Dear Family, Friends, and Loved Ones,
When I applied for the Calvary School of Missions, I did it with no intention of having a change of mind on any major conviction. Yet, having been through only a week of instruction, I am left with no other option. The motto of this year, Romans 15:20, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation.” This gives a summary of my time so far. We are called, the entire church, to do missions. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” Mat. 28:19. Though not everyone is called to be missionaries, the role of the church in missions is as a cornerstone. With that being said, I am so happy that many of you are so willing to be partnered with me as I am here in Mexico learning and serving.
Monday, July 12th half the team and I went to the Rosarito dump for our first outreach. A community lives inside the garbage dump. With the pastor Eddy of the nearest city, Homex, we gathered people to share the gospel, a testimony, and some sandwiches that we prepared for them.
Although there were only about 4 people who showed up for the message, we were happy God was able to use us even for the little. Later that week the second group went out and 10 showed up to hear, one of them even got saved!
On Saturday, July 16th we went out to Calvary Chapel Vista Del Valle to do an outreach at a local park. We had tons of kids come out to play, face paint, make bracelets, eat, and more! While feeding them physically, we got to feed them spiritually by share about Jesus with them and their parents!
In between all of these activities I have been busy with classes and reading material.
Wednesday night we went to the Calvary Rosarito mid-week Bible study. We also had a tour of its progression from when it was first planted 20 years ago in a small home, to where it is now! This one church has planted 43 other churches in Mexico, 11 of which are second generation churches (church plants of church plants) and there is plans for a new church plant which will be a third generation. This is not even including the fact that CC Rosarito was itself a church plant from CC Saving Grace in California.
The LORD has been doing an amazing work here in Rosarito and in me. But where will he have me to go next? Africa? the Middle East? India? North Korea? Azerbaijan? Maybe some of these places seem a little crazy to go to, but isn’t that simply what Jesus asks for, radical discipleship? “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26. Although these may not seem like comforting words, how can I give anything less for the one who not only died for us, but took the entire wrath of God for all our sins upon Himself? So is it biblical, or just radical, or maybe me being a little crazy? Maybe its all three, but regardless, I know that Jesus says, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mat. 28:20.
Prayer Requests:
- God would continue to provide for us in outreaches and other activities
- More people would see God’s love through us and be saved
- Leading in God’s future will for my life
Praise Reports:
- Kayla and Bryan have made it down to Mexico with us in good health
- Great team unity so far
Gospel Partners
If you would like to partner while I become equipped to reach the nations for God’s glory, I would love to connect with you!
You can contact me through email, phone or text. There is also a button on the bottom of this letter if you would like to financially be apart of this work in Mexico.
Eirene,
Joshua Vanrenterghem
joshuavan6@gmail.com
971-762-7451
