Blessed with Friends

Ending off a really good year! As I look back to the past four months, I honestly am humbled by what God has been doing in my life, in the ministry and the people here! The more we connect/dive into His Word, God will provide and take care of the rest. He knows our hearts and will divinely connect us EXACTLY where we need to go! I sincerely want to do HIS will, not my own. Thank you for your prayers! I believe that because of those prayers, the stronghold of Satan is weakening! Keep it up!

Here are some of the many people I met, connected and love!

La Superior de Education Fisica

I can’t believe the movements, the blessings that are coming from this school. Let’s rewind, just before Passion (in October) we had no connection. The following Saturday, after passing flyers out in Passion for students who wish to make a movement in their school, we met up at Candelaria. Here we received contact information from a girl name Laura and Ivan. In about a week, both Laura and Matias (a student who was not able to come that Saturday) decided that it was time to form a Christian group so they posted posters announcing the first meeting. One could have gotten discouraged after noticing that each poster was taken down during that entire week or when two professors came that Tuesday morning claiming the study to be an illegal activity in a government held school. However, Matias and Laura pursued in their meetings. God is at work in ESEF! It is amazing to see the growth!

Now, December, three months later, their group is getting stronger and recognized throughout their campus by students and professors! First, a Catholic professor fought for their studies since it teaches good morals. Then the open accessibility of a classroom for each meeting was provided. Another professor connected with the group, turned out that he is actually a youth pastor at his church.

Matias and Laura has been pouring out ideas to reach their campus. On Dia de Los Muertos, they actually used the idea of UNAM by setting up the room with dead people’s pictures, and in the center a mirror representing that we are dead without Christ. Then on culture week, they actually set up my dream of recreating the skit called “Everything.” They had a chance to present it at their school two times and at a church. Through it, students were touched! So many wonderful stories have been shared about these events. Just the other day, another professor, arrived at their Tuesday meeting and shared his testimony about how God has freed him from addiction to drugs and alcohol. That he was empty and lost without God and now he is free, enjoying each day with peace and love!
I sit in awe of how God did the work! He guided their steps! I just sat on the sidelines. What a blessing to be a part of God’s work, watching how He produces the good fruit as we diligently seek after Him!

Last Reunion of Leaders

12/6/08

All Enfoque teams had a student leader meeting and worship at the California-6 house in Mexico City. There was about 65 college believers together and animated, connected and encouraged in their ministry to share Jesus! It was great!! I could not believe how God has provided so many willing and ready! We ate, chatted, prayed together, shared the vision, invited students to Acapulco and enjoyed each other's company.

Some quick stories!
One guy from Claustro just accepted Christ the day before. He came to the group meeting to learn of our ministry and not only was given a Bible to read, but saw the love and the impact God has in our team. What a blessing for him to begin connecting already as he begins his journey in this new adventure with Christ.
One guy from another school, Pedro, who I had met during a parade, also came. He didn’t know anyone one so he invited a friend to come along. There he connected with Darren, one of the California-6 guys, and they are actually going to plan to meet up for a little fiesta this Friday to connect. Pray for him. I know that there may be some fears in making a movement in a school which he claims is very “not-Christian.” I know that with Darren, he will not only be encouraged by challenged in his walk! I am excited to see what will come from there!
So many people came!! I am again thankful for all your prayers! This is what ministry is about… loving people with God’s love, sharing the truth, connecting them with other Nationals so that they are challenged to step up in faith and live OUT LOUD for God!

Areli

Just thought I would share a student who has been a blessing, her name is Are from Claustro. God has placed a special hunger in her heart to build connections with the US team. She truly enjoys hanging out with us and is open in sharing her struggles in life. Areli takes the initiative to meet with others. Please pray that she will be continual grow in her relationship with God, building up the love and faith that He has so freely given us. One thing that Are brings to our team is her big smile. Here are a couple pictures of Are!

Burning the Fuse tooooooo soon!

“I am ready!” I told myself after all our exciting trips. I arrived home and went straight to work! I began calling friends/students from the schools I am working with to set appointments. I know now, that I should have prayed before each phone call, for many of the reunions fell through leaving me frustrated. Long story short, I allowed my flesh to do the work and not the Holy Spirit. It is hard sometimes to continually be in step with God when one thinks they are doing alright. I know for me, I end up frustrated and confused, thinking, “Why didn’t it work out right?” Obviously it was good ministry work, but it wasn’t lead by God. BIG difference! I can do good works, but without God it is meaningless like chasing the wind.

Guadalajara

Ministry
We didn’t have many days back in D.F, as me and Katie traveled the nine hours to Guadalajara. The focus was to meet with some students who have hearts to start a movement in their schools, to share who we are, to encourage them in their walk, and to connect them to future events. Through this experience, God has connected us with Juan, Tania, Debby, Monica, Krystal, two pastors, and even other students! I can’t wait to see how God will use these people for His Kingdom. Pray for continual courage in these students as they witness to their peers. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide them and lead them to do and to take the steps necessary in Guadalajara.

Family
Also during this time I had a chance to visit my family – my dad’s part. For two separate nights and four short days, I got to spend some quality time with my dad, my grandfather, and my many other relatives!! I even witnessed my first Mexican funeral. My dad’s brother (Uncle)’s wife’s sister lost her husband. She has nine children now to take care of. Please pray for her and her family. Their grieving tore my heart. A father, the main supporter for a large family, died so suddenly. Just that Sunday morning he was working under his car with his brother. The car fell on him and the following day, Monday was the funeral. It was very sad! I never experienced a loved one so near to pass away. If you have, can you share with me your story? How did you make it through?

Acapulco

What is your personality make up?

For less than a week the US STINTers traveled to Acapulco for a Conference. Our focus here was to evaluate our ministry, to learn about ourselves, and to enjoy a break from the work in Mexico City in the hot thick humid, yet very beautiful beach site! I spent much of my time alone with God. I really valued it too because I love to be around people so much that having those quiet days is a real treasure! I also found out through the Meyer Briggs Personality test that my personality is ENFJ. I challenge you to find out what personality you are by checking out the website http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp or any other site from goggle!

Dia De Los Muertos

Nov. 1 & 2

Mexico has some strange traditions. I guess so does U.S. with Halloween. I seek for the reasons behind the event. What is the purpose for celebrating such an evil holiday? Halloween in the U.S. seems to be a reason for children to receive free candy from their neighbors as they dress up in something they aren’t. But even in the midst of innocent children having fun receiving free candy, I believe that it sugarcoats the evil that happens during that night. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is actually a big holiday here in Mexico. I learned in my Spanish class the significance of honoring their lost love ones, but never did I realize it was so big until this year. First of all, Day of the Dead is set on two days, Nov. 1st and 2nd. The belief is that the dead souls of loved ones come during the night (children on the 1st and adults on the 2nd). For the souls they provide food, flowers, and an altar with pictures. It is thought that through this process they will find rest. Some go to the extent of spending the night at the actual grave where the body was laid. Here are some pictures that I took at a college campus. I am guessing that they not only celebrate it at homes, but that set a carnival like event where students get to show off their work and understanding to those who pass by. The work is impressive, but the roots and the current beliefs is what tug my heart. Please pray for those who do not know, who have not heard of the hope we have in heaven through the knowledge and surrendering to Jesus Christ as Savior. Also, pray against the idols that seem to be worshipped to much around here! Just the other day they were honoring Judas’ day, the brother of Jesus!

Kikoten Retreat

Just this weekend, our Oriente team had a chance to really get connected with some of the students we will be working with through a retreat at Kikoten – a beautiful forest-like area just an hour away from Districto Federal.

Here we are driving in a taxi to the camp. It is interesting to note the idol on his windshield. I don’t know about this idol, but it sure intrigues me to do research on it.


With a capability of 40 students, we had a total of 28 total arriving to camp including the pastor, his wife and our Oriente team. Our main focus was to be transformed “socially” and to really connect with these students.


To begin we had a time to eat at a restaurant. The ride there was super fun! Why? Legally, we all sat in the back of the pastor’s truck!! HEhe! One funny event, that I’m even questioning why I’m saying it, is that for some reason I heard a song about “No te metes con mi cuku” (something like that) which translates to ‘don’t mess with my rear end/bottom.’ Well, if you know me sometimes I can do strange things and well…I started singing only that part and the whole back of the truck rooted for more!! It was HILARIOUS!! Just acting like Crazy Melissa!

During the camp we had talks about the social life of Mexico and the United States such as abortion, homosexuals, the death sentence, social justice, etc. I wish I could say I understood the whole thing, but I didn’t – I’m still working on my Spanish especially in the lecture/lesson settings. I just got tidbits here and there. I do believe that the students are now aware that their views on these things do matter and they must stand up for them. In the end, the lasting remark was that in order to influence society, we must be transformed within (God-centered) to make the difference in our society.

It was awesome that in the end, many students had confirmations on some choices/changes to make in their walk with God and together prayed for wisdom and direction.

Also, we had a time to connect through various activities. On Saturday, some students relaxed under the cool sun enjoying God’s beauty. Many (like me) enjoyed the outdoor games. We played a mix of tag, signs, various running events AND a chance to play at an obstacle course with tire swings, tight ropes, etc. That was super fun! I had a chance to enjoy being with people I didn’t really know and to be a team!

On Sunday (the last day) we had our last devotion, cooked and ate, cleaned and took pictures as we waited for the taxis to come pick us up. Overall, I enjoyed my time! It is such a value to be connected as a community to build and to encourage one another in our walk with God and our personal struggles.

Pictures of the follow-up of Passion

Bienvenidos! Welcome! Me and Scott acting silly while waiting for Passionate Leaders to enter!
Time of prayer during our meeting!

Expo Christiana y Los escuelas

10/19/08

Time goes by so quickly, it is about two months here in Mexico and it’s amazing all the blessings that have been thus far. Well, remember Sarai from Fes Zaragoza and her Mormon friend, Diego. Well, he actually went to church with us today. There was a BIG event called Expo Christiana, which was a four day event of concerts, famous speakers such as Gary Chapman (author of The Five Languages of Love) then today, Sunday, there was a free service with the church I am actually participating in called Semilla de Mostaza (Mustard Seed). Praise God! Today was Diego’s first real experience in a Christian church and after attending, he said that he was interested in attending possible bible studies in his school and perhaps church. Pray for his faith and openness to accept the Gospel as his own. As far as the school, we just need to find the right time for Sarai and Diego to begin.

Also, I am connected with another girl name Laura at La Superior de la Educacion Fisica. She participated in Passion and attending the follow-up for students who desire to make a movement in their school. I was given her contact information to check on her progress, to be her coach per say. Just yesterday as I was online using my MSN messenger (It’s pretty popular here), I found out that she will begin her first bible study this Tuesday at 1:30pm! I am super excited for her and will be there to not only get to know her but to see how this bible study runs. She has been a new believer for about a year and her passion to share the Gospel is amazing! Pray for her and this new movement! Pray for God’s direction in this exciting experience sharing the Gospel to those in her school!!

In addition, can you pray for our team unity? Just a brief summary about it, our Oriente team have had a heart for the HUGE UNAM campus and have been serving there for several years now. Unfortunately, they have been asked to work in other campuses leaving the campus that they desired to be in with another team. Simply pray for communication between the team and understanding/flexibility in possible changes.

Two awesome days!

Hello Again!
10/11/08
Great news! This Saturday we had our Passion reunion. Our main goal for this meeting was to invite students – Christians – who desire to make movement in their schools, by becoming leaders. Yes, it sounds scary to start spiritual movements in a secular school, but we believe that God is calling students to lead. And so…the results…about 35 students attended! I had aimed high, but praise God for these who committed to work in their schools. We will help them of course by encouraging them to have bible studies and prayer meetings at their schools. We will help them hold concerts, evangelism events, dramas, etc. to reach their students. Many of them have never done this before. Honestly, the only way they can make an impact in their school is through the leading and obedience of the Holy Spirit. So, please pray for these students. Pray for courage, wisdom, and discernment to persist in sharing the love of God to their campus.

Busy but awesome day today!
10/13/08
Last night, right away and out of the blue, I made plans to meet with two AWESOME people…well…I didn’t know them until today (Monday). The story of Sarai. Sarai was recommended by a friend, Jose Nolasco Garcia - a student leader. He told me to connect her since I am working in her school, UNAM Fes Zaragoza. I called her and after several text messages, we decided today at noon. I arrived and it was awesome! You can see her glow from the love that she has for God and the heart she has for her school. She even brought a friend/classmate with her, a Mormon, named Diego. As we sat and spoke of what Enfoque is, what I do, how I will be there to help, etc…somehow we started talking and sharing God’s love, law, and truth to Diego. It was truly amazing since he was very interested and asking questions. Well, when we got to the point of decision, he was a bit scared. I guess it makes sense to make such a decision since it is like giving your life completely to God, especially if you don’t know him THAT much and self has been in control for the past 25 years. Yes, I understand. We gave him an invitation to church this Sunday and the Four Spiritual Laws that explains the Gospel in short. Pray for him, it truly was a blessing to not only meet Sarai, but to see her share God’s love to him. My job is to encourage/coach students to lead and that was what was happening. I was there adding a little here and there, but SHE did the work! Overall, give the glory to God! He has opened Diego’s heart to hear. May the seed of the Gospel sink in deep so that he does make the decision to accept Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
My other meeting today was with Edgar. I met Edgar briefly at Passion, invited him to the reunion on Saturday and he came! He also has a desire to share God’s love to those in his school by setting up a Bible study. His school is very secured, in which they don’t allow politics or religion to be spoken within its walls. Crazy huh? Well, it was nice to get to meet him, enjoy eating dinner at Chili’s, and learning more of the history of Mexico through the sites we saw. Cool stuff! Okay…well, I’m tired now! It has been a LONG day! Tomorrow, like every Tuesday will be filled with meetings (10am and 3:30pm).

Passion Weekend

On Oct. 3rd and 4th, we were participants of an AWESOME event...Passion! The location - Palacio de Deportes, which holds up about 18,000 people. Even though the free tickets were all taken, many people did not arrive. We had about 8,000 plus people! Which was awesome nonetheless! God is really doing amazing things here!

My job - registration! As many of you know, I LOVE meeting new people and talking. It was AWESOME! One of my goals the first night was to run out of all the lanyards that had the schedule of the event. I was amazed, but by the end of the night, I accomplished my goal...all 600 lanyards were given to people who came in my line. Fortunately, my line was right next to the front gate! Oh it was super awesome!!

Oriente Team

Each day passes with more new experiences and lessons. I will do my best to share with you more about us, what we do, etc.

To start...here is the ORIENTE Team!

From left to right:
Me - Currently, I am learning a LOT of Spanish. It was a very hard start to be completely immersed in the language. First, I just sat there completely LOST after the first 10 minutes. Then, I caught on with more words then phrases. Now, I am actually getting more involved, offering my ideas, plans, etc. There is so much more to grow, but I am excited to begin to share my heart and my love more clearly now in Spanish.

Quique (Enrique) - He is a volunteer from Cuarnavaca (less than 2 hrs away). After a conference at Acapolco, his desire to share the Gospel to students grew. He has been a HUGE help in translating Spanish to English and showing us the town. He will be spending his time with the group as much as he can.

Sandra - Also known as my "vecinita" (little neighbor). She lives a couple blocks from me with Ale. She is currently raising up support to join us for a year. It is a LOT of work here in Mexico. Even after a year of support raising, she is still pressing on! I really enjoy spending time with Sandra. Together we have spent quality time speaking Spanish, learning how to share my faith/love, cooking, attending events and hang outs, and sharing our stories between smiles and tears.

Next two are Beto and Ale P. - A couple who have been married for about 5 years. They JUST found out that they are pregnant of about 2 months, so this will be an exciting journey to see how God will use this journey to the students on campus. These two are also awesome leaders! They have been the ones to set bible studies, prayers and events in the UNAM campus.

Victor - A fun guy to hang out with. He is another volunteer for Enfoque Mexico. Because of a two week work schedule, he will be working every two weeks. A great guy with jokes to make you smile!

Luis – A quiet-spirited young man with a heart for his city! Recently, we found out we had the same last name, so we now call each other primos (cousins). He is also trying extra hard this year to know English, so that when he visits his girlfriend in the states, he can communicate to her parents and friends.

Katie – The team captain, guiding us with her experience and skills to be effective in our ministry for Mexico City. It has been fun getting to know her heart and desires for our team. Together, we are working on not only loving and unifying our team closer together, but to become leaders for the schools we are working on. I am super excited to see how God will use each one of us as we work together this year!

Ale M. – A HUGE heart in doing the will of God. I am fortunate to have her and Sandra live so close to me. She has been an inspiration for continual devotion and prayer in loving and living for God first and foremost! Currently, she is also raising up a support team so she can work for five years as a staff member here in Mexico City!

So...thats my team for you! Throughout the days, you'll hear more about this team! Continue to pray for us, especially for boldness and wisdom in reaching the students in each campus! Thank you!

"That's Mexico for you"

Yesterday, was a very special day! To celebrated a STINTer's birthday, we planned to go to concert then her surprise party. Well, the concert was with Alex Campos - a famous Christian singer from Colombia. Honestly, I didn't initially want to go with only our team since we already knew each other AND we are "gringos." I like the mix of having Mexicans with us. Why? To practice the language, to show us around, and to share Christ with them so that when we speak to the students in the universities we will be ready with answers. The day to buy tickets was the day I finally said yes to go since I considered inviting some Nationals. To make this story short, I bought a total of 4 tickets. For myself, a friend & neighbor Sandra, a student leader from a school I will be working with, and her cousin.
This began the roller coaster!
The plans went well until the morning of. First, yes we're going, then no, then maybe, then absolutely no for both the student leader AND her cousin. I was left with two tickets at the last couple hours of the concert. I began to panic...well, not panic, but very agitated. I wanted them to come. I didn't know them quite well and I thought they would be perfect for the spot. Not to worry I invited more to come. One said yes...but cancelled due to illness. Another said yes...but due to family issues couldn't come. Some simply didn't answer...oh it wasn't good. One hour late! It got worse! My phone battery died with all my contacts when I arrived at the end of the metro stop for the concert. I didn't know the directions to the concert from there, just the name. Luckly, dear Sandra was there for my rescue. With her phone and her contacts we found not only our way to the concert, but two more people to join us. It turned out a lot of fun! One thing that she kept saying while I waited for the two "late" arrivals..."That's Mexico for you." Grrrr

Cool!

Today - Sept. 27th - my first blog from Mexico City!

Wow! Hello to all my friends and family in CA or aqui en Mexico, to those who will read, and to those who probably won't after the first two - HELLO!

First of all I want to share that I am safe and sound. God has been really good in providing a great home, awesome roommates (Mindy and Mandy), and a vision that will change the entire city! I have been here for a little more than a month now. Even though I am late blogging, I am excited to begin to share this journey with you as we together grow in this and learn how God will put together the events of Mexico City through my voice.
Now, I am no perfect person - ask my family - I am just a 24yr old graduate from Cal State Long Beach, with a heart to serve Mexico with the love that God has poured into me. Wow! The story how I got here in the first place is a miracle...someday you will hear it! It truly is amazing to finally here.

So, here is the quick update with Mexico City:
1. It is the 2nd largest city in the world!
2. There are 400+ universities here.
3. There are 3-5% of living and active Christ followers.
4. Transformation has become the rallying cry!

Our role in Mexico is summed up in 6 words: Vision, Relationship, Surface, Empower, Launch, and Coach.

Vision:
Mini scale = Movements in every department of every university in Mexico City so that every student knows someone who truly follows Jesus.
Larger scale = Movements in every key domain of Mexico City so all 28 million people know someone who truly follows Jesus.

Relationship: We must adept and maintain deep relationships, all we do is within the context of relationships by developing interdependent relationships and healthy community among their peers. HOW?? In short is it through trust, shared experiences, common vision, self-disclosure, and building good boundaries.

Surface: Our primary objective is to surface leaders on campuses by divine appointments.

Empower: To be empowered is to be challenged toward God's vision and to rely on the Holy Spirit each and every day for guidance.

Launch: After surfacing a student leader, teaching them about the Spirit-filled life, and encouraging them through our relationships, we can launch them out into the great unknown. By having them launch a movement means that it is out of our direct control. They have the vision, the fuel, the resources, and a plan for their "departure."

Coach: We, as a coach, do what it takes to help them succeed, and we track them wdown the road to help them evaluage and navigate through obstacles. Through the process of possible ups and downs, we learn more about helping to prepare the best launch possible!

Okay...well, it is 12:39am now...I think I will wrap up with a verse from Psalm 143:10.
Teach me to do your will,for you are my God;may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.