Mexico Trip Christmas Break 2014-2015, Ismael

    Hi, my name is Ismael. I am the son of the Pastor that Psalm 67 has been working with during this mission trip. It has been a pleasure to receive this wonderful missionary group at our church during the last two years. I have had great times with these people and I am happy that they all come here to share the good news about Christ to the lost. 
    We have been visiting some rehabilitation centers and a orphanage that is called Salvation Army. In these places we have been sharing some testimonies, songs, and giving donated hygiene items and food. Something that really catched my attention at the rehabilitation centers is that in each one of them, there is always different people trying to change their lives. I am glad that they are there to change and to leave their old life, that they are looking for the answer in Jesus Christ.
    We all appreciate that they come here to spend time with the people of Mexico, leaving their families and the people that they love. 
    This is the first time that I met brother Mike and his son Parker. They are giving me a very good example of how to show love through Christ. I am happy to see Parker working with his dad at his early age. 
    In the morning we are having a prayer time before breakfast. I think that this is very important to start the day because in this way we put everything in God's hands and we let him to work in our lives throughout the day. Afterwards we have a devotional while we take breakfast. Brother Aaron has been teaching us about Luke 10:25-37. In this passage is found the parable of the good Samaritan. We have learned that evangelism takes time and that Jesus used a very particular way to bring people to him. We all are commanded to make disciples but God is the only one that works in the heart of a person. Sometimes it is not neccesary to talk to a bunch of people out in the world, but to reach the people that is around us. As our Lord Jesus did, we have to know the life of the people that is around us and spend time with them to bring them to the feet of Christ. 
     The last day of the year we had a service here at the church. The brothers and sisters from the church came to have a great time and to fellowship togeher. 
     During this year I have had a lot of struggles in my life, specially at school. Sometimes I feel that I am not giving my full time to God, and spending too much time in things that do not really matter. I want God to keep working in my life and give me the strength to serve him completely. I know that we are not perfect but through Christ we can do all things.
     I like to work with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I really appreciate the integrants of Psalm 67 that came this time; brothers Aaron, Russo, Mike, Parker, and sisters Barbara, Ellie, Gennie, and Savannah. 
    I had a lot of fun during the week, I ask God that they may have a safe trip back to Missouri and that they may share what they all experience here. 
    God surely blesses Psalm 67.

Ismael

January 2, 2015

Mexico Trip Christmas Break 2014-2015, Day 5, Russ

  Sitting here reflecting on this weeks activities, I feel the need to share some uplifting thoughts.

  Sunday evening, while sharing from God's word in John 13:1-20, I was reminded that Jesus showed us the perfect picture of leadership through servitude. It was interesting to note that not only did the creator of the universe humble himself to take on the menial task of a servant to wash the disciples feet, he did so after just hearing his them argue over who was the greatest among them. And if that wasn't enough, while explaining his actions, he predicts a betrayal, and then washes the feet of his betrayer! If only more of us could learn from this.

  Over the next several mornings we had personal devotions in Luke 10:25-37, its interesting that in the parable of the good Samaritan, when the lawyer asks "...what shall I do to inherit eternal life?", he is not pleased with Jesus' answer, seeking justification for his own actions. We see here that Christ uses a different method of "evangelizing". He doesn't tell the lawyer directly what to do for salvation, he tells a story for him to "work out his own salvation". Expert knowledge of the law does not lead to obedience. Perhaps I should learn from this example as well.

  And finally, I must admit, it is a rare occurrence for me to start every morning for a week in prayer with a group such as this. Our entire team has began each day in group prayer sessions in the sanctuary. I am a slow waker, so hearing everyones heart go out to God has started me off as well as anyone could hope for. What a great team building and bonding experience this has been! I would encourage any who could to get involved with short term missions, going or prayerfully/financially sending.

With love from Mexico,

Russo

Mexico Trip Christmas Break 2014--2015, New Years Eve

Our time has been mainly consumed with visiting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are at the rehabilitation centers that the church is connected with. There is so much joy in being with them. 
Brother Michael reminded us at one center about a story that Jesus told. There were two men, one with a small debt, and one with an enormous debt. But they are both forgiven. Which of the two men will be more grateful? The man who was forgiven the larger debt. So these men are full of humble thanksgiving and praise. 
Besides visiting the rehab centers, we have twice visited the same park where many people gather to play soccer, and many children gather to play. Several of the young children recognized us and we recognized them from our trip here in May. It has been a delight to play with them once more. 
Aaron was also reconnected with a friend from a small town that Psalm 67 last visited in 2010. It is amazing to see God's hand at work!
Please pray for the church we are partnering with. They are small and have grown little in the three years we have visited, yet they are passionate and persistent, unwavering and zealous. There are many broken families and health problems that they are facing. Please pray that they may be strengthened and encouraged and that we will be an utmost blessing to them. 
 Also pray for us as we battle fatigue. Especially pray for our Sister Barbara. She is 68 and yet comes often and walks unpaved streets without complaint. She serves first, rests later, and has a heart overflowing with love. She is our prayer warrior! Please pray as the recent activities and also the food have made her feel considerably ill. 
Today we will be visiting more rehab centers. Then for New Years Eve we will be going to a popular square that hosts many activities and we will be giving the gospel as we are able. Please pray that God may give us the words to speak at the right time.

Mexico Trip Christmas Break 2014--2015, Day 3

   Our schedule so far has been to pray together (the team and the church or whoever is awake) at 7:00am and then eat breakfast at 7:30am. 
   This morning we loaded donations including clothes, toys, and crafts into the big white van and set off for the Salvation Army children's home. We sang songs with the kids, and then Michael told the story of Joseph. 
   After we visited there and played soccer and ultimate chair, we left for a rehab center. 
   When we first visited this particular rehab center in May of this year, the atmosphere was very dark, and control was rigid and extremely strict. Residents stay for nine months and during the first three months they are not allowed to talk to anyone. For food, they take leftover food from food carts and put it together and that is what they eat every day. 
   Today after our visit an employee thanked Aaron and the pastor of the church. He told them that the residents have mental health groups every day and it doesn't help. What helps is the church coming with the Bible. 
   Tonight our team will be heading to a large park to play soccer and share the gospel. 
   The weather is very cold! So we don't know just what kind of turn out we will have. 
   Please pray for us as we battle fatigue and and the weather to proclaim the gospel.

Mexico trip Christmas Break 2014--2015 Day 2, Savannah Weber

Hi, this is Savannah Weber, the Office Leader for Psalm 67. So far we've had a safe and blessed trip! We entered Mexico yesterday evening and were greeted with smiles, hugs, and food from our hermanos y hermanas. It was a laid-back evening catching up with old friends.

This morning we started off with a wonderful team prayer time. Words cannot describe the blessing of hearing your Mexican brothers and sisters calling out to your father in their own language. It's an amazing reminder of the greatness of our God.

Despite the cold and rainy weather, we had a lovely church service with many brothers and sisters from the church. Barbara, Ellie, Gennie, Ismael, and I led a short Sunday school lesson on Noah's ark. We collaborated with the children to make a giant ark and sang "Padre Abraham". We ended the service by welcoming a new family into the church. It was a joy to share the precious moment of receiving new lives into the church family.

Our plans for the day are primarily preparing for the busy week ahead. Prayers are appreciated as we seek to serve the Lord to the fullest. Due to the rainy weather, our VBS has been cancelled, however, this has made room for other ministry opportunities. 

Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will be visiting a Salvation Army orphanage. There we plan on handing out small gifts from friends in the US. We pray that we will be able to bring Christ's love to these precious children.

I want to share an encouraging verse I read today:

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11)

As we continue to pray for good things (God's glory in our ministry, boldness to proclaim His gospel, salvation of souls) let us be encouraged that He is pleased to hear and answer our prayers!

Thanks for your prayers and support! It is a huge encouragement to know that we have prayer support back home! 

-Savannah W.