"Dios le bendiga!" God bless you is a phrase that I use a lot while in Mexico. This year when I went was different from any other. Normally, I have driven down to Tijuana with a crew from Northwest Christian University. When I wasn't able to go with my own school I knew that it didn't mean that I wasn't supposed to go. I immediately asked one of my favorite people, my old campus pastor (and the new one at New Hope Christian College) if I could go with NHCC down to Mexico. He accepted me, no questions asked. It was interesting only knowing a hand full of people in the group, but everyone really made me feel loved, included, and part of the group. We all bonded and worked well together.
We were blessed to be able to do so many different things. We visited orphanages, preached in church, worshiped with believers and those who need healing physically and emotionally, fed the homeless, loved on the outcasts, did Bible study with a rehab group, spent time with HIV positive folks, and even helped to build on an addition to a church. God really worked through our team. The friendships that were already established grew and some of us even made instant besties, and I know that they are all relationships that will last a long time whether we see each other often or not. One girl from New Hope and I have served together in Mexico a few times now and we call each other best friends that never see each other. :) It's amazing how Christ brings us together and gives us a foundation for building an amazing relationship!
One of many favorite moments from the trip was being able to help a local pastor with his opening night of a coffee house ministry. Every year before we go to Mexico we brainstorm, pray, hear from God, and discuss what we would like to do in Tijuana. For a few years, now, ministering to the young adults/college-age students has been a thing that God has put on our hearts. But there was never a way to do so; there aren't many ministries to that particular population. This year God changed that. He had put it on a pastor's heart to create a place where the college students could hang out - a positive environment where they could be loved on in Jesus' name. We were blessed to be there the first night he was in business. In fact, we got to go out and pass around fliers letting people know about it! I spoke the most Spanish in my group that went out and was able to talk to a couple of girls (not quite college age) and see that there was excitement about having a coffee shop to go to. They ended up showing up and really connected to us. We talked about girl things (boys) and in my best Spanish soapbox speech I tried to encourage them to pursue a relationship with Christ first and only find guys who do the same. It was a great time of just hanging out and sharing life. They even added us on Facebook and I've been able to remember to pray for them and encourage them in Christ.
I was blessed to be able to go back down to Mexico and be used by God. It's got a very special place in my heart and I know that I will continue to go and visit for MANY years to come.
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Each and every one of us has the command to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19), but for some reason we fall short, we get scared, and we stay in our comfort zones. I try to remember the call as much as possible and shine Jesus everywhere I go. We don't have to go very far to be missionaries. Right in our own towns there are are people who need to hear the gospel; they need to know that there are people that love and care for them, but more importantly, they need to know that Christ loved them while they were still sinners and laid down His life as a gift for them. Each and every believer is to be a missionary to those in their circles of influence.
Then there are those that the Lord calls more specifically. I know that I have been called to a life of missions both in and out of my immediate and surrounding areas. Right now that takes the form of short term missions. I have, to date, been on ten! Every time that I have felt called and answered as Isaiah, "Here am I. Send me!" the Lord has totally been in control. He provides, He blesses, He protects, and He blows my mind. Every time. Without fail. I am so thankful that He chooses to use me and show me how He is working in cultures different than my own. I love the thrill of all of it - from deciding to go, fundraising, lots of prayer, traveling, being there as the hands and feet of Jesus, and then even coming back and sharing and encouraging others with my stories (that are really HIS).
God did something crazy this year (2012) and gave me the opportunity to serve Him on three mission trips!! Mexico in March, Kenya in June/July, and Panama/Columbia in October/November. All are totally Christ-centered with a lot of room for service and spiritual growth. My next several blog posts will be about these trips. Three in 2012! Still blows my mind.
Here is a video that I made (After going to Mexico) about the three trips. :)
