Dinner in the Dumps & Painting in the Park

09Jul

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you are all doing well! We have completed our first full week here in Mexico, and I can honestly say it has been such a rich and encouraging start. Thank you to each of you who has been praying for me. I have already seen the Lord answering those prayers in so many ways.

This week has been filled with both classroom learning and opportunities to put what we're learning into practice through our outreaches. Our classes have focused on God's purpose for the Church as we have studied through the book of Acts. It has been helpful to see how the early church devoted themselves to prayer, apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42) by looking all throughout Scripture to look at examples of how they did it. One statement from class that has especially stayed with me is, "The New Testament reveals what the Old Testament conceals." Seeing God's redemptive plan unfold throughout Scripture has given me an even greater appreciation for His heart to make Himself known among every nation. We have read through the book Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray. I really recommend the book! It was definitely convicting and encouraging and important as we deepened our relationship with the Lord. There is so much content we are learning!

One of the greatest blessings this week has been learning from believers who have faithfully spent years taking the gospel to unreached places. We heard from pastors serving Mexico and in Southeast Asia, Europe, and more! One of Saving Grace World Mission’s pastors is serving in Southeast Asia and he met with us on zoom. He came to faith from a Hindu background. Listening to his testimony was incredible to hear how the Lord is using national believers to reach communities that many missionaries cannot easily access. He shared challenges he has faced as he has been obedient to God’s call on His life. He has baptized around 100 people in the last few years in a country that has intense anticonversion laws. If you are found being associated to a Christian organization and proselytizing you could serve many years in prison. He had this overwhelming sense of peace and certainty in the Gospel that he had as he was sharing with us even though he is in the middle of such a persecuted nation. It was so amazing to hear his heart for reaching his nation and to see how we as believers are able to labor with him and partner with him. The Harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. He was encouraged to see that we have so many students learning and seeking the Lord to see how we can play a role in bringing the Gospel to places that have not yet heard.

The Lord also gave us several opportunities to share the gospel throughout the week. We partnered with a local pastor who has planted a church in a community at the city dump. We got to hear how these individuals have ended up living in a place like this. The pastor had a place where he has a little church platform where he invites people to come hear the Gospel and fellowship. It is incredibly hard soil but the Lord has been doing a great work and continues to minister to the people there. I had the privilege of sharing my testimony with the help of someone translating with me. We had around 8 people that came and were listening to our testimonies and messages. After, we got to give them some lunch and continue the fellowship. We walked around the area and passed out sack lunches as we prayed with people, and shared the hope of Christ. I got to share the gospel with one woman. It was a humbling reminder that the good news of Jesus is for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. One women gave her life to Christ and left to go through rehabilitation and since has moved back to share about Jesus! Such a sacrifice! It grows in me a burden for the lost! The need is great for people to hear the Good News!

I have a big heart for caring for the physical needs of people and something I have been learning this week is the importance of the church to be the first place that seeks to meet the needs of people. When churches are doing their job well they are meeting the needs of the community around them. They are changing the culture of oppression and abuse and violence and sickness to bring Christ's love and light. It is not the responsibility of people to be independent from the church but for the church to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. The thing is that many places do not have a church or any believers! We need to bring the hope of Christ and He transforms people’s hearts and brings life to the full. I have understood this but it was such a good reminder as we looked at examples of this.

Another highlight was worshiping with the local church here in Rosarito. Our team also visited each of the different places that the church started! It was first a small home church and grew and so they continued to take the next steps of faith to move into each of the next locations. The church it is is now at a large facility and is looking to purchase their property. It was so amazing to see how much the church has grown since the missionaries have come down here from Calvary Chapel Saving Grace.

Throughout the week we also spent time doing evangelism in parks and at a local market. At one outreach, we played games with children, did face painting, made balloons and shared the story of Jonah, while the parents stayed to listen to testimonies and a gospel message. My favorite role is face painting and getting sweet time with the children! At the market on Saturday, we had meaningful conversations with people as we invited them to a local church and spoke about Jesus. Many of those we met have some familiarity with Christianity because of their Catholic background, yet many have never experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was both encouraging and challenging to see how open people were to spiritual conversations and to be reminded that the Lord is the One who changes hearts. At the market we went walking around sharing the gospel and having spiritual conversations. We got to give people information cards for Calvary Chapel Rosarito. There were many good interactions and people seemed open to having conversation and attending the church.

We have enjoyed some wonderful food in the Connections House as well as going out to local shops. We also had fun celebrating the 4th of July and looking out around the city and seeing fireworks! It was a surprise to see them since we are in Mexico!

As I reflect on this first week, I am amazed by how much the Lord is already teaching me. He is reminding me that ministry is not ultimately about what I can accomplish, but about faithfully abiding in Him, trusting the Holy Spirit to work, and simply being willing to say "yes" each day. I know there is still so much to learn, and I am grateful for every opportunity He gives me to grow.

Prayer Requests:

Pray that I would continue to grow in my love for the Lord and remain rooted in His Word.

Pray for boldness and wisdom as we continue sharing the gospel throughout the coming weeks.

Pray for the people we met this week, that the seeds planted would take root and that many would come to know Christ.

Pray for unity, health, and endurance for our entire team as we continue serving together.

Please pray that the Lord would continue to provide as I am still working toward reaching my goal of $2,700.

Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. I am continually reminded that I am not serving alone because you are so faithfully partnering with me through your continual prayers and generosity. I am so grateful for each one of you, and I look forward to sharing more of what the Lord does in the weeks ahead.

Blessings,

Ella