Tuesday 19 June 2018

#lhmex2019 _ IT'S HAPPENING _

I'm pretty excited at this point.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19 & 20

As ministry seasons come and go, there's a variety of events that I get a little excited about.  
- preparing sermons and study or discussion contents
- profession of faith classes
- church campout and youth retreats
to name a few.

I have to say, that above all of these events and gatherings of people, I get the most excited about seeing a Youth Mexico Missions Team come together.  I spent some time today preparing the latest #lhmex2019 registration packet.  It had me looking at past pictures, and even reading through some of the posts on this very blog.  I found myself looking forward to seeing what the Lord would do with this new team, that has yet to form.

The main reason why that this trip excites me so much is getting the opportunity to hear about how these trips have impacted the faith journey's of our students.  On April 29, 2018 - we at Living Hope CRC, witnessed five students make their professions of faith - each one of them mentioned their prior Mexico trip as deeply formative in their journey.  As they saw the Lord work in incredible ways, they heard His voice, they felt His love.  Then just the other week, I went to the EPIC I AM presentations at ACS, and heard a number of students there, reflect on their faith experiences throughout their time at ACS.  Most of them identified this trip as one of the most impactful moments of their faith journey, as they indicated that when separated from the usual patterns of life, they saw something connect between themselves and God was in pursuit of their hearts.

Another reason why I get excited about this trip, is that back in 1997, my own parents signed me up for a very similar trip when I was 16.  Through an amazing story of a very passionate God who wanted my heart - I gave it to Him on March 17, 1997 at 7.02pm - in the old YWAM chapel in downtown Tijuana.  I experienced radical change in my life, and continue to seek out the same change in the lives of our students at Living Hope and beyond.

This is about the GO'ing that Christ commanded of us in the reference above.  Yes, we can GO about in Abbotsford, in Mission & Chilliwack.  We can GO to the US, to Africa, and Asia.  Here, we're signing up to be a part of what He is doing in Mexico already, supporting those who are there each and every day.  

So, on July 1st, 2018, I'll make available at our church, and online, the registration packets for the next youth Mexico Missions Team. 


Here is our team from 2017 and the house we built for a family of four.


Here is our team from 2017 at Casa de Gracia (house of grace) Orphanage, where we taught bible lessons, played games, danced, and had an amazing water fight.


Here is our team from 2017 at La Roca Ranch - a place where men come to recover from addiction.  We've played many games of volleyball there - and lost every time.  There's something about Mexican Volleyball rules that we just can't seem to figure out ... :)


Padre Chava - a place where MANY (1000's) come for breakfast EACH DAY.  It's run completely by volunteers, and has a very rigid system.  

I'll be looking for 20 students (grades 9-12 in the coming school year), and 4 more leaders to join this team.  Pray, think, talk with family - maybe this is something for you!