The Fire of Surrender
Hola from Mexico ! !
As we write this, our hearts are full of gratitude as we begin another year at the Calvary School of Missions (CSOM). These past few weeks we have welcomed 14 students. It has been a busy time of travel, orientation, unpacking and helping everyone get settled into their new home for the summer.
Watching these young men & women step out in faith has been such an encouragement. Each one has answered God’s call to go, learn, serve, and share the hope of Jesus. Please join us in praying that the Lord would strengthen them, deepen their relationship with Him, and use them as they minister to the people of Mexico.
The theme of the school is “SURRENDER”. Each student was given a piece of paper and asked to write down their hopes, dreams, expectations, fears, and anything that they might be holding onto more than the Lord. Then, one by one, they placed their paper in the fire as a way of surrendering everything to God. Laying down our own plans so we can embrace HIS. One of the most powerful moments of the week, that Tim & I participate in every year.
Standing around the fire, watching those papers turn to ashes, was a beautiful picture of what it means to trust the Lord completely. We cannot limit God based on our limitations.
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow ME,” - Luke 9:23
Participating in this never gets old. Each year, the Lord faithfully reveals new areas where He is inviting us to trust Him more deeply. Surrender isn't a one-time decision—it's a daily posture of the heart. We're so grateful that He continues to shape, refine, and grow us as we walk with Him. This year, we're surrendering it all and praying for God's perfect plan as we continue to pursue His calling on our lives in Mexico. Whatever He has ahead, we trust that His plans are always greater than our own. ❤️
The weeks are filled with worship, Bible teachings by Pastor Trent, Pastor Rob, and several SGWM missionaries representing different regions ministries and cultures. It was especially meaningful to hear from two missionaries who were part of CSOM's very first year. The students have also been reading Absolute Surrender, Radical, The Pursuit of God, and Baptism with the Holy Spirit, each offering biblical insight and practical encouragement as they continue to grow in their faith and understanding of God's calling on their lives. Each of these experiences has provided valuable insight and encouragement, challenging the students to grow deeper in their faith, strengthen their walk with God, and pursue a life of wholehearted surrender to Christ.
One of my (Jenn) favorite opportunities was teaching the students how to begin writing their newsletters to their supporters and helping them navigate the SGWM platform. It was a privilege to equip them with practical tools that will help them communicate what God is doing while in Mexico and invite others to partner with them in prayer and support. Beyond the technical side, I enjoyed the time I spent with each student. Sitting alongside them, hearing their stories, and helping them put into words what God has been doing in their lives allowed me to get to know them on a much deeper level. Watching the Lord shape their hearts has been such a blessing, and I am excited to see how He will continue to use each of them for His glory.
Tim has been faithfully pouring himself into the Calvary School of Missions, often working 10-12 hour days to lead and oversee the school. From leading and mentoring students to handling the countless details behind the scenes, he has been serving tirelessly. It has been a full and rewarding season, and we are so grateful to see the Lord working in the lives of these students as they prepare to take the gospel to the nations. Please continue to pray for strength, wisdom and endurance as we faithfully serve where God has called us. He also has had opportunities to lead worship & teach the word of God.
OUTREACHES
I Tim, had a sweet encounter with two ice cream men. We saw Silvano on outreach and went to share the gospel with him telling him how much the Lord loves him and seeking to encourage him but he wound up sharing with us a radical testimony of being imprisoned and then deported for smuggling people from Mexico into the US. during his incarceration he got born again and upon his release and deportation, he wound up in a Christian rehab in Tijuana he shared with us how he has been so full of joy and peace, and has not looked back once to his old life. Continues to read his Bible, go to church and minister to people where he can. Before we prayed for him, I let him know how much of an encouragement he was to us and then of course I bought ice cream for 10 of us. We invited him to come to our outreach, and since he had already made his money for the day, he was able to come sit with us, hear the testimonies and the word of God. I was reminded how God truly does transform lives. A couple of weeks later I met another ice cream man named Benjamin as we started to share the gospel with him he let us know that he too knew the Lord Jesus Christ. Benjamin also shared a radical testimony. His story was about how years ago his brother killed his mother and another brother just recently tried to stab him, but he had survived he said he was on the run from the law and the Lord for so long and the Lord told him to stop running. He too ended up incarcerated, and even spent five years in solitary confinement for crimes committed inside the penitentiary, at some point he ended up giving his life to the Lord and now he is an encouragement to others. I love these two stories because they remind me that no one is too far gone for the Lord to reach them it reminds me how prison is God's recycling center and that lives turned to the Lord can be full of peace, even as they make very little money selling ice cream. After I bought him out of ice cream for our team we prayed for him and gave him a little travel Bible to keep in his car as he sells ice cream. Some people say I have an issue with ice cream, I say it's sweet to share Jesus and to hear what the Lord has done in peoples lives.
One of our favorite parts of CSOM is visiting church plants throughout the community. It is such a blessing to spend time with these faithful pastors and their families, taking some out for lunch, encouraging them in the work God has called them to, and praying over them. Ministry can often be lonely and exhausting, so we love reminding them that they are seen, loved, and supported. We were also able to serve a couple of these church plants by leading the Sunday service, giving their pastors and ministry teams a much-needed day of rest. It was a joy and privilege to come alongside them and be a small blessing to those who faithfully pour into others every week.
On July 24, our team will travel to Mazatlán to serve alongside Calvary Maranatha during their Vacation Bible School. In addition to helping with VBS, we’ll have the opportunity to serve the church in practical ways by completing projects around the church, visiting families in the congregation, building relationships, and praying with and encouraging them.
Then, on July 30, we’ll begin the journey up the mountain to visit an indigenous tribe that Calvary School of Missions has been serving each year. This is always one of the highlights of our time in Mexico. We are especially excited because a church has now been planted there! Pastor Antonio from Calvary Aguaruto (in Culiúcan) along with one of our missionaries Jenna has faithfully ministered to this community for the past 8–9 years, and it is such a blessing to witness the fruit of his perseverance and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. Seeing lives transformed and a local church established reminds us that God’s timing is always perfect and that faithful obedience produces an eternal harvest AND we get to be a part of it.
New Church Plant in the mountain
“Casa De Dios Cofradia”
House of God Cofradia
We will return to Calvary Maranatha on August 2, fly back to Rosarito on August 4, and spend our final days debriefing with the students and reflecting on all the Lord has done during these six weeks. We will then return to the United States on August 8, with the Calvary School of Missions graduation taking place on August 9 at Calvary Chapel Saving Grace after second service. Please join us: 17451 Bastanchury, Yorba Linda, CA.
We would greatly appreciate your prayers during these final weeks. Please pray for safe travels, open hearts during VBS and our village visits, encouragement for the believers we’ll spend time with, and that God would continue to work powerfully through the students as they finish this season of training. Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and support. We are grateful to be serving the Lord together with you and would like to invite you to our “Care Team” meeting on Aug. 31st @ 6:30pm to tell you more than what we can add in this letter. Please reply to this email if you can attend. It would be a blessing to see you all!
Personally, we continue to be amazed by God’s faithfulness. Looking back over the past year, recovering from my (Jenn) leg injury to now being able to fully serve again, is a miracle. We are reminded that the Lord truly is our Healer and Sustainer. Every step I take is a testimony of His grace and we are so thankful to be back in Mexico for Year 8 CSOM.
We love and appreciate all of you who pray, give, and support us in so many ways. We truly couldn’t do it without your partnership in the Gospel. If the Lord leads you to partner with us financially—or increase your current support—you may do so by clicking the “Give” button below or mailing your support check to:
Saving Grace World Missions
17451 Bastanchury Rd., Ste. 203
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Note: “Pappas Support” in the memo
Prayer Requests
Please continue praying for CSOM Mexico as we faithfully serve and follow God's leading.
Pray for our health and strength as we continue serving in this season of life.
Please lift up our son, Andy, as he continues to receive care. We are praying for God's healing, peace, and provision throughout his journey.
Praise Report
Praise God that CSOM continues to grow and thrive!
We are grateful for His continued protection and faithfulness as He has kept us healthy.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer. Your faithful support is a tremendous encouragement as we continue serving the Lord in Mexico.
Con amor y gratitud para México,
With love and gratitude,
Tim & Jenn Pappas
Calvary Rancho Santa Cruz 1st Church Plant out of
Calvary Chapel Rosarito (CCR)
Calvary Chapel Playas & SGWM Missionaries
Paul & Claudia Boubion (CCR)
Login To Leave Comment