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!