A breakfast dare started the day when students double dog dared Mark to eat a bunch of home made Mexican hot sauce with his breakfast potatoes. Mark ate... laughed, cried, sniffled, sweated and suffered... the 'end' result will be felt later. But for someone who love hot foods, I (Mark) believe 1/2 of the fun is in the pain, so it was all good!
I have posted at least one photo of the beach area (?)... This is where we have our morning devotions. Devotions on the Pacific Ocean beach make quiet time unique and special. Devotions may never be the same...
The surf washes over the sand endlessly, reminding us of God's eternal qualities, the soothing sound of the ocean reminds us of God's comfort during times of need, the mighty expanse and power of the of the ocean remind us of the awesomeness of Jesus; His power to create, direct, walk on and even calm the waves, and the washing of the waves reminds us of the blood of Christ washing away all our sins once and for all.
The students all separate across the beach, taking time in solotude to read, reflect and meditate on God's word. We all have the opportunity to meet God right here in the vastness of His creation. It is incredible to imagine that the glory of nature was created by our God - and that He created us last, so that we could enjoy it, and be led back to Him.
(and all this happens before 9:00am)
Wednesday was again a 'school day'. The students (and some leaders) are learning excellent dramas which we will take to our outreach venues and the churches we will visit. Each drama is set to music and tightly coreographed; each is also directed as to show the awesome loving power of Jesus over satan in people's lives. These dramas are a very powerful way to communicate the love of Christ to the Mexican people through music and actions without the need of words or translators.
You can be very proud of your kids. They are all doing a great job being open to new evangelism tools, and some are turning out to be pretty good actors in these musical dramas.
Tonight our main speaker talked about what it is like for a teen to live out true Christianity. Who would let a person walk into a burning building to a certain death?.. no one. Yet how many people are too busy, too shy or too embarassed to talk to our neighbors, relatives and good friends about Jesus?... allowing them to perhaps perish to an eternal death.
The lesson was bold and courages. The speaker challenged the students not to be lazy or satisfied where they are with their Christianity, but instead to be bold and take a stand for Jesus NOW - not waiting for when they are "old enough" or "ready enough" to make a difference. This was again a very powerful message, and our students were moved.
After the main message, we had an opportunity to go out into the city and actually practice a little of what we just learned in the form of prayer walks. Four different group when to four key points of the city to gather and pray over the city and for the people of Ensenada, of all Mexico and even for our home town.
One word sums up what God is doing here with these students: AWESOME
Continue to pray for all the students. There is brokenness happening, rebirth, a growing boldness and deepening love of Christ and one another.
Thank you for your encouraging comments, please keep them coming as well!
For the team - Mark
I have posted at least one photo of the beach area (?)... This is where we have our morning devotions. Devotions on the Pacific Ocean beach make quiet time unique and special. Devotions may never be the same...
The surf washes over the sand endlessly, reminding us of God's eternal qualities, the soothing sound of the ocean reminds us of God's comfort during times of need, the mighty expanse and power of the of the ocean remind us of the awesomeness of Jesus; His power to create, direct, walk on and even calm the waves, and the washing of the waves reminds us of the blood of Christ washing away all our sins once and for all.
The students all separate across the beach, taking time in solotude to read, reflect and meditate on God's word. We all have the opportunity to meet God right here in the vastness of His creation. It is incredible to imagine that the glory of nature was created by our God - and that He created us last, so that we could enjoy it, and be led back to Him.
(and all this happens before 9:00am)
Wednesday was again a 'school day'. The students (and some leaders) are learning excellent dramas which we will take to our outreach venues and the churches we will visit. Each drama is set to music and tightly coreographed; each is also directed as to show the awesome loving power of Jesus over satan in people's lives. These dramas are a very powerful way to communicate the love of Christ to the Mexican people through music and actions without the need of words or translators.
You can be very proud of your kids. They are all doing a great job being open to new evangelism tools, and some are turning out to be pretty good actors in these musical dramas.
Tonight our main speaker talked about what it is like for a teen to live out true Christianity. Who would let a person walk into a burning building to a certain death?.. no one. Yet how many people are too busy, too shy or too embarassed to talk to our neighbors, relatives and good friends about Jesus?... allowing them to perhaps perish to an eternal death.
The lesson was bold and courages. The speaker challenged the students not to be lazy or satisfied where they are with their Christianity, but instead to be bold and take a stand for Jesus NOW - not waiting for when they are "old enough" or "ready enough" to make a difference. This was again a very powerful message, and our students were moved.
After the main message, we had an opportunity to go out into the city and actually practice a little of what we just learned in the form of prayer walks. Four different group when to four key points of the city to gather and pray over the city and for the people of Ensenada, of all Mexico and even for our home town.
One word sums up what God is doing here with these students: AWESOME
Continue to pray for all the students. There is brokenness happening, rebirth, a growing boldness and deepening love of Christ and one another.
Thank you for your encouraging comments, please keep them coming as well!
For the team - Mark
3 comments:
Thank you for all the wonderful updates. It is so nice to hear how God is working in these young people's lives. Gives a person new found hope just reading how God is working in their lives and changing them.
Tell Brianna we miss her. The pictures are wonderful.
Suzanne
Wow so great all that God is doing!!!! Looks like fun worship!! Love it!!! Can't wait to hear everything when you all get home!!! Enjoy every minute!!!! Love Heidi
Love all of the pictures!!!!
Kaylee you are famous!! Your picture was in the paper!!!
Wyatt, Mr. Front and Center, on lead guitar, jamming...then taking out the garbage too...wow, a man of many talents! Shelby and Becca...beautiful faces, and we love to see them even if the ARE goofy. Mike...we DO know who you were pretending to be AND all in white. Mark, we really enjoy your scripting as it give us a real feel for what is happening! We are praying and know that God has continued a great work in you. Guess what?...we miss you! Hugs
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