Costa Rica 2010 - Thursday VBS Palmares - Last Day

Costa Rica 2010 - Thursday VBS Palmares- Mime Team

Costa Rica 2010 - Thursday VBS in Palmares

Lourdes had been attending the ladies Bible study for the past two years. She had hardened her heart due to her previous experiences and struggles. Her expressions were filled with hurt and sorrow, but refused to allow the Lord into her life. Every year she would walk out during the time of the invitation. On Wednesday after the ladies bible study Lourdes asked to speak to me because she had some questions. After our conversation she said she would return on Thursday morning. The following day as Pastor Enoc was preaching Lourdes came over and I began ministering to her, and she broke into tears saying she was “ready to accept the Lord as her personal Lord and Savior.” Her youngest daughter ran to her and gave her a big hug not knowing what was going on, as the daughter turned to look at me, her mom said to her “Honey, these are tears of joy” Lourdes looked at me and said “I feel like I have been set free and peace in my heart”. Her expression had a beautiful smile and to see how God had transformed her right before my eyes is just one of many miracles that the Lord performed in Costa Rica. We serve a God of Miracles.

Mexico 2010- Thoughts on Mexico Missions

Greetings from Mexico! My name is Stephen. This is my second time in Irapuato, and my seventh mission trip to Mexico overall. At this point, traveling to another country to share God's love is not "foreign" to me at all. For others that have not been able to have such an experience, however, it can seem otherworldly. With the help of this blog, and the pictures posted by my brother, hopefully you will be inspired by the reality of missions, and one day answer the call and go for yourself. Without further ado, I will attempt to place you in my shoes so that you can better understand some of the things that go on here. I could write an entire novel, but I'll try to limit myself to a few paragraphs.

This morning, I led a class at la Iglesia Bautista Getsemani with Macy and Sarai (a woman from the local church). It has been such a blessing working with them this week! Oh, and the children. My class is full of about thirty 6 to 8-year-old kids, and they are all so special! One day our lesson was on the story of Zaccheus, and they were quite pleased to hear that there is a song in English that tells the story... though I don't think they understood the words too well :)

The children are also so thankful for everything-- from the newly-installed ceiling fans (for which I was very thankful for, too!) to the pieces of foam that go together to make the daily craft.

Spending this week with our brothers isn't just about what we bring, though-- it is more about what we share. The brotherhood that we have together is so uniquely full of love, I don't want to leave.

I do know one thing that is for sure-- that when we do leave here tomorrow, all of the people that have been led to the faith will be in good hands. Our partners here have such a passion for the Lord.

...so. You might've noticed that I'm going all over the place with this entry. I lack the eloquence to accurately describe to you what being on a trip like this in Mexico is like. Or maybe the concentration. Look closely at the photos attached, a picture is worth a thousand words. I guess all that's left is for you to come and experience it for yourself.

To close out, a haiku:

Mexico is great--

Sharing the love of Jesus,

and there are tacos.

Adios!

-Stephen Jones

True Godly Love

I told a girl I liked her bracelet and in a second, it was on my wrist.

I told a girl I liked her bow, and in a moment it was mine.

Despite coming from poor families and less-than-grandoise lives, these kids gave me something more valuable than any gift of great monetary value. They showed me the selfless heart of Christ.

They reminded me what it is to cherish people more than things or status or comfort. And that-- a love of people above all else-- is what God is all about.

I came to share God's love yet was taught, in a way only a child could, what that love looks like. Praise God for His ironic sense of humor!

-Katy Echols

Mexico 2010- Women of Eben-Ezer

It has been a real blessing to teach the women at Eben-Ezer. They have a deep desire to learn God's Word. One lady, Rosaria, came on Tuesday and asked us to pray for her husband Francisco.

She is afraid to study her Bible in her home in front of him, so we prayed for him. Rosaria was not able to come today, but her husband brought her children to VBS! Praise the Lord!

My prayer is that these women (12 came today) would continue to meet and pray for one another and study God's word together.

-Judy Woody

Mexico 2010- Lessons at Che Guevara

Hola amigos! This morning my VBS group headed to Che Guevara, about 15 minutes outside of downtown Irapuato. It is a community hit hard by economic depression, crime, and poverty.

Wednesday morning marked our third morning at Che Guevara and each day has brought us more and more people hungry for God.

A rough dirt floor, a part tin/ part tarp roof and a couple dozen white plastic chairs is the small church of Alpha and Omega at Che Guevara, where we held VBS. And for the people of this community it is an answer to prayers. The economic situation of Che Guevara may be depressed, but the people are not. Smiles, laughter, hugs, and songs of small children all the way up to mothers and grandmothers have filled that building every morning.

I have been so blessed at Che Guevara. Despite my best efforts to be the blessing, it seems that the roles have been reversed. God has used the children and the leaders to teach me to love life and especially my God through thick and thin; finding my joy in Him every step of the way. I know I will never forget it.

Good night and adios!

-Deborah Shaffer

Costa Rica 2010 - Wednesday VBS Palmares

Eugenia's Preschool Class
Carmen's Class up to 14.
Doris' Class of 20.
Ester's Ladies Class now 10 Ladies, 4 babies, and one persistent puppy.



Wednesday Afternoon we loaded up the bus and headed to Atenas to the Orphanage to take cookies and bubbles... and to play with the children!
Atenas Orphanage - Esther Garza holds a precious baby as daughter Natalie takes their photo.
Atenas Orphanage - Clown entertains children and guests.

Costa Rica 2010 - Tuesday VBS in Palmares

Palmares VBS Men Helpers - Miguel, Alfred, Carlos, Hugo, & Pastor Enoc

Eugenia's Preschool Class

Carmen's Class

Doris' Class

Ester's Class

Palmares' First Night Revival!

Lo de Juarez

The women's ministry continued to grow.

The niños in Mexico are good at playing soccer.

John Edling helped some of the children out with the craft.

The bead craft was tricky, but the missionaries premade some for the younger kids.

Tricky Crafts

Today we did a bead craft… a very difficult bead craft designed for small kids. They were keychains but most everyone wore them as bracelets.

I sat, trying to help ten or so kids asking questions-- all at the same time. Most of the time, I did not know the answer but I said "sí" as if I knew what they were talking about. They seemed satisfied.

It was a blessing to see these kids just light up when they completed the task of spelling out "Confiar en Dios" (meaning "Trust in God) on their bracelets.

I knew that what seemed like a simple basic bracelet to me meant the world to them and that they would most likely be holding on to those bracelets when I came to visit in the years to come.

-Margaret Echols