The team has arrived safely and finished the first full day of work. Things are going very well. The One-day strucure was completed today and the block work will begin tomorrow. Happy New Year!
Randy M. (for Lynda C.)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Faith & Flexibility
Praise God we adopted an appropriate motto; Faith, Teamwork, and Flexibility. Much has transpired and many plans have changed. The weather is quite warm by the winter standards of those residing in the Northern latitudes. Despite the high humidity it's been "cool" here for this time of year which has been a real blessing for the team thus far. We changed locations for our accommodations before the bulk of the team arrived yesterday and have likewise changed transportation plans several times already. Flexibility has been an essential and key component! The team is working well together and our in-country coordinator for Maranatha has been a tremendous blessing in assisting our team in getting off the ground. The community where we are staying have been doing a lot of double and triple takes as they are not accustomed to seeing 'gringos'. The less inhibited, ususally children and youth, have come near and up to various team members just to hear our "strange" language; they are quite intrigued. The local church members have graciously welcomed us and are assiting in numerous ways. Today was the first day of construction and we successfully erected the One-Day Church. Tomorrow morning we will set the "corner stone" and begin laying the block. In the interim we are again putting our flexibility to the test as we await the arrival of one team member who has been delayed for two days due to aircraft mechanical issues and had her flight turned back yet again this evening. With the Lord's protection and blessing our group will all be united in the early hours of the new year! Blessing to all.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Arrived!
James and I arrived safely in Villahermosa. We had easy flights and customs was a breeze. For some reason the customs agent said to me: "You've got a green light come over here. Welcome to Mexico!" James wasn't so lucky, but the search of his luggage went quickly.
It is hot and muggy! And the cockroaches are big and fast! :-)
Team motto: Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility! We've already had to make changes from our original plan however we believe it will work out even better! Participants: all you need to do is arrive in Mexico and we'll get you to your home away from home.
Today the refrigerator, dry goods, and mattresses were bought and delivered to Plan de Ayala. Tomorrow we will get the perishable foods and head out to get our base camp ready for you.
Take time to meet the people around you as you travel. James and I met a group from Mason, Texas who are doing a mission trip south of Palenque. They built a structure "at the end of the road" that they use as a literacy center. Their enthusiasm was contagious!
May God bless you with traveling mercies as you head south,
Lynda
It is hot and muggy! And the cockroaches are big and fast! :-)
Team motto: Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility! We've already had to make changes from our original plan however we believe it will work out even better! Participants: all you need to do is arrive in Mexico and we'll get you to your home away from home.
Today the refrigerator, dry goods, and mattresses were bought and delivered to Plan de Ayala. Tomorrow we will get the perishable foods and head out to get our base camp ready for you.
Take time to meet the people around you as you travel. James and I met a group from Mason, Texas who are doing a mission trip south of Palenque. They built a structure "at the end of the road" that they use as a literacy center. Their enthusiasm was contagious!
May God bless you with traveling mercies as you head south,
Lynda
Safe in His arms
The B concourse on the Houston International Airport has a central food court with "arms" branching off of it with 8 gates per arm. I went on a brisk walk this afternoon and powerwalked my way down these arms.
The international terminal is, of course, very busy and perhaps more so with holiday travel. There are people rushing to the gates and people streaming from the gates. I also see many people just waiting. They are clustered around the electrical outlets scattered down each arm. Some are sleeping--on benches and the floor. Most are taking advantage of the free electrical source and are recharging their laptops and cell phones.
My mind wandered as I walked and I thought of how this is something that we, as Christians, need to do--recharge. Our spiritual batteries will run down unless we keep connected to our free Energy source. We need to recharge through prayer, Bible study, and simply just waiting for God to speak to us. If we do not recharge, our batteries will run down leaving us ineffective in our work for the Lord. He is our source of energy, strength, and meaning.
One particularly touching scene was a young mother sitting on a bench holding her infant in her arms. As the infant slept peacefully nestled close to the mother, she herself feel asleep and gently bent over until her face was hovering over her child's. In addition to being a very touching sight to see, I thought of how our heavenly Father longs to hold us in His arms, to protect us, and love us. What a joy it is to have such an awesome God as our Father!
I have enjoyed this quiet day. It is so easy as humans, as Christians, to get busy with life and miss the lessons God has for us. I am truly blessed.
Privileged to serve,
Lynda
The international terminal is, of course, very busy and perhaps more so with holiday travel. There are people rushing to the gates and people streaming from the gates. I also see many people just waiting. They are clustered around the electrical outlets scattered down each arm. Some are sleeping--on benches and the floor. Most are taking advantage of the free electrical source and are recharging their laptops and cell phones.
My mind wandered as I walked and I thought of how this is something that we, as Christians, need to do--recharge. Our spiritual batteries will run down unless we keep connected to our free Energy source. We need to recharge through prayer, Bible study, and simply just waiting for God to speak to us. If we do not recharge, our batteries will run down leaving us ineffective in our work for the Lord. He is our source of energy, strength, and meaning.
One particularly touching scene was a young mother sitting on a bench holding her infant in her arms. As the infant slept peacefully nestled close to the mother, she herself feel asleep and gently bent over until her face was hovering over her child's. In addition to being a very touching sight to see, I thought of how our heavenly Father longs to hold us in His arms, to protect us, and love us. What a joy it is to have such an awesome God as our Father!
I have enjoyed this quiet day. It is so easy as humans, as Christians, to get busy with life and miss the lessons God has for us. I am truly blessed.
Privileged to serve,
Lynda
We're on our way!
James and I are in sunny Houston where we have a 6 hour layover. After lunch in the B concourse, James had remarked that he would love to be out in the sunshine. A short while later I looked out the windows to see him outside--smiling and waving up at me!
We left just after 1am AST on Sunday and enjoyed a fairly comfortable flight to Seattle and then on to Houston. James and I look forward to meeting up with Doug, Cheryl, and Maria tonight in Villahermosa.
For those participants leaving Anchorage on Continental: the flight is not a code-share with Alaska Airlines as we originally thought. Check-in is at the Continental ticket counter that is located in the new B concourse which is where you will fly out of.
James and I are enjoying a quiet day, but look forward to getting busy for the Lord!
See you on Wednesday (James will meet you at the airport on Tuesday night),
Lynda
We left just after 1am AST on Sunday and enjoyed a fairly comfortable flight to Seattle and then on to Houston. James and I look forward to meeting up with Doug, Cheryl, and Maria tonight in Villahermosa.
For those participants leaving Anchorage on Continental: the flight is not a code-share with Alaska Airlines as we originally thought. Check-in is at the Continental ticket counter that is located in the new B concourse which is where you will fly out of.
James and I are enjoying a quiet day, but look forward to getting busy for the Lord!
See you on Wednesday (James will meet you at the airport on Tuesday night),
Lynda
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Hello. I'm James . . . James C. This is my story.
Five years ago I went on my first misison trip.
I spoke with Brett Light from Sitka and decided to go to Peru on a Maranatha Volunteers International project to construct a church.
Near the end of the project one of our team members asked me if I was ready to head up a project!
The following summer, Brett asked me the same thing when he came to Alaska Campmeeting.
I couldn't believe it. Having only been on one trip I was convinced that I was completely unequipped.
I was not ready for the challenge. Some may read this as I was unwilling to let God be God.
Then two years ago, my wife and I went on a Marantha project to construct a school in Ecuador.
And just over one year ago, Pastor Kack asked Lynda and I if we would be willing to head up a mission trip for the O'Malley church.
The Lord had little coaxing to solicit a response of "Here am I, Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).
These mission trips have eternally changed my perspective of our world whereas my previous non-mission overseas trips had not.
Two distinct impressions have remained with me from these two mission experiences.
The first is how extremely fortunate Americans are; we have life relatively easy and simply take it for granted.
(Too whom much is given . . . much is required Luke 12:48)
People in developing countries work extremely hard just to survive. Their diet and housing is frequently substandard if not out right deficient.
The other overwhelming impression is how content and satisfied people can be with very little in the way of material things.
By working with and for these people, I became keenly aware of the selfishness and injustice in our world.
It seemed a little thing that we were doing to help these "strangers" with their needs.
Howwever, they were unable to do it for themselves so it was enormeous to them and showed in their gratitude towards us.
In the process, they were showing me a better way to live . . . to serve others!
This reminds me that we too need help, actually Divine aid.
Praise God for our Saviour, Jesus Christ who sacrified everything to save us!
Oh how great a debt we owe.
In the time leading up to this mission trip, God has been impressing upon me the selfishness of human nature, including my own.
Our carnal nature is bent toward selfishness, and the overwhelming majority of the time we aren't even aware of it.
With our upcoming mission trip, Jesus affords us the opportunity to follow in His selfless footsteps.
His ministry consisted of addressing the physical needs of other people and then He was able to address their spiritual needs.
We have the opportunity to help construct a church for the Peñitas congregation, something that they are unable to do for themselves.
God has also blessed us with resources and faithfulness to support a Bible worker for their community to further the Gospel of Jesus.
May our example be one that rightly reflects the character of God Almighty.
Perhaps God is calling you to serve too. What will your answer be?
Here am I, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
James went to Seventh-day Adventist schools until he was in high school, but never had made a commitment to the Lord until he was an adult. James has been a baptized member of the SDA church since 2000.
Lynda
Five years ago I went on my first misison trip.
I spoke with Brett Light from Sitka and decided to go to Peru on a Maranatha Volunteers International project to construct a church.
Near the end of the project one of our team members asked me if I was ready to head up a project!
The following summer, Brett asked me the same thing when he came to Alaska Campmeeting.
I couldn't believe it. Having only been on one trip I was convinced that I was completely unequipped.
I was not ready for the challenge. Some may read this as I was unwilling to let God be God.
Then two years ago, my wife and I went on a Marantha project to construct a school in Ecuador.
And just over one year ago, Pastor Kack asked Lynda and I if we would be willing to head up a mission trip for the O'Malley church.
The Lord had little coaxing to solicit a response of "Here am I, Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).
These mission trips have eternally changed my perspective of our world whereas my previous non-mission overseas trips had not.
Two distinct impressions have remained with me from these two mission experiences.
The first is how extremely fortunate Americans are; we have life relatively easy and simply take it for granted.
(Too whom much is given . . . much is required Luke 12:48)
People in developing countries work extremely hard just to survive. Their diet and housing is frequently substandard if not out right deficient.
The other overwhelming impression is how content and satisfied people can be with very little in the way of material things.
By working with and for these people, I became keenly aware of the selfishness and injustice in our world.
It seemed a little thing that we were doing to help these "strangers" with their needs.
Howwever, they were unable to do it for themselves so it was enormeous to them and showed in their gratitude towards us.
In the process, they were showing me a better way to live . . . to serve others!
This reminds me that we too need help, actually Divine aid.
Praise God for our Saviour, Jesus Christ who sacrified everything to save us!
Oh how great a debt we owe.
In the time leading up to this mission trip, God has been impressing upon me the selfishness of human nature, including my own.
Our carnal nature is bent toward selfishness, and the overwhelming majority of the time we aren't even aware of it.
With our upcoming mission trip, Jesus affords us the opportunity to follow in His selfless footsteps.
His ministry consisted of addressing the physical needs of other people and then He was able to address their spiritual needs.
We have the opportunity to help construct a church for the Peñitas congregation, something that they are unable to do for themselves.
God has also blessed us with resources and faithfulness to support a Bible worker for their community to further the Gospel of Jesus.
May our example be one that rightly reflects the character of God Almighty.
Perhaps God is calling you to serve too. What will your answer be?
Here am I, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
James went to Seventh-day Adventist schools until he was in high school, but never had made a commitment to the Lord until he was an adult. James has been a baptized member of the SDA church since 2000.
Lynda
Doug and Cheryl's first day in Mexico
We just spent a wonderful Sabbath with the group in Corozal. We received a warm welcome from the church members and met the other [Maranatha Volunteer International] team [who is working at Corozal]. The service was lead out by one of the elders of the church who had a great salvation message. Jose, from the building team interpreted for us. The team presented the church family with new Bibles, hymn books, and witnessing books. We met in the new church as they have most of the structural steel up with a blue tarp over it.
Dave Shull [from the volunteer team now in Corozal] provided me with a couple of drawings and some basic instruction sheets. More importantly, he gave me some good advice and ideas and covered some of the things that he would have done differently so that we would benefit from his experience when setting ours up. There will be some challenges but they can be overcome. For instance the framing jig did not make it into Mexico for some reason.
I saw your message about the Dengue Fever outbreak. I will say there does seem to be much more standing water here than there was in July. There were a few bugs out, but not really too bad.
God Bless,
Doug & Cheryl
Note: In the desire to keep our team healthy and strong, we will take the precautions as already state: mosquito netting on the windows of the sleeping rooms; and we recommend participants bring face masks, instant hand sanitizer, and mosquito repellent. ~Lynda
Dave Shull [from the volunteer team now in Corozal] provided me with a couple of drawings and some basic instruction sheets. More importantly, he gave me some good advice and ideas and covered some of the things that he would have done differently so that we would benefit from his experience when setting ours up. There will be some challenges but they can be overcome. For instance the framing jig did not make it into Mexico for some reason.
I saw your message about the Dengue Fever outbreak. I will say there does seem to be much more standing water here than there was in July. There were a few bugs out, but not really too bad.
God Bless,
Doug & Cheryl
Note: In the desire to keep our team healthy and strong, we will take the precautions as already state: mosquito netting on the windows of the sleeping rooms; and we recommend participants bring face masks, instant hand sanitizer, and mosquito repellent. ~Lynda
IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION!
This morning we received notification that there is an outbreak of both Dengue Fever and Swine Flu (H1N1) in the Mexican state of Chiapas. However it is currently farther south than we will be staying so that is good news.
It is strongly recommended that you bring disposable medical face masks for your protection. There is a remote possibility that these face masks could be required to travel back from Mexico to the United States.
Also make sure you have (and use!) instant hand sanitizer and mosquito repellent. We will provide mosquito netting for the windows where we will be sleeping. If the mosquitos are quite prevalent at night, we will acquire additional netting for your personal use at night.
It is strongly recommended that you bring disposable medical face masks for your protection. There is a remote possibility that these face masks could be required to travel back from Mexico to the United States.
Also make sure you have (and use!) instant hand sanitizer and mosquito repellent. We will provide mosquito netting for the windows where we will be sleeping. If the mosquitos are quite prevalent at night, we will acquire additional netting for your personal use at night.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Here I am Lord
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."
~Isaiah 6:8
Here I am by Daniel O'Donnell
And I said, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."
~Isaiah 6:8
Here I am by Daniel O'Donnell
First Arrivals
Doug and Cheryl have arrived safely in Mexico!
After a delay in Houston due to mechanical troubles, they arrived almost 3 hours late in Villahermosa. Maria Malledo, our bilingual Maranatha support person, met them at the airport and escorted them to the hotel.
They are sleepy and ready for a Sabbath's rest in Mexico.
Feliz Sabado,
Lynda
After a delay in Houston due to mechanical troubles, they arrived almost 3 hours late in Villahermosa. Maria Malledo, our bilingual Maranatha support person, met them at the airport and escorted them to the hotel.
They are sleepy and ready for a Sabbath's rest in Mexico.
Feliz Sabado,
Lynda
Sunday, December 6, 2009
An Interview with Elizabeth
1. What prompted you to join The Northern Lights? "I love traveling and seeing and experiencing other countries and cultures (and I've especially wanted to go to Mexico) so when I heard about this trip I was really excited. That is until I found out that it would be during my brother's birthday (January 1st). So I decided that I couldn't go. But then one Sabbath I was talking with James and Lynda about the mission trip and Lynda was telling me how much fun it would be and how my small amount of Spanish speaking skills could be helpful. So once again I got excited at the possibility of going. I started praying about it and I felt God leading me to go. So...here I am!"☺
2. Have you been on a short-term mission trip, with any organization, before? "Yes, two years ago (March 2008) I went on a 2-week mission trip to Borneo, Malaysia with my school, Upper Columbia Academy, and built a church there."
3. How did God work in and through you during your last mission trip? Or what special story do you have to share with others about the trip or the people you encountered? "God worked through me by helping me be able to go and build the church. Also there were 3 teens in Borneo about my age that my friend and I became good friends with and we were, in a way, able to show God's love to them by befriending them."
4. How has God been working in your life especially related to this upcoming mission opportunity? "First of all, He provided me with 2 years of Spanish classes (as well as many Spanish-speaking friends) so I've come to know and love the language. I'm not anywhere near being fluent, but I know enough to get by; which I thank God for! It's really amazing how He works because after the 1st semester of my first year, I was having a rough time with the class. Not because the work was hard, but because many of my close friends who were in the class had dropped out, and I was left in there with several students who were really annoying to be around. I wanted to drop the class as well, but my mom encouraged me to keep going and see if it got any better--which it did! And, low and behold, I ended up needing that class to do God's work!!! Also He has provided the desire as well as the funds for me to be able to go on this upcoming mission trip. I praise God for all He's done to help me be able to do this!"
Elizabeth is a young adult member of O'Malley Church. She has a heart for God and a willingness to serve when asked. Her musical talent and knowledge of Spanish will be a blessing for Team Northern Lights. I anticipate God doing awesome things through Elizabeth on this trip and when she returns home afterwards.
Lynda
2. Have you been on a short-term mission trip, with any organization, before? "Yes, two years ago (March 2008) I went on a 2-week mission trip to Borneo, Malaysia with my school, Upper Columbia Academy, and built a church there."
3. How did God work in and through you during your last mission trip? Or what special story do you have to share with others about the trip or the people you encountered? "God worked through me by helping me be able to go and build the church. Also there were 3 teens in Borneo about my age that my friend and I became good friends with and we were, in a way, able to show God's love to them by befriending them."
4. How has God been working in your life especially related to this upcoming mission opportunity? "First of all, He provided me with 2 years of Spanish classes (as well as many Spanish-speaking friends) so I've come to know and love the language. I'm not anywhere near being fluent, but I know enough to get by; which I thank God for! It's really amazing how He works because after the 1st semester of my first year, I was having a rough time with the class. Not because the work was hard, but because many of my close friends who were in the class had dropped out, and I was left in there with several students who were really annoying to be around. I wanted to drop the class as well, but my mom encouraged me to keep going and see if it got any better--which it did! And, low and behold, I ended up needing that class to do God's work!!! Also He has provided the desire as well as the funds for me to be able to go on this upcoming mission trip. I praise God for all He's done to help me be able to do this!"
Elizabeth is a young adult member of O'Malley Church. She has a heart for God and a willingness to serve when asked. Her musical talent and knowledge of Spanish will be a blessing for Team Northern Lights. I anticipate God doing awesome things through Elizabeth on this trip and when she returns home afterwards.
Lynda
Monday, November 30, 2009
Exciting News!
James R. is a last-minute addition to our team! He will work on the One-Day Church and be available to act as our interpreter, if needed. He is bilingual (Spanish/English) and is familiar with the area of Mexico we will travel to. We are excited to have him on our team!
Reminder: Final Pre-Trip Team Meeting, at O'Malley Church, this Saturday (December 5, 2009), at 4:30pm. A light supper will be served. We will review the upcoming mission trip and have a question and answer period.
Reminder: Final Pre-Trip Team Meeting, at O'Malley Church, this Saturday (December 5, 2009), at 4:30pm. A light supper will be served. We will review the upcoming mission trip and have a question and answer period.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Lynda's Story
As a young adult I felt the Lord tugging on my heart every time I heard a mission story. I knew I was being called for mission work, but I struggled with so many fears. In the late 1980’s I went with my Tacoma, WA based non-denominational church to Yakima, WA to work with a local Native American group for a weekend project. We were a very mission-minded church and I was on the mission board as secretary and the liaison to women’s ministry, but I couldn’t muster up the courage to go on a foreign mission!
In the late 1980's there was a Christian song that came on the radio that made me laugh outwardly, but inside a still small voice chastised me every time I heard it. It was sung by Scott Wesley Brown and is titled ‘Don’t Send Me to Africa’:
O Lord I'm your willing servant
You know that I have been for years
I'm here in this pew every Sunday and Wednesday
I've stained it with many a tear
I've given you years of my service
I've always given my best
And I've never asked you for anything much
So Lord I deserve this request
Chorus:
Please don't send me to Africa
I don't think I've got what it takes
I'm just a man, I'm not a tarzan
Don't like lions, or rivers, or snakes
I'll serve you here in suburbia
In my comfortable middle class life
But please don't send me out in the bush
Where the natives are restless at night
I'll see that the money is gathered
I'll see that the money is sent
I'll wash and stack the communion cups
I'll tithe 11 percent
I'll volunteer for the nursery
I'll go on the youth retreat
I'll usher, I'll deacon, I'll go door to door
Just let me keep warming this seat
At the 2007 annual Maranatha Volunteers International (MVI) Convention I was challenged and inspired spiritually. We were asked to earnestly pray Friday night about short-term mission work and as I got down on my knees the song popped into my head again (“I don’t think I have what it takes”). Like the glare of oncoming cars lights on a dark night, the Lord confirmed in my heart that I don’t have what it takes to go on a mission trip. But He does! I had focused so long on my fears and failings that I had lost sight of Who is in control. That night I committed to serving the Lord wherever and whenever He calls me.
In January of 2008 I went to Galapagos, Ecuador with MVI where I worked with a local shopkeeper teaching English in the afternoons. I couldn’t speak Spanish and he and his family couldn’t speak English, but we had a wonderful time learning from each other. Our laughter attracted many people into the shop who would sit and watch us and spurred conversation as to who I was and what I was doing (a great witnessing opportunity). I found it very encouraging to be able to sit and converse with people who didn’t share the same language as me. It truly was a God encounter!
Just over a year ago, Pastor Kack asked James and I to lead a team from O’Malley church on a short-term mission trip. My husband and I looked at each other with open mouths and blank minds. Well, not truly blank…my mind whirled with so many thoughts! What an exciting vision! What an incredibly frightening prospect! Then I remembered my promise to God in September 2007. So we said yes and the work began.
Most importantly the work began IN me. God has allowed many things to happen in my life this year: He prompted me to quit my job of 7 years in February, we returned from a vacation in March to find our home had been burglarized, and I was diagnosed with cancer in July. God lovingly used these events to work on my character and attitude for His glory and to calm my fears and help me be a more willing servant. Praise God!
His servant,
Lynda
I have been a member of O’Malley church for 9 years and a Christian for 22 years. I am anticipating many years of mission work; perhaps even Africa some day!
In the late 1980's there was a Christian song that came on the radio that made me laugh outwardly, but inside a still small voice chastised me every time I heard it. It was sung by Scott Wesley Brown and is titled ‘Don’t Send Me to Africa’:
O Lord I'm your willing servant
You know that I have been for years
I'm here in this pew every Sunday and Wednesday
I've stained it with many a tear
I've given you years of my service
I've always given my best
And I've never asked you for anything much
So Lord I deserve this request
Chorus:
Please don't send me to Africa
I don't think I've got what it takes
I'm just a man, I'm not a tarzan
Don't like lions, or rivers, or snakes
I'll serve you here in suburbia
In my comfortable middle class life
But please don't send me out in the bush
Where the natives are restless at night
I'll see that the money is gathered
I'll see that the money is sent
I'll wash and stack the communion cups
I'll tithe 11 percent
I'll volunteer for the nursery
I'll go on the youth retreat
I'll usher, I'll deacon, I'll go door to door
Just let me keep warming this seat
At the 2007 annual Maranatha Volunteers International (MVI) Convention I was challenged and inspired spiritually. We were asked to earnestly pray Friday night about short-term mission work and as I got down on my knees the song popped into my head again (“I don’t think I have what it takes”). Like the glare of oncoming cars lights on a dark night, the Lord confirmed in my heart that I don’t have what it takes to go on a mission trip. But He does! I had focused so long on my fears and failings that I had lost sight of Who is in control. That night I committed to serving the Lord wherever and whenever He calls me.
In January of 2008 I went to Galapagos, Ecuador with MVI where I worked with a local shopkeeper teaching English in the afternoons. I couldn’t speak Spanish and he and his family couldn’t speak English, but we had a wonderful time learning from each other. Our laughter attracted many people into the shop who would sit and watch us and spurred conversation as to who I was and what I was doing (a great witnessing opportunity). I found it very encouraging to be able to sit and converse with people who didn’t share the same language as me. It truly was a God encounter!
Just over a year ago, Pastor Kack asked James and I to lead a team from O’Malley church on a short-term mission trip. My husband and I looked at each other with open mouths and blank minds. Well, not truly blank…my mind whirled with so many thoughts! What an exciting vision! What an incredibly frightening prospect! Then I remembered my promise to God in September 2007. So we said yes and the work began.
Most importantly the work began IN me. God has allowed many things to happen in my life this year: He prompted me to quit my job of 7 years in February, we returned from a vacation in March to find our home had been burglarized, and I was diagnosed with cancer in July. God lovingly used these events to work on my character and attitude for His glory and to calm my fears and help me be a more willing servant. Praise God!
His servant,
Lynda
I have been a member of O’Malley church for 9 years and a Christian for 22 years. I am anticipating many years of mission work; perhaps even Africa some day!
Bob's Story
In this time of economic difficulty, many people are re-examining what is truly important in life. With decreased or limited funds, people are looking at their beliefs concerning what a necessity is versus what a luxury might be. People all across this land are making a commitment to tighten their financial belts.
Bob and his family have recently transitioned from two incomes to one so he is familiar with the struggle for frugality. Yet Bob felt called to go on this short-term mission trip to Mexico.
In faith he mailed off the paperwork for a passport. Bob was told it would take 6 to 8 weeks (or even more) to process the request. Later he heard about an expedite service that could get it processed for you in as little as 2 weeks, but Bob’s paperwork was already mailed so he couldn’t take advantage of this assistance.
Bob also wondered about financing the trip. Where would he come up with the $800 participation fee and approximately $900 for the airfare? It was then Bob realized he had gold jewelry sitting in a drawer! Bob decided the gold wasn’t doing him any good so he had it cashed in. The “useless” gold jewelry netted $1700 that could be used to help Bob be faithful to the Lord’s call to go on this mission trip. Bob sincerely heeded the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”.
God wasn’t stopping with one miracle! Another was winging its way to Bob via the United States Postal Service—his passport arrived in only 3 weeks time! Then after his passport arrived, Bob went to his employer to see if he could get the time off work. Only six weeks prior to the trip, Bob had the necessary money, approved time off work, and his passport.
What a wonderful lesson for all of us! By stepping out in faith we allow God the opportunity to show that He is in control. Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
Excited to serve such an awesome God,
Lynda
Bob is a four year Seventh-day Adventist and member of O’Malley Church. He has a background in construction and maintenance work. Currently he works in the maintenance department of a local hospital.
Bob and his family have recently transitioned from two incomes to one so he is familiar with the struggle for frugality. Yet Bob felt called to go on this short-term mission trip to Mexico.
In faith he mailed off the paperwork for a passport. Bob was told it would take 6 to 8 weeks (or even more) to process the request. Later he heard about an expedite service that could get it processed for you in as little as 2 weeks, but Bob’s paperwork was already mailed so he couldn’t take advantage of this assistance.
Bob also wondered about financing the trip. Where would he come up with the $800 participation fee and approximately $900 for the airfare? It was then Bob realized he had gold jewelry sitting in a drawer! Bob decided the gold wasn’t doing him any good so he had it cashed in. The “useless” gold jewelry netted $1700 that could be used to help Bob be faithful to the Lord’s call to go on this mission trip. Bob sincerely heeded the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”.
God wasn’t stopping with one miracle! Another was winging its way to Bob via the United States Postal Service—his passport arrived in only 3 weeks time! Then after his passport arrived, Bob went to his employer to see if he could get the time off work. Only six weeks prior to the trip, Bob had the necessary money, approved time off work, and his passport.
What a wonderful lesson for all of us! By stepping out in faith we allow God the opportunity to show that He is in control. Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.
Excited to serve such an awesome God,
Lynda
Bob is a four year Seventh-day Adventist and member of O’Malley Church. He has a background in construction and maintenance work. Currently he works in the maintenance department of a local hospital.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Joseph's Story
Joseph heard about the One Day Church program at General Youth Conference last year and knew he wanted to help with this program. He attended the Maranatha Volunteers International’s convention this past September and decided it was time to do something about it.
Joseph isn’t a stranger to mission work. He went on a short-term project during his junior year in high school and they worked on the second story walls and ceiling of a church in Mexico. When I asked him what story he had to tell from that trip, Joseph said: “nothing too memorable” and that it was a much different time in his life. He noted that the missing ingredient to an extraordinary mission trip was interaction with the people.
He is looking forward to meeting the needs of others and to spread God’s love in whatever way he can. Joseph also expects to have a better mission trip experience this time around and knowing the other participants as I do I have no doubt that he will find this trip personally rewarding and spiritually invigorating.
I asked Joseph how God had been working in his life recently especially related to the upcoming mission trip. He said: “I had a couple of jobs come up that I wasn’t expecting. They were just enough to get me caught up on my bills and pay for this trip. God has really blessed me with work at a time when so many are struggling.” Praise God!
Excited to serve,
Lynda
Joseph is a young adult living in the Portland, OR area. He is a general contractor with experience in pole buildings and other metal projects. He also had the opportunity to lay block walls while in Mexico as a teenager.
Joseph isn’t a stranger to mission work. He went on a short-term project during his junior year in high school and they worked on the second story walls and ceiling of a church in Mexico. When I asked him what story he had to tell from that trip, Joseph said: “nothing too memorable” and that it was a much different time in his life. He noted that the missing ingredient to an extraordinary mission trip was interaction with the people.
He is looking forward to meeting the needs of others and to spread God’s love in whatever way he can. Joseph also expects to have a better mission trip experience this time around and knowing the other participants as I do I have no doubt that he will find this trip personally rewarding and spiritually invigorating.
I asked Joseph how God had been working in his life recently especially related to the upcoming mission trip. He said: “I had a couple of jobs come up that I wasn’t expecting. They were just enough to get me caught up on my bills and pay for this trip. God has really blessed me with work at a time when so many are struggling.” Praise God!
Excited to serve,
Lynda
Joseph is a young adult living in the Portland, OR area. He is a general contractor with experience in pole buildings and other metal projects. He also had the opportunity to lay block walls while in Mexico as a teenager.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Rick's Story
Over the last ten years, Rick reports that he has been on the receiving end of support and encouragement from church members. He feels that he had been more of a “listener” and less of a “doer” during that time in his life.
Rick’s comment reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1 that says: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…” We all go through times in our lives where we need to be the “listener”; a time of learning and growing before we are able to go out and help others. My husband, James, pointed out that Moses had 40 years of training. And Jesus’ disciples had 3 (or more) year’s worth of preparation before they were fully ready to go on their missions.
Now Rick is feeling the Lord tugging on his heart to go and help others. He said that at this point God has given him the “gift of time” and he would like to use that gift to do the Lord’s work.
While Rick has yet to go on a mission trip, he has listened to the experiences of others who have. He said that he can see how the mission trip had an effect on them—how it is a blessing for the missionary as well as the people they serve.
Our international mission trip will require a passport, but Rick’s has been delayed due to a clerical error. The agency is working on correcting it and will expedite the processing of it tomorrow. James and I have seen Satan working to derail this mission trip and we feel this is just one more example of it. However we know that our God reigns and He is victorious over the evil one!
Please keep The Northern Lights team members and the Mexican community of Peñitas in your prayers. We want to share Christ’s love with everyone we encounter so please pray for us to be bold doers and the Mexican community to be receptive listeners.
Lynda
Rick is a long-time member of the Hillside-O'Malley SDA church in Anchorage, AK. He has a lot of energy and can't wait to put his hands and time to use working for the Lord.
Rick’s comment reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1 that says: “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…” We all go through times in our lives where we need to be the “listener”; a time of learning and growing before we are able to go out and help others. My husband, James, pointed out that Moses had 40 years of training. And Jesus’ disciples had 3 (or more) year’s worth of preparation before they were fully ready to go on their missions.
Now Rick is feeling the Lord tugging on his heart to go and help others. He said that at this point God has given him the “gift of time” and he would like to use that gift to do the Lord’s work.
While Rick has yet to go on a mission trip, he has listened to the experiences of others who have. He said that he can see how the mission trip had an effect on them—how it is a blessing for the missionary as well as the people they serve.
Our international mission trip will require a passport, but Rick’s has been delayed due to a clerical error. The agency is working on correcting it and will expedite the processing of it tomorrow. James and I have seen Satan working to derail this mission trip and we feel this is just one more example of it. However we know that our God reigns and He is victorious over the evil one!
Please keep The Northern Lights team members and the Mexican community of Peñitas in your prayers. We want to share Christ’s love with everyone we encounter so please pray for us to be bold doers and the Mexican community to be receptive listeners.
Lynda
Rick is a long-time member of the Hillside-O'Malley SDA church in Anchorage, AK. He has a lot of energy and can't wait to put his hands and time to use working for the Lord.
Scott's Story
"Back in the mid 80's I went to a poverty stricken district on the fringes of Mexico City to help build new housing. Our group of 20 or so people constructed a metal framed, stucco finished house. It was a very basic structure but quite solid. I have been to Mexico twice and look forward to returning with my O'Malley brothers & sisters. I enjoy working with my hands and it will be a privilege to participate in the Penitas Project. The Mexican people are very gracious and hard working. It will be a joy to help them build their new church."
Praise the Lord!!!
Scott is a team member of The Northern Lights and attends the Eagle River SDA Church in Eagle River, AK. I look forward to hearing how God works in and through Scott on our upcoming short-term mission trip.
Lynda
Praise the Lord!!!
Scott is a team member of The Northern Lights and attends the Eagle River SDA Church in Eagle River, AK. I look forward to hearing how God works in and through Scott on our upcoming short-term mission trip.
Lynda
Standing on the Edge
Have you ever stood on the edge of something really big? It can be very frightening or completely thrilling. I remember being a young girl with my toes firmly planted in the sand just staring at the immense ocean with ferocious waves beating the earth before me. The sound of crashing waves dulled most other sounds until all I heard was the roaring of the ocean. I stood transfixed by the power of the mighty water and thought: “If this frightens and awes me so much, what would it be like to see God, the Creator of the sea?”
Sometimes we seek out that which scares or excites us. James went on a Maranatha Volunteers trip to Peru in 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed touring Machu Pichu. He loves to climb tall, craggy mountains and gaze at the world below.
Whether we seek these emotion packed moments or whether they come to us without warning, they make us stop and think about how small we really are and how great our God is. It is exactly at this time that we lose sight of self and focus more closely on the beautiful character of our Lord and Savior.
James and I are standing on the edge of something very big, however we are not alone. We are joined by 14 other people who are willing to do what author Henry Blackaby suggested in his book Experiencing God: “Find out where God is at work and join Him there”. Some of our team members are seasoned workers and others are joining in for the first time, but we are all of one accord—to do the will of the Lord wherever and in whatever capacity He calls us.
Fellow missionaries, today we are 6 weeks out from our day of departure. Are you ready? I mean spiritually ready? Are you ready for physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges?
There will be discomfort. There may even be disappointment. But there are people waiting for us to share the love of Christ with them…people who speak a different language (culturally and linguistically); people who will watch how we speak and act. Will your character be that of Christ? Will they see His love no matter what language we speak?
I challenge you to spend time each day with God—now and each day throughout the mission trip. Ask Him to change your character into that which would please Him. Ask Him to reveal His character to you through the Scripture and through the people you encounter each day.
“And you shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Sometimes we seek out that which scares or excites us. James went on a Maranatha Volunteers trip to Peru in 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed touring Machu Pichu. He loves to climb tall, craggy mountains and gaze at the world below.
On occasion we find ourselves on the edge of something really big--something that is dropped into our lives unexpected and unwanted. For me, it was cancer. It brought my life to a temporary halt as I tried to find answers and meaning. It was a time filled with intense emotions.
Whether we seek these emotion packed moments or whether they come to us without warning, they make us stop and think about how small we really are and how great our God is. It is exactly at this time that we lose sight of self and focus more closely on the beautiful character of our Lord and Savior.
James and I are standing on the edge of something very big, however we are not alone. We are joined by 14 other people who are willing to do what author Henry Blackaby suggested in his book Experiencing God: “Find out where God is at work and join Him there”. Some of our team members are seasoned workers and others are joining in for the first time, but we are all of one accord—to do the will of the Lord wherever and in whatever capacity He calls us.
Fellow missionaries, today we are 6 weeks out from our day of departure. Are you ready? I mean spiritually ready? Are you ready for physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges?
There will be discomfort. There may even be disappointment. But there are people waiting for us to share the love of Christ with them…people who speak a different language (culturally and linguistically); people who will watch how we speak and act. Will your character be that of Christ? Will they see His love no matter what language we speak?
I challenge you to spend time each day with God—now and each day throughout the mission trip. Ask Him to change your character into that which would please Him. Ask Him to reveal His character to you through the Scripture and through the people you encounter each day.
“And you shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Deadlines
Applications: You MUST turn in an application this week if you plan on being part of the team.
Participant Fee $700 USD and Excursion Fee $100 USD: If you haven't paid the full amount, please make arrangements to do so this week.
Airfare: Please purchase your airfare this week and forward a copy of your itinerary to me.
AJA Students: If you plan on being part of the team, contact AJA teacher Aaron Woehler this week.
Youth not attending AJA: If you are interested in being part of the mission team, contact us immediately. You will need an escort (parent or guardian); please contact us to discuss. Ages 13-16 will need to supply a letter of recommendation from your Pastor, Youth Pastor, or teacher. Youth = under age 18.
Contact: cazort@gci.net or 907-346-8308
Participant Fee $700 USD and Excursion Fee $100 USD: If you haven't paid the full amount, please make arrangements to do so this week.
Airfare: Please purchase your airfare this week and forward a copy of your itinerary to me.
AJA Students: If you plan on being part of the team, contact AJA teacher Aaron Woehler this week.
Youth not attending AJA: If you are interested in being part of the mission team, contact us immediately. You will need an escort (parent or guardian); please contact us to discuss. Ages 13-16 will need to supply a letter of recommendation from your Pastor, Youth Pastor, or teacher. Youth = under age 18.
Contact: cazort@gci.net or 907-346-8308
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tentative Schedule
| Tentative Schedule | Activity |
| Tuesday, December 29, 2009 | Arrival in Villahermosa (evening arrivals) |
| Wednesday, December 30 | Bus to Penitas / Orientation at jobsite |
| Thursday, December 31 | Work Day 1 |
| Friday, January 1, 2010 | Work Day 2 |
| Saturday, January 2 | Sabbath Rest in Penitas |
| Sunday, January 3 | Work Day 3 |
| Monday, January 4 | Work Day 4 |
| Tuesday, January 5 | Work Day 5 |
| Wednesday, January 6 | Work Day 6 |
| Thursday, January 7 | Work Day 7 |
| Friday, January 8 | Work Day 8, if needed; or fun/rest day |
| Saturday, January 9 | Sabbath Rest in Penitas |
| Sunday, January 10 | Bus to Palenque |
| Monday, January 11 | Tour Palenque Ruins / Bus to Villahermosa |
| Tuesday, January 12 | Depart for Home (morning departures) |
| Daily Schedule | |
| 7:00am | Breakfast and Worship |
| 7:45am | Depart for jobsite |
| 12:30 - 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 4:30pm | Depart for base camp |
| 6:00pm | Dinner |
| 7:00pm | Worship |
| 7:30pm | Free Time |
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Photos of Hotels, Work Site, and Team Base Site
Hilton Hotel - Villahermosa
Hilton Hotel - Villahermosa
Gate around school where team base will be housed. 
Rooms will be used for sleeping, cooking, and meeting. There is a men's and women's 3 toilet restroom.
Interior of school rooms
No shower facility so we have purchased portable showers that each use a 3 gallon water bag.
Below is a photo looking towards the Penitas church. They have poured a concrete pad for us to build the One-Day church on.
Looking out from the Penitas church.
Outhouse available on-site.
You will appreciate ending the trip with an excursion to Palenque. We will stay overnight at a deluxe hotel in Palenque town and view the ruins the following day.
Our final evening will be spent back at the Hilton Hotel in Villahermosa.
MEXICO MISSION TRIP PACKING LIST
WORK GEAR – ONE DAY CHURCH
• Blue jeans or painter pants, 3
• Long sleeve work shirts
• T-shirts (no sleeveless shirts)
• Work gloves – 1 leather, 1-2 rubber
• Hard hat - required! can possibly purchase in Mexico
• Sturdy working shoes or boots
• Safety glasses – required!
• Ear plugs (extra for night time use)
• Bandanas
• Hat – wide brim for sun protection
TOOLS
• Large 10” masonry trowel
• Measuring tape – optional
• Pliers for tying wire
• Masonry hammer – optional
• 3’ level or small Torpedo level – optional
• Electric drill (non-cordless) – optional
• Stringline - optional
WORK GEAR – KITCHEN/LAUNDRY HELP
• Safety glasses for use around bleach
• Casual pants, modest skirts/dresses, shirts that will get splattered by bleach water
• Old apron or smock
• Bandana or hair nets
• Comfortable shoes
NON-WORK ITEMS
• Socks
• Underclothes
• Knee length shorts
• Slacks, lightweight & washable
• Casual shirts, tops, modest blouses – no sleeveless or spaghetti strap tops
• Men: slacks, dress shirt & tie for Sabbath, dress shoes optional (sandals OK)
• Women: Knee length dress or modest skirt for Sabbath, nylons optional, dress shoes optional (sandals OK)
• Modest swim wear
• Sleep wear (communal sleeping)
• Shower flip-flops
• Sandals or casual shoes (for excursion and after work hours)
• Personal toiletries
• Sunglasses, glasses case
• Lip balm with SPF
• Plastic bags for soiled or wet items
• Safety pins
• Towels (for shower, face)
• Notebook or journal, pen
• Mosquito repellent
• Alarm clock and/or watch
• Refillable water bottle – wide opening preferred
• Packets of powdered Gatorade or similar mix
• Headlamp or flashlight and batteries
• Small personal mirror
• Bible
• Rain or lightweight jacket with hood
• Pillow
• Sleeping bag (can possibly purchase in Mexico) or bedding; expect night temps of 55-65F
• Sun block w/SPF 30 or higher
• Personal First Aid items: Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc
• Outreach sharing items as impressed by the Holy Spirit
• Small daypack
• Binoculars – optional
• Spanish/English dictionary – optional
• Small amount of tissue or toilet paper
ITEMS FOR YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
• Passport and photocopy of passport (consider buying security pouch that hangs around your neck for your ID, tickets)
• 2nd piece of government issued ID with photo
• Camera, film, memory cards, spare batteries
• Medical insurance card
• Alcohol based hand gel
• Money for personal spending, laundry (consider buying a money belt to wear under clothing)
• Personal prescription medications (considered bringing a letter from your doctor that they are prescribed to you for a medical problem)
• Consider bringing proof of vaccinations (such as H1N1 vaccine, typhoid, etc)
• Travel neck pillow, blanket - optional
Notify banks (ATM, Credit Cards) that you’ll be in Mexico so they won’t freeze your accounts.
WORK GEAR – ONE DAY CHURCH
• Blue jeans or painter pants, 3
• Long sleeve work shirts
• T-shirts (no sleeveless shirts)
• Work gloves – 1 leather, 1-2 rubber
• Hard hat - required! can possibly purchase in Mexico
• Sturdy working shoes or boots
• Safety glasses – required!
• Ear plugs (extra for night time use)
• Bandanas
• Hat – wide brim for sun protection
TOOLS
• Large 10” masonry trowel
• Measuring tape – optional
• Pliers for tying wire
• Masonry hammer – optional
• 3’ level or small Torpedo level – optional
• Electric drill (non-cordless) – optional
• Stringline - optional
WORK GEAR – KITCHEN/LAUNDRY HELP
• Safety glasses for use around bleach
• Casual pants, modest skirts/dresses, shirts that will get splattered by bleach water
• Old apron or smock
• Bandana or hair nets
• Comfortable shoes
NON-WORK ITEMS
• Socks
• Underclothes
• Knee length shorts
• Slacks, lightweight & washable
• Casual shirts, tops, modest blouses – no sleeveless or spaghetti strap tops
• Men: slacks, dress shirt & tie for Sabbath, dress shoes optional (sandals OK)
• Women: Knee length dress or modest skirt for Sabbath, nylons optional, dress shoes optional (sandals OK)
• Modest swim wear
• Sleep wear (communal sleeping)
• Shower flip-flops
• Sandals or casual shoes (for excursion and after work hours)
• Personal toiletries
• Sunglasses, glasses case
• Lip balm with SPF
• Plastic bags for soiled or wet items
• Safety pins
• Towels (for shower, face)
• Notebook or journal, pen
• Mosquito repellent
• Alarm clock and/or watch
• Refillable water bottle – wide opening preferred
• Packets of powdered Gatorade or similar mix
• Headlamp or flashlight and batteries
• Small personal mirror
• Bible
• Rain or lightweight jacket with hood
• Pillow
• Sleeping bag (can possibly purchase in Mexico) or bedding; expect night temps of 55-65F
• Sun block w/SPF 30 or higher
• Personal First Aid items: Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc
• Outreach sharing items as impressed by the Holy Spirit
• Small daypack
• Binoculars – optional
• Spanish/English dictionary – optional
• Small amount of tissue or toilet paper
ITEMS FOR YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
• Passport and photocopy of passport (consider buying security pouch that hangs around your neck for your ID, tickets)
• 2nd piece of government issued ID with photo
• Camera, film, memory cards, spare batteries
• Medical insurance card
• Alcohol based hand gel
• Money for personal spending, laundry (consider buying a money belt to wear under clothing)
• Personal prescription medications (considered bringing a letter from your doctor that they are prescribed to you for a medical problem)
• Consider bringing proof of vaccinations (such as H1N1 vaccine, typhoid, etc)
• Travel neck pillow, blanket - optional
Notify banks (ATM, Credit Cards) that you’ll be in Mexico so they won’t freeze your accounts.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time to book your airfare!
MISSION TRIP DATES: Tuesday 12/29/09 - Tuesday 01/12/10*.
Note: this is a one-day change from our originally stated itinerary.
*If you are not staying for the excursion, you would fly home from Villahermosa on Monday 01/11/10 (see the itineraries below).
TOTAL PARTICIPATION FEE: $700.00 US
OPTIONAL EXCURSION FEE: $100.00 US
FEE DUE DATE: 10/31/09
As a reminder: Checks are to be made payable to Hillside-O'Malley Seventh-day Adventist Church with "Participant Fee" and/or "Excursion Fee" listed in the memo line. Please mail to Hillside O'Malley SDA Church, Attn: Treasurer, 6000 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK USA 99507.
It is now OK to buy your tickets. If flying from Anchorage (ANC) to Villahermosa (VSA) on Continental, the first checked bag (up to 50#) is included in your airfare, an additional bag will cost you $30.
Please forward a copy of your itinerary to me after you purchase your tickets. You may call me before purchasing the tickets if you have any questions or concerns.
ITINERARY for those who *ARE* going on the optional excursion: Everyone needs to arrive in Villahermosa on 12/29/09.
Arrival: 12/29/09: Plan to arrive in Villahermosa by Tuesday evening (the Continental flight from Houston arrives at approx. 8:30pm); we will overnight at the airport Hilton in Villahermosa.
12/30/09: We will leave Villahermosa for Penitas (approximately a 2 hour drive).
01/10/09: Our team will leave Penitas for Villahermosa and will travel on to Palenque where we will overnight in a hotel.
Excursion: 01/11/09: Excursion during the day; travel back to Villahermosa to stay overnight.
Departure: 01/12/09: Team flies home; Continental flight to Houston leaves at approx. 8:30am.
ITINERARY for those who are **NOT** going on the optional excursion: Everyone needs to arrive in Villahermosa on 12/29/09.
Arrival: 12/29/09: Plan to arrive in Villahermosa by Tuesday evening (the Continental flight from Houston arrives at approx 8:30pm); we will overnight at the airport Hilton in Villahermosa.
12/30/09: We will leave Villahermosa for Penitas (approximately a 2 hour drive).
01/10/09: Our team will leave Penitas for Villahermosa; those not going on the excursion will overnight in Villahermosa.
Departure: 01/11/09: Those not going on the excursion will fly home; Continental flight to Houston leaves at approx. 8:30am.
Notes:
• Anyone arriving or leaving outside of the above stated dates will need to find their own transportation to/from Penitas.
• All hotel reservations will be made by us for the entire team.
• If you have not already submitted an application please complete and return the attached application with payment ASAP!
Blessings,
James and Lynda
Note: this is a one-day change from our originally stated itinerary.
*If you are not staying for the excursion, you would fly home from Villahermosa on Monday 01/11/10 (see the itineraries below).
TOTAL PARTICIPATION FEE: $700.00 US
OPTIONAL EXCURSION FEE: $100.00 US
FEE DUE DATE: 10/31/09
As a reminder: Checks are to be made payable to Hillside-O'Malley Seventh-day Adventist Church with "Participant Fee" and/or "Excursion Fee" listed in the memo line. Please mail to Hillside O'Malley SDA Church, Attn: Treasurer, 6000 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK USA 99507.
It is now OK to buy your tickets. If flying from Anchorage (ANC) to Villahermosa (VSA) on Continental, the first checked bag (up to 50#) is included in your airfare, an additional bag will cost you $30.
Please forward a copy of your itinerary to me after you purchase your tickets. You may call me before purchasing the tickets if you have any questions or concerns.
ITINERARY for those who *ARE* going on the optional excursion: Everyone needs to arrive in Villahermosa on 12/29/09.
Arrival: 12/29/09: Plan to arrive in Villahermosa by Tuesday evening (the Continental flight from Houston arrives at approx. 8:30pm); we will overnight at the airport Hilton in Villahermosa.
12/30/09: We will leave Villahermosa for Penitas (approximately a 2 hour drive).
01/10/09: Our team will leave Penitas for Villahermosa and will travel on to Palenque where we will overnight in a hotel.
Excursion: 01/11/09: Excursion during the day; travel back to Villahermosa to stay overnight.
Departure: 01/12/09: Team flies home; Continental flight to Houston leaves at approx. 8:30am.
ITINERARY for those who are **NOT** going on the optional excursion: Everyone needs to arrive in Villahermosa on 12/29/09.
Arrival: 12/29/09: Plan to arrive in Villahermosa by Tuesday evening (the Continental flight from Houston arrives at approx 8:30pm); we will overnight at the airport Hilton in Villahermosa.
12/30/09: We will leave Villahermosa for Penitas (approximately a 2 hour drive).
01/10/09: Our team will leave Penitas for Villahermosa; those not going on the excursion will overnight in Villahermosa.
Departure: 01/11/09: Those not going on the excursion will fly home; Continental flight to Houston leaves at approx. 8:30am.
Notes:
• Anyone arriving or leaving outside of the above stated dates will need to find their own transportation to/from Penitas.
• All hotel reservations will be made by us for the entire team.
• If you have not already submitted an application please complete and return the attached application with payment ASAP!
Blessings,
James and Lynda
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Are you ready for an adventure?
Update on Construction Fund:
Minimum required: $7,000
Donated to date: $6,089
Communication with our contacts in Mexico has been slow however we wanted to update you with the information we have to date. We will have a short meeting after potluck this coming Sabbath (August 29th) to present this information again and to answer any questions you may have.
Travel Dates: Monday, December 28, 2009 – Monday, January 11, 2010
1. Please begin research for airfare to Villahermosa, Mexico which is to be our
team meeting destination.
a. Continental is the only U.S. airline that flies into this city, but another
option is flying into Mexico City or Cancun on another U.S. airline and then
take a national flight to Villahermosa.
b. James and I do have 30 seats held (until September 27th) on Continental at
approximately $1215.00 round-trip per person from Anchorage to Villahermosa and back.
c. We can travel as a team or you can meet us in Villahermosa.
d. DO NOT BUY ANY TICKETS until we have notified you that
housing and transportation has been secured!!!!!!!!!
2. We will be staying at the Airport Hilton in Villahermosa at the beginning and end of our mission trip.
a. You will appreciate this hotel as it has the same modern amenities as our
U.S. hotels.
b. It is a short distance from the airport and a shuttle is available.
3. We will stay at an Adventist Elementary School for the working portion of our trip. This is pending confirmation from the pastor that the school will not be in session while we are there.
a. It is located about 15 minutes from our work site in Penitas.
b. Our basic needs will be met: a roof over our heads, separate toilets for
men/women, portable outdoor showers, and electricity.
c. Sleeping accommodations will be communal with 5-6 people per classroom and mattresses on the concrete floor. The classrooms have a door, but the
windows are without panes or screens. You will need to bring bedding or a
sleeping bag (night time lows will be about 60F).
d. A makeshift kitchen and dining/meeting area will be assembled in one of the classrooms.
4. An optional excursion will be available.
a. Housing will be at the Villa Mercedes in Palenque and you will greatly
appreciate this elegant hotel after a week of hard work.
b. The excursion will be to the Palenque Archaeological Zone where we can tour Mayan ruins (with English speaking guides).
5. There will be an outreach opportunity.
a. The local pastor has mentioned that a Bible Worker (or two) prior to our
coming would be of great benefit. This is something that we would, if
desired, support separately from the One-Day Church construction fund.
b. The pastor also requested medical and/or health outreach as this is the
greatest need in the area at this time.
Participant Fee: $650-$700 per person (excludes: excursion, t-shirt, and airfare).
Optional Excursion: $100 per person
Optional Maranatha Mexico T-shirt
Please make your commitment by September 9th: to reserve your spot on the team fill out an application and submit a $200 per person deposit.
Applications are available from James or Lynda.
Deposits are made out to Hillside-O'Malley Church with "Participant Fee" in the memo line.
September 10th we will be changing our status to an open team and will accept participants from any locality.
Minimum required: $7,000
Donated to date: $6,089
Communication with our contacts in Mexico has been slow however we wanted to update you with the information we have to date. We will have a short meeting after potluck this coming Sabbath (August 29th) to present this information again and to answer any questions you may have.
Travel Dates: Monday, December 28, 2009 – Monday, January 11, 2010
1. Please begin research for airfare to Villahermosa, Mexico which is to be our
team meeting destination.
a. Continental is the only U.S. airline that flies into this city, but another
option is flying into Mexico City or Cancun on another U.S. airline and then
take a national flight to Villahermosa.
b. James and I do have 30 seats held (until September 27th) on Continental at
approximately $1215.00 round-trip per person from Anchorage to Villahermosa and back.
c. We can travel as a team or you can meet us in Villahermosa.
d. DO NOT BUY ANY TICKETS until we have notified you that
housing and transportation has been secured!!!!!!!!!
2. We will be staying at the Airport Hilton in Villahermosa at the beginning and end of our mission trip.
a. You will appreciate this hotel as it has the same modern amenities as our
U.S. hotels.
b. It is a short distance from the airport and a shuttle is available.
3. We will stay at an Adventist Elementary School for the working portion of our trip. This is pending confirmation from the pastor that the school will not be in session while we are there.
a. It is located about 15 minutes from our work site in Penitas.
b. Our basic needs will be met: a roof over our heads, separate toilets for
men/women, portable outdoor showers, and electricity.
c. Sleeping accommodations will be communal with 5-6 people per classroom and mattresses on the concrete floor. The classrooms have a door, but the
windows are without panes or screens. You will need to bring bedding or a
sleeping bag (night time lows will be about 60F).
d. A makeshift kitchen and dining/meeting area will be assembled in one of the classrooms.
4. An optional excursion will be available.
a. Housing will be at the Villa Mercedes in Palenque and you will greatly
appreciate this elegant hotel after a week of hard work.
b. The excursion will be to the Palenque Archaeological Zone where we can tour Mayan ruins (with English speaking guides).
5. There will be an outreach opportunity.
a. The local pastor has mentioned that a Bible Worker (or two) prior to our
coming would be of great benefit. This is something that we would, if
desired, support separately from the One-Day Church construction fund.
b. The pastor also requested medical and/or health outreach as this is the
greatest need in the area at this time.
Participant Fee: $650-$700 per person (excludes: excursion, t-shirt, and airfare).
Optional Excursion: $100 per person
Optional Maranatha Mexico T-shirt
Please make your commitment by September 9th: to reserve your spot on the team fill out an application and submit a $200 per person deposit.
Applications are available from James or Lynda.
Deposits are made out to Hillside-O'Malley Church with "Participant Fee" in the memo line.
September 10th we will be changing our status to an open team and will accept participants from any locality.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Work In Progress!
Wherever God is at work...so is Satan! Those willing to serve God in Mexico are starting to feel the fiery darts come their way. Satan needs to be made aware that neither cancer nor near death in the Alaska woods while shake our faith!
At the recent church camp-out two members had a harrowing adventure, but were kept safe in the arms of God. We praise God for his unending love and care!
One person involved in the accident was Melva Evans. Here is a recent email from her: "Lynda - During the hike I kept thinking that the Mexico church must be really important!!! Go God!!! Yes, you may post the story on the blog. And I hope that all who intend to participate take strength and courage in our stories, and that we keep each other lifted up in faith."
Weekend Canoe Adventure 8/01/09:
Went on a church camp-out to Trail Lakes Campgrounds, down by Seward. The campground is on the eastern shore of Kenai Lake, about 24 1/2 miles north of Seward. We had perfect weather - sunny during the days and cool enough in the evenings to keep mosquitoes away. I loved sitting around the campfire with good friends, singing songs and listening to Scott Baker's study on Romans.
On Saturday afternoon, one of the guys (Tony Aalvik) and I took a canoe out on the lake. We went around a point to smooth water and nearly to the other side. Decided not to go to shore, as it appeared there were campers there; so, didn't want to intrude. We headed back to camp, and were about 2 miles from our launch site when the canoe capsized. Not a good thing, on a deep, cold water lake. We got the canoe righted, but couldn't get it emptied out - which, I think, is due to poor design. Getting in the canoe only made it sink below water level; so, there was no way to bail it out. There was only one thing to do, and that was, start swimming and head for shore.
We tried towing the canoe, then realized that we weren't getting anywhere fast enough; so, we abandoned the canoe and kept going. They say that the maximum survival time in our waters is 45 minutes. I'm here to tell you that, with prayer and a trust in God, we survived more than an hour. Once we reached shore, we realized just what a life or death situation we were in. It took a couple of efforts to pull ourselves out of the water. My legs just didn't want to stand up. We found a little recess that got us out of the wind, but was sunny. We lay there in the weeds, shivering violently. My medic training made me recognize that we were hypothermic. Again, God was looking out for us by keeping clouds away and the sun shining to provide the little bit of warmth that, I know - without a doubt - saved our lives.
After ten or fifteen minutes of shivering, we knew that we had to try to get back to camp. We were, by my guesstimate, about a four miles hike back. The area we were in had no traverse-able route down by the water. It was an area that had been burned in a forest fire four or five years ago. There were many downed dead trees and bushes to scramble over and through. Another major problem for me was that I was wearing flip flops when we launched, and had had to kick them off in order to swim. I had no choice but to start hiking barefoot. It was painfully slow going, up over cliffs, over and under logs. At one point I fell off a log - right into a patch of devil's club bushes, which truly are an invention of the devil. Not only the stems, but the leaves are covered in hundreds of short, fine thorns. They're attractive bushes, especially in the fall when the leaves turn bright yellow and the berries ripen to a deep red. But they are the most miserable thing to tangle with, as I found out. I'd always known to avoid them; but, never knew exactly what would happen if I got scratched by one. It took a few hours for me to find out, after crawling inside the sleeping bag, when the most intense itching and burning started. It is awful!
We had been hiking for nearly 3 hours when we got to the point where, if someone was looking, they might see us. By this time, they had to have known that we must have run into trouble, as we'd been gone over five hours. Tony took off his life-vest and waved it around. From that distance, he would have looked like an ant. Luckily, someone was looking up (not down at the water) and, because the sun was behind us, was able to see the silhouetted movement. We didn't know that, of course, but kept on bushwhacking and slogging our way forward - sometimes down, sometimes up, often falling into holes obscured by bushes. It truly was the hike from hell. The absolutely amazing thing, though, is that we weren't cold. By all accounts, we should have either died in the water, or shortly thereafter, of hypothermia. I just know this: I kept going with a prayer on my lips, an unwavering faith and trust in God, and a determination to keep moving forward until we reached camp.
We were about a mile from the launch area when a little skiff came puttering out from the bend. Our guys had seen Tony's life vest movement, and set out to find us. We made our way down to the water where a log was jutting out to where the skiff could come in to pick us up. They had a tiny little motor and a pair of oars. It was enough to get us back to camp, though it took about 20 minutes to cover the mile. You can bet that there was rejoicing and prayers of thankfulness when we hauled in. I was ever so grateful for the loan of a friend's over-sized shoes.
Amazingly, after expending all that energy and experiencing the initial cold, we returned to camp warm and not the least bit hungry. And eternally grateful to be alive. The next day, the canoe owner and another camper took a boat out to the approximate area where we swam ashore. They found the canoe and one paddle sitting calmly in the waters against the shore. Amazing!
Whatever your belief system is or isn't, all I can say to you is that my trust in God was strengthened this weekend; and, you are reading this as the result of a miracle. There is no other explanation for our surviving that hour in a freezing cold lake; or, for the fact that I was able to walk as far as I did in spite of not having shoes. Yes, I did get a few cuts and stickers in my feet, and I do have to deal with the aftermath of the close encounter with devil's club; but, God promises a safe landing - not a calm passage. The little pain and the itch only serves to remind me that I am alive to feel them because God cares.
My daughter stopped by this evening and removed a thorn from my left foot. It's so much easier to walk now :-) There still are a couple more to get out, but it hurt too much to continue probing; so I'll try again in a couple of days.
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend! Seriously! A fabulously spiritual experience with God, and friends who love Him.
What else is there to say? Our God is truly an awesome God! Please continue to pray for the Mexico mission trip and for those who He calls to participate. Please lift up the Penitas congregation in prayer as well.
Excited to serve,
Lynda
At the recent church camp-out two members had a harrowing adventure, but were kept safe in the arms of God. We praise God for his unending love and care!
One person involved in the accident was Melva Evans. Here is a recent email from her: "Lynda - During the hike I kept thinking that the Mexico church must be really important!!! Go God!!! Yes, you may post the story on the blog. And I hope that all who intend to participate take strength and courage in our stories, and that we keep each other lifted up in faith."
Weekend Canoe Adventure 8/01/09:
Went on a church camp-out to Trail Lakes Campgrounds, down by Seward. The campground is on the eastern shore of Kenai Lake, about 24 1/2 miles north of Seward. We had perfect weather - sunny during the days and cool enough in the evenings to keep mosquitoes away. I loved sitting around the campfire with good friends, singing songs and listening to Scott Baker's study on Romans.
On Saturday afternoon, one of the guys (Tony Aalvik) and I took a canoe out on the lake. We went around a point to smooth water and nearly to the other side. Decided not to go to shore, as it appeared there were campers there; so, didn't want to intrude. We headed back to camp, and were about 2 miles from our launch site when the canoe capsized. Not a good thing, on a deep, cold water lake. We got the canoe righted, but couldn't get it emptied out - which, I think, is due to poor design. Getting in the canoe only made it sink below water level; so, there was no way to bail it out. There was only one thing to do, and that was, start swimming and head for shore.
We tried towing the canoe, then realized that we weren't getting anywhere fast enough; so, we abandoned the canoe and kept going. They say that the maximum survival time in our waters is 45 minutes. I'm here to tell you that, with prayer and a trust in God, we survived more than an hour. Once we reached shore, we realized just what a life or death situation we were in. It took a couple of efforts to pull ourselves out of the water. My legs just didn't want to stand up. We found a little recess that got us out of the wind, but was sunny. We lay there in the weeds, shivering violently. My medic training made me recognize that we were hypothermic. Again, God was looking out for us by keeping clouds away and the sun shining to provide the little bit of warmth that, I know - without a doubt - saved our lives.
After ten or fifteen minutes of shivering, we knew that we had to try to get back to camp. We were, by my guesstimate, about a four miles hike back. The area we were in had no traverse-able route down by the water. It was an area that had been burned in a forest fire four or five years ago. There were many downed dead trees and bushes to scramble over and through. Another major problem for me was that I was wearing flip flops when we launched, and had had to kick them off in order to swim. I had no choice but to start hiking barefoot. It was painfully slow going, up over cliffs, over and under logs. At one point I fell off a log - right into a patch of devil's club bushes, which truly are an invention of the devil. Not only the stems, but the leaves are covered in hundreds of short, fine thorns. They're attractive bushes, especially in the fall when the leaves turn bright yellow and the berries ripen to a deep red. But they are the most miserable thing to tangle with, as I found out. I'd always known to avoid them; but, never knew exactly what would happen if I got scratched by one. It took a few hours for me to find out, after crawling inside the sleeping bag, when the most intense itching and burning started. It is awful!
We had been hiking for nearly 3 hours when we got to the point where, if someone was looking, they might see us. By this time, they had to have known that we must have run into trouble, as we'd been gone over five hours. Tony took off his life-vest and waved it around. From that distance, he would have looked like an ant. Luckily, someone was looking up (not down at the water) and, because the sun was behind us, was able to see the silhouetted movement. We didn't know that, of course, but kept on bushwhacking and slogging our way forward - sometimes down, sometimes up, often falling into holes obscured by bushes. It truly was the hike from hell. The absolutely amazing thing, though, is that we weren't cold. By all accounts, we should have either died in the water, or shortly thereafter, of hypothermia. I just know this: I kept going with a prayer on my lips, an unwavering faith and trust in God, and a determination to keep moving forward until we reached camp.
We were about a mile from the launch area when a little skiff came puttering out from the bend. Our guys had seen Tony's life vest movement, and set out to find us. We made our way down to the water where a log was jutting out to where the skiff could come in to pick us up. They had a tiny little motor and a pair of oars. It was enough to get us back to camp, though it took about 20 minutes to cover the mile. You can bet that there was rejoicing and prayers of thankfulness when we hauled in. I was ever so grateful for the loan of a friend's over-sized shoes.
Amazingly, after expending all that energy and experiencing the initial cold, we returned to camp warm and not the least bit hungry. And eternally grateful to be alive. The next day, the canoe owner and another camper took a boat out to the approximate area where we swam ashore. They found the canoe and one paddle sitting calmly in the waters against the shore. Amazing!
Whatever your belief system is or isn't, all I can say to you is that my trust in God was strengthened this weekend; and, you are reading this as the result of a miracle. There is no other explanation for our surviving that hour in a freezing cold lake; or, for the fact that I was able to walk as far as I did in spite of not having shoes. Yes, I did get a few cuts and stickers in my feet, and I do have to deal with the aftermath of the close encounter with devil's club; but, God promises a safe landing - not a calm passage. The little pain and the itch only serves to remind me that I am alive to feel them because God cares.
My daughter stopped by this evening and removed a thorn from my left foot. It's so much easier to walk now :-) There still are a couple more to get out, but it hurt too much to continue probing; so I'll try again in a couple of days.
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend! Seriously! A fabulously spiritual experience with God, and friends who love Him.
What else is there to say? Our God is truly an awesome God! Please continue to pray for the Mexico mission trip and for those who He calls to participate. Please lift up the Penitas congregation in prayer as well.
Excited to serve,
Lynda
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Photos from Pre-Project Visit
To all The Northern Lights team members and prospective members: don't give up! Information is slow in coming, but it is coming. Doug and Cheryl are leading the church camp-out this weekend. James and I are addressing my medical issues (the first step being surgery tomorrow the 31st).
We feel under attack from Satan and respectfully request your prayer support. Wherever the Lord is at work, Satan will try to be as well. Please lift the project up to the Lord in prayer and seek His will in this endeavor. We need to seek His direction and follow His call. All we do will be for His glory!
I will post some photos today. Additional details about lodging/travel/meals and the participant fees will follow soon.
Thank you for your patience.
Lynda
James and Doug left at 12:30am (AST) from Alaska and arrived in Mexico at 8:30pm (CST).
On the road to Penitas:
Worksite: existing wooden church with newly installed concrete pad to accommodate the One-Day church frame and block siding we will install.
Rolling hills surrounding the church site and the lake where some church members have started a fishing business:
A church family on an early morning milk delivery:
Miscellaneous people photos:
We feel under attack from Satan and respectfully request your prayer support. Wherever the Lord is at work, Satan will try to be as well. Please lift the project up to the Lord in prayer and seek His will in this endeavor. We need to seek His direction and follow His call. All we do will be for His glory!
I will post some photos today. Additional details about lodging/travel/meals and the participant fees will follow soon.
Thank you for your patience.
Lynda
James and Doug left at 12:30am (AST) from Alaska and arrived in Mexico at 8:30pm (CST).
On the road to Penitas:
Worksite: existing wooden church with newly installed concrete pad to accommodate the One-Day church frame and block siding we will install.
Rolling hills surrounding the church site and the lake where some church members have started a fishing business:
A church family on an early morning milk delivery:
Miscellaneous people photos:
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Above are two more photos of the school in the Pastor's town near Penitas.
Our God is an awesome God! He is God of the immense universe and God of the tiny sparrow. His love permeates everything in our world; even our hearts should we let it.
Details matter to God. We matter to God. Matthew 10:29-31 says: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
On Monday the 20th of July, the day James and Doug left for Mexico, I received word that I had an abnormal test result that required a biopsy. Technology here in the U.S. can be a blessing…consistent phone service, reliable e-mail, even networking with fellow believers through Facebook. The hours I could not be in contact with my husband found me in communication with my Father and later with friends and family. Communication with James throughout the week would prove to be a challenge and frustration as he struggled with inconsistent phone and internet service in Mexico.
But I serve a God who cares about the details. He was at work even before I knew there was a need. My Father worked through people as my prayers (and the prayers of family and friends) were breathed through anxious lips. He brought to my attention Exodus 14:14 that states: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." And John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
The following day, I received a text from a former co-worker, Kelli. In our conversation, I found that she now worked for a doctor who specialized in the very disease I was being tested for. Can you feel God’s hand in this? I was struck by the providential timing of the contact with Kelli.
Kelli spoke to her provider and they worked me in the schedule. Today I had a biopsy and Kelli, who held my hand during a difficult part of the procedure, assured me she’ll be there for me when the test results come in. Kelli is an angel God placed in my life and I am so grateful to Him (and her!).
I share this with you to show how wonderful our God is. He cares for us deeply as evidenced by His Son dying on the cross for us. He cares for the even the smallest details of our life and He cares enough to let difficult situations arise in our life so that we can learn to trust Him more and so we can in turn share His love with others.
James and Doug are finding the “details” of the upcoming mission trip to be challenging. Transportation and communication, among other things, are posing a problem. I submit to you however that God is in control and will work out the details for His glory.
We have the opportunity, the blessing really, to go and helps others in need. Sometimes it is right next door and other times it is in another country. God said in Matthew 10:8b: “Freely you have received, freely give.” We have received so much in the spiritual and physical realm that it is a sin not to share it with others.
1 Chronicles 28:20 says: “David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” Let’s respond to the call and go do the Lord’s work.
Blessed beyond belief,
Lynda
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Penitas and nearby town
James and Doug traveled with David Lopez from MVI to Penitas today. They had the opportunity to meet the pastor, Steven, and some of the church members. Photos of the Penitas area, church, and members are posted below.
Pastor Steven is 30 years old and has been pastoring for four years. He is in charge of 17, yes an astounding seventeen, churches in his district! He desires medical outreach however he is also open to evangelistic options.
Penitas is a very remote location and located just into the mountains. James mentioned that only five miles away the land opens up into wide open plains. Lodging is non-existent in Penitas; the area itself really isn't a town James noted. Fifteen minutes from Penitas is an Adventist primary/elementary school which is a convenient although primitive option.
Photos below are of town near by Penitas where the Pastor lives:
James reports that tomorrow will be spent in Villahermosa meeting with SDA mission office, further review of transportation issues, grocery research, etc.
Pastor Steven is 30 years old and has been pastoring for four years. He is in charge of 17, yes an astounding seventeen, churches in his district! He desires medical outreach however he is also open to evangelistic options.
Penitas is a very remote location and located just into the mountains. James mentioned that only five miles away the land opens up into wide open plains. Lodging is non-existent in Penitas; the area itself really isn't a town James noted. Fifteen minutes from Penitas is an Adventist primary/elementary school which is a convenient although primitive option.
Photos below are of town near by Penitas where the Pastor lives:
James reports that tomorrow will be spent in Villahermosa meeting with SDA mission office, further review of transportation issues, grocery research, etc.
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