It has been our privilege this week to host a team led by Dr. James Avey from Central Washington University; eighteen healthy young men, eager to work and equally eager to share their love of Jesus by putting their Christian world view into action. They confirmed for us that LOVE DOES. Truly their love for Jesus translated into action and this group demonstrated a passion for caring.
Thursday March 13
Thursday morning events began at 7:00 with breakfast at the Pancake Republic. The sun was shining brightly and the temperature was in the mid to upper 60s. The team came in from Ellensburg where the temperature hasn’t been above freezing day or night for several days. The home site is south of Rosarito in Vista Marina near Pastor Carlos’ church. The family are members of the church and have been living at the church for several months. The team arrived at the jobsite and after an opening prayer, went to work at about 9:30. This old electrician was having a difficult time keeping up as the framing was assembled rapidly, and sheetrock and siding went together quickly. By lunchtime the roof was being fastened down and the trim was being nailed to the exterior. The house was completed by 2:30 in the afternoon.
We all gathered around the family for the dedication. As prayers were offered and the keys presented, the husband/father of the family asked if he could say something. With Hector serving as translator he tearfully told us that there is no way on his family’s income that they could ever own a home as nice as this one. Once again we were humbled and grateful for the bounty God has blessed us with and the privilege of sharing it with these wonderful people.
FRIDAY MARCH 15
Friday was Hotdog Fiesta Day. The team arrived at Pastor Carlos’ church in Vista Marina at mid-afternoon, and immediately headed into the neighborhood, going door to door inviting children and adults alike to join the party in the churchyard. And come they did! Before the sun set in the evening, the team had played games with the kids, shared a lesson from the Bible, served more than 100 hotdogs, and beat the stuffing out of a colorful piñata. It was an afternoon filled with laughter and joy. No afternoon would be complete without a visit to Tacos Manuel. Before heading back to the condo for the evening, the guys had polished off 132 tacos and 6 quesadillas, as well as 30 sodas.
SATURDAY MARCH 16
Before heading back into the United States on Saturday afternoon, the team stopped in the Natura community of Tijuana to share their personal testimonies of faith, invite people to receive Jesus Christ as personal savior, and pray for individuals. Team members went door to door in this community of four-story apartments asking residents to meet us in an open park in the neighborhood for, “The best news you will ever hear, and a free gift.” To our amazement around 170 people joined us for a clear and simple presentation of the Gospel along with personal testimonies from team members shared through a translator. 110 Bibles and Purple books were distributed that afternoon and the citizenship of heaven was altered for eternity.
This three day adventure was a resounding success and has had a lasting impact, not only on those we were allowed to bless in Mexico but to each of the team members as well.