from the mixed up files of EAFK: Mexico Mission Trip 2007

the Mexico team with Pastors Luis and Patti

First, we need to apologize that this update comes so late. God did tremendous things while we were in Chihuahua and we'd like to share a few highlights with ya'll.

What: Ed and I joined West Houston Chinese Church's youth group for a mission trip. We wanted to interact with Initiatives (the mission organization) for future KCCC mission trips.

When:July 7 - July 15

Where: small village outside of Chihuahua

How: Unlike many of our past missions trip, Ed and I joined the WHCC team to help construct the second phase of the local church. We spent our days building in the morning and afternoon. At night, we would spend time with the local church members. Host families from the church provided food and lodging for us. We know how to mix concrete!

Highlights:

The Mexican people were very hospitable. Though our communication was very limited, we were reminded how our actions can be used to love others.

Alicia was able to share the gospel with a college kid named David. Though he didn't become a believer that day, we were encouraged that he had many questions and has a lot of Christian influences surrounding him.

This was the first time that Ed and Alicia experienced a mission trip together. Wow! What a blessing it is to serve alongside your spouse. We highly recommend it!

Pastors Luis and Patti were a godly example for Ed and I. They work tirelessly with so much joy for lost people. They also displayed a passion for prayer that was inspiring.

God protected our health. Alicia's eczema only became an issue towards the end of the week. God provided rain on Sunday (the day we arrived) and it provided a cool climate for us to work in. Ed avoided a potential hazard when he stepped on a rusty nail that went through the sole of his shoe. Alicia was freaking out. Ed calmly took off his shoe and saw (praise God) the nail had scraped between his two toes causing no pierced skin.

The team displayed great attitudes and maturity. They served hard, complained little, and really stepped up to the challenge of construction. We were very blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people! (Jennifer, Jodi, Andrew, Brian, Josh, Amanda, Cybil, Winnie, Monica, Kristen, and Janet)

The last day of the trip we got to travel to the actual city of Chihuahua. Lots of exciting things: shopping, water show, shopping, historical sites, shopping, and (Alicia's highlight) eating KFC for dinner at a local church member's home!

The trip also sparked alot of dialogue between Ed and Alicia. We had both participated in many short term mission trips in the past. So we were asking questions like "how can we best serve God in the local church in the span of a week?" or "what missional experiences are best for the Katy youth?" or "do we return to the same site every year?" We don't have any answers yet, but we are still processing through things.

THANK YOU to our wonderful prayer warriors and financial supporters. Looking back, all of our prayer requests were answered. We couldn't have done it without you!

Ed & Alicia

mixing concrete

one of the more labor intensive tasks we did

church service

making relationships with our host families

Luli, our host momdavid and his family

*david comes from a well off family in the city of Chihuahua. he's currently attending Chihuahua University to study engineering. as we were talking about Jesus Christ in his life, he responded with "I'm happy with my life. I don't need God". Please pray that one day david will seek a relationship with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.