Day 7 - Last Day at Casa Abba

  

Ephesians 3:20–21

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

This morning’s quiet time was in Ephesians 3:14-21, which opens with the apostle Paul praying for the saints to be strengthened by the Spirit, that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith, and that they would be rooted and grounded in love. All this so that they would comprehend the surpassing love of Christ. It was a clear reminder of the importance of prayer for each other. Later, in chapter 6, Paul reminds us that we are in spiritual warfare constantly in this life and we need the power of prayer to battle the enemy. Whether we are home, on vacation, or on missions trip, we are prone to the attacks of the enemy. Peter tells us to be vigilant and expectant for the attacks (1 Peter 5:8). Prayer is a gift that God has given to prepare for and fight the spiritual battles, no matter if they come from the outside or our very hearts. We need the Holy Spirit to illuminate the power of Christ’s love for us and His power in our daily lives.

For our team devotional this morning, Kayla shared her testimony (you can read the more HERE). I’m so proud of Kayla for being willing to host our team and share of herself despite going through a difficult time in her own life. Her joy and love that she shared this week reminds me of 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” She was honest and vulnerable with the team of facing a recent loss and how emotions can be difficult to process, but how she continues to trust God each day. She also expressed a thankfulness for the team being here and being such kind and sweet team that has been so encouraging.

 After she closed our time in prayer, I asked her if she would allow the team to pray for her. A few of us lifted her up to our Heavenly Father asking for the very things Paul prayed for in Ephesians. Being a missionary can be a lonely path at times, but God is with her and Jocsan always. It was a precious and powerful start to our day.

Today’s workload was light, which was good for our last day here. Kayla took the girls to the grocery store to pick up supplies for the care packages we would drop off later. The guys headed to Casa Abba to install the last light pole, stopping at the hardware stare to pick up some cement. While Will and Josiah began preparing the concrete mix, Jocsan removed all the support beams from the first four poles, and Collin and Timothy went around touching up the paint to prevent rust. I took a moment and got some after shots of the work we did.

The timing was perfect; the girls arrived at the property at lunch time and the boys finished installing the pole. We had a lunch break together. Then we each grabbed a bag and loaded the supplies for the care packages. These packages had some provisions for the families who were in need—beans, rice, eggs, milk, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, cookies, coffee, and maybe a few more items. Once the packages were created, we gathered around as Jocsan talked about the families we would be blessing today. He then said that there was enough for each of us to hand out a package and taught us to say “God bless you” in Spanish: “Dios te bendiga.” We had a prayer time where each team member prayed for the family that would receive the packages.

 

After a final clean-up of tools and supplies around the property of Casa Abba, we loaded up to drop off the packages. Just a block away was the first house and I was had the opportunity of delivering the package to a grandmother whose daughter and grandson lived with her. She came all the way to the car that Kayla was in and they had a great talk and Kayla shared about Casa Abba. She was thrilled to receive the grocery pack from us. We then went to the next house.

 

I wish we had pictures of each of the precious people who received the packages, but I opted to not take pictures them or their homes as I didn’t want them to feel like a spectacle. I did take a few pictures of the neighborhood so you can see the area we drove through. 

This one is for Veda :)

 

Biggest frog? Hiding in the corner of the bathroom about the size of my hand

 

We had some down time at Casa Jubilee before dinner. We went to a burrito place that had lots of vegetables. Yes, some team members were asking for more vegetables. After dinner we gathered back at Jubilee to have our evening debrief. It was good to give time for everyone to share their highlight of the trip with Kayla and Jocsan. It was so encouraging for each team member to hear each other share. We closed our time in prayer at the perfect time for the World Cup game between Mexico and Ecuador.

 

This may be my last post for this trip, as tomorrow is a travel day. We will stop at Dan’s Café again for breakfast on our way to the airport. We fly from Puerto to Dallas for a 2.5-hour layover. We will then fly to Cleveland arriving home at 10:45pm. Thanks for following along and thanks for your prayers! I know that your faithful prayers have been a big part of what made this trip happen. Pray for travel and for the teams’ health, so far everyone seems to have remained healthy with no issues. Thanks!

 

Day 7 - Volleyball Clinic in Puerto

Pictured is group 1, group 2, our team, and Coach Osacar

  

Matthew 5:14–16

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Anna said it best during our evening debrief: "We have Jesus. We already have the Light. Now we have to put it on a stand so everyone can see."

In the physical world, we don't hide light—we put it where it can illuminate everything around us. Spiritually, it's no different. In this dark world, we need the light of Christ to see and understand reality. What a privilege it is to carry that light into the world! As Christians, we should live in such a way that others see the light and love of Christ radiating through our words, attitudes, and actions.

Our team has done a wonderful job of shining that light on this trip. They have consistently displayed Christlike attitudes and servant hearts, giving their best in every opportunity for God's glory.

Jocsan shared his testimony during our morning devotions, which you can read HERE. I never get tired of hearing his story. It reminded me that while each of us has a unique testimony, many of our struggles are remarkably similar. The desire for the approval of others, pride, believing we know better than God, or simply being afraid to do what He has called us to do can all distract us from following Him. Yet repentance and faithful obedience always lead to greater joy and fulfillment than pursuing our own plans. I am so thankful Jocsan answered God's call. Watching what God is doing through his life and his family is truly beautiful.

Our schedule changed a little today, allowing for a slower morning, a trip to the local market for souvenir shopping and a chance to experience the culture, followed by lunch. Afterward, we returned to Casa Jubilee to prepare for the volleyball clinic. We needed to inflate ten volleyballs using two hand pumps. Unfortunately, I broke the needle on the very first ball, leaving us with only one pump! Timothy immediately took ownership of the task and made sure every volleyball was ready before we left.

This was the first year we've incorporated volleyball into one of our mission trips. For the past ten years, I've coached girls volleyball at Copley Middle School, and this past year Petar and I started the boys volleyball program at Copley High School. Ironically, that coaching journey actually began on a mission trip to Haiti (you can read about that HERE).

During that trip, I had one opportunity to work with a volleyball team. Afterwards, several of the players asked if I was a coach. I had always wanted to coach, but insecurities and a busy schedule kept me from pursuing it. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to come home and contact Copley's varsity coach, Antoine Pastor, to ask if I could help. He pointed me toward the middle school program, and the rest is history.

Will Bondlow was part of our very first Copley boys volleyball team and actually played a significant role in getting the program started. Along with Luke Labocki, he kept encouraging me to launch a boys team, and their persistence paid off. Will was our starting libero but also played outside hitter, so he demonstrated many of the skills during today's clinic. Hannah Pavkov, who also plays volleyball, was a tremendous help as well.

Coach Oscar has a vision of introducing volleyball to the children of Puerto Escondido, hoping one day it will become a common sport in the schools and local leagues. He works with younger boys and girls for an hour and a half, followed by an older girls group for another hour and a half. Since everyone is just beginning the sport, both groups are learning the same fundamentals. They were great kids, eager to learn and full of energy.

Me with Coach Oscar

 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Coach Oscar had family visiting this week and originally planned to cancel practice. Instead, he graciously turned the entire practice over to us. He stayed through the first session, introduced us to the players, and helped out before leaving after introducing the second group.

I'll admit I was a little nervous beforehand. I've coached hundreds of practices, clinics, and open gyms, but this was a brand-new group, another coach's program, and I wasn't sure what to expect. When I heard Oscar was going to introduce us and then leave, I actually felt relieved. Then he decided to stay for the first session, and suddenly I found myself hoping he approved of everything I had planned.

As usual, those anxious thoughts accomplished absolutely nothing.

 

Having Oscar there actually helped because he and Jocsan were able to use consistent volleyball terminology as we taught different skills. I won't bore you with all the drills, but the players showed a solid foundation from Coach Oscar's instruction and made noticeable improvements in just a short amount of time. Afterwards, Oscar smiled and told me, "This is your home now. You are always welcome back."

I worried for nothing.

The entire team helped with the clinic. Everyone jumped in to toss balls during drills, encourage players, and keep things running smoothly. But even more importantly, every team member helped share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

After the skills session, we gathered everyone together and I introduced Will. I explained that there was a reason we had come beyond simply teaching volleyball, and that Will wanted to share where he had found true hope.

By this point, Will had already built relationships with the players through demonstrations and helping during the drills. He shared about growing up in a divorced home, struggling with anger, and not knowing who to talk to about life's challenges until hearing a speaker at a youth retreat who helped him connect the dots between his struggles and his faith in Jesus. He spoke about the hope he has found in Christ and the joy of continuing to grow in that relationship.

After Will finished, I explained that the rest of our team was going to show them how they, too, could have that same hope.

I asked if they had ever heard of the Bible. Every student nodded. I told them that although the Bible is a large library of books, we were going to tell its entire story using just five colors on the bracelet Will was wearing—and then they would make one for themselves.

One by one, our team shared the Gospel through the colors.

Timothy began with the gold bead, explaining heaven and God's desire to have a relationship with us.

Ellie introduced the dark bead, showing how sin separates us from God.

Collin continued by explaining that our sins cannot be erased through good works. "The wages of sin is death," he shared, "but the gift of God is eternal life."

Anna explained the red bead, pointing to the blood of Christ and how Jesus died on the cross and rose again to pay the penalty for our sins.

Josiah shared the clear bead, reminding everyone that those who place their faith in Jesus are forgiven and washed clean.

Finally, Hannah explained the green bead, representing new life and spiritual growth. She concluded by asking, "Are any of you ready to place your faith in Jesus?"

At that point, Jocsan took over. He followed up on Hannah's invitation, and we watched as several students raised their hands. He led them in prayer, and many prayed along with him.

Afterward, everyone finished making their bracelets, received a booklet explaining the meaning of each color, and took home another bracelet that says, "Jesús te ama" ("Jesus loves you").

We repeated the entire presentation during the second session.

It was especially encouraging to see Coach Oscar listening closely to the Gospel presentation, talking with Will afterward, and asking for a bracelet of his own. Several parents were also present and participated in making bracelets while listening to the Gospel.

Three hours of volleyball coaching was exhausting—especially for Jocsan, who translated while coaching alongside me—but it was one of the most rewarding days of the trip. The greatest joy wasn't seeing better passing or serving. It was knowing that several young people responded to the Gospel and professed faith in Jesus Christ.

Please pray that the seeds of the Gospel planted today will take root and bear lasting fruit.

We stopped for a late dinner on the way home, had a brief debrief of the day, and most of the team headed to bed early after a full and rewarding day.

 

Day 6 - Church at Casa Ebenezer and the beach

 

 

1 John 3:16–18

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

 

The apostle John lays the foundation for understanding love, by looking to Jesus Christ. Jesus demonstrated God’s love for us, that even while we were still sinning against Him, living in our rebellion, He died for us (Romans 5:8). That is grace. He provided away for us to be forgiven and reconciled to the Father, to live at peace with God as His ambassadors in this life with the hope (confidence) of spending eternity with Him in heaven.

 

With this foundation, how can we hold fast to earthly materials when we see someone in physical needs. All the more, when we have the opportunity to use the earthly possession God has given to us to minister to other as an example of the Gospel for God’s glory? John drives this home with the challenge of not just talking but doing. James, the half-brother of Jesus, agrees “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

 

This was a great reflection this morning as we prepared for church at Casa Ebenezer. Being on a mission trip, we are actively doing ministry, but we are also being ministered to. We are surrounded by testimonies of God’s people giving of themselves for the sake of the Gospel. And the church service at Ebenezer today was dedicated to giving testimony to God’s faithfulness in celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the program officially starting. Ebenezer is a ministry of sacrifice that began with a gentleman from California who was living as a missionary in Puerto Escondido who invited Gaby into his home over 30 years ago. As Gaby gave his life to Christ, living in the freedom only the Gospel can provide, he had the vision to share this with other men. (The link to Gaby’s testimony is in yesterday’s post) That’s the beginning of Ebenezer.

 

There have been several men invited to Ebenezer who started the program but chose to return to their addictions. This is the heartbreaking part of rehabilitation ministries is when people give up before they find their fulfillment in Christ. Pray for these men and others who are struggling. Pray for Gaby and everyone at Ebenezer who poured into their lives.

 

But today was a day to glorify God by hearing of the ones who stuck with the program! Sammy was a young man about 19 years old who shared his testimony of finding freedom in Christ! He just finished the 8 month program. Next was a single dad who had his daughter with him. He is currently in the program and professed his desire to finish the program and be a good father for his daughter. He mentioned Danny and Oscar as motivation for continuing on. 

 

Danny shared his testimony, I wrote a little about Danny and Oscar last year which you can read HERE. It was wonderful to see that Danny has remained faithful to the program, especially since he had only recently entered it when we visited last year. I had the privilege of praying with him during that trip.

 

Today, his face radiated the joy of the Lord. He has hope. At Ebenezer, he is loved, respected, and part of a family. He was scheduled to share for ten minutes, but in his excitement he spoke much longer, often forgetting to pause so Jocsan could translate! In short, Gaby's persistent invitations eventually wore him down, and he finally came to Ebenezer. There, he surrendered his addictions and placed his faith in Christ. The friendship and encouragement of both Gaby and Oscar helped him continue. He passionately shared about the freedom found in forsaking sin and clinging to Christ. It was such a joy to hear him speak and to see his face light up as he shared.

 

After Danny, Oscar came forward to share. Last year, I was deeply moved by his passion for Christ and the joy that radiated from him. He had come to faith only a week or two before our team arrived. Today marked one full year of sobriety and faithfully following Jesus. And if anything, he is even more passionate now than he was a year ago! You can read more about his story in the link mentioned above.

 

Anna and Will led us in worship, singing three songs—two in Spanish and one in English. During the first song, Oscar's nieces joined in with tambourines and dancing. I was impressed by how well Anna and Will stayed focused despite all the joyful distractions! Isabella, a young woman from the church, also blessed us by singing two songs in Spanish and one in English.

 

After the service, we enjoyed a celebration and potluck lunch together. The food was fantastic, and the fellowship was even better. Later in the afternoon, we headed to the beach to conclude the day.

 

My favorite moment at at the beach was when I was taking pictures and videos and Zeke came up and held my hand! I love having time with my little buddy!

 

On our way home, we needed to swing by Casa Abba to put the sheep in the pen. This gave us an opportunity to see the light poles we installed at night! Praise God they work! 

 

It was a wonderful and much-needed day of rest.