Mexico Update #3

From Rachael Williams...

What does it mean to "minister" on a short-term trip? Does it mean wielding a hammer for hours on end? Does it mean blood, sweat and tears pour as you sacrificially give and give and give until you have nothing left? I believe it means opening yourself up to what God wants to do through you, jumping in and giving not only a hand, but your whole heart to the PEOPLE who surround you and to a God who loves you! 

Today we gave our all to Ensenada and in return we received so much more than we gave! Our teens shared their testimonies and faith and in return received love, affection, prayer and welcoming hearts from a local family.  They gave of themselves today to start construction on a house for a local pastoral family here. Many of them (including myself) operated machines that they were previously afraid to even be close to! In just a few short hours there were 2 raised walls and 2 windows already completed and a few spontaneously created toys and benches created from pieces of scrap wood! In return we all gained a whole family of friends, smiles from grateful children and the satisfaction of knowing that God was glorified through it all.

 

There are so many things that God is teaching us here that I could write all night! It is so hard to pick any one thing to blog about. I think what impacts me the most is how the attitudes of everyone here have been truly uplifting, pleasant, servant oriented and God focused. We have seen our teens be the first to pick up a broom and the last to step out of the kitchen after a long day. It is inspiring to me that their desire to serve the people of Mexico goes far beyond their aches and pains from soccer or construction. God has knit us together as a group and is continually blessing My heart and Mike's heart through this group each day! 

We know that there will be many more exciting stories to come as we hope to include as many teens as we can in this blogging journey with us, but for right now let me just conclude with the thought that even in the small things of life God lives and breathes and moves us into action, increases our faith and improves our endurance all to His glory and good purpose! Praise Him and to God be the glory!

 

May the Love and Hope of Jesus bless you all today!

 

Rachael