Subject: Mexico update from Tampico
Hola!,
The trip has been a huge success. I love being a part of God's Kingdom as it advances around the globe. Our team was a well-oiled machine and worked together well. Construction on the Sunday School building was complete in just two days! We were able to wire around 25 houses in the village with electricity and still had time to hang out with the local church members. The VBS was swarming with children! Over 175 kids turned out and it got a little bit crazy, but they had a blast and were very receptive to God's message of love. The Pastor's Conference was also a huge success. About 30 pastors participated and learned the Bible storying method we taught them. They were excited about using the technique in their home churches. Our partners with Bread of Life also included a dentist, 2 physicians, and an eye doctor that met the needs of the village. On Wednesday night, I had the chance to speak to the teenagers from the church. I felt right at home... they didn't laugh at my jokes either.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. The team is ready to be home, but we're thankful for all that God did this week.
See you Sunday for SERVOLUTION!!!
Aaron Sanders
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday Update
Received an email from Ronnie Waguespack . The team is on the road home. It will be a long road home, but they are on their way. They will be stopping at a church in Oxtomal to drop off the trailer (this "trailer" is a major part of this team - lots of hard work and ingenuity went into fortifying it for the bumpy and rocky roads it would need to travel into the mountains. It holds the majority of the camp supplies the team needs each trip, tools and serves as the team's "shower" facilities at camp. Before this trailer all these supplies were transported in and out of Mexico by the team for each and every trip. The trailer is also made available to the Mexico team from First Baptist Lake Jackson that serves with the Bread of Life Frontier Missions too. Just another example of the gifts and talents of this team). They will travel to Tampico and spend the night before crossing back to the U.S. on Friday.
Ronnie said that all is well and that it was a very good trip.
Ronnie said that all is well and that it was a very good trip.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
David and Oscar here. Want to let you know what went on today.
What a great day.
1. First of all Mike Nelson and a scouting crew went to a village to see about the well drilling. After surveying the topography, Mike determined that the drill bit was not proper for the rocky soil in the mountains. A decision was made to hold off on the drilling until we could get more information on the geology of the area. Lots of rocks in the mountains.
2. The team finished the construction on the building yesterday and many went house to house helping the local villagers install light fixtures and electrical outlets in the homes. That was a big hit and a tremendous outreach.
3. Don Shoemaker went with the pastor of Axchumol to one of the 4 missions the church in Axchumol is reaching out to. There is a project opportunity there and preliminary info was gathered.
4. The VBS had a surprise visit on Tuesday from a professional christian clown from Mexico City. We guestimate that 400 or more children from the village showed up. It was great.
5. Aaron led the pastors conference in the methodolgy used in Cambodia to share bible stories through a picture method. Aaron went through the entire study with the pastors. They were thrilled to receive the material to share with their congregations. It was a great outreach and we know many will receive the teaching through the pastors that attended.
6. Dr. Roberto returned to Matamoros on Tuesday evening. He was amazed at the outreach and gave his own powerful testimony to the group at devo on Tuesday morning.
7. Gerry trained a local villager in dentistry and the student caught on rapidly and was doing treatments by Tuesday afternoon.
8. Aaron led a youth conference today for the teenagers. It was great.
9. The congregation had a closing ceremony and two of the delegates from the village expressed their thanks. Both were members of the church. It was encouraging to see these leaders represented in the government. It really opens up doors to share with the rest of the community. They extended an open invite to come back as many times as possible.
10. Camp is packing up and we plan to head for Tampico in the morning.
Dios le bendiga
David and Oscar
What a great day.
1. First of all Mike Nelson and a scouting crew went to a village to see about the well drilling. After surveying the topography, Mike determined that the drill bit was not proper for the rocky soil in the mountains. A decision was made to hold off on the drilling until we could get more information on the geology of the area. Lots of rocks in the mountains.
2. The team finished the construction on the building yesterday and many went house to house helping the local villagers install light fixtures and electrical outlets in the homes. That was a big hit and a tremendous outreach.
3. Don Shoemaker went with the pastor of Axchumol to one of the 4 missions the church in Axchumol is reaching out to. There is a project opportunity there and preliminary info was gathered.
4. The VBS had a surprise visit on Tuesday from a professional christian clown from Mexico City. We guestimate that 400 or more children from the village showed up. It was great.
5. Aaron led the pastors conference in the methodolgy used in Cambodia to share bible stories through a picture method. Aaron went through the entire study with the pastors. They were thrilled to receive the material to share with their congregations. It was a great outreach and we know many will receive the teaching through the pastors that attended.
6. Dr. Roberto returned to Matamoros on Tuesday evening. He was amazed at the outreach and gave his own powerful testimony to the group at devo on Tuesday morning.
7. Gerry trained a local villager in dentistry and the student caught on rapidly and was doing treatments by Tuesday afternoon.
8. Aaron led a youth conference today for the teenagers. It was great.
9. The congregation had a closing ceremony and two of the delegates from the village expressed their thanks. Both were members of the church. It was encouraging to see these leaders represented in the government. It really opens up doors to share with the rest of the community. They extended an open invite to come back as many times as possible.
10. Camp is packing up and we plan to head for Tampico in the morning.
Dios le bendiga
David and Oscar
Wednesday Update!
Here some pics of the roof work completed, they were taken this morning.
Also the Mexican and USA made washing machines working side by side (and showing their beauty).
We have planned a youth meeting today, please pray for a successful meeting.
Also this time Don was well behaved and did not have to ride in the police car.
The VBS Yesterday was a success, we had lot more kids.
Love you all, and appreciate your prayers (they are working good).
In Christ,
Mexico Mission Team
Mexico Mission Team
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday Update
Hi from Axumol, we want you to know that the roof on the building was finished today, the crew worked very hard to complete it. We are very happy because all of the mission work planned is getting accomplished ahead of schedule, there is some electrical work being done in some of the houses in the village, Cristina wants you to know that we had 150 kids for VBS yesterday please continue praying for us to complete the rest of the work we need to do this week. Today was the preacher's conference and is going well, David is in huejutla getting the rest of the parts for the water well system to teach the locals to do the drilling.
GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING!!
GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Pictures of the Campsite
Here are some photos of the team's "camp" and "dining hall". First class accomodations!!! Those guys think of everything to make camp feel like home away from home. Not sure if they are in a heavy fog or it's clouds. There have been trips where we have been above the cloud line - I'm not sure of their elevation this year.
What a Great Adventure!
Here is the update:
1. Thank God that the Tampico police treated us so nicely after they stopped us today. Oscar said some words that helped to treat us a little nicer.
2. The camp is all set up. Wow! Beautiful site down on the river. The village has allowed us to camp on a soccer field that is very nice and about 50 feet from the flowing river. There is a big bluff on the other side of the river. All is well and the team is settling in for a wee bit of sleep.
3. The chicken spagetti was awesome. Thanks to all the hands that prepared the meals for the team. What a wonderful blessing.
4. Many children have come to see what is going on. Cristina and Aaron are doing a great job with them.
5. Gerry, the dentist, set up his work station and put together a new table built by Tony Grysell. What a neat invention. Gerry was thrilled and is looking to put it into practice first thing in the morning.
6. Dr. Alejandra arrived from Mexico City this afternoon. She and Dr. Roberto from Matamoros will be running the medical clinic. The village is about 2500 and there is much to be done. Dr. Canche will join the team tomorrow and will be running the eye clinic.
6. The church held a service and the spirit was evident. They sing beautifully. Susie represented the team from Lake Jackson and David shared with the church a little about the team and the plans for the week. What a great church. They have planted 4 other churches and are truly a light shining on this mountain.
7. We met and decided to do the test well in Oxtomal. Lots to do. The construction team will begin building the trusses in the morning.
8. There is a pastor's conference scheduled for Tuesday and we are expecting between 30 and 40. Please lift this up in prayer. the team will be sharing a story telling method specifically designed for those that are not highly literate.
All for now.
Dios le bendiga,
David and Oscar
1. Thank God that the Tampico police treated us so nicely after they stopped us today. Oscar said some words that helped to treat us a little nicer.
2. The camp is all set up. Wow! Beautiful site down on the river. The village has allowed us to camp on a soccer field that is very nice and about 50 feet from the flowing river. There is a big bluff on the other side of the river. All is well and the team is settling in for a wee bit of sleep.
3. The chicken spagetti was awesome. Thanks to all the hands that prepared the meals for the team. What a wonderful blessing.
4. Many children have come to see what is going on. Cristina and Aaron are doing a great job with them.
5. Gerry, the dentist, set up his work station and put together a new table built by Tony Grysell. What a neat invention. Gerry was thrilled and is looking to put it into practice first thing in the morning.
6. Dr. Alejandra arrived from Mexico City this afternoon. She and Dr. Roberto from Matamoros will be running the medical clinic. The village is about 2500 and there is much to be done. Dr. Canche will join the team tomorrow and will be running the eye clinic.
6. The church held a service and the spirit was evident. They sing beautifully. Susie represented the team from Lake Jackson and David shared with the church a little about the team and the plans for the week. What a great church. They have planted 4 other churches and are truly a light shining on this mountain.
7. We met and decided to do the test well in Oxtomal. Lots to do. The construction team will begin building the trusses in the morning.
8. There is a pastor's conference scheduled for Tuesday and we are expecting between 30 and 40. Please lift this up in prayer. the team will be sharing a story telling method specifically designed for those that are not highly literate.
All for now.
Dios le bendiga,
David and Oscar
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Emails from Oscar
Received this email from Oscar about 4:15pm:
"We are setting up camp, the place is very pretty, pictures will follow tomorrow.
There was a second email from Oscar setting up arrangements for others from Brownsville to join the team on Monday. As Oscar asks, please keep them in your prayers as well:
"Thanks so much for the prayers, Pastor Lance is the preacher of our congregation in Brownsville, Ricardo is part of our Spanish speaking service, they will be joining us on Monday for this mission, please add Lance and Ricardo to your prayers."
"We are setting up camp, the place is very pretty, pictures will follow tomorrow.
There was a second email from Oscar setting up arrangements for others from Brownsville to join the team on Monday. As Oscar asks, please keep them in your prayers as well:
"Thanks so much for the prayers, Pastor Lance is the preacher of our congregation in Brownsville, Ricardo is part of our Spanish speaking service, they will be joining us on Monday for this mission, please add Lance and Ricardo to your prayers."
Sunday Update
Received this update from Marina, her husband Oscar is one of the team's Brownsville leaders from The Bread of Life Frontier Missions: "Report from Oscar just came in. They passed Huejutla y San Felipe. Juan Roque is already with them. All the vehicles are good, and everybody is fine. They are about to start climbing up the mountains. Thanks for the prayers. They have been effective. Please, keep on praying."
Juan Roque, mentioned above, is the Bread of Life Frontier Missions Mexico coordinator. He is the pastor of a church and a pastoral teaching compound in Matamoros. His heart and his faith has led him to make the way clear in many, if not, all the villages that our team and the Mexico Missions team at First Baptist, LJ, has served in over the years. Pastor Juan has encountered much resistance at times to his desire to being Christ into these Aztec villages and his life has been threatened on more than one occasion. But he presses on and through him so does our Mexico Mission team year after year. He is an amazing man who loves God deeply and in who God works through mightily.
Juan Roque, mentioned above, is the Bread of Life Frontier Missions Mexico coordinator. He is the pastor of a church and a pastoral teaching compound in Matamoros. His heart and his faith has led him to make the way clear in many, if not, all the villages that our team and the Mexico Missions team at First Baptist, LJ, has served in over the years. Pastor Juan has encountered much resistance at times to his desire to being Christ into these Aztec villages and his life has been threatened on more than one occasion. But he presses on and through him so does our Mexico Mission team year after year. He is an amazing man who loves God deeply and in who God works through mightily.
Leaving Tampico
The team is heading out of Tampico and aside from a few "banos" (rest room) and lunch break, next stop is their destination, Axhumel, San Luis Potosi.
Communication may become sparse as they get further into the interior. Keep the prayers flowing for safety in travel, for good health for the team and those they are going to serve along side, for relationship building once they reach the village, and for the work this team is traveling so far to do...that God be glorified through every little thing.
Communication may become sparse as they get further into the interior. Keep the prayers flowing for safety in travel, for good health for the team and those they are going to serve along side, for relationship building once they reach the village, and for the work this team is traveling so far to do...that God be glorified through every little thing.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Mangos!
The team is heading to the "Mango Stand" for lunch. The "Mango Stand" is a favorite stopping point for the team between Matamoros and Tampico. It works out that they reach there about lunch time, it is about the only place on a long, long road of nothing, it is dusty and windy at the top of a hill, has a few outside tables so they can pull out their road side lunch, relatively clean "banos"/bathrooms (always make sure someone has enough pesos as these are "pay as you go" banos!)...and some of the most delicious fresh squeezed mango juice ever! Mango juice is pretty thick, but it sure hits the spot. I asked Ronnie to have a mango juice for Tony, Chas & I - but then told him he better not as he would need lots of "pesos" for the banos!
Next stop after this will be Tampico for dinner, dominoes, and sleep.
Next stop after this will be Tampico for dinner, dominoes, and sleep.
Mexico Updates - On the Other Side!
Most of you have probably heard that everyone made it safely to Brownsville, the first to arrive was the Waguespack and Gartman brothers around 6:00pm followed an hour or so later by the rest of the team. Dinner was at Rudy's BBQ where they met up with their Brownsville contacts from Bread of Life Frontier Ministries David, Oscar and Oscar's awesome wife Marina (Gosh I am missing those guys so much!!!! Know that your loved ones are in good hands). A good nights' sleep at the Red Roof Inn and breakfast at Shoney's in the morning before crossing the border. Pray for a smooth transition through Matamoros in getting visas and car permits for all and then the 20 (or is it 25?) mile check-point. After that we pray that it be smooth "sailing" on through to Tampico (a six or seven hour drive) where they will spend the night at the Bonitto Inn (really cool little place). I am sure a few intense games of "42" will be played tomorrow night before and after dinner!
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From what I have heard breakfast at Shoney's was good, the team is all doing well and at about 7:30am they were getting ready to head to the border to obtain all the paperwork needed in order for them and their vehicles to enter into Mexico. This can definitely be a hold your breath and wait and pray and wait and pray time, especially this year as things have changed on what they need to report and declare in order to be allowed to cross. Cell phones will be turned off at this point and not turned back on until the whole team is well into town.
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From what I have heard breakfast at Shoney's was good, the team is all doing well and at about 7:30am they were getting ready to head to the border to obtain all the paperwork needed in order for them and their vehicles to enter into Mexico. This can definitely be a hold your breath and wait and pray and wait and pray time, especially this year as things have changed on what they need to report and declare in order to be allowed to cross. Cell phones will be turned off at this point and not turned back on until the whole team is well into town.
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The team made it through the border - according to Ronnie & Oscar it took about two hours for everything to be processed but they are now on their way to Tampico. I am wondering if they will stop half-way at our favorite Mango Stand for lunch?
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Pray for safety in travel and continued relationship building for the team as they spend most of their day travelling. Being stuck in the car all day makes the relaxing evening tonight at the Bonitto Inn in Tampico even more special.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2010 Mexico Mission Trip
Last minute details are coming together and the team is ready to go.
This year's trip will consist of construction on a classroom, Vacation Bible School, Pastor Training, a medical clinic (dentist/optometrist/medical), and water well drilling.
Please start praying for the team and their ministry now. More to come...
If you would like to help provide food for the Mexico Mission Team:
The Brazos Pointe "family" has been a faithful part of the Mexico Mission team each year by generously providing home cooked meals, goodies, and other needed supplies for the team and there is often enough to share a meal in fellowship with those the team serves with in the villages. What a blessing you have been! If you are interested in being a part of this ministry this year, please contact Susie Essary, s-essary@sbcglobal.net, or 979.297.9260 as soon as possible for meal planning purposes.
This year's trip will consist of construction on a classroom, Vacation Bible School, Pastor Training, a medical clinic (dentist/optometrist/medical), and water well drilling.
Please start praying for the team and their ministry now. More to come...
If you would like to help provide food for the Mexico Mission Team:
The Brazos Pointe "family" has been a faithful part of the Mexico Mission team each year by generously providing home cooked meals, goodies, and other needed supplies for the team and there is often enough to share a meal in fellowship with those the team serves with in the villages. What a blessing you have been! If you are interested in being a part of this ministry this year, please contact Susie Essary, s-essary@sbcglobal.net, or 979.297.9260 as soon as possible for meal planning purposes.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2009 Pictures
Working with the children (even with the fog)!
Tent City ... where we sleep, cook, eat, bathe, and play
The Costruction!
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