waging among this people group. But we are confident that the Lord is in control and that His purpose will be served.
Our medical clinic is up and running and we are blessed to have Dr. Olivia, whom we met through our Hope Clinic, attending the physical as well as the spiritual needs of the patients. While the people are waiting to be seen we have the opportunity to share Christ with them and we rejoiced as an 18-year old young man prayed to receive Christ into his life. His Mom had accepted the Lord last year during the week we were here and she was so excited to see him take this step.
During the morning while some prepared for the VBS and the Seed Project, others of us had the opportunity to go visit and invite people to come participate in the activities at the Community Center. That was my favorite time. As I shared Christ with a family (the mother was sitting on a log making tortillas – 250 each day), the Dad, Mom and two teenage daughters prayed asking the Lord to come into their lives. Several others have experienced this same joy and we are definitely seeing God working. Please keep praying that MANY will come to know Him in a real personal way!
I mentioned the Seed Project – that will begin tomorrow and involves teaching three families how to make a garden and then help them plant a variety of seeds which include fruits and vegetables. These families will in turn teach this to others in the church so that they can grow their own food. The group today was counting seeds and placing them in little packets to be distributed among the folk.
Our Bible School was fun today with a total of about (it’s hard to count these kids) 62 kids and some Moms. We sit under Tents outside in the sun but the children don’t seem to mind the heat. In fact, many wear sweaters and wool caps all day long! The children are really enjoying singing (they’ve even learned a song in English) and their projects. In fact, it’s hard to get them to leave! After a 45 minute rest at the hotel we went back to the Mission to participate in their Tuesday night Prayer service and then back to “our” restaurant for dinner along with Pr. Alberto and his wife, Juanita. They are such a dedicated couple and literally give their lives to this work among the Chichimecas. Please pray for them too. He’s excited about the prospect of discipling the new Christians!
Keep on praying!!!
Representing you in His service,
Charlotte Greenhaw
What fun we’ve had today participating in what the Lord is doing here among the Chichimecas. We began the day with our group devotional at the hotel –led by Patty Yost—who reminded us that this mission is about the Lord and not about us. As we
prayed we realized more than ever what a spiritual battle Pr. Alberto is waging among this people group. But we are confident that the Lord is in control and that His purpose will be served.
Our medical clinic is up and running and we are blessed to have Dr. Olivia, whom we met through our Hope Clinic, attending the physical as well as the spiritual needs of the patients. While the people are waiting to be seen we have the opportunity to share Christ with them and we rejoiced as an 18-year old young man prayed to receive Christ into his life. His Mom had accepted the Lord last year during the week we were here and she was so excited to see him take this step.
During the morning while some prepared for the VBS and the Seed Project, others of us had the opportunity to go visit and invite people to come participate in the activities at the Community Center. That was my favorite time. As I shared Christ with a family (the mother was sitting on a log making tortillas – 250 each day), the Dad, Mom and two teenage daughters prayed asking the Lord to come into their lives. Several others have experienced this same joy and we are definitely seeing God working. Please keep praying that MANY will come to know Him in a real personal way!
I mentioned the Seed Project – that will begin tomorrow and involves teaching three families how to make a garden and then help them plant a variety of seeds which include fruits and vegetables. These families will in turn teach this to others in the church so that they can grow their own food. The group today was counting seeds and placing them in little packets to be distributed among the folk.
Our Bible School was fun today with a total of about (it’s hard to count these kids) 62 kids and some Moms. We sit under Tents outside in the sun but the children don’t seem to mind the heat. In fact, many wear sweaters and wool caps all day long! The children are really enjoying singing (they’ve even learned a song in English) and their projects. In fact, it’s hard to get them to leave! After a 45 minute rest at the hotel we went back to the Mission to participate in their Tuesday night Prayer service and then back to “our” restaurant for dinner along with Pr. Alberto and his wife, Juanita. They are such a dedicated couple and literally give their lives to this work among the Chichimecas. Please pray for them too. He’s excited about the prospect of discipling the new Christians!
Keep on praying!!!
Representing you in His service,
Charlotte Greenhaw
Monday, August 10, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
Monday, August 10, 2009
Today was the first full day of VBS, dentist, doctor and a block party. Wow, we had a lot to try and get done today. We started off by arriving at the mission around 9:00 and started setting up for the day. A few of the team members had to go to town to pick up medicine, groceries and some other supplies. While we were setting up people started arriving for the dentist, I don’t know how many she saw, but it had to be over 25. The team that went to town had challenges in finding medicine, or the places wanted to charge too much. We started VBS around 1:30 and had around 45 kids doing crafts, snacks, recreation and hearing God’s word. The Block Party started around 5:00 and we had around 50 kids doing games, snacks and watching a movie. We left the mission around 8:30, went to dinner at West Restaurant and returned back to our hotel around 10:30.
One of the things we are doing on this trip is we each have a “Barnabas Pal”. I have really enjoyed have a note from someone every morning with words of encouragement. One of the notes I received included a verse in 1 Peter 4:10-11 and it says; “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administrating God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ”. It is great to know that God gives each of us gifts and when we use them, God will provide the strength or anything else we need so that Jesus Christ will be praised.
Another verse I have been studying during my quite time comes from 2 Timothy 2:13 and it says; “If we have no faith, He will still be faithful, for He cannot go against what He is”. We are so blessed to have a God that no matter what we do, or even if we loose faith, He will not change. Not because of who or what we do, but because of who God is or what God does for us. Thanks for all the prayers and please continue until we get home.
In Christ we do all things,
David Reininger
Today was the first full day of VBS, dentist, doctor and a block party. Wow, we had a lot to try and get done today. We started off by arriving at the mission around 9:00 and started setting up for the day. A few of the team members had to go to town to pick up medicine, groceries and some other supplies. While we were setting up people started arriving for the dentist, I don’t know how many she saw, but it had to be over 25. The team that went to town had challenges in finding medicine, or the places wanted to charge too much. We started VBS around 1:30 and had around 45 kids doing crafts, snacks, recreation and hearing God’s word. The Block Party started around 5:00 and we had around 50 kids doing games, snacks and watching a movie. We left the mission around 8:30, went to dinner at West Restaurant and returned back to our hotel around 10:30.
One of the things we are doing on this trip is we each have a “Barnabas Pal”. I have really enjoyed have a note from someone every morning with words of encouragement. One of the notes I received included a verse in 1 Peter 4:10-11 and it says; “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administrating God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ”. It is great to know that God gives each of us gifts and when we use them, God will provide the strength or anything else we need so that Jesus Christ will be praised.
Another verse I have been studying during my quite time comes from 2 Timothy 2:13 and it says; “If we have no faith, He will still be faithful, for He cannot go against what He is”. We are so blessed to have a God that no matter what we do, or even if we loose faith, He will not change. Not because of who or what we do, but because of who God is or what God does for us. Thanks for all the prayers and please continue until we get home.
In Christ we do all things,
David Reininger
P.S. Did I mention we are having fun...
Sunday, August 9, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
Sunday Aug. 9, 2009
Today we gave God thanks for another beautiful and cool day. After breakfast we headed to First Baptist Church of San Luis de la Paz. We met with Pastor Alberto and it was a very warm greeting. He took us to the top of a mountain that overlooks the whole city. As we prayed for the lives of the people of San Luis to be transformed through Jesus Christ we could feel the Lord’s presence pouring out his love towards us. After taking in all the beauty of the City from the top of the mountain we headed back to church for service. I was captivated by the children. They were so friendly and very warm. Although they seem to have very little of everyday necessities they had a smile on their faces. They didn’t even realize that they were in need of the many things that we take for granted. They were so proud of the old and some even tattered clothes they wore that many of us wouldn’t dream of wearing. As we had service every one welcomed us with open arms. After the service was over, the whole church prepared lunch for us and we had a great time of fellowship. I met a family that shared all their hardships with me. The eldest daughter of four could not finish school because she had to help her family financially. Her last grade completed was 5th grade. The father is without a job and unsure of his future. It takes them an hour and a half to get to church because they have to walk all the way from their home to church, when it would take them about 20 minutes to get there if they had a car. I fell in love with them. Please pray for them they are the Alviso family. We headed to the Chichimeca reservation. I thought that I had seen the worst at First Baptist Church of San Luis, but I was wrong. There was even more poverty with the Chichimeca Indians. Even more old and tattered clothes. Something that was still the same was their unforgotten smile. I am so amazed of God’s mercy towards me. I have seen his mercy, but I’m still amazed. Last year it was a dream of mine to be here and thought I wouldn’t for many obstacles that were in the way of me being here, but look were God’s love has sent me. Please pray for us that God will work through us to win the lives of the people of Mexico for his glory.
In his service,
Shirley Galdamez
Today we gave God thanks for another beautiful and cool day. After breakfast we headed to First Baptist Church of San Luis de la Paz. We met with Pastor Alberto and it was a very warm greeting. He took us to the top of a mountain that overlooks the whole city. As we prayed for the lives of the people of San Luis to be transformed through Jesus Christ we could feel the Lord’s presence pouring out his love towards us. After taking in all the beauty of the City from the top of the mountain we headed back to church for service. I was captivated by the children. They were so friendly and very warm. Although they seem to have very little of everyday necessities they had a smile on their faces. They didn’t even realize that they were in need of the many things that we take for granted. They were so proud of the old and some even tattered clothes they wore that many of us wouldn’t dream of wearing. As we had service every one welcomed us with open arms. After the service was over, the whole church prepared lunch for us and we had a great time of fellowship. I met a family that shared all their hardships with me. The eldest daughter of four could not finish school because she had to help her family financially. Her last grade completed was 5th grade. The father is without a job and unsure of his future. It takes them an hour and a half to get to church because they have to walk all the way from their home to church, when it would take them about 20 minutes to get there if they had a car. I fell in love with them. Please pray for them they are the Alviso family. We headed to the Chichimeca reservation. I thought that I had seen the worst at First Baptist Church of San Luis, but I was wrong. There was even more poverty with the Chichimeca Indians. Even more old and tattered clothes. Something that was still the same was their unforgotten smile. I am so amazed of God’s mercy towards me. I have seen his mercy, but I’m still amazed. Last year it was a dream of mine to be here and thought I wouldn’t for many obstacles that were in the way of me being here, but look were God’s love has sent me. Please pray for us that God will work through us to win the lives of the people of Mexico for his glory.
In his service,
Shirley Galdamez
Saturday, August 8, 2009
2009 Chichimeca Mission Trip
San Luis de la Paz
August 8, 2009
What a trip—we left Garland, Friday at 5:15 and didn’t arrive at our Hotel in Satillo Mexico around 11:30 last night. We didn’t have any problems at the border but there were a lot of people trying to get into Mexico so we weren’t able to get stay on schedule. When we arrive in Monterey we were to pick up Carlos and encountered some problems. Needless to say we were really late by then but GOD always has a plan even though we might not see it. When we stopped to eat Jerry, my brother, and Shirley, FBC member, began to talk and witness to the lady at the check out. Shirley was able to share her personal testimony and the lady accepted Christ as here personal Savior. If we hadn’t been late we would have never stopped at that specific restaurant and Shirley would have never had a chance to talk with the lady. While all of this was happening I was only concerned about keeping a schedule and the LORD had a specific job for us to complete. This morning, as I was going over what happened yesterday the LORD began to open my eyes and mind on what had really happened and I began to praise the LORD and to see that I need to be open in every situation, to be ready to step forward and have the LORD work through me.
Today, Saturday, has been a long day of traveling but we have finally settled in for some rest and quiet time.
The mission team has been in continual prayer and we appreciate all of the prayers that are coming from each church member and our prayer partners. Tomorrow we start a new day and I pray that we have gotten enough rest both spiritually and physically to achieve great things for CHRIST.
In Christ
Phil Davenport and the Chichimeca Mission Team
Compelled by love to go……
2 Corinthians 5:14
August 8, 2009
What a trip—we left Garland, Friday at 5:15 and didn’t arrive at our Hotel in Satillo Mexico around 11:30 last night. We didn’t have any problems at the border but there were a lot of people trying to get into Mexico so we weren’t able to get stay on schedule. When we arrive in Monterey we were to pick up Carlos and encountered some problems. Needless to say we were really late by then but GOD always has a plan even though we might not see it. When we stopped to eat Jerry, my brother, and Shirley, FBC member, began to talk and witness to the lady at the check out. Shirley was able to share her personal testimony and the lady accepted Christ as here personal Savior. If we hadn’t been late we would have never stopped at that specific restaurant and Shirley would have never had a chance to talk with the lady. While all of this was happening I was only concerned about keeping a schedule and the LORD had a specific job for us to complete. This morning, as I was going over what happened yesterday the LORD began to open my eyes and mind on what had really happened and I began to praise the LORD and to see that I need to be open in every situation, to be ready to step forward and have the LORD work through me.
Today, Saturday, has been a long day of traveling but we have finally settled in for some rest and quiet time.
The mission team has been in continual prayer and we appreciate all of the prayers that are coming from each church member and our prayer partners. Tomorrow we start a new day and I pray that we have gotten enough rest both spiritually and physically to achieve great things for CHRIST.
In Christ
Phil Davenport and the Chichimeca Mission Team
Compelled by love to go……
2 Corinthians 5:14
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