Monday, July 14, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Ensenada - 2014 - 3
Not just another Sunday... today we were able to experience a new side of Ensenada - the people, the church and the community.
After a refreshing breakfast and our chores - yep, the students are doing chores in Mexico, we set up for church in our dining hall. We split our group and most went to Pastor Reynario's church and some stayed for church on site. We enjoyed the worship, Natasha and Josh G. shared their testimony with the church, and then we heard a passionate message on the love of God that pursues us. Although the message in Spanish through a translator stretched us some, we were all engaged.
After church we joined the whole missionary staff - and likely millions around the world and watched the World Cup - well, some people napped, some went for a walk around Brian and Erin's community, some played soccer and some watched the game. We also worked on our ministry for the week.
At 4 we left to play soccer with people from two of the churches. Many of us played. Our field was dust and dirt - -maybe some small gravel, but we enjoyed the activity and connecting with our new friends outside the walls of the church. This opportunity really build a bridge for our team relationally. A few of the girls had their hair braided by a couple of the teens. Since there was a track around the field I noticed a number walking, running and even saw an old fashion foot race. We posted a number of photos from the game time, and will post more soon.
This evening after dinner we connected with the three ministry partners and people that we will be doing construction for. This was an incredible blessing for everyone. In my group, I have the opportunity to connect with the director of the Oasis home that student ministry had raised funds for this pasted year. We ended our time praying together for Saul and June. I hope we can share their story with you. They really are investing in a group of struggling teens.
The team is doing well.
They are excited to be together and I really think they are positioned for a great week. I believe that God in going to do some neat things and I am eager to see them and share them with you.
Please pray for our team as we venture into construction and ministry. Tomorrow the focus of the week changes.
Peace,
P Scott
After a refreshing breakfast and our chores - yep, the students are doing chores in Mexico, we set up for church in our dining hall. We split our group and most went to Pastor Reynario's church and some stayed for church on site. We enjoyed the worship, Natasha and Josh G. shared their testimony with the church, and then we heard a passionate message on the love of God that pursues us. Although the message in Spanish through a translator stretched us some, we were all engaged.
After church we joined the whole missionary staff - and likely millions around the world and watched the World Cup - well, some people napped, some went for a walk around Brian and Erin's community, some played soccer and some watched the game. We also worked on our ministry for the week.
At 4 we left to play soccer with people from two of the churches. Many of us played. Our field was dust and dirt - -maybe some small gravel, but we enjoyed the activity and connecting with our new friends outside the walls of the church. This opportunity really build a bridge for our team relationally. A few of the girls had their hair braided by a couple of the teens. Since there was a track around the field I noticed a number walking, running and even saw an old fashion foot race. We posted a number of photos from the game time, and will post more soon.
This evening after dinner we connected with the three ministry partners and people that we will be doing construction for. This was an incredible blessing for everyone. In my group, I have the opportunity to connect with the director of the Oasis home that student ministry had raised funds for this pasted year. We ended our time praying together for Saul and June. I hope we can share their story with you. They really are investing in a group of struggling teens.
The team is doing well.
They are excited to be together and I really think they are positioned for a great week. I believe that God in going to do some neat things and I am eager to see them and share them with you.
Please pray for our team as we venture into construction and ministry. Tomorrow the focus of the week changes.
Peace,
P Scott
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Ensenada - 2014 - 2
Good evening,
Short
- great day, all safe in Ensenada
Long
Well, we finally made it to San Diego after a 2 hour delay in Chicago - the team really did well and most took the opportunity to catch up on rest. The flight to San Diego was mostly smooth with some incredible views of cloud structures, mountain ranges - I think I saw some snow??, and wide open spaces.
We collected all our bags connected with our host missionary - Erin Clemer and Mindy Hocking then stopped for lunch at the iconic In-n-Out Burger. Double Double, fries and a shake seemed to be a regular order for most of the boys.
We crossed the boarder easily and without issue - 41 people, 60 some bags, 4 vans...Praise God!
Mexico along the coast is beautiful. As we drove the two hour trip, one could see the different cultures, economics and communities. We passed a 30+ foot tall statue of Jesus, colorful houses, an empty hollywood movie set and a 25 story unfinished hotel or condominum. The building, I think, is exactly the same a when I last saw it 4 years ago.
As we passed though Ensenada to the next community we saw 2 cruise ships and many signs of a very developed community - but were reminded of the poverty close at hand. The community where we are staying continues to bustle into the evening - some students headed to bed by 8 some still gather in small groups to laugh and talk.
We spent time walking through some orientation and getting to know the Envision staff here. These are some wonderful people. We are looking forward to exploring what God is doing here and joining Him.
Tomorrow we will attend church in the community, get ready for the week of ministry and play some soccer with new friends.
Please pray we would serve and love as Jesus desires.
Peace, P Scott for the team
Short
- great day, all safe in Ensenada
Long
Well, we finally made it to San Diego after a 2 hour delay in Chicago - the team really did well and most took the opportunity to catch up on rest. The flight to San Diego was mostly smooth with some incredible views of cloud structures, mountain ranges - I think I saw some snow??, and wide open spaces.
We collected all our bags connected with our host missionary - Erin Clemer and Mindy Hocking then stopped for lunch at the iconic In-n-Out Burger. Double Double, fries and a shake seemed to be a regular order for most of the boys.
We crossed the boarder easily and without issue - 41 people, 60 some bags, 4 vans...Praise God!
Mexico along the coast is beautiful. As we drove the two hour trip, one could see the different cultures, economics and communities. We passed a 30+ foot tall statue of Jesus, colorful houses, an empty hollywood movie set and a 25 story unfinished hotel or condominum. The building, I think, is exactly the same a when I last saw it 4 years ago.
As we passed though Ensenada to the next community we saw 2 cruise ships and many signs of a very developed community - but were reminded of the poverty close at hand. The community where we are staying continues to bustle into the evening - some students headed to bed by 8 some still gather in small groups to laugh and talk.
We spent time walking through some orientation and getting to know the Envision staff here. These are some wonderful people. We are looking forward to exploring what God is doing here and joining Him.
Tomorrow we will attend church in the community, get ready for the week of ministry and play some soccer with new friends.
Please pray we would serve and love as Jesus desires.
Peace, P Scott for the team
Ensenada - 2014
Good morning,
We all arrived at the airport and navigated the bag/ticket/security process fairly easily. The short flight to Chicago was uneventful - I think every took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep.
We are currently on the plan - but waiting in line to fly, some weather related delays. Current sit and wait clock... 1 hour 3 minutes and 19 seconds...
The team is doing well - being patient, laughing, resting ... and even getting to know one another and new neighbors. Some have started to share the details of our trip - what and why we go.
As soon as I figure out how to add pics...I will.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure through prayer.
Peace, P Scott
We all arrived at the airport and navigated the bag/ticket/security process fairly easily. The short flight to Chicago was uneventful - I think every took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep.
We are currently on the plan - but waiting in line to fly, some weather related delays. Current sit and wait clock... 1 hour 3 minutes and 19 seconds...
The team is doing well - being patient, laughing, resting ... and even getting to know one another and new neighbors. Some have started to share the details of our trip - what and why we go.
As soon as I figure out how to add pics...I will.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure through prayer.
Peace, P Scott
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Niagara Update
Good Evening,
We are having an awesome time in Niagara Falls so far. All the students are having a lot of fun with everyone from our group and the other groups. Our stomachs have hurt numerous times because of all the laughter! It is great to see the fellowship happening. Last night we went to a local orchard that was one of the last stops for many slaves looking for freedom in Canada. They had a tons of homemade jelly that the students are bringing home to you. Last night we had a great talk about stepping in like Jesus.
Today was our 3rd work day and a lot of teams transitioned into another work site. Many served landscaping, serving meals on wheels, sorting and cleaning thousands of sandals that get donated to a those less fortunate in Africa, and much more. The students are getting to know a ton of people in this community. They have had the opportunity to hear and listen to their stories. We have learned a lot about this community. One crazy statistic is that 75% of this community is under government assistance. Some work sites are going so well that Kristopher Jermany told one lady "thank you for letting us tear up your house." They were ripping up 60 year old flooring to get to the original hardwood underneath.
Tonight we are going to a local church service in downtown Niagara Falls.
We are having an awesome time in Niagara Falls so far. All the students are having a lot of fun with everyone from our group and the other groups. Our stomachs have hurt numerous times because of all the laughter! It is great to see the fellowship happening. Last night we went to a local orchard that was one of the last stops for many slaves looking for freedom in Canada. They had a tons of homemade jelly that the students are bringing home to you. Last night we had a great talk about stepping in like Jesus.
Today was our 3rd work day and a lot of teams transitioned into another work site. Many served landscaping, serving meals on wheels, sorting and cleaning thousands of sandals that get donated to a those less fortunate in Africa, and much more. The students are getting to know a ton of people in this community. They have had the opportunity to hear and listen to their stories. We have learned a lot about this community. One crazy statistic is that 75% of this community is under government assistance. Some work sites are going so well that Kristopher Jermany told one lady "thank you for letting us tear up your house." They were ripping up 60 year old flooring to get to the original hardwood underneath.
Tonight we are going to a local church service in downtown Niagara Falls.
Niagara Day 3
Good Morning,
Here are some photos from the last couple days. Yesterday was the best day yet. The students worked so hard and are a little sore today. Please pray for energy today as we are going out for day 3 of work. Thanks for all the support and We will blog again this afternoon. Enjoy the photos!
Here are some photos from the last couple days. Yesterday was the best day yet. The students worked so hard and are a little sore today. Please pray for energy today as we are going out for day 3 of work. Thanks for all the support and We will blog again this afternoon. Enjoy the photos!
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