Hello once again from Tepatitlan! Here´s a report from yesterday, Monday 8-3-09 (I think).
We got up pretty early yesterday and loaded the bus for our trip to Nochistlan, where we teamed with the local church there. About a 2 hour drive there. Like our other days, we split up into groups of 4-6 and walked the streets of Nochistland, which is a city of about 40,000 people. We had spiritual discussions, passed our tracts, and invited the people of the city to the central plaza for games, a puppet show, crafts, and the drama. Many people showed up at the plaza and heard the Gospel through our presentations and a mini-sermon from the Pastor of the church here in Tepa. Lots of great conversations yesterday.
While a few members of the team have experienced some short-term problems with sore throats and stomach aches, yesterday was a different story for Taylor Stearns. She became pretty ill with a stomach and intestinal bug. She wasn´t able to walk the streets of Nochistlan with us, nor was she able to go to the plaza last night. We were able to locate some medications and get them in her. Fortunately, she got a good night´s rest and is doing much better today. Praise God! However, she´s still feeling physically fragile and so she´s staying at the church today instead of going with the team to the water park for our last day and day of fun. Deann and I are staying back with her to be sure she doesn´t relapse.
Our STEM Team Leader, Ramon Flores (who makes his home in Minnesota, of course) has been awesome. He has such a huge heart for our team and for the Mexican people in this area, as Tepatitlan is where his roots are. We will badly miss Ramon and the families of the church here in Tepa.
With the exception of the disagreement/incident that happened among the student team members on Saturday night (to which Catie referred in her Sunday blog), this team has gotten along wonderfully. I want each of you parents to know how much I have enjoyed getting to know your child and seeing them in action for the Lord. They are awesome kids. I believe this experience has been terrific for us all.
Tonight, after the team returns from the water park, we´ll get cleaned up, packed up and do our final debrief with Ramon. We will then retire early in prep for a dark & early start to our return-home day. I think everyone is really ready to be home. We miss you all. Thank you so much for your prayers. Please continue to pray for safety today and for safe travel today and tomorrow, as well as no complications getting thru airport check-in, customs, etc.
In Him we give thanks and continue to covet your prayers.
Ted
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.
We just finished service and are enjoying a peaceful and relaxing afternoon. We have been so blessed to work along side this church and help them minister to thier community.
Tedd already filled yall in on our incredible opportunity to help out a family in the church last night, but I just wanted to give you more information about what happened yesterday.
Yesterday we spent the morning shopping in downtown guadalajara which was an incredible experience! That afternoon we were invited to a birthday party for Oscar (whom non of us knew). We went, and as the party continued, a cloud began to loom over our team, by the time we were on the bus ride home, I was in tears and others were questioning our purpose on this trip. We arrived back at the church and the leaders left to take the family shopping. As soon as they left, the whole team went at eachother. We began arguing and fighting over silly things. Satan finally got ahold of everyone on the team and we lost it. By Gods grace, a family who lives here (but are american) came up to the roof where we were. They had been wanting to worship with us all week but had not yet gotten the opportunity to do so. We were so exhausted, dear Brittney was in tears, and many of us were not at a place to worship God. But we did. We only thought we were going to sing a couple songs, but before we knew it, an hour and a half had gone by. We read scripture, prayed and begged God to show us his purpose and protect us from the spiritual warfare. I can only describe the teams attitude after as miraculous! We were completly different.
The title for the post today comes from Philippians 3. 13 and it says `Forgetting what is behind and pressing on toward what is ahead. I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward.´ With new attitudes and a renewed spirit our team will head out tomorrow and share the glory of Chirst. No matter the circumstances, no matter our level of exhaustion we press on toward the goal!
- Catie
Tedd already filled yall in on our incredible opportunity to help out a family in the church last night, but I just wanted to give you more information about what happened yesterday.
Yesterday we spent the morning shopping in downtown guadalajara which was an incredible experience! That afternoon we were invited to a birthday party for Oscar (whom non of us knew). We went, and as the party continued, a cloud began to loom over our team, by the time we were on the bus ride home, I was in tears and others were questioning our purpose on this trip. We arrived back at the church and the leaders left to take the family shopping. As soon as they left, the whole team went at eachother. We began arguing and fighting over silly things. Satan finally got ahold of everyone on the team and we lost it. By Gods grace, a family who lives here (but are american) came up to the roof where we were. They had been wanting to worship with us all week but had not yet gotten the opportunity to do so. We were so exhausted, dear Brittney was in tears, and many of us were not at a place to worship God. But we did. We only thought we were going to sing a couple songs, but before we knew it, an hour and a half had gone by. We read scripture, prayed and begged God to show us his purpose and protect us from the spiritual warfare. I can only describe the teams attitude after as miraculous! We were completly different.
The title for the post today comes from Philippians 3. 13 and it says `Forgetting what is behind and pressing on toward what is ahead. I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward.´ With new attitudes and a renewed spirit our team will head out tomorrow and share the glory of Chirst. No matter the circumstances, no matter our level of exhaustion we press on toward the goal!
- Catie
Sunday update
Good morning. It´s Sunday and the team will be worshiping with the folks here at Centro Cristo Es El Camino here in Tepatitlan. We have been treated very well here. Last night, for the 2nd night in a row, we enjoyed hamburguesas at a stand down the street. Not that there is anything wrong with the tacos here, but a change of pace was much appreciated. A pretty elaborate menu consisting of (1) hamburger, (2) double hamburger, or (3) hotdog. Amazingly, decision making time at this stand is pretty quick.
Last night was an emotional night for the team. Martha is one of the ladies who has been preparing our food and going with us on our trips. She and her husband, Carlos have 6 children living with them. The kids always accompany us on the trips as well and hang around the team a lot. This is the most delightful family and the kids are so well behaved. A few days ago we got a chance to go see their home. It was deplorable. No running water, flies everywhere, an outside make-shift bathroom, dirt floors and all 8 of them living in two rooms with 4 (so-called) beds, I think. Our hearts absolutely broke for them when we saw their living conditions. You would never know they lived like that by their attitudes, cleanliness and joy. They are all amazing servants to the Lord, our team and the church. Carlos, the father, has a testimony like no others. He´s a tattoo´d former Los Angeles gang member, who was abusive to his wife and kids. They were literally in fear whenever in his presence. When he gave his life to Christ 3 years ago everything changed. He became a gentle loving husband and father, completely quit drinking and using drugs, and took responsibility for himself, his family and his relationship with God. Anyway, after seeing their home (if you can call it that), we decided as a team to help them out. So, last night the leadership team accompanied Martha and Carlos to the local Wal Mart equivalent and filled three shopping carts (over flowing) with household supplies, toiletries, personal hygene products and clothing. We spent 2.5 hours going thru the store loading them up with what we would consider essentials for living. While they were resistent to allowing us to do this for them, they did concede when we explained they would be denying us the blessing if they did not let us do this for them. They were overjoyed and very appreciative. It was truly like Christmas day for them three times over.
During our devotional and debrief time last night we shared with the team what happened and how the family responded. Because of how much we all love this family, it was a very joyfully emotional time of sharing. We have so much and they have so little. Your kids will look forward to sharing these very special moments with you.
Your prayers for our health and safety are being answered. Again, just a few minor stomach aches and sore throats. Other than that, all is very well. Please keep praying. We miss you and love you and look forward to seeing all of you in three days.
In Him,
Ted
Last night was an emotional night for the team. Martha is one of the ladies who has been preparing our food and going with us on our trips. She and her husband, Carlos have 6 children living with them. The kids always accompany us on the trips as well and hang around the team a lot. This is the most delightful family and the kids are so well behaved. A few days ago we got a chance to go see their home. It was deplorable. No running water, flies everywhere, an outside make-shift bathroom, dirt floors and all 8 of them living in two rooms with 4 (so-called) beds, I think. Our hearts absolutely broke for them when we saw their living conditions. You would never know they lived like that by their attitudes, cleanliness and joy. They are all amazing servants to the Lord, our team and the church. Carlos, the father, has a testimony like no others. He´s a tattoo´d former Los Angeles gang member, who was abusive to his wife and kids. They were literally in fear whenever in his presence. When he gave his life to Christ 3 years ago everything changed. He became a gentle loving husband and father, completely quit drinking and using drugs, and took responsibility for himself, his family and his relationship with God. Anyway, after seeing their home (if you can call it that), we decided as a team to help them out. So, last night the leadership team accompanied Martha and Carlos to the local Wal Mart equivalent and filled three shopping carts (over flowing) with household supplies, toiletries, personal hygene products and clothing. We spent 2.5 hours going thru the store loading them up with what we would consider essentials for living. While they were resistent to allowing us to do this for them, they did concede when we explained they would be denying us the blessing if they did not let us do this for them. They were overjoyed and very appreciative. It was truly like Christmas day for them three times over.
During our devotional and debrief time last night we shared with the team what happened and how the family responded. Because of how much we all love this family, it was a very joyfully emotional time of sharing. We have so much and they have so little. Your kids will look forward to sharing these very special moments with you.
Your prayers for our health and safety are being answered. Again, just a few minor stomach aches and sore throats. Other than that, all is very well. Please keep praying. We miss you and love you and look forward to seeing all of you in three days.
In Him,
Ted
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Catch up note.
Hi Folks. Sorry for the lapse in time between blogs. I believe our last blog was a few days ago on 7-30-09, and I was thinking the date was 7-31-09. So, I got our days messed up. Sorry about that.
Today is 8-1-09 and here´s what has happened over the last two days:
Yesterday, we traveled about 30 minutes to a town called Capilla Milpiez (wrong spelling I´m sure). We had lunch with the local church there and then walked the streets passing out tracts and visiting with the local people. That night, we held our event in the plaza. We performed the puppet presentation, the drama, we did crafts, played games, and shared the Gospel with the towns people. A great night. We had one person give their life to Christ. Interesting story: While we were walking the streets, the local Priest came over the town loud speaker and said "avoid the foreigners and stay away from the plaza. They´re here to kidnap our children¨. Wow, talk about spiritual warfare! We had a decent turn out anyway. Long Day.
Today, we visited the market in Guadalajara and will leave in a few minutes to a social gathering at the ranch of one of the members of the church here in Tepatitlan. It´s a good day.
Again, all members of the team are well, with the exception of a couple of sore throats and a few upset stomachs. Overall, health is great. This team is fantastic the way they connect with the local people, love on them and work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I´m privileged to be a part of this mission.
Please continue to pray for effective ministry, good health and safe travel. We miss you all and look forward to coming home on Wednesday.
Ted
Today is 8-1-09 and here´s what has happened over the last two days:
Yesterday, we traveled about 30 minutes to a town called Capilla Milpiez (wrong spelling I´m sure). We had lunch with the local church there and then walked the streets passing out tracts and visiting with the local people. That night, we held our event in the plaza. We performed the puppet presentation, the drama, we did crafts, played games, and shared the Gospel with the towns people. A great night. We had one person give their life to Christ. Interesting story: While we were walking the streets, the local Priest came over the town loud speaker and said "avoid the foreigners and stay away from the plaza. They´re here to kidnap our children¨. Wow, talk about spiritual warfare! We had a decent turn out anyway. Long Day.
Today, we visited the market in Guadalajara and will leave in a few minutes to a social gathering at the ranch of one of the members of the church here in Tepatitlan. It´s a good day.
Again, all members of the team are well, with the exception of a couple of sore throats and a few upset stomachs. Overall, health is great. This team is fantastic the way they connect with the local people, love on them and work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I´m privileged to be a part of this mission.
Please continue to pray for effective ministry, good health and safe travel. We miss you all and look forward to coming home on Wednesday.
Ted
Friday, July 31, 2009
Report on Thursday
Hello All,
It´s Friday, 8-1-09 and all is well in Tepatitlan. Yesterday was a long day for us, as we headed out at 8:00am and got back around midnight. We traveled for about 90 minutes to a place called Yajualica, where we walked the city streets meeting people, passing out tracts, and inviting them to our gathering at Plaza Jardin. We teamed with the people at the only Christian church in this city of about 50,000 people. Beautiful city and lovely people. At the plaza we played with the kids, engaged with the adults, did the puppet show and drama, and did crafts with the kids. They loved it. I believe 3 or 4 people prayed to receive Christ between our street conversations and our connections at the plaza. The team was really fired up on our trip back last night. Many great conversations were had, many seeds were planted, some seeds were watered, and I think we put on a very good face for Jesus Christ to the people there. Not sure what the plans are for today, but we got to sleep in a bit this morning. That´s praise worthy too!
This team is awesome. All are getting along very well with each other. As for health we have had a few upset stomachs, but nothing incapacitating. Please keep praying for protection, for good rest, and for good health. We love you and miss you.
Ted
It´s Friday, 8-1-09 and all is well in Tepatitlan. Yesterday was a long day for us, as we headed out at 8:00am and got back around midnight. We traveled for about 90 minutes to a place called Yajualica, where we walked the city streets meeting people, passing out tracts, and inviting them to our gathering at Plaza Jardin. We teamed with the people at the only Christian church in this city of about 50,000 people. Beautiful city and lovely people. At the plaza we played with the kids, engaged with the adults, did the puppet show and drama, and did crafts with the kids. They loved it. I believe 3 or 4 people prayed to receive Christ between our street conversations and our connections at the plaza. The team was really fired up on our trip back last night. Many great conversations were had, many seeds were planted, some seeds were watered, and I think we put on a very good face for Jesus Christ to the people there. Not sure what the plans are for today, but we got to sleep in a bit this morning. That´s praise worthy too!
This team is awesome. All are getting along very well with each other. As for health we have had a few upset stomachs, but nothing incapacitating. Please keep praying for protection, for good rest, and for good health. We love you and miss you.
Ted
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Days 2 & 3
Sorry for no blog entry yesterday. Here´s an update: Tuesday we drove to Capia de Guadalupe (about an hour from Tepatitlan) where we split up into groups, walked the streets, met people, engaged in evangelistic conversations and passed out tracks (or is it tracts). The Gospel was shared with several people, but it was difficult because this city (of about 80,000 people) is comprised mostly of very devout Catholics. It really took us out of our comfort zone, but caused us to grow as we stepped out in faith. Then, last night we went into one of the major city parks in Tepatitlan where we engaged with many children and adults, put on two puppet shows, did our mime presentation, and the Gospel was shared both in a large group setting and in small group settings with the children.
Today was more of a day for us. Great devotional time this morning followed by a trip into downtown Tepa and El Mercado for shopping. This afternoon we visited the home of a family that´s very much involved in the church where we are staying. By the way, we are staying at Centro Cristo es el Camino. I believe it´s the only evangelical church in this city of 250,000+ people. What an opportunity there is here to reach people with the life changing reality of Jesus Christ. Our STEM (Short Term Evangelical Missions) representative is Ramon and he´s done an outstanding job of helping us adapt to and connect with the Mexican people here in Tepa.
We will attend the church service tonight here at Centro Cristo. Tomorrow and Thursday we expect to be very long days as we go out into other surrounding villages to engage in spiritual conversations and pass out materials about having a personal relationship with Christ. We will also be performing our puppet shows, dramas and leading worship songs in these areas.
So far, no one has gotten sick or suffered any injuries. The food is great and all is well. Praise God! Please continue to pray that we can establish credibility as Christians, and pray for open doors to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a very ¨religious¨ people group who don´t know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Today was more of a day for us. Great devotional time this morning followed by a trip into downtown Tepa and El Mercado for shopping. This afternoon we visited the home of a family that´s very much involved in the church where we are staying. By the way, we are staying at Centro Cristo es el Camino. I believe it´s the only evangelical church in this city of 250,000+ people. What an opportunity there is here to reach people with the life changing reality of Jesus Christ. Our STEM (Short Term Evangelical Missions) representative is Ramon and he´s done an outstanding job of helping us adapt to and connect with the Mexican people here in Tepa.
We will attend the church service tonight here at Centro Cristo. Tomorrow and Thursday we expect to be very long days as we go out into other surrounding villages to engage in spiritual conversations and pass out materials about having a personal relationship with Christ. We will also be performing our puppet shows, dramas and leading worship songs in these areas.
So far, no one has gotten sick or suffered any injuries. The food is great and all is well. Praise God! Please continue to pray that we can establish credibility as Christians, and pray for open doors to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a very ¨religious¨ people group who don´t know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Estamos Aqui! (we are here!!)
And we are off! Priase God for getting all us of here safe and sound in Tepa. We arrived at Hillcountry at 4 am this morning, a bit tired, but very eager to see how God´s going to use us on this trip. After finally getting through all of the airport precautions, we flew off to Houston at 6:50. There were no delays or obstacles during security or anything... everything just went very smoothly and we are so thankful.
After arriving in Houston, we rushed to catch our next flight that would take us to Guadalajara. I think all of us would agree that we were taken a bit by surpise when we saw the lush beauty of the mountains below us. We got to catch up on our sleep, which was a must needed necesity before we arrived!
We met Ramon, our STEM leader, at the airport. We all got on a bus and headed off to Tepa. It was a fourty five minute trip from the airpot to the church, where we are staying, in tepa. We have had a relaxing day, getting settled in and meeting new friends!
Please continue to pray for safetly and health. Ramon came down with a severe food poisoning, and although he is feeling much better, please keep him in your prayers.
We will continue to keep updated throughout the week! Thanks again for all your prayers and support.
Taylor Stearns and Catie Kolence
p.s mommy i love you ;)
After arriving in Houston, we rushed to catch our next flight that would take us to Guadalajara. I think all of us would agree that we were taken a bit by surpise when we saw the lush beauty of the mountains below us. We got to catch up on our sleep, which was a must needed necesity before we arrived!
We met Ramon, our STEM leader, at the airport. We all got on a bus and headed off to Tepa. It was a fourty five minute trip from the airpot to the church, where we are staying, in tepa. We have had a relaxing day, getting settled in and meeting new friends!
Please continue to pray for safetly and health. Ramon came down with a severe food poisoning, and although he is feeling much better, please keep him in your prayers.
We will continue to keep updated throughout the week! Thanks again for all your prayers and support.
Taylor Stearns and Catie Kolence
p.s mommy i love you ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)