Just a Glimpse: Queretaro

During a meeting with Israel Contreras, the pastor at Iglesia Biblica Misionera (IBM church), he encouraged our Short Term Missions team of 7 to ask the Lord why He would send us to Queretaro, Mexico and consider the impact would outlast the week. Every time I pause to consider, there is a new facet for which to remain in awe! But one thing we want to highlight about our trip is God's gift to peel back the curtain to see a glimpse of that future day by witnessing unity in the body, in service and in the hope & need we all share today. 

STM Team + Pastor Isra (blue shirt behind wife Maru) & wife Maru (pink pants) @ IBM church on Sunday

Our team stayed in 4 different houses of IBM church members, and we were welcomed like family - given their bedrooms, time and love. Before we even arrived, our host husband reached out to mine asking if I preferred almond or coconut milk, since I am sensitive to dairy. Late on our travel day, I was eager to get "home" to rest, though I did not know what to expect. God was gracious down to the detail - a hand-made welcome sign by their daughter was left on our bed with a traditional snack. The next morning, a warm breakfast was made (and subsequently). We drove to the church conversing about life in the City and how the Lord brought them together in marriage. Upon arriving to IBM church, brethren I had never met were greeting me by name, saying they had been praying for me and our team. What but the love of Christ could stimulate such entertainment of complete strangers?

Enjoying breakfast with our <3 host family before VBS

Our team's excitement to serve and be a blessing was forged in the few planning weeks we had leading up to July 29th. Of one accord, we desired to glorify God, submit to His leading and lean in to the redirections/differences, as we knew they would come. From getting lost, long and packed days, to BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper) restrooms, the Lord conformed each one of us to the mission at hand: serve the Contreras family, church and VBS, while growing and being a learner. We believe this was accomplished. Our oneness to serve our brothers and sisters continues in prayer, ongoing communication and each time we tell of the work God has done and is actively doing in this "Circle of Silence" (similar to the 10-40 window, Queretaro is a part of region that is underreached with the gospel). 

Talking about Relationships & the Love of Christ during a VBS Break

This may not come as a surprise, but we  Mexican people like to eat together (yes I am half Mexican 😁, plus 1/4 Spanish & 1/4 Filipino). Add Christ, and it is a whole new world - sharing meals, testimonies and confessions of failures leading to gospel encouragement and praise mark the difference. One of the most beautiful gifts of this trip was the ability to hear 17 different testimonies and share the gospel in Spanish with the young and old, lost and found. It was (& is) a joy to see physical burdens lift off of people when talking about journeying as a believer and stumbling, yet being fully loved by Christ and then being told the same. I was able to see how honesty with my own struggles encouraged them to step into the light with their own, remember the pardon we stand in and receive love, accountability and prayer support - no longer alone, ashamed and condemned but free in Jesus, wanted and motivated to live for Him. Oh how we all need this, as we hope for the day we will be fully liberated from the brokenness of our flesh and this world. 

The Sisters getting lunch ready after church on Sunday

Husband and I are humbled that the Lord sent us for a week to serve His church in Queretaro...He could have sent anyone! We also thank Him for using you to encourage, pray and provide - you were as much a part of the team as we were. Without the body, we would have been unable to go and be physically sustained (especially me). We hope you, like we, are encouraged to continue asking the Lord how He wants to use you and pray for other servants to remain faithful to the gospel of Christ, depending on Him to provide what they need and when. We look forward to that future day when God will fully reveal the ways these works will be connected to His church that will be before Him forever - our song will be: to God be the glory. [For a detailed report, click here].

4 Groups Gathering on Friday @ end of VBS Week

Praise Reports:

1. (STM MX) the team was granted unity of mind and spirit as well as physical strength and protection;
2. (STM MX) God was glorified by the week in México; 
3. (STM MX) the team was used to disciple and evangelize;
4. (STM MX) the team encouraged the Contrerases, host families & IBM church;
5. (STM MX) approximately 50 kids participated in the VBS;
6. (STM MX) not only were Husband and I overwhelmingly financially provided for, the team was also provided for;
7. Husband and I continue going on dates and ongoing discipleship; we also spent some great time with my mother-in-law, and she visited our church; 
8. Jacob came home from his summer job at Forest Home; he and Husband were able to attend a men's summer BBQ with men from our church; and
9. Zachary started fall classes at Norco Valley college, and we were able to meet up with him for lunch.

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Husband started his 3rd & last year of bible training on August 28th;
2. the 3 Valadez brothers as they consider different housing options for Ama Valadez;
3. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and a work situation (Avi);
4. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities; and
5. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.