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.
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