Friday Devos at Guadalupe Christian Camp Retreat

Basically when thinking about what I would do for devos I had in my mind the fact that we would be fresh out of Mexico and settled in at Guadeloupe Christian camp. I prayed about what God wanted the group to know and learn from my words. 

I felt the group dynamic change quite a bit when we got back, in a negative way. We were getting on each others nerves and it was apparent that we had been together for several days nonstop. 

I decided to start with a talk about tolerance and patience and how as a band we need to stay strong together but as a family it's important to love each other through irritations in order to be mature. Then after the long and high stress, but fun week of service, I thought itd be great to discuss Matthew 13:31-34... The parable of the mustard seed.

"31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”

 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

 34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable." (NIV)

I talked about how this week we were truly used by God, as kingdom workers, and that should excite us! We planted a seed that can never be uprooted unless a crazy tornado hit. God used us! Just some college musicians. It is amazing but yeah that's about it! We ended the devo on our knees in prayer. 

Chelsea Martin

Wonderful day!

Wow, today was such a wonderful day!
This morning I was a little wary because we were all incredibly sore from building walls and laying the foundation on Monday, but as soon as we got to work our muscles loosened up and we were as good as ever!

It was wonderful to be able to see all the work we'd been doing come together when we were able to set up the walls and look upon the skeleton of the home, it made my heart glad.

One sad thing in the construction of the home was that the foundation hadn't completely set when we started putting up the walls, so when we started stepping on the floor our shoe prints were making imprints and mucking up the floor! I was really sad that it was all gouged up, but later in the day we were able to smooth most of it out...rubbing my, Phil's, and Lindsey's knees' raw in the process...but what's so bad about a few battle scars right?!

Besides construction, it has been absolutely amazing to  get to know all the people. There are so many kids that just want to play (and help out!). We got to spend time playing soccer (futbol) in the street with them and then get pelted by the ball when they kick it at us...not to mention they are good kickers!

One inspiring thing is how happy these kids are. They pretty much have the clothes on their backs, a cinder block home and a soccer ball, and they're content! Beyond that they love to help us. Some of them are only 7 or 8 years old, but they can swing a hammer better than us. It's also amazing to me that, even though it's not their house, they still want to lend a hand, take ownership and come beside their Mexican friends, and their new found Americano friends. It's a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Well, we're 2 days into this house now, with two days left. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us for the rest of the trip.

God bless, and thank you for your prayers.
Madeline Rick

Summary

We were in the van on the way to the work site when Seth started talking about his pet peeve: meaningless chatter that starts foolish arguments and controversies. Because of this, my mind was on this topic the whole day. I had already had this on my mind for a little while prior to the trip. While we worked I was thinking about it more and more and also what I was going to talk about at devotions that night. So when we got back I opened up the Bible and turned to 2 Timothy 2:14-26.

 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

 22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (NIV)

This passage talked precisely about what had been on my mind all this time. It was just another confirmation from the Lord that this is something I need to work on. WhenI am working is usually one of the best places I can really think and ponder about things and what God has laid on my heart. I loved this whole trip but that day was especially memorable.

Zach Wilkins

Welcome to Juarez

Well to say the least, Monday was a crazy and hectic day as we arrived in Mexico.  Once our group was across the border and at the job site, we could really get a sense for the working conditions we would be in. The temperature was pretty cold with some snow falling at times. The attitude of the group seemed pretty relaxed as we anticipated what our jobs would be.  As we got the trailer unloaded, I prepared to give a short devotional thought that had been on my mind as we drove from Joplin to Mexico.

Before the trip had even started, my mind was racing with thoughts of how the group would do in Mexico, how we would interact with the different family members and especially how I would interact with everyone. Another thought that came was just all of the things that would bring heart ache to myself. The poverty and the lost souls roaming around just trying to make ends meet.  My heart breaks for Juarez, my heart yearns to bring them some good news. My mind began to wonder at what point the work in Juarez would be over.  I began to wonder how I could ever put a damper on the unjust that occurs in Juarez.  

I read in my devotionals that morning Psalms 37 which was an answer to my yearning heart.  As we went into Juarez, I tried to remind our team that though there is such a need, since our hearts would break, we should not fret for Christ's will prevail.  In the end, God will prevail, just at the moment we should be the hands and feet for God so that He can alleviate the needs of those in need.  It was important for myself to remember that we were not there building a house, but God was.  We were not there to be seen, but it was Christ for whom it was to be seen in us. This team was not out just to build a house for a family in need, but to bring God glory by some sweat and tears.

For Him,

Phillip R. Burnette

What a day!

What a day! We woke up in the USA and next thing you know I'm ankle deep in mud and cement in Juarez, Mexico!

Today we started pouring concrete and building walls for the Torres family. In between building walls and being splattered by out-of-control cement, I got the chance to play soccer with some of the neighborhood kids, (needless to say, they were much better than I was!).

It was a great day! I'm tired and I stink but I have never felt more fulfilled in my life! God is working in Juarez. Great things are still to come in this city!

Mark Bujarski

Lovington, New Mexico

Sunday morning in Lovington, NM.

We had a unique opportunity to lead worship for a church. Going into the day I had no idea what the church would be like and I wondered how spiritually deep or interested the congregation would be. The congregation ended up being about 75 people.

Size doesn't bother me, I was ultimately hoping to have true worship in a new way. The church responded with an amazing heart. There were no distractions and we had a room full of people giving God the glory due to Him! Going into a new church is always in though task, but it is encouraging to see willing hearts praising our Almighty LORD!!

Seth Hale

Don't mess with Texas!

Made it to Texas! We had a late start this afternoon but we are well on our way. We arrive in El Paso tomorrow. Not to certain what all we are going to do tomorrow but certainly it will be good. After tomorrow we probably won't put up any updates because we won't have internet access. When we do get internet we will upload them and put them with the date it was written.

Please pray for the family who will be receiving this house. They have been waiting for one for 3 years. please keep our travel in your prayers along with God's voice and power to work through us and in us to reach this family and others we may encounter.