Week 5: VCC and Vino Nuevo

This week we worked with a group from Dublin, CA. VCC is no stranger to Agua Viva; they have been coming several times a year since 1989! I worked with them men all week on building new bathrooms for Vino Nuevo and some roofing. I was so encouraged by their work effort, how encouraging they were, and how serious they took their faith all week. I came into this week thinking it was going to be exhausting and having a bad attitude, but once I was around the group they completely changed my attitude. I am so thankful for the friendships I made this week! Though I was consumed in working this week, God did a number on my heart that I am so glad He keeps reminding me of. 

This week I was asked, "Did you ever think you would be hanging drywall in Mexico?" I simply said no, but in my mind I couldn't help but think I never thought I would even be in Mexico to begin with. I thought back to 6 years ago when I answered God's call for my life to do miss one having no idea where He would take me. If you would have told me then that I would be spending 2 and a half months working in Mexico I wouldn't have thought twice about it. The more I kept thinking about all God has blessed and surprised me with in my life the more I wanted to praise Him. God knows my heart's desires before I do. As long as I rely on His strength to get me through there is nothing too hard or impossible. Who knows what my life is going to look like this time next year or 5 years from now. I do know one thing- its going to be far more than I could ever imagine! 

As I still have 30 days here, I pray I have faith enough to know God is going to do big things in me and through me! 

Blessings,

Chelsea

Week 4: Sunland Neighborhood, Casa Esperanza, and El Mesias

This week we had a group of high school and college students guided by their fearless youth minister. They were from Sunland Neighborhood Church in Sunland, CA, which is in the greater LA area. This was their first time here at Agua Viva and for most it was their first mission trip ever. But you couldn't tell. They continuously prayed for boldness and God showered them with it. Never once did they back down from sharing the gospel despite the language and cultural barriers. Of course they were nervous and doubted their own abilities, but God was present this week and spoke for them.

On Monday afternoon we did street evangelism where we went to a park and they performed some songs. Afterwards they went and started conversations with people in order to share the gospel. It was so cool to look in every direction and see students talking to homeless people, families, and kids their own age even if they had no idea what was going on.

Oh, we also witnessed one of the adult leaders save a pigeon. It was awesome. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon we went to an orphanage called Casa Esperanza. It is a home for mothers and their children who seek refuge from abusive homes. The children were beautiful and so much fun to play with. The first girl I met, Ximena was holding an Evangecube. When I asked her about it she shared the gospel with me and finished with asking me if I knew Jesus personally. I replied with a hug and a warm heart knowing that I had such a young sister in Christ who cared about the salvation of others. Sunland Neighborhood really enjoyed kicking the soccer ball around with them and sharing Christ's love for them through songs and a skit. On Wednesday as we prepared to say goodbye, we circled up to pray and a couple of the children from the orphanage asked to pray for us. They asked God to bless us. To protect us. To give us wisdom. To hear these things coming from young children who have had hard lives, blessed me like no other.

Tuesday through Thursday afternoon we worked with a church called El Mesias to put on a VBS. The youth of this church also helped and it was so encouraging to see both youth groups interact with each other.  Each day we had around 25 or so kids that we got to love on. We did crafts, sang songs, memorized verses, ate LOTS of snacks and enjoyed each others' company. The pastor of the church and his family were so welcoming and encouraged us each day. On Thursday night we joined them for their worship service where Sunland performed songs, a skit, and told testimonies. It lasted for 2 and a half hours but it felt like no time at all. Getting to worship with brothers and sisters who we have only known for a week was such a precious glimpse of heaven. We were all from different cultures, languages, but it didn't matter.

As July 4th approached I began to reminisce on the past 8 years. 8 years ago today I gave my life to Christ. I surrendered my all to Him. I thought of where I was spiritually 8 years ago, not knowing what God had in store for me for the years to come. I thought of what God rescued me from time after time. I thought of the time I went on my first mission trip like most of the kids here. I thought of the times I have felt God's presence, heard His voice, and received confirmation for His plans for my life. Finally I thought of all the all the instances that have added up to this summer. Here in Mexico speaking Spanish. Developing the friendships I have. Using the gifts God has given me. One phrase sums it up. ¡Gloria a Dios! 

Last night we met up with some friends on the beach. We ate pizza, roasted s'mores, and shot fireworks. We had good conversation and listened to music. It was definitely a holiday to remember! 

Prayer Requests:
-For our 2 reams this week, Bethel and VCC.
-For the various construction projects we are doing around camp and Ensenada.  
-For the summer staff, our physical and spiritual health.