Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ohhh Mexico! (from Greg)
James Taylor sang a song that said "Ohh Mexico, never really been but I’d sure like to go." That was my song till last week. I’ve actually been to a few tourist spots there but this trip was the first to really experience the country and culture. Everything about the trip met or exceeded expectations.
At church Sunday Randy said the Mexico experience in Aztec country has everything to offer you’ll find in our other international projects. I agree; everything except the cost. What a bargain for $250! Cool culture, beautiful faces, breath-taking scenery and the unmistakable presence of God at work in the lives of the people there.
All of our international projects are the result of a partnership with people there on the ground. In Mexico, it’s the Bread of Life Mission. I finally got to put faces with names I’d heard for years like David, Oscar & Juan. These guys have built relationships over the years with village leaders in the state of Hidalgo. As a result the effectiveness of our teams’ work increases each year. Last week we were privileged to see a whole village tilt away from darkness toward the light of Jesus – all because of loving relationships built over time in the face of constant persecution.
I want you to hear that story. So mark your calendar for Friday, May 15th, and plan on coming to the Mexico Party. You may even decide (like me and James Taylor) you’d like to go to Mexico too. I hope so.
At church Sunday Randy said the Mexico experience in Aztec country has everything to offer you’ll find in our other international projects. I agree; everything except the cost. What a bargain for $250! Cool culture, beautiful faces, breath-taking scenery and the unmistakable presence of God at work in the lives of the people there.
All of our international projects are the result of a partnership with people there on the ground. In Mexico, it’s the Bread of Life Mission. I finally got to put faces with names I’d heard for years like David, Oscar & Juan. These guys have built relationships over the years with village leaders in the state of Hidalgo. As a result the effectiveness of our teams’ work increases each year. Last week we were privileged to see a whole village tilt away from darkness toward the light of Jesus – all because of loving relationships built over time in the face of constant persecution.
I want you to hear that story. So mark your calendar for Friday, May 15th, and plan on coming to the Mexico Party. You may even decide (like me and James Taylor) you’d like to go to Mexico too. I hope so.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Reflections From Pinky
I've been on three Mexico mission trips and I'am looking forward to next year. When I think of the mission trip I think of the special opportunity we have to share God's love with others less fortunate than us. Also the SPECIAL bond that is created between the folks on the trip. Until you've used a portable Ban-yo your life is incomplete.
Reflections From Terry
The trip opened my eyes to the works of God and the devil and
how the devil is continually trying to derail Gods works. It also
taught me to trust in God and he will guide you.
Just some examples of how the devil tries to discourage us and
how Gods presence prevails can be found below:
- We almost had to return to the US after gas cans were discovered in
one of our trucks. We got someone from Brownsville to retrieve them and
bring them back to the US.
- One of the team members was almost brought to the jail house before we
left Matamoros. One of the people in that vehicle knew how to solve
that issue and did so without hesitation.
- We were stopped a second time by some locals outside of Tampico for a
traffic violation. That cost us some funds to continue our trip! Our
translators found a way get us out of that predicament so we could
continue.
- When we started working hand in hand with the locals, the Mexican
health Department came in and said we could not interact with them and
quarantined the villagers to their homes because of the Swine Flu scare.
We continued to work on the roof with just the folks from our group.
- A local religious leader tried to impose his will on the villagers and
get us thrown out of the village. The villagers stood up for us and we
were able to stay and continue Gods work.
Through all of these adversities, our group remained faithful
and prayed during each event for Gods help and guidance. As a group, we
pulled together to reach positive outcomes to each and every situation.
I've seen God's work first hand in a calming solution to some difficult
problems. Those solutions came because we never tried to do these
things on our own but rather with prayer and the strength of the groups
opinions and suggestions.
I've been blessed by God many times on this trip. I was
baptized in front of my friends and family in a paradise setting. I
remained calm, with Gods presence, when adversity was present. Not once
during the entire trip did I ever think we could not solve a problem or
present a positive alternative to our adversities.
I feel as though the Devil was hard at work on this years trip.
And as hard as he worked, that's how hard we pulled together, with Gods
help, to solve his puzzles.
Just a parting note. All of these activities were shared with
my wife and she is determined to be present the next time we make our
way to Mexico.
God bless all who supported us and all we left behind.
Till next time.
Terry Waguespack
how the devil is continually trying to derail Gods works. It also
taught me to trust in God and he will guide you.
Just some examples of how the devil tries to discourage us and
how Gods presence prevails can be found below:
- We almost had to return to the US after gas cans were discovered in
one of our trucks. We got someone from Brownsville to retrieve them and
bring them back to the US.
- One of the team members was almost brought to the jail house before we
left Matamoros. One of the people in that vehicle knew how to solve
that issue and did so without hesitation.
- We were stopped a second time by some locals outside of Tampico for a
traffic violation. That cost us some funds to continue our trip! Our
translators found a way get us out of that predicament so we could
continue.
- When we started working hand in hand with the locals, the Mexican
health Department came in and said we could not interact with them and
quarantined the villagers to their homes because of the Swine Flu scare.
We continued to work on the roof with just the folks from our group.
- A local religious leader tried to impose his will on the villagers and
get us thrown out of the village. The villagers stood up for us and we
were able to stay and continue Gods work.
Through all of these adversities, our group remained faithful
and prayed during each event for Gods help and guidance. As a group, we
pulled together to reach positive outcomes to each and every situation.
I've seen God's work first hand in a calming solution to some difficult
problems. Those solutions came because we never tried to do these
things on our own but rather with prayer and the strength of the groups
opinions and suggestions.
I've been blessed by God many times on this trip. I was
baptized in front of my friends and family in a paradise setting. I
remained calm, with Gods presence, when adversity was present. Not once
during the entire trip did I ever think we could not solve a problem or
present a positive alternative to our adversities.
I feel as though the Devil was hard at work on this years trip.
And as hard as he worked, that's how hard we pulled together, with Gods
help, to solve his puzzles.
Just a parting note. All of these activities were shared with
my wife and she is determined to be present the next time we make our
way to Mexico.
God bless all who supported us and all we left behind.
Till next time.
Terry Waguespack
Monday, May 4, 2009
Trip Reflections From Frank
A few things I thought I'd share with the Brazos Pointe family and other folks reading the Mexico Mission Trip blog.
I learned a lot being around religious leaders and their thoughts regarding questions I had, for example what occurred with Christ during the time after His death and prior to His resurrection.
I felt God's presence and some people were in tears with a powerful prayer over us during our challenges and struggles and the peaceful reassurance God provided. It was amazing. The Christian songs that were sung one clear night and the camp fire were really nice. God's presence during our trip was evident, the people we traveled with are amazing, the villagers are so incredibly humble while the people that helped support the group's mission are extremely generous (ThankYou).
I felt God's presence and some people were in tears with a powerful prayer over us during our challenges and struggles and the peaceful reassurance God provided. It was amazing. The Christian songs that were sung one clear night and the camp fire were really nice. God's presence during our trip was evident, the people we traveled with are amazing, the villagers are so incredibly humble while the people that helped support the group's mission are extremely generous (ThankYou).
I had a very rewarding experience.
Frank Lerma
Video Of The Trip
Greg Fish from Central Christian Church in Brownsville created this video of the trip. Check it out. Click on the word below to see the video.
Click Here
Click Here
Friday, May 1, 2009
All Rested Up
We are back home safe. We saw God answer so many prayers, and delivering us home safe was just one of many.
Keep checking back to the blog. Many Mexico team members will be posting their thoughts and reflections from the mission.
More to come...
Keep checking back to the blog. Many Mexico team members will be posting their thoughts and reflections from the mission.
More to come...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Back in Texas!
The team has crossed the border and is back on US soil! Randy said they had no problems crossing the border and that it really went pretty fast. He said that for part of their drive in Mexico, their contact there - Oscar - knew someone in the police force and arranged for them to have a police escort for about 50-60 miles! He said they were able to go about 70 mph that whole time and it really helped them out.
They are having lunch in Brownsville and then will get back on the road for LJ. They should be here sometime between 9 and 10. Yea! We look forward to them being home!
They are having lunch in Brownsville and then will get back on the road for LJ. They should be here sometime between 9 and 10. Yea! We look forward to them being home!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What a Great Adventure
This trip has been really great...but it was not lacking for trouble and hurdles.
It started when we were pulled over well into Mexico for ¨speeding¨ just like everyone else. It did not take very long for us to realize that these police officers were not honest and that they were just looking to make a buck. We could fight it if we wanted to spend the night and have an appt with the judge the next day....ugh! At one point the officer said he wanted just me to go with him down to the station...that was not happening. In the end all we lost was some time and some money. Not too big of a deal.
We had a flat on a trailer, replaced two tires on a rental van...in the end no big deal.
We started our projects on Monday with a lot of excitement and energy, but quickly hit some pretty unigue bumps in the road. There was a visit from the Mexico health department warning the village about the flu. The health officer informed us that we could not hold our VBS, that the locals could not work with us on the building, and that the dentist could continue, but only one family at a time. We were actually pretty impressed witht the actions that the Mexican government took, but pretty disappointed.
Simultaneously, the local religious leaders were reacting to our being there. He blasted propaganda from a loud speaker warning the people that we would teach them not to worship idols...well that is true! He demanded that we leave the village and not continue our work. It was pretty intense and very confusing.
But, the real story is...that God won the day! The people of the village wanted us to stay! This was a huge victory for the work that God is doing in this beautiful village among these beautiful people.
In the end this was a HUGE deal!
Between the flats, the flu, the police, and a very corrupt religious leader this week was an adventure, but none of it compared to the adventure of watching God work! None of it.
I hope you will consider joining us on this adventure next year...you wont regret it.
This is really just the Cliff´s Notes version...ask someone that went, there are some great stories. [OR join us for the Mexico Party, Friday, May 15]
***Please pray for us in the morning. We will be leaving the hotel at 7am and driving all day back to Lake Jackson. Pray for safe travel and an easy transition through the border.
It started when we were pulled over well into Mexico for ¨speeding¨ just like everyone else. It did not take very long for us to realize that these police officers were not honest and that they were just looking to make a buck. We could fight it if we wanted to spend the night and have an appt with the judge the next day....ugh! At one point the officer said he wanted just me to go with him down to the station...that was not happening. In the end all we lost was some time and some money. Not too big of a deal.
We had a flat on a trailer, replaced two tires on a rental van...in the end no big deal.
We started our projects on Monday with a lot of excitement and energy, but quickly hit some pretty unigue bumps in the road. There was a visit from the Mexico health department warning the village about the flu. The health officer informed us that we could not hold our VBS, that the locals could not work with us on the building, and that the dentist could continue, but only one family at a time. We were actually pretty impressed witht the actions that the Mexican government took, but pretty disappointed.
Simultaneously, the local religious leaders were reacting to our being there. He blasted propaganda from a loud speaker warning the people that we would teach them not to worship idols...well that is true! He demanded that we leave the village and not continue our work. It was pretty intense and very confusing.
But, the real story is...that God won the day! The people of the village wanted us to stay! This was a huge victory for the work that God is doing in this beautiful village among these beautiful people.
In the end this was a HUGE deal!
Between the flats, the flu, the police, and a very corrupt religious leader this week was an adventure, but none of it compared to the adventure of watching God work! None of it.
I hope you will consider joining us on this adventure next year...you wont regret it.
This is really just the Cliff´s Notes version...ask someone that went, there are some great stories. [OR join us for the Mexico Party, Friday, May 15]
***Please pray for us in the morning. We will be leaving the hotel at 7am and driving all day back to Lake Jackson. Pray for safe travel and an easy transition through the border.
Back in Tampico
We are back in Tampico! We made it with no problems. We are settling in with the hotel now. The internet is very fast here, so I will write later about all of our adventures! But, first a hot shower, clean feet, and a good tooth brushing! Thank you for your prayers!!
Crossing the Border Soon!
Colleen received a call from Ronnie Waguespack this morning asking her to check border crossings. At this time, it seems that all border crossings remain open. The plan right now is to travel to Tampico today and spend the night there, and then cross the border tomorrow. If there is a liklihood that the borders will close, they will try to travel as far as they can today and cross as soon as possible.
If anyone hears that the borders may close, please email Colleen so that she can let them know.
All are well and they completed their projects before leaving.
Please continue to pray for their safe return!
If anyone hears that the borders may close, please email Colleen so that she can let them know.
All are well and they completed their projects before leaving.
Please continue to pray for their safe return!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Text message update 4-28
I received a text message from Randy this afternoon that said everything is going good. They are building a roof today and the dentist is still working. He said they will be breaking camp on Wednesday and heading to Tampico. Then Thursday they will most likely try to drive from Tampico to Lake Jackson. He said everyone is well, that they are having fun, and eating good. He said they have lots of crazy stories to tell. Greg texted Kathy and said that they have some cool God stories and that the trip has exceeded his expectations!
It sounds like God has done some exciting things on this trip, even though it will be shorter than they hoped! Can't wait to hear more about it!
Ashley
It sounds like God has done some exciting things on this trip, even though it will be shorter than they hoped! Can't wait to hear more about it!
Ashley
Monday, April 27, 2009
Update Monday afternoon
Note from Kirk Willson:
I received a phone call from Randy Dane at 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Health Department officials from Mexico came through the village where they are working and made some requests of the residents and our team due to the Swine Flue concerns. They do not want the residents in the villages and our team having contact with each other. Our team will not have contact with anyone other than themselves. All public assemblies and gatherings have been cancelled. The team will do the construction work, but not any of the other planned activities. The team will begin their trip home earlier than originally planned, either Wednesday or Thursday. They are not worried about the health issues, and everyone is doing fine. They are just disappointed that they don't get to interact with the local people. Please continue to pray for the safety of the team.
I received a phone call from Randy Dane at 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Health Department officials from Mexico came through the village where they are working and made some requests of the residents and our team due to the Swine Flue concerns. They do not want the residents in the villages and our team having contact with each other. Our team will not have contact with anyone other than themselves. All public assemblies and gatherings have been cancelled. The team will do the construction work, but not any of the other planned activities. The team will begin their trip home earlier than originally planned, either Wednesday or Thursday. They are not worried about the health issues, and everyone is doing fine. They are just disappointed that they don't get to interact with the local people. Please continue to pray for the safety of the team.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Safely inTampico
The team arrived safely in Tampico Saturday night. After a baptism in the gulf, they had dinner and were headed to bed to rest before the last leg of their trip Sunday morning. They got through the border with no problems, and had safe travel the rest of the way. Praise God!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Arrived at the Border
The team has safely arrived in Brownsville. They got there around dinner time tonight and had a good evening hanging out and playing 42! Randy said the big adventure of the night was seeing a huge tarantula in the parking lot of the hotel. Pray for them in the morning as they head to the border about 8:00 that there is no trouble with vehicles, visas, etc. Pray that they will get in the right line and have no trouble! I will update the blog as I get news from Randy or hear from Chantel.
-Ashley
-Ashley
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Save The Date...
We will have a "Mexico Party" on Friday, May 15th in the Brazos Pointe worship center from 7:00 to 8:30pm. Childcare provided.
We want to invite you to join us! Come hear stories and see pictures and videos of the adventures that you are praying for. The Mexico Party is about celebrating the great things that we see God do...come celebrate! Who knows you might decide to join the team in 2010?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Please Pray...Exciting News!
I received this note from David Nuckols, BLFM Stateside Coordinator, today:
Please have your congregation in prayer for this outreach. History is being made in this village! God is really opening hearts and doors to others. Juan (Mexico Coordinator) will share more about this when we are together.
Dios le bendiga (God bless you),
David
Exciting! Please be praying Brazos Pointe!! It sounds like God is organizing this mission to happen in His perfect timing. I can't wait to share even more with you as we learn.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose....What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28&31)
Please have your congregation in prayer for this outreach. History is being made in this village! God is really opening hearts and doors to others. Juan (Mexico Coordinator) will share more about this when we are together.
Dios le bendiga (God bless you),
David
Exciting! Please be praying Brazos Pointe!! It sounds like God is organizing this mission to happen in His perfect timing. I can't wait to share even more with you as we learn.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose....What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28&31)
Bread Of Life Frontier Missions
Check out the website of our partner missions organization:
http://www.blfm.org/
We are privileged to serve with these wonderful folks (even Oscar)!
http://www.blfm.org/
We are privileged to serve with these wonderful folks (even Oscar)!
Cuatalan From Above
This is a beautiful picture of one of the villages that we will be in, Cuatalan. We will be staying in tents, using homemade showers, kitchen, and toilets...but you can see we obviously wont be roughing it that much up in the fresh mountain air. Beautiful!
Classrooms
These photos are of the village classrooms that we will be finishing out with a roof and electricity.
YouTube Video
Check out this video from 2008. It will give you an idea of the places, sites, and sounds of the beautiful people that we will be serving and serving alongside.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDfyI5BUXeM
This video is from our partners at Bread of Life Frontier Missions that we do Mexico Missions with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDfyI5BUXeM
This video is from our partners at Bread of Life Frontier Missions that we do Mexico Missions with.
It Is Almost Time...
The team will be leaving on Friday, 4/24 for Aztec country in the interior of Mexico. A team of 17 will be going from BPF to do serveral mission projects. The projects include: VBS for the children of the village, medical teams, Bible storying and evangelism, and construction on two village schools.
Trip Itinerary:
- Fri 4/24 - Travel from Lake Jackson to Brownsville
- Sat 4/25 - Travel from Brownsville to Tampico
- Sun 4/26 - Travel into the mountain villages / set up camp
- Mon 4/27 - Work Day!
- Tue 4/28 - Work Day!
- Wed 4/29 - Work Day!
- Thu 4/30 - Work Day!
- Fri 5/1 - Travel from villages to Brownsville
- Sat 5/2 - Travel from Brownsville to Lake Jackson
Communication will be limited on the work days in the mountain villages, but we will send updates as often as possible.
We are grateful for your prayers! Please check back often for updates and to find out ways to pray for the Mexico Team.
Trip Itinerary:
- Fri 4/24 - Travel from Lake Jackson to Brownsville
- Sat 4/25 - Travel from Brownsville to Tampico
- Sun 4/26 - Travel into the mountain villages / set up camp
- Mon 4/27 - Work Day!
- Tue 4/28 - Work Day!
- Wed 4/29 - Work Day!
- Thu 4/30 - Work Day!
- Fri 5/1 - Travel from villages to Brownsville
- Sat 5/2 - Travel from Brownsville to Lake Jackson
Communication will be limited on the work days in the mountain villages, but we will send updates as often as possible.
We are grateful for your prayers! Please check back often for updates and to find out ways to pray for the Mexico Team.
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