Chatham Mexico Mission Trip 2006

You can see lots and lots of photos--607 to be exact--here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18691068@N00/

Enjoy.
-mark

The team safely arrived back home Sunday evening. We're all glad to have them back, to hear the stories, and enjoy being together again.

I hope to have more photos to share in this blog, so check back in a few days. They should be available by July 1. If not, I'll post an update by then.

-mark

Riding to the mountains in the back of a pickup truck with the wind blowing on my face was one of the most wonderful experiences during the trip so far. The mountains were beautiful and showed the power of God. When we arrived at the mission we were ready to work, but unfortunately it began to rain, and rained hard. A few of us prayed and others did whatever work they could do inside. Five minutes later, as soon as we finished praying, I looked out the window and saw the sun shining. The sunset was beyond words and I could only look in awe of God. When night arrived, every cloud was gone, and the sky sparkled with millions of stars. Never before in my life have I seen so many stars and so clearly. I could’ve laid outside and looked up at them at God’s marvelous creation all night.

We set to work at last early the next day, with a gentle breeze and bright blue sky overhead. We split into teams assigned to different tasks; we made VBS shelters, applied stucco, made a concrete floor, did electrical work, and dug some dirt. No matter how tired we were, we kept going. God gave us the strength and endurance.

Many blisters, sore backs, and worn out arms later, we did it all over again the next day. Thankfully, we were rewarded that evening with an outreach dinner. A few of us went out to invite the villagers to the dinner earlier that day. The service was touching. I couldn’t understand all that was being said, but I could see the joy of God in their faces and voices when they sang. Some of the team members shared their testimonies and all of us got up to sing for the congregation. After the service we served them hotdogs and chips. I never thought anyone could enjoy hotdogs so much, but the people consumed them all within seconds. When everyone had finished eating, us girls brought out the friendship bracelet and lanyard supplies and taught the girls and women there to make them. I didn’t know how to make bracelets and origami so I set out to watch the guys play baseball. Being in a skirt it would’ve been difficult to play. With not much to do, I walked with Pastor Ramon, writing down all the tasks that needed to be finished at the mission--there’s a lot to do for everyone who’s coming next year! He has such a vision and I was amazed at his determination and compassion he felt towards this church and the people. The image that will be stuck in mind forever is a young boy’s face light up when Danny gave him his baseball glove. To see that much joy in such a small and simple gesture makes all the pain and work worth it. It was a reminder of why we’re here; to serve God and these people. The next day we all woke up and hopped back on the trucks to head down the mountain.

Submitted by Liz and Erin

(Photos by Andrew M.)

I slowly yawned as I awoke to the voice of Jacob waking up the guys who were soundly sleeping in the mission. It was the second time for me waking up in the fresh mountain air. I’m still amazed by the great temperature variation that is experienced between the brisk morning and the scorching afternoons in these Mexican mountains. Slowly the guys rolled out of bed one by one. Not wanting to leave the warm comforts of their sleeping bags. After my groggy eyes had finally begun to focus in on what promised to be another full day, I headed off to do my devotions.

I don’t know about you, but the cool early morning air is a little too much for me. So, I set out to find the small sliver of sunlight that was gently rising over the field below the mission. After I found what looked to be the only warm spot, I plopped down and opened my bible to Romans. Earlier in the trip we had all received letters from loved ones. They were a great encouragement, and my favorite part of that day. My friend, who knew I had been struggling with things before the trip, had encouraged me to read through Romans. I was in the 6th chapter and continued reading. Romans is a great book in which the foundations of the Christian faith can be found. I’ve been struggling to reestablish the strong relationship that I once had with Christ and Romans is a great start.

Following early morning devotionals was breakfast. After a long hard day of work yesterday, my appetite was enormous. I don’t get hungry very often at home (its probably because of my lack of physical activity during normal life :) ), but today I really packed it down. I’m pretty sure I ate more in one meal than I do during an entire day at home. Breakfast was delicious as always, and I can sincerely say that Cheryl, Diane, and Kathy are always the favorite people during lunch time.

Lunch was all too quickly over and it was off to work again. We got assigned to mostly the same teams as yesterday. But, that was OK with me, all the people on the team are amazing to work with, no matter what the job. Some of the teams remained on stucco, electric work, and cement. My team however got to go dig a road. The entrance to the mission was hard to turn into, so we were creating a new entrance. This new entrance required the moving of a small cliff. It looked like an exciting job to me (note sarcasm). As I would later admit to the team, I found very little joy in manual labor, besides the opportunity to serve God. Some people get a real pick me up from straining themselves physically, and can enjoy the finished product. I am not one of them. But, I went at it with all I had; there is no point in holding back when God requests you’re all.

About an hour in, my team came to a rut in the road so to speak. There was a boulder the size of me, and twice my weight, in the middle of our future road. What else was to be done but move it. We first decided to splinter it with a mallet, which worked well for a while. Eventually we could chip off no more pieces and resorted to rolling it into a ditch. With the strong backs of Sean, Denny, and J.T., the boulder was quickly rolled into the ditch. (On a side note, Pastor Ramón later decided the boulder was in a bad place and it had to be moved again. They however had to use a truck to move it the second time. When we moved it, it was pure man power. Go team awesome!)

As my puny muscles began to ache due to the unprecedented physical strain, an unexpected break came. Later that evening the team was holding a community dinner. The locals however had yet to hear about it; somebody had to invite them. Pastor Ramón needed somebody to help him go around and spread the word. Talking to people is something I’m much better at than moving boulders. I even got to practice my Spanish! The Lord is good.

The following two hours were my favorite hours of the trip so far. We went around to all the locals’ homes inviting people to our hot dog bonanza. It is very humbling to go through rural Mexico. They have so little, but joy and friendly smiles are etched onto so many of their faces. I have so much, but all I need is God. It’s a lesson I learn over and over as I go through my life, and I never seem to get it. I’m glad God gives me so many reminders.

At one point while driving from house to house, we went over a mountain pass. It was amazing because a completely different world stretched before me. On one side of the pass was the hot dry desert in which the mission was located; on the other side was lush forest with a totally different kind of beautiful. As I later was talking about it to the team, it reminded me of the imagination of God. Two places, each with staggering beauty, separated by the peak of a mountain. God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.

After we returned from the local culture, it was soon time to eat lunch. All I can say is food is good. God provides very well.

The community dinner was still 3 or 4 hours away, and it was off to more back breaking labor for me. One thing they never run out of in Mexico is dirt to be moved. My team had finished the road while I was gone, but it was now time to continue to level out a hill for a new basketball court. There was lots of dirt to be moved, and there were people to move, so we did. There is nothing to build character like moving a few tons of hard packed dirt shovel by shovel for three hours. I’m not going to pretend like this was pleasant or comfortable, but, it was good. Everyone working had a good attitude, and I know I at least had a right heart, and I’d expect everyone else did as well. It was a new kind of fellowship for me I guess. I felt a special bind with the brothers and sisters I was working with. We were moving dirt for Jesus.

Al finally gave us the call to clean up for dinner. Those words will never be appreciated as greatly as they were right then and there. Never. We all began to change into ministry clothes and attempt to wipe off at least the top layer of grime from our dirt ridden skin. The hot dogs were being cooked and the small chapel was readied for the people about to come.

5 o’clock rolled around and the people began to arrive. About fifty women and children arrived for the service and dinner. The service was rather impromptu and required the whole team to be on their toes. We performed the drama, sang some unpracticed worship songs in for and with the Mexicans, had a surprise performance by Danny on trumpet and Josh on guitar, and testimonies by Al, Lizzy, Cheryl, Duane, and Daniel.

One cool part of the service was when the team and the locals sang the same songs in two different languages. I know this is one of Al’s favorite parts of cross-cultural ministry. It helps demonstrate the unity felt through out the global church. We each have our own languages, cultures, and way of life, but we all share a faith in one true God. Every Christian on earth has a different story, a different life song, but we all share a common faith. It is a beautiful thing.

After dinner was served and everyone had their fill, it was time with fellowship. Most of the guys went off to play baseball, but, I decided to stay back and work on lanyards and such. Each person on the team attempted to build relationships with those who had come. I sat making lanyards with some of the older local girls. As I struggled through my broken Spanish, I found out there names were Desi (sounds like “daisy”), Karina, and Alejandra. I’m lucky to have broken Spanish to work with. Many people on the team have to rely on unspoken relationships; the kind that are built with smiles, laughter, and crazy sign language.

The fellowship was amazing, and I for one was sad to see my new found friends leave. I really hope that the opportunity will be given next year to return to Mexico. I would really enjoy to continue to build relationships, and continue to help the amazing ministry being done down here.

As the sunset and the stars came out one last time during our trip to the mountains, we had our team meeting. We all shared stories from the day. Some were crazy, some were touching, some were convicting, and some were refreshing. They were all memories that will not soon be forgotten. I soon laid down on my sleeping bag. Before my eyes gently closed to meet the much needed sleep my body craved, I did some reflecting.

Mexico is an escape from the life that I lead in St. Louis. I can get away into the fresh air and new surroundings with soaring mountains and a billion twinkling stars. I can see God’s majesty anywhere I look, and I feel his love in the people around me and the fellowship that goes on every part of the day. I am required to turn to God every waking moment for strength to make it through the day, and I can’t rely on myself. Mexico has drawn me close to God.

I’m going to have to return home soon. I’m going to have to face my life, my friends, and everything that I can so easily mess up. But I hope I remember Mexico. I hope I remember that I don’t have to rely on my own strength and my own way. God will give me strength there the same way He does here. His perfect will can still guide me, and I can still have this beautiful fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. God can still be on my mind all the time, and can still be my light in the darkness. He can still be my everything; I just need to let Him. I just need to let Him.

-Tyler

I was checking my mail last night and discovered these photos had been overlooked since Sunday. Sorry, I do not have any news to report about the team. Please contact me with any updates you may have and I'll post it here.

-mark








(Photos by Andrew M.)

Today was the adventure I’ve been waiting for. Half of our team got to go to VBS, and as part of that half, I officially left the United States for the first time. But in the words of Jeff K., I was disappointed... there was no dotted line at the border. They need to fix that.

Though much of my time was occupied by recording the event photographically, I got to observe lives being changed, bonds being made, and most importantly, God working through our group--ministering to these children and this small community. Arriving in the small run-down neighborhood, in some yard surrounded by rustic brick houses, a group of kids sat in white plastic chairs, eagerly waiting for this group of Spanish-illiterate Americans to come. Well, most of us are. Duane is fluent and Adam knows quite a bit, so it was a great help having them around, along with some of the local people who knew English as well. It can be said, however, that a common language is not required to show the love of Christ; simple laughter, a smile, an “hola!” or a little game of Velcro ball is all it takes to get close to these kids. Sidewalk chalk helps, too. Soon, the foundation left over from where a house once stood was covered in a great collection of chalk drawings, and later, the surface became the site of a great time of jump-rope. Meanwhile in an overgrown field nearby, a futbol (soccer) game took place. The events of this day will never be forgotten.

On the way home, we went to a little store and bought sodas. Not in a can. Or a bottle, even. No, soda in a bag. That’s the way it should be, what could be better than drinking your favorite liquid refreshment out of a bag? After weaving about through insane Mexican traffic, slowing down at speed bumps, hitting our heads on the ceilings as we went over despite the slowing down, and making it back into the US, we went out to eat dinner at a restaurant recommended by Mrs. Opperman. The waiter was obviously thrilled with our large numbers and practically begged to have his picture taken. Afterwards, the team headed back to RGBI.

What a day.

[by Andrew M.]

Hey ya'll,

Everything is just peachy here in the longhorn state. I'm going to attempt to give you a brief overview of our yesterday. I apologize in advance for my lack of eloquence, you will find that the guys outdo me in that aspect...

After breakfast we all split up into our respective crews, i.e. painting, cleaning, moving furniture, and spraying wasps. I had a grand old time painting apartment number 4 with my ladies. Painting isn't exactly a thrilling thing to do, let alone read about, so I'll spare you the details and you can thank me later. About half of our team got ready to go to the VBS in Matamoros, and they took off right after lunch. The rest of us were left behind to, well, paint! Somehow I found myself in yet another apartment with four rambunctious boys and more white paint than met the eye. Paint fumes plus heat plus teenagers equals more than a few good laughs, let me tell you. What happens at RGBI stays at RGBI.

The VBS group got back at 7-ish and we all sat down to supper. Sharon took us on a tour of RGBI afterwards... it's so amazing to see everything she's given up just to follow God's calling, and to hear her story of how God prepared her for this years before she had even imagined she would be here today. I know she's impacting the Hispanic world, even if most of it is indirect.

After showers and a Wal-Mart run (Wal-Mart is our oasis out here), we all called it a night. That's pretty much everything worth mentioning right now. The second half of our team will be heading up the Matamoros VBS this afternoon, and I'm sure we'll have plenty more stories for you all at the end of the day.

[by Jannah]

(Photos by Andrew M.)

VBS in Matamoros, Mexico
(Photo by Sean B.)


(Photo by Andrew M.)


Sharon sings, "You put your right foot in, You put your right foot out..."
No, actually she's giving a tour of RGBI. ;^)
(Photo by Andrew M.)

So e-mail number 2 [the previous posting] was an attempt to be funny, you have to realize that in the tired eyes of those that wrote the sentences it was hilarious.

We made it to RGBI (Rio Grande Bible Institute). There was a snafu in renting the vans, in that they did not know that we were going to take these vans into Monterrey. These vans are too new to the rental company that they do not have any titles, or license plates! This could have been bad, as we came to find out vans down here are scarce this time of year. With our rental company not having any available to the middle of July! But God has a tendency of reminding us that he is in control, and the rental office was no different. After making some phone calls our rental agent told us that he would have 2 vans available on Sunday (18th) at 1:00 p.m. Praise God, because we were wanting to leave at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday to go into Mexico.

Sharon Opperman continues to amaze me. The world definitely could use a few more people like Sharon. For those that don't know, Sharon and her husband Don moved down here to McAllen upon Don's retirement from Boeing. They started by volunteering their winters to help out this small Bible school, but that turned into selling the RV and buying a house right on campus. Don worked in the radio station as an engineer, and was very valuable to them, especially because he knew how things worked and how to fix them. Sharon worked and continues to this day to be the Housing Coordinator for the school. Don went to be with the Lord a few years ago, and Sharon continues to volunteer her time and energy her at RGBI. Talk about a life not wasted! To avoid the retirement norm and move down to Arizona or Florida and not do much, because you have "earned it."

Sharon looks very well, we will have to send a picture. Here this 70 something grandma is darting around in her golf cart, organizing our work teams, and trying to stay 2 steps ahead of us. Even after all the heart ailments and health problems over the years God has still given her a strength and desire to keep on serving.

Jay H. split us into work teams, and we were off in 20 different directions, or so it seemed. One group started painting some apartments, another group was moving furniture to and from different apartments, and another was cleaning apartments. Some were a little more specific like the team sent out to kill hornets nests (I know what you're saying: "When can I go to RGBI?"), another group was making minor repairs, and then there was Josh G. and J.T. B. who were given the assignment of toast testers. They had an armada of toasters that Sharon wanted to know if they worked. So they started pushing down the plunger, and looking for the orange glow. Sharon informed them that she wanted more done to them and wanted to see if they could really toast. She handed them a loaf a white bread (coincidently that is Josh's new nickname), and they took full advantage of free toast.

There are so many things to be thankful for, especially the breeze, thank God for the breeze. Remember to pray for us and check the blog over the weekend, as we are able to post quite a bit right now at RGBI. Thanks to Andrew and Sean we will be posting pictures too, so check it out. Thanks to Mark M. for posting all our ramblings.

Romans 15:7 "So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, then God will be glorified."

Dios es Bueno,
Al F.

(Photos by Andrew M.)

Well we made it to McAllen today, and that is a good thing. The great thing was the 12,476 stares that we got because of 27 bright green shirts walking through our nation's airports, boldly flying the flag of Mexico. We managed to fit 28 people in two 15 passenger vans along with everyone's three to four pieces of luggage. After some stunt driver-esque maneuvering by our brave van pilot Admiral Fuller, and some linebacker traffic blocking by Captain Denny, we rolled safely into What-A-Burger, to ingest recently slaughtered/manufactured cow products and byproducts (The Man strongly recommends the thick and hearty burger with A1 sauce). With full stomachs (and minor indigestion), we headed off to Rio Grande Bible Institute. Upon arrival we were assigned tasks based on our apparent skills, whether they be moving furniture, painting, cleaning, making and eating toast (we laughed at Josh and J.T. too) and the fearless team of bee killers led by Daniel Sjorgendooper or Sjanglestankencopter...whatever. Anyway we finished up some of the work and sat down to a wonderful meal of lasagna (a Hotchkiss family recipe) it was good, very good, absolutely remarkable. Thanks for the read, and stay tuned. More to follow... (as you can see it is going to be interesting).

(submitted by Tyler, J.T., Adam, Al, Jeff)

So I thought that airline travel with my 3 and 1 year old was difficult. 27 people getting checked in and through security can be a bit long. But I am pleased to say that all of us are currently on board and cruising at some ridiculous speed and height on our way to Dallas.

One of the fun things about traveling with so many is that we are all wearing the same Kelly green shirt; it is great to watch the reaction that we get. So far quite a few people have asked where we are headed, and with what group we are with. It is a wonderful reminder of how much a witness for Christ we can be in everything, even walking through an airport.

As we went through the security line, we were helped by Earl Bryant, from Chatham Bible Church. Me and Andrew Priest are going to wear our pajamas next time, because all the various stages of undress that the new security regulations require you to do. Now if we could get airports to have locker rooms or the very least a covered phone booth to change in. I will let you know on my plan to change the system.

So we are on our way to DFW, and if all goes accordingly we will meet Jeff Keating there, because he is flying from Denver (don’t ask--it is a long story). Well it is time to enjoy our in-flight beverage, and read the current copy of Sky Mall (the corn dog is looking pretty sweet).

Thanks for praying.

(submitted by Al F)

Jim W snapped this photo this morning as the team was preparing to depart. They all look like they got a full night's sleep, don't they?
(Photo by Jim W.)

(Photo by Andrew M. and Jim W.)

I plan to post mission trip updates and photos here. Please share your comments (see hints in the sidebar above).

I will moderate the comments to prevent unwanted messages (spam); so when your comment does not immediately appear, you'll know why. ;^)

-mark