6/2 First Day of Outreach :)

Hello Parents!

Today was our first real day of outreach. We separated into five groups, each headed for a different location but with a common vision. Pastor Jorge reminded us during breakfast with a devotional that our goal should be John 13:34, to love one another. Even if we had spiritual gifts or skills or knew Spanish well, without expressing God’s agape love, we would not be able to accomplish all that God had in store (1 Corinthians 13). And God definitely did have a lot planned for today.

Two of the five groups headed to CCA Merida to help in any way possible. They ended up moving rocks and painting ceilings in the new middle school building under construction there. Despite the difficult work, these groups showed servants’ hearts and shined brightly at CCA, even leading a man to Christ.

One group went to Casa de Abuelos. Though the language barrier was difficult to conquer, students listened to the stories of the Abuelos there and ended up leading three people to Christ. The simple statement “Dios te amor” brought people there to tears and to openness to let the Holy Spirit move.

Another group went to Tabi, a village nearly two hours away from Merida. Anya and Noemi Klipfel worked on art projects there while the students played with and blessed the children’s lives.

Today my group, led by Pastor Jorge and Topher, went to Hocaba, a little town about an hour from Merida in the heart of the Yucatan. We arrived to see buildings and walls past Mexico trips had created and to see the influence they had left. We expected to be reaching out to children there, but then found out we would be painting some of the houses there instead. These people have so little compared to what we have; their church is made of sticks. But that’s only the building. The true church, the people there, are like a family, following Christ’s lead. And today we had a chance to serve them. We divided into groups of three people and painted their buildings in the sweltering heat. Pastor Jorge showed us how the people there lived off the land by cutting down coconuts to eat and drink and also exotic fruit. The people there were so willing to share what little they had. They were so appreciative that they prepared food for us and then we were able to fellowship with some of the families there. We used silly bands, telling the story of Jesus’ life with their shapes, to talk to the children. Even the smallest things like bouncy balls and stickers made the children smile. Joy radiated from the people there and so did gratefulness. To meet them, serve them, and share the love of God with them was such a blessing to all of us.

After another wonderful dinner, our whole group was able to go to international worship night at Calvary Chapel Merida. The Calvary Chapel band there joined with Danielle, Rebecca, and Drew to play worship songs in Spanish and English. It was truly amazing. The Holy Spirit moved in our hearts as we sang songs in Spanish along with the believers in Merida. As we sang songs in both languages, it reminded me of heaven when one day all Christ-followers from every country and language will worship God.

We are looking forward to seeing God pour out his Holy Spirit tomorrow and soften the hearts of the people we will meet. We have been praying for rain and “let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:6)

In our groups and as we become more focused on serving Christ, we can become a more united Senior class. Our verse for this trip is Romans 12:5-6: “May the God who gives you endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of UNITY among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with ONE HEART and ONE MOUTH you may GLORIFY the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Keep praying for God to give us this one heart, for His glory here in Mexico!

Melissa King and Your Mexican Missionaries :)