Hey folks. It's Thursday morning. We made it back to Lima a couple of hours ago. Wednesday in Coracora was terrific. Yulber had all sorts of questions that we worked through. The guy has an awesome appetite for the Word of God. He asked if we could bring him some commentaries and other books to help him understand better.
I got asked to baptize a baby that had died...the Catholic priest was out of town or something. I told the lady that I couldn't do it but offered to pray with the family. We also ran into a couple who had just come to Coracora and were wondering about a baptist church being there. The lady saw me in the street and said she had a hunch I was a baptist pastor. (Do you think that being one of 3 white people in the town might have given it away???)
I'm going to the Starbucks to write up a report about the trip for the IMB office. I also have to finish my sermon for Sunday morning.
See everybody on Sunday...
Mark
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday in Coracora
Thanks for all of your prayers everybody.
Yesterday afternoon we had a very interesting meeting with the city officials. Really long story, but the short is that they have a big problem here in Coracora with men abusing women, and the city officials want us to help with this social problem in anyway we can. So this morning they took us to the women´s shelter to meet with the workers who are there. We found that they have about 370 known cases that they´re working with currently, and that´s only of the women who will come forward and speak with them. We told them that we would have to talk among our churches to see how we could help in future trips. Needless to say, I think this could be a huge inroads into the lives of many people.
Last night we spent time working with Yulber again. I tried to cram everything I learned in a semester of Bible Study Methods from seminary into one night. He caught on fairly well. Tonight we are going to have a group meeting with all the believers and Yulber will preach, so this will be good to see.
Tomorrow is our last day. We leave Coracora at 3pm. So, Yulber asked if he could come at 6am for Bible study and then again at lunch...what an awesome desire for God´s Word!!!
Pray for us as we finish our time in Coracora and then take the bus back to Lima. The ride is 3pm Wed to 10am Thurs.
In Jesus...
Mark
Yesterday afternoon we had a very interesting meeting with the city officials. Really long story, but the short is that they have a big problem here in Coracora with men abusing women, and the city officials want us to help with this social problem in anyway we can. So this morning they took us to the women´s shelter to meet with the workers who are there. We found that they have about 370 known cases that they´re working with currently, and that´s only of the women who will come forward and speak with them. We told them that we would have to talk among our churches to see how we could help in future trips. Needless to say, I think this could be a huge inroads into the lives of many people.
Last night we spent time working with Yulber again. I tried to cram everything I learned in a semester of Bible Study Methods from seminary into one night. He caught on fairly well. Tonight we are going to have a group meeting with all the believers and Yulber will preach, so this will be good to see.
Tomorrow is our last day. We leave Coracora at 3pm. So, Yulber asked if he could come at 6am for Bible study and then again at lunch...what an awesome desire for God´s Word!!!
Pray for us as we finish our time in Coracora and then take the bus back to Lima. The ride is 3pm Wed to 10am Thurs.
In Jesus...
Mark
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday in Coracora
Hey everybody. All is going well. We met with Yulber last night and poured over the Scriptures together with him for about 2 1/2 hours. Will being doing so again tonight.
I got to inside the Catholic church last night during mass...hard to watch.
We´ve spent a good amount of time today talking about strategy with the enhancement team of student missionaries that came into town last night. One of them will be staying with us and going back to Lima on Wednesday with us. We also went back to the orphanage today to give them the dresses for the girls that we brought with us. They loved them.
We´re going in about an hour to meet with the city officials.
Blessings...
Mark
I got to inside the Catholic church last night during mass...hard to watch.
We´ve spent a good amount of time today talking about strategy with the enhancement team of student missionaries that came into town last night. One of them will be staying with us and going back to Lima on Wednesday with us. We also went back to the orphanage today to give them the dresses for the girls that we brought with us. They loved them.
We´re going in about an hour to meet with the city officials.
Blessings...
Mark
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday in Coracora
Hey church...
Our Bible study went well last night. We´re meeting with Yulber later tonight to begin doing some training. That was one of the first questions he asked yesterday, ¨Will you spend time with me everyday studying the Bible?¨ At lunch today he asked me if I would teach him how to preach. He´s also asked a lot of good theological questions. All this to say that he is definitely beyond the basics in his faith.
We spent time today with the kids at the orphanage and this afternoon we met a traveling team of journeymen and semester missionaries. This group is working with REAP South by traveling from village to village here in the mountains and working with the groups that churches have established in different villages.
One special prayer request...tomorrow (monday) afternoon our team will be speaking with the city mayor, the city manager, and one other city official. Yulber set the meeting up before we even got here so we could share the gospel with them. Ask God to give us the right words and gracious demeanors with them. I´m sure they´re probably hoping we can do something for them also, so we´ll see.
Blessings...
Pastor Mark
Our Bible study went well last night. We´re meeting with Yulber later tonight to begin doing some training. That was one of the first questions he asked yesterday, ¨Will you spend time with me everyday studying the Bible?¨ At lunch today he asked me if I would teach him how to preach. He´s also asked a lot of good theological questions. All this to say that he is definitely beyond the basics in his faith.
We spent time today with the kids at the orphanage and this afternoon we met a traveling team of journeymen and semester missionaries. This group is working with REAP South by traveling from village to village here in the mountains and working with the groups that churches have established in different villages.
One special prayer request...tomorrow (monday) afternoon our team will be speaking with the city mayor, the city manager, and one other city official. Yulber set the meeting up before we even got here so we could share the gospel with them. Ask God to give us the right words and gracious demeanors with them. I´m sure they´re probably hoping we can do something for them also, so we´ll see.
Blessings...
Pastor Mark
Saturday, March 21, 2009
We´re in Coracora
We arrrived about 7am this morning. When we got off the bus, Yulber was standing there waiting on us to get off. This afternoon we´re going to try and round up all the people we´ve met with before and then get them together with Yulber at 7pm tonight for Bible study and conversation.
Thanks for praying for us church.
Thanks for praying for us church.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Final day in Naco
Greetings from Naco mission team,
Today was bittersweet. Starting our day off right with the light bulb ministry in San Jose before taking off to Mexico. Today we had alot to look forward to.When we arrived in Cuauhtamoc A lovely lady by the name of Doris in the village prepared a meal for all the us at her home. It was delicious. We were so honored to have a seat at her table. I have to say the fellowship with these wonderful people was awesome. We had the last day of V.B.S. The kids had a terrific time. We were so blessed by how many of them love and respect the chruch. After much play we had to say goodbye. So many hugs and tears were shared. It was really hard to walk away. God is so big and does so many wonderful things in our lives and if we are not watching they can easily pass us by.The evening ended with a trip up the mountain to see the sunset(Out Of This World),and dinner at this great italian restaurant. We have had a fabulous journey this week and are looking forward to seeing our loved ones and chruch family.
hasta luego
Mission Team
Today was bittersweet. Starting our day off right with the light bulb ministry in San Jose before taking off to Mexico. Today we had alot to look forward to.When we arrived in Cuauhtamoc A lovely lady by the name of Doris in the village prepared a meal for all the us at her home. It was delicious. We were so honored to have a seat at her table. I have to say the fellowship with these wonderful people was awesome. We had the last day of V.B.S. The kids had a terrific time. We were so blessed by how many of them love and respect the chruch. After much play we had to say goodbye. So many hugs and tears were shared. It was really hard to walk away. God is so big and does so many wonderful things in our lives and if we are not watching they can easily pass us by.The evening ended with a trip up the mountain to see the sunset(Out Of This World),and dinner at this great italian restaurant. We have had a fabulous journey this week and are looking forward to seeing our loved ones and chruch family.
hasta luego
Mission Team
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Greetings from Naco
Hello Church Family,
What a day! I have had an awesome day here in Naco and Mexico. We have been busy weeding ,and painting today. We ventured off this afternoon for our bible study. B.J. and I were thrilled that eight children ask to know more about christ during our invitation. It has been amazing how we have picked up their language and they have picked up ours. I have made many special friends here as well the others. The kids have enjoyed getting all the attention. They continue to meet the van and wait anxiously for jess and ash to get off the bus. Tomorrow is our last day for V.B.S. it saddens me to think of not seeing them for a long time. Thank God for leading us to places and people that most would never venture to. Also went by the ophanage
and hung out with the children. We were surprised to find out that these kids will probably never be adopted. Their last adopation took place 11 years ago. the reasoning for this is they have no legal papers. The director told us that three girls were found at a dumpster and left to phen for themselves at ages 10-2(unbelievable). Thank God for missions that support these children. I am so blessed to be traveling with great companions all of them have such a passion for God and what he is able to do. We love and miss you !!
melissa
What a day! I have had an awesome day here in Naco and Mexico. We have been busy weeding ,and painting today. We ventured off this afternoon for our bible study. B.J. and I were thrilled that eight children ask to know more about christ during our invitation. It has been amazing how we have picked up their language and they have picked up ours. I have made many special friends here as well the others. The kids have enjoyed getting all the attention. They continue to meet the van and wait anxiously for jess and ash to get off the bus. Tomorrow is our last day for V.B.S. it saddens me to think of not seeing them for a long time. Thank God for leading us to places and people that most would never venture to. Also went by the ophanage
and hung out with the children. We were surprised to find out that these kids will probably never be adopted. Their last adopation took place 11 years ago. the reasoning for this is they have no legal papers. The director told us that three girls were found at a dumpster and left to phen for themselves at ages 10-2(unbelievable). Thank God for missions that support these children. I am so blessed to be traveling with great companions all of them have such a passion for God and what he is able to do. We love and miss you !!
melissa
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Buenes Noches iglesia familia!
Today was absolutely AWESOME!!! We started out by prayer walking around the community of Naco. We prayed that God would move in the hearts of the lost, that He would knock down social and racial barriers, and that God would soften their hearts to be open to hearing the Word. We had a fabulous lunch of hot tamales and "Glory Salsa" (compliments of Tim).
Then, off to Cuahatamoc where we got to spend some sweet time with some beautiful chicos. We brought bubbles for the children, and it was so great to see how happy they were with something so simple. This is such a great opportunity to reach people for Christ and show God's love. We were once told, "If not now, when? And, if not me, who?" We can't sit back and just expect God's work to get done. Everyday is a chance to reach the lost.
After VBS in Mexico, we headed back to Naco for a bible study. BJ led a study with the adults while Jennifer led a youth bible study about listening to God and trusting His will. Overall it was a thrilling day!!! We look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
Stay Beautiful Smitville,
Ash and Jess
Today was absolutely AWESOME!!! We started out by prayer walking around the community of Naco. We prayed that God would move in the hearts of the lost, that He would knock down social and racial barriers, and that God would soften their hearts to be open to hearing the Word. We had a fabulous lunch of hot tamales and "Glory Salsa" (compliments of Tim).
Then, off to Cuahatamoc where we got to spend some sweet time with some beautiful chicos. We brought bubbles for the children, and it was so great to see how happy they were with something so simple. This is such a great opportunity to reach people for Christ and show God's love. We were once told, "If not now, when? And, if not me, who?" We can't sit back and just expect God's work to get done. Everyday is a chance to reach the lost.
After VBS in Mexico, we headed back to Naco for a bible study. BJ led a study with the adults while Jennifer led a youth bible study about listening to God and trusting His will. Overall it was a thrilling day!!! We look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
Stay Beautiful Smitville,
Ash and Jess
Monday, March 9, 2009
Naco Mission team
Good Evening Church Family,
We have had a most productive day here in Naco as well as in Mexico. I feel truly blessed to be a part of what God is doing out here. There are no words to describe the feeling you have when you know you have been obedient to God's calling. He is sooooo good. Today we started VBS in mexico. Entering the village today I could not help but feel humbled by the lives the people live. I am amazed at the strength and courage these people have and the faith that they have in "cristo" just for their daily needs. The language barrier was challenging at times but through it all the message and Gods love was felt by all. The children were a joy to be around and we learned a few new dance moves . We cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thank you for your prayers and your love.
Be Thankful for the Lord our God has blessed all and everything!!!!!!!!!
Melissa
We have had a most productive day here in Naco as well as in Mexico. I feel truly blessed to be a part of what God is doing out here. There are no words to describe the feeling you have when you know you have been obedient to God's calling. He is sooooo good. Today we started VBS in mexico. Entering the village today I could not help but feel humbled by the lives the people live. I am amazed at the strength and courage these people have and the faith that they have in "cristo" just for their daily needs. The language barrier was challenging at times but through it all the message and Gods love was felt by all. The children were a joy to be around and we learned a few new dance moves . We cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Thank you for your prayers and your love.
Be Thankful for the Lord our God has blessed all and everything!!!!!!!!!
Melissa
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Hola Church Family!
Jess and Ash signing in to fill you in! :) We started our day out right by getting into the Word! Next, at 9:00 am March 8, 2009 A.D., we began prayer with the members of Naco Baptist Church. Then, the church service began! It's amazing what God is doing in Naco! Attendance has more than tripled compared to two years ago! The message was great, and we were blessed to rejoice with four people who were baptized as a profession of their faith. One man named Carlos (CHARLIE) was dear to our hearts.
Soon after, our growling tummies set off for Bisbee. After lunch and some sightseeing, we headed to Wally World to gather supplies for the upcoming Vacation Bible School! Then, we made goodie bags and made a visit to the orphanage in Mexico. The children were very excited about their sweet treats, and we took a moment to watch some High School Musical 3 in Espanol with them! We look forward to seeing them again later this week.
As the sun melted over the horizon, we scurried back across the border to gather for our late night bible study. BJ led a devo from John, and we were all greatly encouraged by each other.
Please continue to pray for us and the people of Naco and Chuatamoc (college kids can't spell).
Signing out,
J & A
P.S. Mark is still the butt of jokes.
Jess and Ash signing in to fill you in! :) We started our day out right by getting into the Word! Next, at 9:00 am March 8, 2009 A.D., we began prayer with the members of Naco Baptist Church. Then, the church service began! It's amazing what God is doing in Naco! Attendance has more than tripled compared to two years ago! The message was great, and we were blessed to rejoice with four people who were baptized as a profession of their faith. One man named Carlos (CHARLIE) was dear to our hearts.
Soon after, our growling tummies set off for Bisbee. After lunch and some sightseeing, we headed to Wally World to gather supplies for the upcoming Vacation Bible School! Then, we made goodie bags and made a visit to the orphanage in Mexico. The children were very excited about their sweet treats, and we took a moment to watch some High School Musical 3 in Espanol with them! We look forward to seeing them again later this week.
As the sun melted over the horizon, we scurried back across the border to gather for our late night bible study. BJ led a devo from John, and we were all greatly encouraged by each other.
Please continue to pray for us and the people of Naco and Chuatamoc (college kids can't spell).
Signing out,
J & A
P.S. Mark is still the butt of jokes.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
mission team-Naco,Az./Cuahtemoc,Sonora, Mexico
Just to let our church family know that we have safely arrived in Naco, Az.
B.J. Thomason had his first plane ride-he earned his wings.He was actually surprised-the flight was smoother than the bus ride to Nashville with Mark driving! lol Tim met us and stopped us by Tombstone to catch a photo op with Doc Holliday himself!! We know you cowboys/cowgirls at heart are jealous. We'll share pictures. We ate supper in Naco, Mexico & it was great food & fellowship with Tim & his family. Devotion before bed was encouraging to our team & Tim. God is sovereign & where he leads we will follow. Please continue to pray for Tim & his family after he lost his father this past week. They have sacrificed much to follow God's call-but they know that God will meet their every need. Until tomorrow.
Safe in His hands, Naco Mission Team
B.J. Thomason had his first plane ride-he earned his wings.He was actually surprised-the flight was smoother than the bus ride to Nashville with Mark driving! lol Tim met us and stopped us by Tombstone to catch a photo op with Doc Holliday himself!! We know you cowboys/cowgirls at heart are jealous. We'll share pictures. We ate supper in Naco, Mexico & it was great food & fellowship with Tim & his family. Devotion before bed was encouraging to our team & Tim. God is sovereign & where he leads we will follow. Please continue to pray for Tim & his family after he lost his father this past week. They have sacrificed much to follow God's call-but they know that God will meet their every need. Until tomorrow.
Safe in His hands, Naco Mission Team
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