How will they hear?

Hola! From Rosarito, Mexico. We have been so blessed to continue this journey into week two of Calvary School of Missions. We are being strengthened and encouraged in our classes, getting to hear directly from missionaries on the field, and witness the work of God in several church plants here in Baja California. We’ve also had the incredible opportunity to reach out in the community and connect with local churches.

In one of our classes, we’ve been looking at the book of Acts as a model for the global Church. We’ve reflected much on Jesus’ words to His disciples in the very beginning of the Book, saying,

“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Friends and family, we believe this to be a call from God not just in our lives but in the life of every follower of Christ. We encourage you to pray about how God would have you be involved in the work of reaching the remotest part of the earth with the love of Christ.

In this second week we were able to participate in two outreaches partnering with local churches. The first being a dump outreach with Calvary Chapel Homex. There’s no sugar coating it – we went to a literal landfill where some people make a living by sorting and separating trash, many of whom have constructed shacks to live in right there in the dump. Pastor Eddie has built some relationships with some of the men, women, and children there, and visits them a few times a week for what he calls “Pachanga Time” (party time). It usually involves an EZ-UP, some chairs, worship, Bible study, and some food. I personally got to speak with Jorge (see picture). Last year, he broke his ankle and had to go to a hospital in Tijuana, where doctors gave him the news that he would likely need to have his whole right foot cut off. He prayed, reached out to family and was able to get some financial help and have surgery (with some metal plates) to save his foot. He is born-again and actively goes to the services on Sundays at CC Homex, not far from the dump. Jorge is grateful for his life in Christ. He knows God cares for him and will continue to take care of his needs. Retelling me the story about his ankle, he was getting teary-eyed in thankfulness that he got to keep his foot. 

After our group left on Tuesday, the other half of our team visited the dump again on Friday. They went later in the day and got a lot bigger turn out. One man made the decision to follow Christ. The team that went encouraged my friend, Jorge and the other believers there, to disciple their new brother in Christ and bring him to church with them.

Something we’ve been learning in class and have been able to see before our eyes is the importance of partnering with a local church when we do mission trips. The reality is that Racquell, myself, and all the rest of the students and staff here from CSOM are going to leave Rosarito in a couple weeks. I’m thankful to God that He has workers here to reach people when we are gone. My brothers at the dump have a church they can walk to. Jesus told His disciples to “go and make disciples,” (Matthew 28:19), He didn’t say, “make converts.” So in our going, and partnering with churches, He is faithful to do as He said, and build His church (Matthew 16:18).

The second outreach we were blessed to be apart of was with “Gracia del Calvario” located in east Tijuana. We partnered with them to do a park outreach geared towards families. We had faceprinting, carnival games, and soccer for the kids. We also had nail painting to minister to the women/ teen girls and provided a meal for the whole family. There were two separate Bible studies, one for kids which was taught by Racquell, and another for adults which was taught by myself. This was a huge blessing as we both got to share the gospel and spend time with those who were at the outreach. One woman who Racquell spent time with while painting her nails is a single mom of three kids. Although she regularly attends church at Gracia del Calvario she hasn’t been serving in order to provide for her family. Racquell was able to encourage her and meet all her sons who are currently serving at the church, even the youngest who is 12 was passing out flyers and helping lead the kids worship. Being able to fellowship with these believers was a blessing for both Racquell and the women who attended.

Please pray for the health of the staff and students at the school. Join us in praying for the different missionaries who we have been partnering with and hearing from here in Mexico but also around the world that they would be strengthened in the work that the Lord has called them to.

Please continue to pray for Racquell and our baby girl. We praise Jesus that Racquell has been in great health since being here and has been enjoying all the Mexican cuisine. Baby is moving and kicking which has been exciting to experience.

Thank you for your prayers. If you would like to partner with our family in furtherance of the gospel please consider donating through the link below. 

https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift2/?giftid=01ECF5D0141E43B

Romans 10:14-17: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

By the grace of Jesus and for His glory,

The Stratton Family