Hello everyone,
Sorry we have not been in touch yet…I have written a few email updates to you, but have not been able to send them out for some reason- and have had a busy schedule the past two days already.
It seems like a long time ago- but we had a great travel day and arrived safe and sound in GDL late Friday night. Thanks to those who came to see us off at the airport- it really was encouraging!
Chandra had a rough first night as something we had in the airport for supper did not agree with her- she hung in there with us though and today woke up with lots of energy and back to the Chandra we know! Thank you Lord.
Saturday was a full day of meeting the Matthew Team and learning more about the history of GDL as well as the Mexican culture. Then we went with the Church Youth Group out to a poor area of the city where they have begun a new outreach weekly. We joined together in praying for the area and then went out into the community in small groups handing out valentine hearts with messages of love from the Word of God. It was encouraging to see the passion of the young people as we worshiped and prayed together calling out to God for this needy area of the city. They showed such courage and boldness as they went out into the town to meet with others – we enjoyed interacting with the youth, even through the language barrier.
We then had a late supper of the best TACOS in Mexico at an amazing taco stand…. guess how many Kirk had?!!
On Sunday we had the privilege of worshipping with the RETO church that Trever and Joan are apart of. It was a very special Sunday as they were commissioning a leader and group of people that are going out to begin a new church in a different area of the city. There are only a handful of evangelical churches here in GDL and it is encouraging to see this small group of believers step out in courage and faith to reach out to other communities. We loved the worship, shared in communion and prayer together as we sent out this new church. We experienced community as we shared in a potluck lunch sitting outside on the patio. It was a meaningful day for all of us.
Marley was able to go with Kenia today to another church where they put on a children’s program and handed out Christmas Shoe Boxes to kids. It was a special way to spend valentine’s day!
After our time at the church we went downtown to see one of the main Bascillica’s of the city. This large Catholic church is beautiful and ornate but such a contrast to the small simple church we had been in earlier. We learned more about the religion here and what people beleive and worship.
We are blessed by the conversation and fellowship we are having with the Matthew Team members- Godards, Jen Schmidt and Sandra Plett. We have so much to learn from them and as the week goes on we hope to be as much of an encouragement in prayer and blessing to them as they are to us.
Thank you for your prayers and support- God is at work here in GDL and among the team of missionaries and short termers that are here. We look forward to the days ahead as we discover more of what God is wanting us to learn and do as we are here. The team is doing great and we are enjoying one another!
Maryanne for the team.
to pray about:
