What Should the Church Look Like?

Acts 2:42-47

I stumbled upon a wonderful church this summer. The people there have been so welcoming to this strange, white, missionary lady who struggles to talk with them. They greet me each week with “Dios le bendiga” (God bless you), hugs, the traditional Mexican kiss on the cheek and smiles. They are always happy to help and they make the effort to include me. They have prayed with me and for me. The personal care they have shown me and others is teaching me a lot about how The Church is supposed to be.

Each week, at the beginning of the service, our children’s director calls all the children up to the front for prayer. They all kneel down at the altar (which is really sweet to watch) and the children’s workers come up and stand behind them. At that point, several people from the congregation also come up, lay hands on the little ones and someone leads in prayer. Deut. 11:19 says, “Teach them (the ways of the Lord) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” What a beautiful foundation to lay in the lives of the children.

Following the children’s prayer time, anyone celebrating a birthday during the week is asked to come forward. We then sing a Spanish birthday song and EVERYONE in the church lines up to greet the one celebrating and then we pray for them. They also do this special, line-up greeting when there is a baby dedication, anniversary or other note-worthy event in someone’s life. The Bible tells us that when one part of the body of Christ is rejoicing, we should rejoice with them. (1 Cor. 12:26)

This past Sunday was especially touching. Once a month, the church stays after the morning service until 6:00pm. They have a time of prayer, worship, and fasting together. The idea is wonderful and I genuinely like the people in my church and wanted to join in with them, but this event was more difficult for me to accept. The morning service is usually 2 to 2 1/2 hours long and after that, my mind is tired from trying to understand Spanish and I’m hungry; so even though it is a good thing, at first, it was not something I was particularly excited about doing. I had to pray about this one. However, I felt like it was important to go and as the day drew nearer, God changed my heart and I was beginning to feel excited about it.

After the morning service ended and it was time to begin the afternoon session, we went inside and started by having a lesson on Daniel and Jeremiah. My pastor’s wife taught the session, putting an emphasis on prayer, repentance and intercession for the lost. Following the teaching time, we spent time praying at the altar, responding as the Holy Spirit led. God’s presence was felt in a gentle, yet powerful way.

Later in the afternoon, we had a refreshing time of worship. We sang many songs that I did not know, but I could still sense the joy these beautiful people were bringing to God. They raised their hands in worship and sang with all their hearts. Their clapping was almost on beat and while they sang with gusto, though a bit off-key; they were truly worshipping God. The outside world began to slip away as we focused on God and giving Him the praise He deserves.

As it was time to leave, I could not help but think how blessed I am to have found this church. God knew I needed to learn from them and see “church” in a different light. I have so much more to learn; but for now, I am thankful knowing that God has me in a solid group of believers who want His will to happen in their lives and to see His kingdom purpose come to be in this world.

Now that’s what the Church should look like!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." Revelation 7:12

Many people have been sharing lists of what they are thankful for and since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I would do the same. We really are so blessed by God and what a great time to sit down and remember the many things He has done for us and given us. This list is not complete, but these are the things that come to mind right now.

I am grateful for a forgiving God. He not only puts up with me, but He actually LOVES me as I am. At the same time, He also loves me so much that He doesn’t want me to stay the way that I am. He gently leads me forward toward better character and deeper devotion to Him.

I am grateful for my family. They are far away right now, but I love them very much! God has blessed me with Godly parents who have taught me all about God and life. They listen to me, pray for me, and encourage me to do what God leads me to do. My brother, Andrew, was a great help in toughening me up in my younger years, but now, I consider him my friend, resource for all things technical and protector of my well-being. My sister-in-law, Holly, is also my dear friend and sister. I greatly admire her because she is an amazing mom, loving wife, super teacher, late night movie-watcher friend and so much more! And, then, my nephews! As an Auntie, I am entitled to say that they are the smartest, most handsome, delightful little guys that I have ever known!

I am also grateful for my faithful prayer warriors, encouragers, and financial supporters. God is using you to make a difference in my life, as well as, many people here in Mexico. Your comments on Facebook and emails mean so m uch to me and I can feel your prayers and know that God is answering them. And, I cou ld not continue to work in Mexico if it were not for your financial help. It can’t be said often enough that I thank God for all of you!

Here in Mexico, I am thankful for the many wonderful people God has put in my life. I am blessed to have good leadership over me and a team of missionaries who inspire me, pray with and for me, and who let me run questions by them. They have rescued me in the night, given me rides, fed me, and given me the freedom to find out how God wants me to serve here in Oaxaca.

At OCS, I am blessed to work with or be around a large community of Christians. They are all unique in the ways they minister here in Mexico and I love the variety of ministries and the special people who do the ministering! This includes, but is not limited to, my friend and co-worker, Sarah. She is an amazing person who has helped me more than I can say. She is wise beyond her years, carries a heavy load and does a good job of it, and she always has time for others. She has helped me with Spanish, given cultural and practical living advice, and listens to my many ramblings during the days. I praise God for Sarah!

I am also very thankful for my church. I stand out like a sore thumb, but they have bent over backwards to include me and make me feel welcome. The pastor and his wife have reached out to me EVERY week and the congregation is kind to me, even while trying to figure out what to do with this white girl who struggles to speak Spanish! They are an extension of the Body of Christ and it is evident in the way they treat each other. I am learning from their example!

I am getting long-winded, so I’ll wrap up my thankfulness list with some brief and slightly random everyday things that I thank God for: good health and a body that works the way it should, clothes and a choice of what to wear, food, a great place to live, hot water, clean water, electricity, a beautiful backyard and garden, sunny days, flowers, a bed to sleep in, books and the ability to read, and finally, music.

What are you thankful for today?

Where is Jesus?

Oaxaca has many beautiful Catholic churches. They are works of art—grand and ornately decorated with gold, flowers, intricate carvings and paintings. The church doors are almost always open here. People come to offer prayers, light candles or leave flowers at the feet of the saints or Mary. I often enter these churches, as well, but it is not for the same reason. I come to pray for the people of Oaxaca.

A couple weeks ago, I went in to one of the main churches, located in the Zocalo. (The town square) As I quietly walked around praying and looking at the different statues, a question came to my mind. “Where is Jesus?” It actually took a minute to “find” Him because His statue was much smaller and lower than the main grouping of statues in the center of the building. Mary was the principal figure in the middle, and then there were angels, a couple of saints, and finally, Jesus.

It gave me a renewed understanding about the way the people of Mexico think about God. Mary is the primary focus of religion here and the saints hold a divine position, as well. Jesus is considered God’s Only Son and they would agree that He died on the cross for our sins. However, from the artwork in the church, that seems to be where the message ends.

There are so many other rituals added in and so much guilt, that the freedom and grace of Christ is overlooked. Instead, prayers must be offered, candles lit, good deeds done or you will be subjected to the wrath of God. They are searching for a way to earn God’s favor, but they can never be sure that they have it, until they meet the loving, forgiving Jesus.

Please will you join me in praying for the people of Oaxaca? Jesus said that if He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. (John 12:32) Please pray that Jesus will be exalted through those of us who do have a personal relationship with Him and that God will open the eyes of those who are blinded by traditions that direct their focus away from Jesus. Instead of Mary, angels and the saints being the center of attention, let’s pray that the people of Oaxaca find Jesus.

Visiting Day

He was looking forward to this moment all week long. After 6 days of labor, it finally arrived - Visiting Day! The man with the keys arrived to swing open the large, heavy doors. The cold, gray hall springs to life in the warm glow of light. He could hardly control his emotions. The families began to arrive. He peers from the corner of the room longing for the first glimpse of his loved ones.

He lives for the weekends. He lives for these visits. He watches intently as the cars arrive. He loves them so and would do anything for them. They embrace, eat a light lunch and reminisce about how things used to be. At one point, they break into singing, with interruptions of laughter and applause.

But all too soon it is over. A tear comes to his eyes as they depart. Then the man with the keys closes the heavy doors. He hears the key turn in the lock marking the end of a special day. There he stands, alone again. He knows that most of his visitors will not contact him again until next week. The last car pulls away from the parking lot... Jesus retreats into loneliness as He waits until next Sunday - Visiting Day.
-- Author Unknown

Cold Showers

Here is Mexico, you have to purchase gas tanks in order to heat your water and cook on the stove. Just before bed last night, my gas ran out. Normally, this isn’t a big deal, but at 5:00am, when you climb in the shower and the water is cold enough to produce goose-bumps and chattering teeth, it quickly moves up your “to-do” list. Needless to say, my reaction wasn’t exactly, “Praise the Lord!” but more like, “Please God, get me through this!”

This afternoon the gas guy was supposed to come with my new tanks, but the company called and said that they will not be coming until tomorrow morning. I explained, whined, pleaded, and even called other companies, but they all insisted they could not come until the morning. I’m ashamed to admit it, but my emotions cracked after the last call. I had a “moment.” But, because God loves me so much, He didn’t allow me to wallow for long without correcting me. God reminded me of Jonah.

Jonah had his issues. He didn’t want to go when or where God called him. He ran away, but God caught up with him and turned him around. After being thrown up from a whale, Jonah finally obeyed God and delivered His warning to the Ninevites. Then, Jonah went up on a hill to wait for God to destroy them. When the people of Nineveh repented and God had compassion on them, Jonah got mad and basically pouted. In order to teach Jonah a lesson, God provided a vine that produced shade for him and then God provided a worm to kill the vine, causing it to dry up and wither. This was frustrating to Jonah and caused him to want to die. The story concludes with God saying, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (Jonah 4:10-11)

I won’t have hot water tomorrow morning when I wake up, but I will have Jesus. How many thousands of people here in the city of Oaxaca can say that? May God break my heart with what breaks His. May He give me compassion for the lost and a heart to intercede for them. That is what is really important.

Technical Difficulties

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14

Last week, I experienced “technical difficulties” again with communication. I was playing with the kids at the children’s home and saw that several of them had gone in to the old bus. (They have a cleared out, non-working bus with toys in it where the kids like to play.) I went in to the bus with one of the toddlers and sat down nearby the kids.

I was engaging with the little one when I noticed that one of the girls, I will call her Maria, was trying to tell me something. She was loud, quite persistent and clearly angry, but I honestly could not understand what I had to do with the situation. There were other little boys playing in the front of the bus and Maria and her little girl friend were at the back of the bus playing “house.” I think she might have been angry that we were in the bus because she wanted it to herself, but when I tried asking her questions to clarify, I still was not able to figure out what she wanted me or the others to do. Since we really were not doing anything that should have bothered her as we were in a different part of the bus, (the girls had blocked off the back half of the bus with the play kitchen and milk crates) I decided that it was okay for us to continue as we were.

Maria felt differently. She became more and more bothered by the situation and because I am a mature adult who would never allow my own emotions to affect how I react; (yeah right!) I felt that this was a good opportunity for Maria to learn that the world does not revolve around her and she needed to learn how to share space. And, it did not help her win my favor by making faces at me either!

As we all continued to play, Maria approached the boys, who were playing bows and arrows at that moment; and at first glance, I thought Maria had had a change of heart and was going to join in. Apparently, she had other ideas. She picked up an “arrow” (a bamboo stick) and hit one of the boys. Naturally, I immediately jumped up to take the stick away from her and told her “NO!” (At least I know how to communicate that in Spanish!) Maria took my actions to mean that I was going to attack her or something equally bad and she quickly vacated the bus. After that, I only saw Maria from a distance for the rest of the time that I was there as she laid low until I left. I have to admit that I was okay with that.

I was not proud of the way that I handled the situation with Maria. Yes, she was being naughty and there was a lesson she needed to learn through the situation, but my attitude toward her was also not Christ-like and I could have tried harder to communicate positively with her. The meditation of my heart was not pleasing in God’s sight. I took Maria’s actions toward me personally and I responded in anger.

Before returning to the home this week, I prayed about all of that and God reminded me of the verse above. God also put compassion in my heart for Maria. I do not know what kind of a background she has and she is fairly new to the home. She may have recently come from a situation where anger was the way to communicate or even abuse. I don’t know. But, God reminded me that love is the way to reach her.

And I am thankful to report that God brought a happy ending to this story. This week at the children’s home, God allowed me to have several positive interactions with Maria, through games that we played and one on one moments with her. At one point, she again hurt another child, but when I gently asked her about it, she admitted to it and even apologized to the other child on her own!

The Bible says, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” (Isaiah 59:1) God will not give up on Maria, even though I am completely human and threw in the towel last week. He loves Maria and wants to heal her and help her learn how to correctly handle frustrating situations. He has good plans for her life and wants to see her become one of His children.

Will you please take a minute right now to pray for Maria’s salvation? Please will you pray that God will reveal His love to her in a way that she can understand? And, please will you continue to pray for me that God will help me see the children through His eyes and with His love and that I will then be able to communicate that love to them?

Thank you.

Yolotepec

We began our journey one Friday morning before the sun came up. One might have thought we were riding a kind of crazy roller coaster by the way we were going up and down and around and around on the two-lane, pot-hole filled road through the mountains of Oaxaca. Along the way, we saw several donkeys and cows tied to the side of the road for grazing and some small landslides from the recent, heavy rains. After about three and a half hours of this (Dramamine!), we came around yet another corner and there before us stood the mountain town of Yolotepec, complete with a beautiful waterfall and houses that seemed to balance on the edges of the mountains.

Here in the town of Yolotepec, high up in the mountains, there is an extension training school for pastors. Once a month, missionaries come and teach the pastors who come from their villages. This time, I was invited to go along, so I could see the work and spend time with the children of the pastors who came. When we arrived, we were immediately invited to sit down and eat. They offered us soup and even provided spoons for us to use. (They usually eat the soup with their tortilla, so this was done especially for us.) After eating, the missionary ladies began to teach the classes while I went outside to have a quick look around, taking pictures and just watching the activities for a bit.

There were about ten-twelve kids present, so I pulled out the balloons I had brought and began to make balloon animals, etc. for them. This turned out to be a big hit (no matter that I only know how to make a few things) and the kids circled around me to watch. They all waited quietly and patiently for their turn and several of them continued to watch even after I had finished making their balloon.

We didn’t do a great deal of talking because for many of them (if not all), Spanish is a second language (they speak Chatino); but we did color a picture of Jesus with children and sing a song about the love of Jesus. Then, we talked about Jesus loving each one of them. It was a very simple message and I’m sure they’ve heard it before, but they were listening intently and colored the picture of Jesus in its entirety.

The quiet patience and attentiveness of the children surprised me. They were so sweet and would answer my questions with shyness and quiet voices. Their love for each other was evident in the way they helped the younger ones and played together. It was refreshing to see their innocence and I could not help but think that this is way it should be.

Later in the day, shortly before we said our goodbyes, two of the girls came up to me and literally draped themselves around me in a hug for several minutes. They melted my heart. And as we prepared to leave, the children gathered in a group and waved goodbye until after we had climbed in the car and were pulling away.

We crept back down through the winding mountains and then finished the last part of the journey on “regular” roads until arriving back in Oaxaca City after dark. It was the type of day that you almost think must have been a dream because it was so different from what I normally do; but I know it was real and I will never forget the experience. And who knows? Maybe I can take that twisty, curvy trip again someday!

Isn't It Amazing?

God is Good when there’s nothing good in me.
God is Hope and has covered all my sin.
God is Peace when my fear is crippling.
God is Truth even in my wandering.
(Words paraphrased from the song: “Forever Reign,” from Hillsongs, “A Beautiful Exchange.”)
I am so grateful God doesn’t love me based on my level of faithfulness to Him. Aren’t you? Just as the song says above, God is Good and He is Hope, Peace, and Truth. In Him, there is no condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2) Through Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life in heaven and joy while we live here on earth.

How amazing is that?

A Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

Supposedly, women speak about 20,000 words a day, so for my post today, I thought I would reduce that number drastically. Here is a pictorial journey through my first month and a half back in Oaxaca.

Spanish, Spanish, Spanish!!!

Got Milk??...Er...I mean...Where's the beef??
(Across the road from the school where I work!)

Celebrating a birthday with some caffeine and chit-chat.

My new church--closing day of VBS

I moved this month--God provided a wonderful house with a beautiful yard!

The class on the Holy Spirit during the pastoral conference-God moved in precious ways in the hearts of our wonderful Oaxacan pastors.

Pastoral Conference--worship time!!

Team Oaxaca with the visiting missionaries and pastors.

God has proved Himself faithful, loving and trustworthy yet again this past month. He blesses me far beyond words and looking back over these pictures proves it to me!

Thank you God for another month full of adventures as You continually remind me of Your Great Faithfulness!

August Newsletter

The fields are ripe for harvest

The last few days, I have been enjoying the cooler, rainy weather of Oaxaca by getting outside and walking. The area where I now live is much closer to the beautiful, green mountains of the city. There are small farms on some of the hillsides and in the fields near my house. As I was walking, I could not help but notice the small, fresh plants beginning to grow in straight lines across the fields. Due to the rain, the ground is soft and moist—perfect for the young plants to grow. In a little while, it will be harvest time. The farmers who prepared the ground, planted, waited for rain and cared for the fields will begin to collect the products from their labor.

In June, a team of students came from Guadalajara and ministered in Northern Oaxaca at a Latin America Childcare school. They worked tirelessly all day, painting the school, playing and talking with the children, and then putting on an amazing Vacation Bible School program in the evening. So much preparation and hard work went in to making that week a success, and lives were changed because of it. It was a pleasure watching the kids participate in crazy relay games, but then they also put the same enthusiasm in to praising Jesus through song and would sit and listen intently as the Bible story was being told. The seeds that were planted will take root and grow. God’s Word does not return void and someday soon, it will be harvest time in the town of Teotitlan Flores de Magon.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Stateside

Following the trip to Northern Oaxaca, I had the opportunity to return to the States for about a month. Naturally, it was delightful to see my family, friends, and many prayer partners and supporters. I thoroughly enjoyed the time visiting churches and sharing about Mexico and I want to thank all of you for the love, encouragement and kindness you demonstrated while I was in Montana. Knowing YOU are behind me praying, giving, and encouraging me is a tremendous blessing. Thank you.

Looking Ahead

It’s the beginning of a new year for me here in Oaxaca. As I look ahead, I am excited about some goals and dreams God has put in my heart. It hasn’t yet been two weeks since I’ve returned to Mexico and already, God has given me new opportunities to minister. I am eagerly waiting to see what doors He opens and where He leads me over the course of this next year. Please will you join me as I pray for His guidance? Thank you.

Prayer Needs:

1. Obedience to the Holy Spirit—even when facing new or challenging opportunities.

2. Growth in the area of Language learning—I am currently being tutored in Spanish.

3. That God will open the hearts of the people of Oaxaca to His personal saving grace and that the Christians within Oaxaca will be exemplify Jesus well.

Blog Guilt

I'm feeling "blog guilt." I have neglected to communicate here for longer than I wanted, but it is on my list of things to do. I have been happily busy and I am excited to share what God is doing! "Talk" to you soon!

Delectable Dessert Social

Please join us for a DELECTABLE DESSERT SOCIAL!!!

Janene Snyder, a missionary associate to Mexico, will share some of the wonderful experiences and photos of her past year in Oaxaca, and tell about the amazing work God is doing in the people and community.

Date: Sunday, July 10th

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Colleen Enderle’s house, 1300 Woodbine Place (just up from Christian Life Center, up Hillview 3/10 mile, left on Woodbine)

Please RSVP: Colleen at: 251-2555 or Janene Snyder at: 251-3044

This is a free event. An offering will be accepted to support Janene in her next year. (All donations are tax deductable.)

Teotitlan

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet up with a team from Guadalajara in Northern Oaxaca, at a town called Teotitlan Flores de Magon. We spent the week painting the outside of a Latin America Childcare School in the mornings, then putting on a VBS program for the kids and a women’s outreach in the evenings. It was a pleasure getting to know so many wonderful people and working along-side the Engage students and leaders. I would like to share a general overview of our week with you, as well as, a few highlights. (Get ready—this is going to be a long one!)

Our experience began Tuesday morning by piling 22 people in to one truck and heading to the school. This turned out to be our main mode of transportation for the week, so we all got pretty “friendly.” (There are some things you can only get away with in Mexico.) Each morning we had a time of group devotions, and then we went outside and greeted the kids as they entered the school, before we began to paint. While painting, I was able to talk with the different members of our group and get to know them better. We had never met before, so I really enjoyed the one on one conversations we had while working. The Engage students come to Mexico for one to two years and minister while taking correspondence courses through universities in the States. They have servant hearts and it was really fun to hear the dreams that God has placed in their hearts for the future.

We usually finished painting just before lunch, so we would head over to the pastor’s house and the ladies from the church would have authentic Oaxacan food waiting for us. We ate so well all week long! We had foods like: tostadas, tlyudas, pollo asada, empanadas, tacos (not the American version of tacos), and a bunch of other delicious foods. I honestly think I gained a little weight last week and I blame the fantastic cooks who served us! It was so good.

After eating, we went back to our hotel and cleaned up before returning to the school for the evening programs. Each night, the Engage students put on an exciting program for the children with clowns, puppets, great music, stories, games, etc. The kids were almost spellbound for the first day or two because this was something they had never experienced before. They sat quietly listening and had to be encouraged to participate because it was all new. But, they soon warmed up and started actively singing, dancing, shouting, and just generally showing how much fun they were having.

Thursday night before the VBS service, I was walking around chatting with kids and taking pictures. I don’t quite remember how it happened, but somehow I got involved in teeter-tottering with a little girl. I couldn’t understand her name, but she was seven years old and had a bright smile and energetic personality. Naturally, I was heavier than her, so I ended up jumping as hard as I could in order to get her to go back down. Well, this turned out to be fantastic fun for her and a great workout for me, so we continued for several minutes. I would stop and make a great show of panting and explain that I needed a break and she would respond by saying, “NO!” and encouraging me to continue. We did this until the service began, but she stuck close to me for the remainder of the week and we had a chance to continue our “game” after the service that night.

While the Engage students were doing the VBS outside, the women were meeting in a classroom and having their own service, led by some of the missionary ladies. There was a good turn-out of ladies and they also seemed to enjoy the special treat of doing a craft together, which is something that they probably don’t have much opportunity to do. Later in the week, a couple ladies invited the female missionaries to visit their home for a special time of prayer for the family. It was an emotional time and God’s presence was near as we prayed for the woman and her children.

On Friday, we traveled about an hour up in to the mountains to a small Assemblies of God church. It was a breath-taking location, right on the edge of a huge valley with big, beautiful mountains all around. Naturally, it became an ideal place for a photo shoot, so we spent several minutes taking pictures. (For more pictures, please visit my Facebook page.)

We entered the church and listened to the pastor share a message with our group. He talked about the difference between being a Christian and a disciple. He stated that a Christian goes to church and does good things, but a disciple follows Christ no matter the cost or the challenges that come. He used the example of Jeremiah 13 where God tells Jeremiah to buy a belt and take it to Perath (which was many miles away). Many days later God told Jeremiah to go back and get the belt. The belt was ruined and God had a message for Israel from that belt. The point the pastor made was that God really could have saved Jeremiah the trouble of walking all that way and just told him what He wanted him to know, and yet, Jeremiah was obedient. It cost him time, physical work and even separation from his family, but he obeyed and went because God told him to. The pastor’s message was personally convicting and challenging to me. It left me with a renewed desire to obey God—no matter the cost. I don’t want to choose what is easier or more convenient, instead of obedience.

Early Saturday morning (5:45am), we packed up and headed toward Mexico City. We stopped just outside the city to visit the pyramids. Again, lots of pictures were taken as we walked around and climbed the pyramids. It’s amazing to realize that the pyramids are thousands of years old. It was also interesting to learn more about Mexico’s past religious beliefs, including child sacrifice, and to understand more fully how mixed are the Catholic beliefs here. It is a combination of pagan practices, ancient rituals and what we generally think of as Catholism.

Later in the day, we drove in to Mexico City. Other than the airport, this was my first time being in the city and it was eye-opening. I only spent one evening there because I flew out in the morning; but while there, I saw poverty up close—filthy garbage everywhere, putrid smells, a heavy atmosphere and people living in the streets. It’s not that I’ve never seen poverty before, but I have certainly never seen it to this extent. It was impacting. I’m still not sure how to grasp it all.

That evening was my last with the team, so I organized my things for the morning and spent time talking with some of the girls from the group. God blessed me by allowing me to meet and make new friends last week and I’m so thankful for email and internet, so I can keep in touch with so many people. What a blessing they were to me and so many other people during our time in Teotitlan.

This past week was very special for me. I met wonderful people and saw God in new ways. God spoke to me personally through several of the experiences I had and I’m grateful.

Thank You God for giving me the opportunity to visit Teotilan and to meet the precious people from Guadalajara. Thank You for opening my eyes to new things and for reminding me of some areas where I want to do better. You are providing new experiences and giving me new dreams for the future. Thank You for being faithful and for continuing to work on me. I love You, Jesus and I don’t ever want to live life without You.

Finish Well

-->

Colossians 1:17- “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”

It’s the end of the school year and everyone is ready for summer break. For any of you who have ever worked in a school (or attended school), you know how that goes! Students and teachers alike are tired from all the time and hard work they have put in this year and they are eagerly looking ahead to fun summer plans. Our graduating students are talking about packing for college; teachers are preparing for trips to the States to visit family and friends. It’s a time of mixed emotions as some families will be graduating or leaving and it means changes are coming. As we wrap things up here at OCS, may I please ask for your prayers? It’s been a good year and we want to finish our last week and a half well. Thank you.

Prayer requests:

1. That God will hold us together (in every sense of the word)
2. That we will do our best all the way to the end.
3. That our love for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ will increase, not decrease as we are all ready for a break.

Birds and Lilies

Matthew 6:25-27

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

This is my personal reminder that I need to trust my heavenly Father to take care of me. You see, I've been doing far too much worrying lately. I've worried about money, fund-raising, packing, finding an apartment for next year and leaving Oaxaca for a month. It's really gotten quite ridiculous, as if God doesn't know that I have several big things that need to come together.

Like the Bible says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Worrying only puts me in an anxious state of mind while accomplishing no good. I feel stressed which causes my interactions with others to be strained, instead of showing them the patience and love of Christ. I don’t sleep as well, depression begins to loom over me, and I suddenly feel like God is far away. Do I really want to live my life like that? NO!

Okay, so how do I get to the point where I am putting what I know about God into action? First of all, I need to follow Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I need to talk to God about what is causing the worry and then praise Him because He is a Big God and able to provide for my needs.

Secondly, I need to be responsible to do my part to take care of things. If I need to make phone calls, well then, I need to do that. If I need to venture out and look for a place or talk to people, that’s what I should do. God doesn’t want me to worry and I need His guidance along the way, but procrastination is not a good option either. Proverbs 31:27b tells me that one of the characteristics of a woman of Godly character is that she “does not eat the bread of idleness.” I need to be faithful to do the work God calls me to do everyday.

So, if God can take care of the birds of the air and He clothes the lilies of the field better than Solomon, I believe He can handle me.

A New Beginning

Leviticus 6:12-"The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out."
Last night, I returned from Puerto Vallarta, where I spent the last 5 days retreating on the beach with all the other AG missionaries who serve in Mexico. It was such a treat and my heart feels so full. I am so thankful for the opportunity to meet many truly wonderful people. But most of all, I am grateful to God for the solid Biblical teaching I heard, the sweet times of prayer and for the direction and reminders I received from Him personally.

I am back in Oaxaca, but I feel like I am ready to get back to work. I had the chance to re-focus at retreat and I feel like God is directing me to make some personal changes. I came back with a renewed desire to be more disciplined in specific areas and I am happy to report that day one being back went well. (smile)

While in Puerto Vallarta, our Area Director preached a sermon on Leviticus 6:8-13. I would like to share the main points with you because they touched my heart, and perhaps they will also minister to you. This is just the skeleton of the sermon, but I believe God will fill in the gaps for you.

The OT laws for burnt offerings were:
1. The sacrifice must stay on the altar until it is consumed. (All night)
2. The ashes of yesterday must be removed and put in their place. (Today's fire cannot burn on yesterday's ashes.)
3. Fresh sacrifice requires fresh fuel. (This may not be an exact quote, but Jim Elliot said, "Saturate me Lord with the oil of Your Spirit that I might be Your flame.")
4. Keep the fire burning continuously; it must not go out. (This has to be done intentionally.)

Has your fire died down or gone out? I am so thankful for the chances I had this week to stir that fire back up again. God moved in my heart in ways that I will never forget. And, right now, you also have the opportunity to stop what you are doing and take some time to rekindle the flame you once had for God. I don't mean to preach and I am not the best example to follow when it comes to this, but please don't pass up the opportunity for God to speak to you.

Do not let the fire go out!
Just a handful of the missionaries I got to spend time with this week.

Love

Smiles, waves, and holas greeted me this morning as I entered the children's home where I volunteer on Fridays. As I walked through the door, 3 little toddlers toddled over to me with their arms up in the air. Hugs were given and I scooped up two of them while making the rounds to say good morning to everyone else.

The rest of the morning went quickly. Being there always involves the normal childcare work. From changing diapers to wiping noses to spoon feeding messy 1 year olds, things roll along at a busy pace; but I cherish the one on one moments that I am blessed to have in between the regular routine.

This morning, one of the younger boys was reading a board book by himself. I sat down next to him and asked if he would like me to read it to him. He said yes, so I did. Afterwards, he took a turn to read it to me, but as he did, he sang the words. I asked him if he liked to sing and what was his favorite song. Then, we sang a children's song together about Jesus being our friend and loving us.

Later in the morning, I was feeding a toddler named Angela who wasn't very interested in eating. (At least, I assume she wasn't, since she was sticking her tongue out and making silly noises!) While this was going on, one of the older girls who is about 7 years old, was making a game out of trying to sneak the hand-sanitizer out of my pocket. I would turn to feed Angela and she would creep her little hand in to my pocket to try and grab it. I would act shocked and tickle her and her sweet little face would light up with a beautiful smile.

Love. It's not always grand, but sometimes it's the little moments that can mean the most to a person. My reason for going to see the children is that they might see a piece of Who Jesus is through the way I interact with them. And, I still have a loooong way to go in learning how to love the way Jesus loves, but I do want to learn. Thankfully, God is patient with me and He even loves me enough to put me in a place with children, so that I can learn how to love from watching them!

Thank you Father for loving me, even when I don't deserve it. Thank You for providing opportunities to share Your love, even when I don't do it perfectly or I completely over-look the opportunity that You give. Please open my eyes to the needs of others and please help me love the people You have put in my life. Thank You for Your faithfulness and grace. I love You, Jesus.

Will You Partner With Me?

For several months, I have been praying about staying in Oaxaca for an additional year. In my heart, I want to stay. I have learned so much this year! I’m so thankful for the people God has placed in my life here and it’s a joy to see those relationships blossoming. God has also opened the door for me to return to Oaxaca Christian School and to continue working with Hijos de la Luna and in my church. In addition, I feel like I have finally adjusted here and learned how life works in Oaxaca. There is a place for me here in Mexico and I would really like to stay, but I need your help.

Even with many faithful givers, my funds have been lacking several of the months that I have been here. I will need to raise new commitments in order for me to stay another year. If you would like to partner with me in giving, please click on the “make a donation online” box at your right. The make a donation box gives you the option to set up an automatic monthly donation, should you choose to support this ministry regularly.

For those of you who have been faithfully giving, I thank you! It is because of your faithfulness that I have been able to stay this long. If however, you are unable to continue giving for an additional year; please will you let me know? I do understand that your circumstances may have changed or that God may be leading you to give elsewhere, but this will help me to know how to plan for the coming year. I sincerely thank you.