Streeeeetch

For when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:10

It's good to be stretched.  When we're stretched, our human strength fails, and God's strength manifests.  This month had moments of demand: physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  But the beauty is that He gets all the glory. 

Puebla, Mexico

We started off the month conducting a four-day youth retreat for a church located here in the city.  This was their first youth camp, so they asked for our help. 

The church chose a lovely location an hour and a half south of the city.  Upon arrival, the kids were ours.  From sunup to past sundown, we kept the teens busy with team building activities...

Devotions, reflections, workshops...

 Dinner parties and crafts...

Teachings, worship and prayer!

Many of the youth had never been to camp before and didn't know what to expect.  But by the time we had to say goodbye, they were deeply grateful for the work God had done in their hearts and the friendships they had made.  

Thank you, God for the opportunity to sow into these young lives!

Next, we geared up for the double-take youth retreat and mission trip.  A group of seventeen from Washington state, plus 60 teens from Mexico embarked on Rhema's youth retreat.  

Welcoming orientation 

Officially, we were in charge of the US team.  But we stayed busy as activities directors, translators, MCs and speakers.

Xaume planned the camp and rally activities each afternoon!

Personal devotion time - enjoying nature

In a dating workshop I facilitated based on Matthew 6:33

Thanks for translating Xau! 

Despite unexpected schedule changes, evening thunder storms, and spider bites, when several teens told us it was the best camp they've ever been to, it was music to our ears!

The Spirit of God moved over the youth in power during times of worship and prayer.  We pray that the work continue in each young person's life. 

After three and a half days of camp, we had a transition to missions.  Most of the youth returned home, but 30 members of Rhema Bible Church met up with us to travel to the state of Puebla (another 4 hours south).   

The first night we arrived to preach at a local church.  Here I'm translating for Pastors Greg and Starlene (from Inspiration Bible Church in Tacoma, WA).

Preparing tracts and literature for the 255 adults who received the Lord

Xaume and Alex singing and dancing with the kids

USA presenting an evangelistic drama

During the whole event, members of the community received free dental care,  hair cuts, and grocery bags

Receiving the Lord

After the call to salvation, we extended the invitation to pray individually for healing and other needs.  Several people received instant physical healing and many others a healing touch from the Father. 

In these rural areas of Puebla and Guerrero, few people have come to minister.  The pastor in Cuahlote, which we traveled to in pick-ups due to rough terrain, said they have never had any event like it.   

The people were so thankful and asked us when we would be coming again.  That makes it worth all those mountain curves. 
Pray with us for those who heard the message to hunger for more and to become a part of the local congregations.   

To close the month, we celebrated our two year anniversary :)

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! We love you!