Coro Unido

Yesterday, a group of us had the privilege to head to Puebla (which is about an hour from here) and went to the Coro Unido.

It is an amazing outreach to the local people where probably 1000 people are involved in some way... whether singing, acting, playing an instrument, putting up an incredible stage, etc. It is put together in an incredible way and the gospel is very clearly presented!

A lot of people heard the gospel and i pray that many people see the need for Jesus during this season!

Youth Christmas Party!

Today we had a youth Christmas party! We required them to help with prep and cooking etc this time. Most of them came and helped... much appreciated!

We ate.... played games... made gingerbread houses (that ended with a giant frosting fight) and a small concert! Good day!

A busy Friday!

Yesterday there were THREE events to go to... you know its Christmas time when you get to do that!!!

The first one was at a local school who asked us to come judge a English Christmas carol competition. It was a good time with lots of great carols!

After the event we all went out for breakfast at the golf club and home for an hour before we headed to the special ed school here in Jesus Maria! We have been extremely fortunate to have had the privilege to make friends with this school through the wheelchairs. We were able to bring them 10 more wheelchairs yesterday! We stayed through their Christmas program (theme: Shrek!) Anyways, it was great. The teachers there are incredibly hard workers with a heart for those kids. And the kids are so special! A few times i teared up. Rod also wrote a blog about it (and there is a video!). 

And finally on to the first church (in Santa Barbara) Tiffany and I have been teaching english as an outreach there every Friday. It was also the closing of their kids club. They had way over 100 families that came who got to hear the christmas story (and gospel!). We played a game with the english students that actually came... ate cake, drank ponche and had fun!

 

Yesterday was a GREAT day! 

Now off to get ready for the youth Christmas party!

THANK YOU!

A year end thank you from the president of Camino Global!



Camino Global - Year End Thank You 2012 from Camino Global on Vimeo.

Day of the Virgin

So tomorrow (December 12th) is the "Day of the Virgin". Rod wrote a little about it yesterday in his blog.

The other day we started seeing everyone walking, biking, running, and riding to the basilica in Mexico City. Some people walking HUNDREDS of miles carrying GIANT images of Mary.... we even got to ride with statues on the combi yesterday!

December 12th is the day that Mary appeared to Juan Diego, its the famous image of mary that we see all around.

Tiffany and I wanted to go to the basilica tomorrow... just to see what happens on "the virgin day". But because we have to skype with some people from Camino at 1 and we saw images like these on the internet... we decided it was better NOT to go!

Just for the record... I believe that Mary is an important part of history--- I mean she gave birth to Jesus! BUT.... she is not the reason for our salvation. She is not a figure to be worshiped above Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Jesus died for us... for our sins. So we don't have to suffer to get to heaven....
I also want people to understand that there is a difference between US Catholicism (I know several amazing men and woman of God who are also catholic!) and Mexican Catholicism. It is almost-- you need to see it to believe it type of thing.

But anyways...
Sometimes, it hits me (at random times) just the need for Christ in this country.,... and the last few days has been one of those times.

My favorite line in Rod's last blog (And i 100% agree...) was:
It's sad.  Mexico is not reached.  Don't believe that.  Please.

Some blogs you should read!

Jim posted a video about the closing ceremony-- check it out! THANKS JIM!

Rod posted a blog about the day coming up on December 12- the virgin day. It gets crazy around here. Tiff and I were just talking about how we wanted to see the basilica on that day (or brave going there on that day). Anyways... i will post more about this later but for now... read Rod's its a great post!

Headed to Tiff's house... we won't be here for christmas so today we are handing out cookies to people in the community and families in the church! =)

Ballet Folklorico

Today I had the privilege to go to Ballet Folklorico in Mexico City. It is in Bellas Artes (point number one!) and some of the very impressive outfits and dances from all across Mexico!

A must see for anyone staying in Mexico for any amount of time!

2012 Closing Ceremony

I sat down to write a blog about yesterdays festivities. But Rod, beat me too it.... so instead of reinventing the wheel.... check out his blog!

I love events. I love trying to make things creative. I could do them way more often if i had the opportunity! =)

Thanks for all your prayers for the night. It was great!

Last Baking Class of the year!

Today in baking class we made Christmas Cookies! =)

Basketball Evangelism

Tonight was the last night (for 2012) for basketball classes. Alan is the teacher for that class and he had a one last special meeting with not just the kids-- but their parents too! 

Before every game or activity Alan read a bible verse. And then at the end of the night-- He shared a little but about the gospel, prayed with them and then we gave them books to take home (thanks to the Steeles, who I believe brought the books down, right?)

There was a dog who liked to steal the basketball AND I learned the moms are more competitive then the kiddos!

Great night--- now time to thaw!

Please be praying for the 20 people that were there tonight. Some of them may have heard the Good News for the first time!

Thank you Alan, for all your hard work!

Appreciation Dinner

Last night a group of us make the journey to the other side of Mexico City for an appreciation dinner for Mexican Christian workers. I think there was  12 or 13 churches represented (and a handful of missionaries!).

We had a great time laughing, playing Rod's version of hot potato, singing christamas songs, listening to a devo, sharing a meal together, and giving thanks!!

It was refreshing seeing so many people there with a heart for sharing the gospel in Mexico City!

Here is a pic from worship (christmas song) time. I took all the pics on Rod's camera, so i don't have any!

Its a team effort

It is a team effort to get ready for a big event...  our event, next Friday!

25 wheelchairs are currently being put together by the men in the church (instead of their bible study tonight, maybe they are talking about the bible too... who knows!) and they are stacking most of them in my house! Currently 18 or 19 in my house, in various areas!

 

Last night the little gifts were wrapped for the kids(and adults) who get the wheelchairs. The little bags with candy, church and community center info, and a little booklet with the meaning of Christmas was done tonight....

 Games are done, classes are ready to present, art is ready to be hung (well at least mine!), teacher gifts ready.....

All that needs to be done now... making sure food gets prepared, and I want to make tags for the gifts ... not something that HAS to get done, but I want it to!

Heres what i want to do.... (of course it wont say LOVE hahah)

There are alot of elements going into next friday... Tono Munoz is giving the gospel presentation, classes are presenting, wheelchairs being handed out to another special needs school and some other people, and some art being displayed. It will be a great wrap up to the season... please be in prayer for this night!

First World Problems.

First of all... HAPPY DECEMBER! Can you believe its December? wow.

 Here is a slightly entertaining video... with a lot of truth.


 Have you ever experienced complaining about things that don't really matter? I have!
I have also seen the opposite... people without homes, food, clean water, clothing, dying...

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13, NLT)

I thank God for all that I have... and how I have never lacked for any basic necessity. Are you thankful?