Looking back on Mexico...

As I spent some time thinking about all that happened in Mexico, I had some thoughts for our students that I'd like to share. We experienced a lot of poverty, a lot of broken families, and a lot of people looking for hope in our time in Monterrey. The missionaries, pastors and laborers down there are working very hard to right the wrongs that are happening in that community. But I hope you left that trip incredibly encouraged. I am looking back on that trip with an incredible smile on my face and I hope you are too. God called us down there to Mexico for a time, and all the work we did in the last several months prepared us for that time. Going to Lifeline, bible study, team meetings, second saturdays, weekend services, new communities, work trips and the like prepared you for your time down there. And after all the prep work was done, we headed down to see what God had in store. As a member of the student ministry team, I feel like one of the coaches of a great team. DC is our general manager, and Steph, Katie, John and I are all bench coaches. But you know what, coaches can't play the game. Coaches can help to prepare as much as possible but come game time, it's all on the players...you guys. God put a game on your schedule, and I hope you know that I feel like I just watched you pitch a no hitter; a perfect game. The opposition was pretty steep considering a lot of the needs we were faced with meeting, but you all came through in amazing fashion. No one complained, everyone jumped in, everyone encouraged each other, and the needs were met for the time we were there. You served so well, and I feel a great amount of pride having played a small part in that team.
Acts 1:1 may be my favorite verse in the bible because of the way one sentence is constructed. It says "In my first book, I told you about everything Jesus began to do and teach" (NLT) Notice that he said the word 'do' before the word 'teach'. We all know far too many people who can talk and talk about the right thing, but it's quite another thing to actually do it, and Jesus always DID, He put the walk before the talk. Most of the time, the best way and only way to minister to people is through your actions. You actions breed trust and credibility so that when it comes time to teach, people will listen. The great part about the language barrier is that the only way you had left to show the love of Christ was through your actions. And looking back on all the pictures, all the smiles on children's faces, all the fun and all the joy; your actions spoke louder than any words ever could. I am so proud of all of you and I am taking great joy in the victories from last week. But don't rest on your laurels. The next season is starting. Keep pressing in, keep practicing, stay in the word and stay on your knees so that you're always ready to go when God give's you the next call.(*enjoy some friday photo's)