Mexico Trip - Day 6

Today began a little earlier, as it was Sunday. We needed to get all of our things cleaned up and put into the office and classroom by 8 in the morning. Amazingly enough, we were done with everything – including breakfast by 8 am. Then it was time to get the church ready for service. We mopped the floor, cleaned restrooms, set up chairs, wiped down everything. It was a busy morning. But by 10:00 everything was ready for the people to arrive.

Today is the Mexico vs Argentina World Cup game, so we were sure that there would be less people at the service. In all, there were about a hundred. The service began in Spanish with singing, announcements, and testimony, and then our group had the chance to give testimonies, lead in singing, and then do a skit. They did an excellent job. During the service, they took a “15 minute break” that took about 30 minutes. They had drinks and cake. We all talked together as best as we could. It was interesting. Finally we went back into the sanctuary and Pastor Jeff spoke with Mario interpreting. He and Mario were fun to watch. They were very animated, and Jeff really enjoyed getting Mario to make sounds and various expressions to get his message across. He connected with the people by talking about a World Cup game he had been to where Mexico was playing – they were very interested. He then shared with them from John 14. He did a great job, ending his sermon with the illustration of the art collector who auctioned his whole art collection off to the guy who purchased the picture of his son. The point – He who has the Son has everything. After church we had lunch with some of the people, and then got ready for the evening outreach.

At 3:00 we went to another branch of Dios Es Amor church and played soccer with the locals. Then we presented the drama and Abram (the “pastor” of that work) shared from God's Word, right on the street outside the people's homes. We had the privilege of seeing 75+ people listen and hear the gospel, some who the church had been reaching out to, but they hadn't responded by coming yet. So we took the presentation to them. We didn't know ahead of time what we were doing, but God did. After the presentation, we went back to the building and made balloon animals for the kids, Jeff played catch and talked with a couple of the people, and Chris used this time to teach people about the wordless book bracelets they were handing out. It was great to be a part of it.

Finally, we headed home and had taco's for dinner – very delicioso. By the way, we have been eating very well, some a little too well :-). After dinner, we were able to listen to Librada as she shared her testimony. She talked about the murder of her brother, the death of her mother, her life of drugs and other things. Then she talked about God's saving grace in her life. Bringing her to Ruth and Manuel's home and of course to a saving knowledge of Himself. Many eyes were tearing up by the end of her sharing. It was very impacting for the group.

After a brief break, we met again to talk about what the group has been seeing God do over the past few days. The talked for almost an hour about what they are learning, how they have seen God, and what they are hoping to see changed in their lives. God is working on the hearts of our group. I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing.

Back to work tomorrow – after a 5:00 wake up to sing Happy Birthday to Katy. We will see how that goes...