Garrett update

Garrett is fine after he went to Tecate and got 2 stitches and some antibiotics. Thanks for praying!!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Student spotlight

Hi, my name is Maci. This is my second time going to Mexico and my third missions trip out of the country. This trip has been so much fun and such a learning experience. I have grown so close to friends, not only from our church, but also at the daycare and at other places we've ministered in. It's been such a blessing seeing all of these people and what they have and are thankful for. I am very blessed to be on this trip and I plan on going next year. This trip is life-changing, but I know God's work doesn't stop here.



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Biblia Abierta church

We got to visit Pastor Arturo and his church today and had a great time. Even though it was HOT and a 2 hour 30 minute service the team did great. It was our last ministry activity away from Rancho. Kylie and Tabby shared testimonies tonight and did awesome!











Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Injury

Garrett, one our leaders got injured and is heading to the hospital with his dad. Pray for a quick fix to the injury.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Headed to church

We are headed to church in a few minutes so pray for safety traveling there. It's HOT!!!! Even the locals are saying it so our NW bodies are feeling it. Pray for comfortable weather.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Leader testimony

Wow! What an amazing week so far. This is my first trip down to Rancho and it has totally surpassed all my expectations. As a leader, I expected to come down and see the middle school students experience growth as God works on their hearts through all they see and do here. I am happy to report that I've seen more of that than I expected...from Miranda and Sam witnessing the healing power of God to seeing the young men and women rally around those that have been sick and hearing the powerful testimonies of Emily and Andi. What I didn't anticipate was how God would touch me personally like I have never felt in my 30 + years as a Christian. From the things I called out above to the inspired worship here at Rancho, God has moved me and many and we have grown. I am so grateful for the prayers and support of those of you at home that made this trip possible, to Matt and my fellow leaders for all their hard work and fellowship and to my amazing wife for her support and efforts holding down the home fort. I love you babe.

Kelly

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Morning church

We attended church this morning at Rancho. We had a great time in worship, prayer and teaching. It's so great to be able to worship despite the language barrier. Sam and Miranda shared powerful testimonies of God working in their lives.





Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Morning at Rancho

After breakfast we headed on a hike up to the cross at the top if a hill before it got too hot. Next up church.





Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Fireside

Had a great time of worship and sharing at the fire tonight. God is really teaching and stretching us this week. Some powerful sharing. We also had all of our team at the campfire. Praise God. Afterward we had s'mores.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Student Testimony

Hello my name is Andi and I am 12 years old. I am in Mexico and I am having a blast! Here in Mexico we have been doing so many things like, playing with kids, working, and most important showing Gods love and mercy to people around me. That brings me joy and happiness. The most best thing on this trip is playing with the kids. I love them and for them to be through so much and still be happy is a huge thing. The most nerve racking part was saying my testimony. Seeing how many people it touched really warmed me. This was the best trip outside of the country I have ever had. Well it is the only one so....... Anyways I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me.



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Student Testimony

Hi my name is Shae I'm in 7th grade and this is my first year in Mexico and this has been the best experience ever! I love hanging with all the little kids, they're so cute!! Being with the kids have been so amazing! And making Mexicrete is hard but it keeps you going when you are doing it for someone else. God has showed me to appreciate all the stuff that we have. We have so much and they don't have a lot, so I am so thankful for everything I have!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Team Update

First thanks for your prayers regarding Nasia last night. She's doing well and sleeping. Doctor was positive on her condition upon release.
The team today worked at Rancho and did water ministry giving water to the community as its a precious resource.
At 3pm today we work with the Rancho kids and after have a well deserved low key evening. Pray for continued healing for those not feeling well and effectiveness in ministry.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Heading back from the hospital

After a lengthy visit to the ER (its 3:09 am) we are on our way back to Rancho. She is much better! Thanks for your prayers. God is awesome!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Prayer Needed

We are headed to the states to take Nasia to the hospital.Pllease pray for a quick border crossing and easy diagnosis by the doctors. We will fill you in as soon as we know more.

Miranda Cook

Hello everyone! Me llamo Miranda. Wow it's hot here, like 95 degrees! It's worth the heat to be here and see the differences from two years ago when I was an 8th grader. I'm one of the high schoolers that Pastor Matt invited to come as a leader and example. Three nights before we left (Saturday) I injured the muscles above my knee and couldn't walk on that leg at all. Wednesday night we had an outreach, and they asked anyone with a knee injury to come up and be prayed for. As I crutched up, people started praying for me and afterwards, I was able to walk and put pressure on it! What a miracle! Although its not 100% healed, God works in amazing ways and really makes amazing things happen. I'm so glad I've gotten the opportunity to come here and show everyone what God can really do.



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Daycare ministry

The daycare was started as a response by Rancho to care for kids whose parents worked in factories and typically would lock kids on the house during the da to keep them safe. Unfortunately many accidents and fires happen so Rancho uses the daycare to keep kids safe and reach out to these families.

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Concrete video

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Family Groups

In the morning we spend time in family groups studying James 1 and praying for each other. Some great times.





Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Wednesday student of the day

This is a little behind as its Friday but each day the leadership team recognizes one student who has been a great example to the team by their attitude and dedication to the ministry we are doing.
Wednesday Jack was our student of the day. Way to go Jack!



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Thursday student of the day

Yesterday's student of the day was Kylie! Thanks for being a great team member and example!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Morning work highlights

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Praying for ministry today

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Leader testimony-Mike

Hi, mike VW here, second year and opportunity to be a tool for the Kingdom in Tecate. I wanted to describe for you a house that many of the team saw during our park ministry.
Imagine, if you would, leaving the park and walking straight up the dusty, rutted road to the "tiene" or shop on the side of the road. Don't think of this as a typical shop, imagine a glorified lemonade stand made of makeshift materials. Next door, the (typical) mangy dog is guarding the neighbors property onside the fence. A woman is peering through the small hole taking orders for mostly Coke (it's very hot in the park). Since the park has no "Banyo" (restroom) this woman allowed many of us to use her home's bathroom. Her six year old daughter leads us right into and through the back of the house. This one room 'house' is ten feet by ten feet on a good day, and is also constructed of makeshift materials..... picture walls made of loading pallets sheathed in scruffy unpainted plywood, and I can see light peering through its many cracks. The house is divided into four sections, where in each quarter is the parents bed, the little girls bed, a couch, and a kitchenette. The floor is dirt with rocks sticking out. I cannot imagine what happens when it rains hard or gets cold.
It tells me that on trips like this, while its paramount to reach people with the Gospel, it is also important to do the physical work and meet basic needs, doing it with all our hearts, and doing it for God's greater glory. Seeing people with so much less than we have teaches us to be happy with what we have as well. Thanks for praying for us as well as the people of Mexico.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Leader Testimony

Daniel Takashima

This is my first time on a mission trip, and it has become evident how much God is working in this community. It has been eye-opening to see how much God's love and promise have impacted the people of Tecate and Rancho, who have so much faith despite the poverty that surrounds them. It has been incredibly humbling to be able to recognize how much the people of Rancho have to offer and how much we can learn from them.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Midway Point

Today is the middle day of our trip and is typically the hardest day physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Everyone has been working hard and in combination to heat (triple digits yesterday), different food, sleeping in a different place, a little homesickness by some and other factors today we can really use extra prayer from all of you that we can persevere. Everyone is tired but still joyful to serve.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Location:Carretera Tijuana-Valle Redondo,Tijuana,Mexico

Smiling Faces

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Friday morning worship

Great fuel for today led by our longtime friend from Rancho Sulema!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Prayer Needed

Emily Smith who shared her testimony tonight needs our prayer as she has become ill. Pray God would touch her body and restore her health. This picture of her was taken before she shared her testimony.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Trailer Testimonies

We had two students share their testimonies tonight while we were on the trailer. These were really the highlights of the evening as both Andi and Emily shared very powerful testimonies of Gods forgiveness, grace and salvation. I was blown away and brought tears to my eyes both times.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Evangelism Trailer Ministry

One of our favorite ministries is when we pull into a neighborhood and set up a sound system and do a church service. We go out and invite and then do a program which culminates in a call for salvation and prayer for their lives.





Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Hi my name is Laurel and God has been amazing! I've noticed that even though the people here are in poverty, they have something we don't,they have humility. They care for others, even in the hard times, Gods love is everywhere! I love it here,and I've learned a lot!!! God bless you guys and keep praying!!:)


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Heading out

We're ready for our evening ministry and waiting for the bus to take us! After our siestas and showers we are ready to go!

Note-cellular data service has been pretty spotty so we'll post when we can!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Mexicrete

This morning we went to La Roca and made more concrete and ate lunch. They worked so hard today and it was hotter. We're heading back to Rancho to clean up and take a well deserved siesta.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Good Morning!

On our way to make concrete!

Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Morning worship and Devo time

During worship our students get to worship and play with the kids. Such a special time.





Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Good Morning

Fueling up at breakfast and excited for the day! It's gonna be an Ooh & Ahh day..



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Location:Autopista Tijuana-Mexicali,Tijuana,Mexico

Student Spotlight

Hi my name is Lauren. This is my first mission trip and I have been so excited for it. I am learning many things here about life and being thankful for what I have. It is very surreal to see such poverty but at the same time there is joy in my heart knowing that I can bring the Word of God into their lives. The kids are adorable and very fun to spend time with. I trust God that he will help me make a difference in the lives of the people in Tecate, Mexico.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Student Spotlight

I'm Teigan Logan and going into 9th grade,this is my second time visiting Mexico and its great to be back to serve God . Today is out first full day in Mexico . Our day started out with having breakfast then heading down to a powerful worship time at la mission at Rancho. After worship we had our Devo time then headed to la Roca for work . While we were at la Roca we made Mexi-crete and cleaned it up and prepared it for a new worship center for the people of tecate .it was tiring but so worth it knowing its all for Jesus and to serve and worship him later on. Today I saw God working in our lives so far by even though when were getting tired while working we all knew we should keep going for Jesus and that is would be worth it in the end and all feel good and it did . That's was so felling and felt great I'm so excited to work for God this week and continue to get closer to Him! That's was happens in day 1 of being in Mexico.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Ministry at the park

We just did a kids program at a local park. It was awesome seeing our kids and leaders loving on students and proclaiming the gospel thru drama, puppets, crafts and Bible stories!





Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

On site Ministry

We are at a local park getting ready to do ministry. Pray for effectiveness and energy as we love the kids and youth that show up tonight.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Working hard at La Roca

We are helping build a church today at La Roca.



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Good Morning from Rancho

Just had breakfast and morning worship and getting ready for work today.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Safe at Rancho

We've been busy since arriving at Rancho and getting settled. We had orientation, dinner and our first campfire where we debrief and worship. We're now getting ready for bed...everyone has a ton of energy...a good energy as the are excited to start tomorrow. Good night!



Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

In Mexico

We had a little trouble at the border but we are all through and on our way to Rancho.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Heading into Mexico

Pray for a safe border crossing


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Lunch

Just filled our stomachs and grabbed supplies now its off to the border.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Just landed in SD

Flight was uneventful...just like I like it! Everyone has done great so far. Next up baggage claim and to see if our 61 bags made it!


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team

Airport

Everyone made it through security and we are waiting to board.


Pastor Matt and the Mexico Team