July

Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.                                                 1 Timothy 4:12

On the last day of the retreat they called me over to join their group shot.

This last month we got to work with young people.  We loved it.  With the opportunity to help plan and facilitate a youth retreat, we spent the first two weeks of the month in the church office-- busy with preparation.  But what was really exciting was being with the 90-some students: creating an atmosphere where they could hear God's Word, enjoy His creation, and be challenged to press into His love.

One of Xaume's team-building activities.

Xaume was in charge of a lot.  One area he was put in charge of was the camp/games, which he's kind of famous for.  From cowboy slip-n-slide to multiple-people-in-a-sack relays to team-building challenges, these activities made the afternoons lively and helped the youth build relationships.

Translating.  That is one thing I did a lot.  Since we had a US team at the retreat,  I was either translating English to Spanish or Spanish to English.  Amazingly, it was way fun.  By God's grace I got to translate teachings and instructions and conversations and anything else I could. 

Speaking to the youth about the importance of taking every thought captive.

You may notice that my watch shows up frequently in these photos.  That's because I helped keep the schedule moving.  Funny, it ran out of batteries just after.

Translating for my husband : ) who, by the way gave an awesome message.

Connecting with the US team was refreshing for me.  It was an honor for me to get to know them and to love on them as they were on their first trip to Mexico. I'm not sure what is more inspiring than seeing young people respond to God's call on their lives. 

Strategic moment in one of the team challenges.

Dining room at meal time.  One of our favorite times.

Right after the retreat, we transitioned into a missions trip in the area.  Members of our home church joined those of us who stayed (the US team and about 10 youth from the retreat).  On the first day, I was assigned to translate for the US team as they went to a prison. 

Each of the youth from the States shared a testimony about God's transforming power in their lives.  They had also prepared dramas to demonstrate God's love in Christ.  It was amazing how the men responded...

 These are the men who called on Christ that day.  Please pray for them to hunger after God and to attend church meetings that gather in prison so they can grow in Him.

 Each day we went to a different village and shared the gospel with adults and children.  The team from church brought donations and also offered free hair-cuts and dental work.

But my favorite part was when we got to pray for the people.  We invited them to come up for prayer- whether for healing or their families or whatever need they had.  They responded. 

I honestly don't remember this moment. Probably giving directions for those waiting for the dentist.

Clothing donations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were very thankful for the tents- they protected us from both sun and rain.

In the evenings we visited local churches and the US team presented their dramas and testimonies.  More fun translating!

I even got to translate to the kids!

Translating an evening service at church back in Mexico City.

It was sad to see the US team go, but we had such a blast.  I was even assigned the team driver for a couple days!  Hurray for 15-passenger vans in Mexico City!

Visiting Ohio for the last couple weeks has been a huge blessing.  Xaume is still hard at work in Mexico, but he's glad I get to spend time with my family.  Thank you for praying for us. We had an exciting month and saw God work in and through the youth.

Prayer requests: Xaume leading a youth camp this week and my remaining time in the States.