Mexico Trip update - Casa Ebenezer

(Editors Note: I type from memory and can miss a few points. I will update and correct anything I missed. Like yesterday's post I used the wrong name for the church. I apologize if I miss something, I will try to correct it as soon as possible)

Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Casa Ebenezer

(Two years ago, Casa Ebenezer looked like this)

Today we headed out to the property where Casa Ebenezer (C.E.) is being built. The building they have on the land will be used for office space and Gaby and Vero’s home when C.E. is up and running, but for now it will be used for office space and storage. When we first arrived, we walked down to the well and learned about how God provided water for this property.

C.E.’s well story happened before Casa Abba’s and really provided a testimony of God’s faithfulness to encourage Jocsan and Kayla as they went through a similar struggle at Casa Abba. I wish you all could hear Gaby share the story, but the long and short is that God led them to dig a well. They dug it deep and there was no water. They hit bedrock, and there was no water. Gaby was prepared to turn the whole into a septic tank if they never found water, but prayed and prayed that God would provide. And God did provide. The water came up out of a spring in the rock and it has never gone dry. During the recent drought, neighbors’ wells went dry, but not C.E.’s. So they pumped out water and put it in barrels to help bless their neighbors.

Tonight, our group was talking, and Emma brought up the two stories and how amazing it is to hear testimony of God’s provisions. Mariska mentioned how important the well is to them and how different things are from home. David brought up the fact that God blesses those who will, in turn, bless others. The truth is that when you preserver in faith, not giving up even when things get desperate, God will use you to bless others around you. But when you give up too soon, you miss the blessing God intended and others miss being blessed by your blessing.  

After the testimony of the well, we gathered to hear Gaby share his testimony and the story of C.E. Again, you really need to come down and hear Gaby share his story. Whatever I write here will not do justice to the story God has written in brother Gaby’s life. As he spoke, his words moved each of us to tears. Tears of sorrow to hear the brokenness and grief he had to experience, and tears of joy to hear of God’s rescue and restoration. Gaby grew up without a father and his mother could not financially support him. He asked his mom who his father was and she said he had no father. Then she replied, “Gaby you do have a father, a Heavenly Father, who you could call Father or God. He’s rich and he can take care of you.” These words left an impression on Gaby that would come back to him years later when he was in desperate need.

When his mother could no longer afford to care for him, Gaby had to find a new home. He lived with a family for a little while, but they were abusive, and he had no one to protect him. Soon, Gaby took to the streets and began using alcohol and drugs to cope. He spent some time and jail and then back to the streets. Life was so hard and overwhelming, he just wanted to die. He made plans to take his life, but on his way he began to pray, blaming God, at first, for how hard his life was. “God you are not good, you are not powerful, you do not keep your promises. Why is my life so hard?” Yet during the prayer, God reminded him of his mother’s words those many years ago. “Gaby, you do have a father and his name is God.” Gaby’s heart began to change and he wanted to know more.

A Christian man began talking to Gaby and showed him love. He invited Gaby over to his house for lunch one day. Gaby sat down at their table with them and realized that was the first time he had sat down for a family meal. When it was time to go, the gentleman asked Gaby if he had a place to go, “yes, I have a place,” he said while his head lowered a bit. The man asked again, “Gaby, do you have a place to stay?” “Yes, I have a house to stay,” he said while his head lowered even more. The man came to him, lifted Gaby’s head, and said, “if you don’t have a place to stay, you can stay here.” “You mean it?!” “Yes, you can have a room here, a place to stay, but there are rules.”

Gaby moved in with this man and the man discipled him in the way of Christ and helped him overcome his addiction to alcohol and drugs. He helped Gaby become the man of God he is today! Gaby is a wonderful man who is so happy, kind, and caring. He is a visionary who has a plan he believes in and trusts God to make it happen. Gaby had a vision shortly after his conversion and deliverance, that one day he would like to help men who were on the streets find freedom and deliverance as he had. A place where they were loved and the belong. This is what Casa Ebenezer is to become, a ministry to men who are overcoming addiction and want to be followers of Christ, godly men, good husbands, and good fathers. 

Gaby is a testimony of God’s goodness. He is a husband and a father. Lela mentioned how amazing it is to see him with his kids, knowing he did not have a good example growing up. His is a story of the transforming power of the Gospel. It is the same Gospel that can transform your life too. 

As Gaby was talking, the cool of the morning was escaping and the painting was not getting done. (Leave it to an American to be thinking about the tasks) I couldn’t help but think about the painting we were going to do, but how good it was for the team to hear this story. Tasks can be done anytime, but transformation comes at God appointed times. When we get too busy with life, we miss what God is doing. Mariska was talking about how nice it was to have a slower pace here and allow things to come together, rather than the normal rushed pace. It is in these moments that holy things happen. Gaby’s story will be a part of our lives forever.

Painting

We did start painting! Gaby chose purple for the exterior paint and yellow for the interior paint. We split the team in two and got busy painting. I am so proud of the effort and attitude of our team! They worked hard. They worked together. They persevered through some hot weather, and so much got done today. We will go back tomorrow to do the top floor. 

 

 

We took a break for lunch around 1:30PM. Vero (Gaby’s wife Veronica) cooked beans and corn tortillas over an open fire on site. Wow! Delicious food! What a blessing Vero is to our team, tirelessly cooking for our team with love and care. We are so blessed!

Back to work to finish up some walls. While we were nearing the end of the day, a neighbor gentleman was leaving and started talking to me in broken English. He was hard to follow, and we talked in circles. I tried to talk to him about Jesus, but he dismissed it. Kayla came over to help translate, but quickly realized that this man was drunk. You see, he is a man that Gaby has been working with and offered him a job on the construction site (it is a separate job than what our team is doing). He came for the morning, took a long break, and tried to come back drunk. Gaby has rules, so he sent him home. It is tough to see this, but thank God for Gaby, who knows firsthand the struggles, and has compassion and knowledge of what it takes to overcome. The man is welcomed back to work if he comes back sober. I don’t remember his name, but please pray for him. Gaby is working with two neighbors right now, trying to disciple them through alcoholism. C.E. isn’t even built yet, and Gaby is already at work!

 

This evening we had tacos for dinner, then headed out for elote (Mexican street corn), ice cream, and souvenir shopping. Our group was tired, but I made them sit together to share before going to bed. I have used their remarks throughout this post and I am thankful for their insights. I am hoping to capture more tomorrow! Have a good night!

Mexico Missions Trip: Day 2 Church, Potluck, Casa Abba, Waves

Hola!

Church:

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” The psalmist declares in Psalm 133:1. It was so wonderful to experience the truth of these words today while attending at Casa Ebenezer church (I mistakingly put another ministry that also partners with Casa Ebenezer in my first draft). Brother Gaby Morales and his wife Veronica host church weekly in their house. It was so good to meet the members of the church and worship together with them.

David Keiper had the experience and joy of sharing his testimony with the church. He was asked a few minutes before church started but was ready and willing. It was exciting to see him speak through an interpreter sharing the Good News of what Christ has done in his life. He shared a phrase that caught his attention in Bible school, “nothing you do can cause God to love you more, and nothing you do can cause God to love you less, it’s not about what you do.” God’s unconditional love has been displayed for us in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. 

(Kayla interpreting for brother Gaby)

Alexa was the young lady’s name who led worship, but she did a fantastic job. Singing familiar praise songs in a different country and a different language is awesome! It was on a Haiti trip that several students pointed out that hearing a familiar song in a different language brought the realization that God is not just an American God, he is God of the whole world. Amen! It was so good to experience that once again.

I am so thankful for brother Gaby inviting me to preach to their congregation today. Jocsan Morales, Kayla’s husband and Gaby and Veronica’s son, interpreted the sermon. I am always intimidated to speak through an interpreter. Remembering to pause and allow him to repeat is a difficult thing for me, so I have to manuscript my notes telling me where to stop. Even in doing this, it feels awkward. Years ago, I was invited to preach in a different country, and I declined because speaking through an interpreter is out of my comfort zone. Yesterday’s post talked about that. Jocsan was so easy to work with and he communicated so effectively! I hope and pray my sermon on Psalm 30 was a blessing.

(Me preaching and Jocsan interpreting)

Brother Gaby shared a few thoughts at the end of the service and pointed out to all of us that we did not coordinate the topic or what I was going to say. Gaby and I had only just met on Saturday and had very little interaction. And yet the message God had laid on my heart was exactly what he had been teaching. It was humbling to see God’s hand at work and the unity he had prepared between us. 

Potluck:

Once a month Casa Ebenezer (edited) hosts a potluck dinner. I want to praise God that it coordinated with the day we were there! Jocsan promised me I would get to taste some real Mexican food, and he was right! The food was delicious, and our team was so happy. It was also a great opportunity for us to spend more time with the people from the church. I don’t know all the names of the food, but it was all so very good!

Casa Abba:

(The gate to Casa Abba)

After lunch we took a drive to the property that Casa Abba will be built on. Kayla and Jocsan walked us around the land sharing their vision and dreams of what would happen in this place. It is so exciting to be here at the beginning of their planning trusting God will supply all their needs and fulfill their dreams. Now future trips will have the opportunity to see the progress and participate in the story.

(Our transportation for the week! another amazing story of God's provision to share)

Jocsan and Kayla shared the story of their well. It is a story of how God will use an event to try your faith, testing whether you will stand firm in your trust, and waiting on him to deliver. The digging of the well proved to be a struggle and it appeared that there was no water where they were told to dig. As the struggle to believe the well will produce water grew, God showed up. A little water came from the rock. A few days later, a little more came. And then a little more. God came through and delivered. When Kayla first told me this story, after rejoicing and thanking God, I said, “you know God is known for causing rocks to produce water right?’ You’ll have to read Moses’ story in Exodus 17 to know the story.

(Jocsan giving an overview of the property and plans)

(it was awesome to be on site and hear the story)

We had the opportunity to stop by Kayla and Jocsan’s lovely home for a quick change. It is a beautiful home they are building, and the team loved hanging with their dogs.

Kayla and Jocsan Morales in front of their home

hanging out in the courtyard

Waves:

Going down didn't seem as steep

Puerto Escondido has world renowned beaches that are known for their surfing. Ohioans are not used to big waves, I mean Lake Erie tries, but nothing like the beautiful Pacific Ocean waves we saw today. On the way to church we did stop at the beach to see the surfers for a few minutes. That only made us want to go to the beach more. This afternoon we hiked down some steps to a wonderful inlet with some super fun waves. All of us had a blast enjoying the waves. It was my first-time swimming in the Pacific Ocean! Some bought fresh coconuts, others tried some homemade coconut ice-cream, all of us got some sun.  

Anna and Emma having some fun!

there is photo evidence that I am here ;)

I know, some of you are saying this sounds more like a vacation than a missions trip. There is intentionality behind that. Tomorrow starts the work part of the trip. Sunday is a day of rest and an opportunity to connect with the church. I also think that short term missions trips are learning experiences. I think it is important to learn from the local people, experience their culture, and explore God’s creation. We want to be agents of the Gospel and create memories that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned, you will hear of some exciting stories over the next couple of days! Thanks for following our trip!

Mexico Trip: Pre-Trip and Travel Day

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “when God calls you, he calls you to die,” referring to the words of Jesus Christ about taking up our cross daily and following him. The Christian life is to be a life lived by faith and out of our comfort zone. I must confess that it is far to easy to slide into the comfort zone of “normal” life and lose the edge that living by faith. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I allow myself to slip into complacency or safety when I have experienced so much good from God when I have stepped out in faith. Living by faith is more than developing a good routine and living a good and godly life. It is stepping out into the unknown and being willing to risk something in the name of Jesus for his glory. 

It is possible in our everyday context to live by faith daily. There are opportunities all around us that we are often unaware of because we are not paying attention. Wednesday night I reminded the youth group that God is always working and doing amazing things, we don’t see it because our focus is on other things (self, technology, entertainment, grades, relationships or the lack thereof, work, etc.). This week I have been reminded why I value leading missions trips for the youth group: stepping out in faith.

When Kayla Morales and I began talking in January about this trip, we had no idea what we would be getting into or who would be going. We just knew that it was an opportunity for God to do something amazing! I always have appreciated Kayla’s joy, energy, and passion for Jesus. When I offered to push the trip until next year to give her more time to coordinate things in Mexico, she was quick to say, “nope I think we can do it this year! Yep, let’s do it!” And so the story began. 

I guessed on the estimated cost of the trip (plane tickets, in country expense, etc). We began recruiting. God provided the team, generous donors, and the support of Lakeside Christian Church! The journey had begun, but I forgot the personal risks I was taking as a youth pastor trying to lead students to love and follow Jesus more. In calling others to step out in faith, requires you to step out in faith. Along the way, we need to teach things about God, but what if God doesn’t show up the way you think he should? Where is the money going to come from? So much to figure out and to trust God with.

Almost immediately, several team members applied for their passports, which are currently taking between 8-9 weeks for an expedited return. (Insert joke about our government’s efficiency) As the weeks went by, the worries and anxieties about the passports arriving in time began to become very real. Money and passports became a big concern. I felt that these worries and situations are very teachable moments. I began to worry about things too and felt like we need a good reminder about trusting God in faith, not being anxious and believing God will supply. After all Isaiah 26:3 says that God will, “keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him.” Trusting God leads to a peaceful mind. Deal! 

Good news, a few passports came in! We expected the others to follow, but two didn’t arrive. David’s passport was returned to him with insufficient time for him to mail it in. He had to set up a in person meeting at the passport agency. The only open spot was in Detroit for the day before we flew out. That added some stress and anxiety for us. However, David had an appointment and now we just needed to trust that God would provide in time. 

Aside from David’s passport, we were still waiting on one more, Lela’s. Lela mailed hers in earlier than others, but it still had not arrived. Earlier this week she called, and they said it had not been mailed and they had no appointments available. There were still a few days for things to change, but it was difficult to stay positive. I thought we needed to be reminded of the importance of prayer and partnering in prayer for specific things. In my mind I thought, “wow God this is a perfect opportunity for you to deliver in a miraculous way for a great object lesson.” However, I admit that I doubted, not God’s ability, but the reality of the situation. 

This is where risk in teaching students came into play. Jesus said in Mark 11 to ask of the Father, believing, and you will receive. Jesus said it, who am I to say something different. I encouraged the kids to pray in faith, believing God could deliver, and trusting him with the outcome. I had to suppress the “what if God doesn’t do it” thoughts. The youth group, parents, the church, and so many others have been praying for this trip, and I desperately wanted our team to be complete and see God’s hand move. 

Thursday came and I texted Lela, “any news?” She responded “nope, it’s not looking good.” My heart sank. I was hoping for a Thursday answer to prayer, and I tried not to be negative. Friday morning came around and I wanted to send an encouraging note but start trying to think of what I would say if she couldn’t join us on the trip. I simply said, “I’m praying for you, what time does your mail come?” I did not hear back to her for some time. 

I began looking at Delta’s website to figure out cancelation policies. I all but considered it a done deal when Lela texted me a picture of her passport! I couldn’t believe it. They said it was not in the mail, how could it arrive! Lela was stoked and excitedly praised God. She shared the good news in the group chat and the joy was multiplied! A couple of hours later, David sent a picture with his passport! 

I should not be surprised. I have seen God do these kinds of things several times, but it always gets me. He is so good to us and is ready to bless those who step out in faith. This is just the beginning, but it already has been a powerful lesson to trust the mighty hand of God!

Travel Day

We all made it to the airport by 3:30AM and waited for Delta to open their check in counter at 4:00AM. We encountered a little issue checking in that was resolved quickly but took up some time. We made it through security just fine and had a few minutes before boarding our 6:00AM flight. I am thankful to say that all our flights went well but landing in Atlanta we only had 45 minutes to land at the farthest gate in the B terminal and run to the E terminal to catch our flight to Mexico City. It was a hustle, and we barely made the tram, thankfully we made it in two different cars at the same time. As we walked up to the gate, we were the last to board, but we made it! Thankfully, Delta has a “Track your bag” feature and I was notified that our bags had made the transfer as well.

We landed in Mexico City for a 5 hour layover. We found some seats together and try to rest from our early morning. Most of us barely could sleep in the busy airport. Finally the time came for our last flight to Puerto Escondido. It was the smoothest flight and the smoothest landing of the day. The airport here is small but really cool. Everybody appreciated being able to get in and out quickly. Kayla and Jocsan met us with their family. We loaded our luggage up in a truck and the team hoped in a van and headed to our hotel. It was a nice evening meeting the family, having dinner, getting a swim, and talking about the coming week. We are so thankful to be safe and getting settled in for the night. Thanks for following along and praying for our travels.