Day 5 (July 15) – Casa Abba

 

Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Today’s devotional focused on the importance of patience as a fruit of walking in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23). I’m grateful to be part of a team that’s demonstrated both flexibility and patience throughout this trip—from waiting in airport lines to enduring long, hot days of labor. Today marked the second-to-last day of our trip, and it began with more hard work under the sun.

Patience becomes especially important when exhaustion sets in, when your body isn’t cooperating (a polite way of saying “diarrhea”), and all you want is a break in the A/C to stop sweating. Mission trips teach patience in tribulation like little else can. What makes it easier is being surrounded by a team that’s constantly praying for and encouraging one another. The hope of finishing a project brings joy, but hearing how the work contributes to someone finding faith in Jesus? That brings rejoicing!

 

This morning’s testimony came from Mama Veronica (Vero)—Gaby’s wife and Jocsan’s mom—who is also our amazing chef for the week. She arrives early to prepare breakfast, returns in the afternoon to cook dinner, and never complains. This morning she made French toast, eggs, and fresh fruit. Tonight, she wowed us with her incredible chicken enchiladas verdes!

Vero is often the quiet support behind Casa Ebenezer, the church, and our mission trips, so I was thrilled when she agreed to share her testimony. She told us this was the first time she’d ever done so. Gaby had asked her before, but she’d always declined. However, when Kayla asked this week, she couldn’t say no to her daughter-in-law. She admitted she said yes before really thinking it through—but she kept her word.

I love that she shared that detail. Public speaking is one of the most intimidating things for many people, but God delights when His people share their stories of faith. He promises to give us the words and strength when we step out in faith. Vero stepped out—and shared her testimony in English! I recorded it and, with her permission, I’d love to share it more widely. Her story was such a blessing to our team.

Here’s a glimpse of what she shared:

Vero was one of 11 children and felt abandoned when her mother sent her to live with her grandmother. She desperately wanted to go to school, but her grandmother wouldn’t allow it. One day, her grandmother suddenly said, “Vero, you can go to school now.” She was thrilled—but they couldn’t enroll her because they didn’t have her birth certificate. Her heart broke. Eventually, her mother traveled to the city to retrieve the document, and Vero’s passion for learning was finally allowed to flourish.

In middle school, she met Gaby. At that time, neither of them knew Jesus. A friend occasionally invited her to church and Bible study, but her real turning point came through a missionary couple, Rocky and his wife, who visited the restaurant where she worked. They invited her to study the Bible and talk about God. That began to stir something deeper in her.

At this point, she became pregnant with Jocsan. She wept, afraid her life would follow the same painful path as her mother’s. Her dreams of finishing school faded, and she continued working in restaurants. Gaby, however, was thrilled about having a son and wanted to marry her. When Jocsan was born, everything changed. They both decided to follow Jesus.

Hardships didn’t stop, but God’s faithfulness only became more evident. He began to heal the wounds of her past and assure her of His love. Years later, she got a job teaching at a Christian school (where she still teaches today!). And just a few years ago, she completed her education online—with a little help from her sons. As she told it: “You’re the reason I had to drop out of school, so you can help me finish it!” (Haha.) Jocsan and his brother Gaddy helped, and she finished strong.

Today, she partners with Gaby in ministry, is deeply involved with Ebenezer and the church, and is a loving, fun, and faithful grandmother to Zeke. What a story of restoration!

After devotions, we headed back to Casa Abba to continue our projects. Here are a few pictures from today:

While the concrete crew got back to work, the paint crew prepared grocery bags for delivery to the village.  

 Emmay finished her mural! 

 

We delivered the bags to the community. 

This evening we went out for some ice cream and sat in the park on a beautiful night!

 

Day 4 (July 14) – Casa Abba

 

Romans 12:9–13
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor...

Today’s devotional reminded us that we are designed to love. We’re called to love others as God has loved us (1 John 4:7)—unconditionally and generously. While the default mindset of many religions is to earn God’s love through good deeds, the Gospel flips that idea upside down. God’s kingdom is not built on merit, but on mercy. He loves the sinner, the broken, the lost—and not from afar. He acted on our behalf by sending Jesus to redeem us through the cross (Romans 5:8).

As I reflected on God’s love today, I couldn’t help but think of Veda’s affection for dogs. I’ve told her a hundred times not to pet the street dogs, but she just can’t help herself—she sees them and shows them love. Where others see a dirty stray, she sees a soul worth loving. That’s how Jesus loves us. He doesn’t see us as the world does—He sees who we truly are. He cleanses us from sin, clothes us in His righteousness, and promises us a home with Him forever. That’s real love.

This morning’s devotion time was especially meaningful. Damaris shared her testimony. Many of you know she and her sister, Simey, were adopted by Jocsan and Kayla. Damaris explained how their normal family life in Mexico City was shattered when their mother passed away and their father abandoned them. She was just 15. Thankfully, Gabby stepped in and brought them to Puerto Escondido to live with extended family, and eventually, with Jocsan and Kayla, who finished a room in their house to give the girls a permanent home.

 

Adjusting to this new life wasn’t easy. After finishing high school last year, her plan to attend university didn’t work out, so she enrolled in a one-year Bible school instead. She just graduated on Friday—congrats, Damaris!

Gaby asked when she gave her life to Jesus. She said it happened at Gabby’s kitchen table, shortly after arriving in Puerto. He told her about the love of Christ. She struggled to believe it could be true, but she wanted it to be. That night, she confessed her sin and placed her faith in Jesus. Life is still challenging, but she wants to serve Him.

And now, an amazing opportunity has opened up. A nearby orphanage, where she once did a short-term mission, has offered her an internship where she can teach and earn her degree over the next five years! She didn’t know how she’d afford school, or what came next—but God knew. Kayla once told her God would use her to encourage orphans. Now it’s happening. God is good! We gathered around her and prayed as she prepares to move next month.

After devotions, we loaded up and headed to Casa Abba. Much of the crew resumed work on the concrete slab, only this time with three more local workers joining us. With the added help, several of our team members shifted to painting the maintenance shed. Emma was tasked with painting the gate and adding a mural. It was a hot day, but everyone worked with determination and great attitudes.

The concrete crew—mostly the guys and Kate—mixed 46 bags today (compared to 30 on Saturday)! Our job was to mix the sand, gravel, cement, and water while the local workers poured. These guys are machines—they hardly slow down. They appreciate our help but stay laser-focused on finishing the job.

 

Meanwhile, the rest of us worked on painting the bathroom area and the addition Mr. Juan began last year. A lot of progress was made, with just touch-ups left for tomorrow.

 

Emma truly made the entrance shine. Casa Abba was recently connected to the power grid (huge blessing!) and had to install a meter box by the street. Emma painted both sides bright yellow. On the back, she added a mural of a radiant sun with colorful rays. Tomorrow, she’ll add words to it. When I asked how she felt about the project, she lit up and said, “YES!” She admitted that during work projects she didn’t always feel like she was doing much—but painting gave her the chance to use her gifts to bless others. For the record, Emma also crushed it on concrete duty. She’s a hard worker and a real team player—but her art will now be a beacon of the hope we have in the light of Jesus Christ for every person who walks through that gate.

This trip is special for many reasons, but one is that I get to serve alongside Kayla—a former youth group student of mine. Because she and I are coordinating so many things, we’ve had time to run errands together (with baby Zeke in tow). These car rides, though filled with supply runs and stops, have been such a gift. We’ve been able to catch up, talk about ministry and life, and just enjoy time together. I’m thankful the Lord knit our lives together years ago and continues to use that connection today.

After a long, productive day, we treated the team to a quick beach stop. While there, we ran into Oscar again! He was working—running drinks up and down the beach for a restaurant. When he saw us, he brought drinks over for Kayla, Will, and me—free of charge, as a gift. That’s just who he is. We offered to pay for additional drinks, and he gladly obliged. As we left the beach, it was sweet to say goodbye to our new brother again. Lord willing, we’ll see him once more before we leave. If not, there’s always next year. 

After Mama Vero’s delicious dinner, some of the guys helped Jocsan pick up a generator. While they were out, I sat down to write this blog but got caught up in conversation with several team members. I’m glad I did—it was good to simply be present with them. It was great to hear them share about their experiences and lessons they are learning. Oscar’s testimony came up. David observed how different life is here then back home. Simeon brought up the Mexican workers and the struggle to understand how they work so hard for so little, but the little they get paid is more than they would make back home. As Anna said, it was good and helpful to have this time together and hear how each other are processing. It helps! That time together was rich.

Please keep praying for our team’s health. Some are dealing with minor rashes from the cement or digestive issues. One teammate thought he might have a fever, but he mostly just needed rest. I’ll check on him in the morning.

Even with the heat and distractions, this team is amazing. Today’s devotional asked, “Who do you need God to help you love today?” Honestly, I wrote: “I thank God for this team—because I don’t need help loving them.” This group is a blessing, and I’m grateful for every single one of them.

Thanks for reading this far! Tomorrow—we return to Casa Abba.

 

Day 3 - Church

 

Day 3: Designed for Generosity

1 Timothy 6:17–19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share... so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Today’s devotional reminded us that we were designed to live generously. When God gives in abundance, it's not just for our enjoyment but so we can bless others. I’m so thankful for our team, a group of people rich in gifts and talents, who are using them joyfully to bless others. Today, they gave of themselves—singing, playing instruments, sharing the Gospel, greeting warmly, serving humbly… even moving logs (more on that soon).

Since our team was scheduled to lead worship and serve at Casa Ebenezer this morning, we had an early start. We left shortly after 8 AM, aiming to arrive by 8:30. Casa Ebenezer is in a beautiful rural community, and usually, the trip there is uneventful aside from the usual road issues. But this morning, as we turned down the dirt road, we were met by an unexpected sight—men lining the road with machetes and chainsaws. Don’t worry, it wasn’t a mob—it was a community clean-up day, and their task was to cut down trees along the road to prepare for the installation of electric poles.

The work crew happened to be stationed right outside the gates of Casa Ebenezer, and they continued working throughout the service. Undeterred, we pressed on with the plan. Our team opened by leading two worship songs in Spanish, boldly singing over the noise of chainsaws and falling trees. They did a phenomenal job.

 

Next, Oscar, a current resident of Casa Ebenezer, was invited to share his testimony. Though some of it was difficult to hear over the background noise, what I did catch was powerful—a story of redemption and grace. Two years ago, Oscar was working at the hotel we stayed at during our first trip to Puerto Escondido. Just two weeks ago, God moved in Jocsan’s heart to introduce him to his father, Gabby. When Gabby met Oscar, he recognized the signs of addiction and brokenness—and invited him to come live at Ebenezer.

 

As they drove, Gabby shared his vision for Casa Ebenezer and the hope of Jesus Christ. Oscar was overwhelmed by the weight of his sin, and for the first time in years, he wept—crying out for God’s forgiveness. Peace flooded his heart. He asked Gabby to turn around and take him back to his apartment so he could pack and leave it all behind.

When they arrived, the room was filled with evidence of his past—needles, pipes, drugs, alcohol, and books on other religions and even witchcraft. Searching for peace, Oscar had tried everything. That day, he bagged it all up and gave it to Gabby to discard. “I don’t need that stuff anymore,” he said. “I have Jesus.”

In just two weeks, Oscar’s life has been radically transformed. His joy is contagious. His hunger for God is evident. It was one of the most moving testimonies I’ve ever heard. Honestly, we could’ve ended the service right there and walked away full of worship.

But we had more to share. We were asked to present the Gospel using the Wordless Book colors (the Gospel Beads). Several team members stepped up and clearly shared the Good News. As they spoke, I noticed Oscar feverishly taking notes—soaking in everything he could.

Once again, it felt like the service was complete. Worship, testimony, Gospel… But I had been asked to preach. I had prepared a message from Psalm 80, and to my amazement, the themes of the Psalm were already reflected in Oscar’s story: God as the Shepherd, the plea for restoration, the cry for light in the darkness.

 

Psalm 80 opens with a cry to the Shepherd of Israel and repeats the refrain: “Restore us, O God… let your face shine, that we may be saved” (vv. 3, 7, 19). It’s a Psalm of longing—a cry for light to break into the darkness. And that’s exactly what Oscar had experienced. What a joy to preach from that Psalm, seeing how Christ fulfills its hope, and how He’s still working that restoration today.

After the sermon, the team led one more song—Way Maker in Spanish. Then Kayla asked if I’d be willing to pray for Oscar and Daniel, the two men currently living at Casa Ebenezer. Daniel, or “Danny,” is a neighbor who has joined the program and serves as the on-site security guard.

As I stepped forward, Oscar put his arm around me. Danny was visibly moved. The rest of the team gathered around, laying hands on them and praying over their lives. Please continue to pray for both of these men—God is doing a beautiful work in them.

 

After the service, it was time to move some of the logs that had been cut during church. Though it was a bit of a distraction, it’s actually a sign of progress: electricity is coming to the community. What a blessing that will be for Ebenezer.

The rest of the day was restful and joyful. We enjoyed a traditional Mexican chicken lunch back at the house, then spent the afternoon at a new beach, riding the waves and making memories. On the way home, we stopped for some delicious tacos. It was a full and blessed Sunday—one we won’t soon forget.