Mexico...
- Sep 4, 2018
- 4 min read
That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
-John 17:21-23
While we will not know the true fullness of the meaning of "unity" this side of heaven, the idea of being united as one is mentioned several times in Scripture, which seems to indicate that it is something close to the Father's heart. And in our imperfect pursuit of unity, if nothing else, we know that it begins with LOVE (the greatest commandment).
Last fall, as our team began to talk and pray about the 2018 summer outreach, we had the impression that we were called to UNIFY, and specifically to unify North America. And thus, after much preparation and planning, we left on July 27th for a 10,000 kilometer road trip across the United States of America, headed for the Mexican border. We, a French-Canadian team, were to join with an American team from Minnesota, to go and bless the people of Mexico.
Three countries, three languages, one God and one mission.
We met the U.S. team in El Paso, Texas, where we crossed the border together into Mexico. An example of some of the barriers we encountered, the U.S. team was not allowed to enter the country due to vehicle authorization issues and thus had to return Stateside and re-enter Mexico the following day.
In spite of the U.S. team's setback, and a car malfunction within the Canadian team, we all made it safely to Creel, a beautiful town nestled in the mountains of Chihuahua state. We were warmly welcomed by the Youth With A Mission staff there, and set to work right away ! During our time in Creel, we had many ministry opportunities, and were always split into two or three (sometimes more) different groups in order to be able to do everything !
The YWAM staff in Creel helped make connections for us with local churches, pastors an ministries. We did programs with children, worked in several churches, ministered to the native (Tarahumara) people who live in the mountains, and had an evening of evangelism in the city square. As is often the case when going somewhere to "do ministry," we always came away feeling blessed and poured into by those whom we met.
With our multinational group, we had the privilege of sharing the gospel in many different languages, and on a few occasions we had a four-way translation, from French to English to Spanish to the native language. What a joy to see God's Word being fulfilled, as every nation and tongue will one day proclaim Christ as King (Philippians 2:10-11) !
The Canadian team also spent a couple days at the YWAM base in Juarez, where we were able to spend time with the young people who live at the children's home on base. These children, who come from difficult and broken family situations, are proof of the transformational work of Jesus -- their smiles, laughter and overflowing joy were contagious !
As a team, we had many bonding opportunities, especially during the travel. We had six long days of driving from Joliette, Quebec down to Creel, and although there were inevitable moments of frustration and fatigue, there we many good conversations, fun games and activities that brought us closer together ! We were thankful for the YWAM bases, churches, and families who welcomed us, gave us shelter, and often fed us along the way !
Now, a couple weeks after the end of the outreach, we pray that everyone who participated (which included young children -from 6 and 10 months old- adolescents, young adults, older adults and families) has had the time to reflect on the things that we saw and experienced, the things that God taught them, and the work that He did through each person during this outreach. God's purpose is always to make His glory known, and we are thankful that He revealed Himself to the participants as well as those that we ministered to.
God - almighty, omnipotent, and sovereign- does not NEED us to accomplish His purposes, but He allows us the joy and privilege of working alongside Him to see His Kingdom come ! We give all glory back to the Lord for the opportunity to go and serve the people of Mexico; for the safety He provided throughout the journey; for the grace that He has with us in our imperfection; for the beautiful people that we met; and for the work that He did in and through us !
To Him be ALL glory forever !
Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who sent us out with the much needed prayers and necessary finances ! We are blessed to be part of the Body of Christ, which has many different functions but one common goal: to make Jesus known. Your prayers and support were essential in this project, and we are eternally grateful !
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