Calvary Chapel Fresno

Day 6, Coming Home

2009-01-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Frozen window at 5am.

Cleaning the window sills.

Taking out trash.

Attacking dirt with marksman-like precision.

Most of us, just before leaving.

This morning we were all up at 5am, packing the trailer, van and Suburban and cleaning the bathrooms, dining area and kitchen. We said our goodbyes ("say your hugs") and began our journey home.

The Tecate Highway is not a straight road. Maps lie. I truly believe that the over-arching question on the minds of the highway engineers was not "How can we do this well?" but "How can we induce motion sickness most effectively?" After about 5 minutes on the road I was ready to go back and live in Mexico. Thanks be to Ann O's ginger cookies, that settled as wretched a stomach as mine.

We reached a military checkpoint after about 20 minutes and were asked to exit the vehicles by men with serious camo and more serious machine guns. They proceeded to inspect our vehicles and some of the bags and within 5 minutes we were clear to go.

We entered Tecate about 1.5 hrs later and only had a 30 minute wait at the border. As the birth certificates were being passed out we realized that Eric had left his in his bag - packed in the trailer - and we couldn't find Kirk's. I was glad at this point that I promised to bring only most of the kids back. Thankfully they simply waived us through after checking Steve and Sara's documents. Unfortunately they made Ted take apart the trailer so they could inspect what we had. After another 20 minutes we were all on our way.

We made it home around 7:30 and everyone proceeded to do their part to clean vehicle, dishes and take apart the trailer, move luggage and clean out the bins and ice chests.

Thank you parents for allowing your children to be a part of this trip. We witnessed the Lord doing some amazing things in their hearts and with their attitudes. Some of the adults at the camp were so blessed by seeing your kids being so willing to volunteer for the things that needed to be done throughout the week.

We can't wait to go back.

In Him,
Jason

Day 5

2009-01-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

Today was our last full day...and was it full!

We spent the morning picking up the mission grounds, setting up the trampoline and preparing for the ninos y ninas from the village arriving for lunch.

We had sandwiches and chips, facepainting and taught them "spoons" and some cup slapping game that is beyond my understanding.

We finished off the night with worship at Andy and Monica's house.

Tonight we are loading up the trailer and should be off by 7am and arriving between 5pm and 7pm in Fresno.

When we arrive there will be a lot of work with unloading and cleaning the vehicles. Please be prepared to pick your children up a half an hour AFTER we arrive. If parents show up when we arrive it will slow things down.

See you all soon! Pray for our return trip.

Jason

Day 4 - New Years Eve

2008-12-31T14:18:00.000-08:00

We are about to go up to the church to begin the New Years Eve festivities. The girls and some of the boys will be playing games and doing crafts with the local kids while the rest of the boys pass out the food in the community. Later we have a pinata planned with authentic Mexican Food cooked over a wood fire and some fireworks. None of our kids will be lighting them, FYI.

Since we will be gone until after midnight this will be our post for today.

Buenos Dias!

Jason

Day 3

2008-12-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

Today we finished the digging work on Fidela's house, filled in the gulley on the road approaching the church, did some crude drainage digging, organized the church's crafts and supplies and started digging out Margerita's house.

After we were done for the day, both Margarita and Fidela fed us. I'm continually amazed at the hospitality of the people here in this community. As hard as we try we still haven't been able to out-give the Lord.

Tonight we played pictionary and had our last big Bible study together with the other groups staying here. Brother Ivy translated for me (usually its Andy from the mission) and we had a lot of fun as we taught the Word of God together.

That's all for now. Keep praying for us and that we could be used of the Lord to reach the hearts of the children here in this community. Tomorrow we will be going house to house to give out the rice and potatoes we packaged yesterday.

In Him,

Jason

Monday, Day 2

2008-12-29T15:13:00.001-08:00

Cold morning. Very, very cold.

Getting to know each other with frilly name tags.

Filling in a washed away road.

Digging out the side and back of Sister Fidela's house. The guys in the foreground are digging out the side. The guys up on the stairs in back are digging out the back of the house.

The dirt was being loaded into the truck to be dumped into the washed out road.

This is perfectly legal in Mexico. In fact, some of the locals were making fun of us because we didn't have MORE people crammed in there.

The ride back. Yes, we are all wearing seat-belts...invisible seat-belts.

The local Ensenada churches were not able to come but last night and today we have received about 20 additional students and adult leaders. Today we split into seperate teams and tackled some of the needs here at the mission, at the church and also a local family whose house was inundated with mud from the recent rains.

Here at the mission we painted over graffiti in the river bed, cleaned up the facility and re-routed some drainage from the road.

At the church the girls packed beans, rice and potatoes to give to the local families here in the valley.

At the flooded house we began work on digging out a buried retaining wall at the back of the house and removing all the mud and trash from the side of the house to improve drainage.

We are having unbelievable fellowship with the other folks visiting here. God is amazing.

Right now, most of the kids are playing soccer, Olivia is making t-shirts, Sara is getting accupuncture for her shoulder (its working), Mrs Cooksey is getting dinner ready, Mr Spalding is doing nothing (Jason's orders) and I am blogging. God is good.

Jason

p.s. the picture ulpoading is not working so we'll post pictures when we get back.

December 28, 2008 - Day 1

2008-12-28T20:03:00.001-08:00

Leaving from church

Last stop before the border

Girl's dorm

We made it!! No problemos! I'll post more (with pictures) tomorrow after we are all settled in.

Thank you so much for all your prayers.

Jason

Packing Day

2008-12-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was packing day. RC, with his Tetris-like loading skills, managed to get everything to fit into our trailer. Unfortunately, the tires, axle, leaf-springs and fenders were not as excited as we were. I think we exceeded the max-weight by about 5 tons.

Thankfully another trailer was loaned to us and it looks like it's handling the weight like a champ. We could probably even cram a few more teenagers in there if we needed to. (Whoever tries to smuggle people INTO Mexico?)

All kidding aside, the Lord has blessed His work with willing hearts and amazing talents. We are looking in anticipation to what God has in store for us for this week. Please be praying FOR us and AGAINST the devises of our enemy.

In Him,
Jason

Mexico Winter 2008 - Day -9

2008-12-19T14:03:00.001-08:00

Greetings to you in the Lord!

We are all looking forward to our mission trip to Mexico on the 28th. As the day draws near the preparation pace picks up. But, as with anything that we endeavor to do for the Lord, the primary preparations should be taking place in our hearts.

The enemy would love to discourage us, frighten us or make us complacent - anything to take our eyes off Jesus. So, I want to encourage all who are traveling down to Mission Mixteco to be looking to the Lord this next week. Keep your eyes on Him and trust in His strength. Be praying for safety, for the hearts of those we will be spending time with and that His Will would be accomplished through us.

Here's a few reminders...

• The work day will be this Saturday the 20th at 9am. Plan on being there until 12 noon.

• Our final meeting will be Sunday the 21st at 12:15 pm in the "Fireside Room." Don't forget that the notary will be there to witness and approve signatures

If you have any questions please contact Jason, Sara or Steve at the church, 222-6561.

In Him,

Jason

Kansas Trip, Last Day

2007-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Lifting the joist.

Getting the joist ready for lifting to the 2nd floor took lots of help.

Nailing the joists in place.

The Sweigerts, for whom we built the house.

The group at the end of the week. What a blessing!

Nailing the siding.

Checking the progress.

The walls are braced.

The joists in place, ready to stand up.

Resting up for dinner on Friday night at the end of the day.

Kansas Trip Day 4

2007-10-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Nailing the walls together.

Standing another wall for Jesus!

Lining up the walls together.

The family who owns the house we are building.

Watch Out for that 2x4 its coming down!!! Dennis got 3 staples from this accident!

Kansas Trip Day Three

2007-10-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

No training required!

Prep work on the job.

Working together.

Team Effort.

The building goes up!

Lavon and Vicki lifting the wall that they framed.

Where we are staying - what a blessing!

Kansas Trip Day Two

2007-10-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Lavon & whats left of the Boy Scouts building.

Lots of rubble.

The pioneer spirit is still alive.

The first wall going up! The man in the center & kids in foreground are part of the family who will live in the house being built.

Kansas Trip Day One

2007-10-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

The mission team has made it safely and has already begun construction to rebuild one of the storm damaged homes there.

This is what is left of one of Greensburg's main streets.

One basement that is left with its fireplace.

Just a little glimpse of how "difficult" it has been for us here!

The home the fellows will be working on this week.

The home of the "Big Well" Lavon & I worked on cleaning up its parking lot today.

The fellows began the framing work

Snappin' lines!

Jerry true to form with coffee in foreground.

Jerry & John (one of the fellows from this fellowship) checkin' out the plans.

Pastor Luke & some of the fellows framing.

Greensburg, Kansas Mission Trip

2007-10-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

We have 8 people from our fellowship heading to Greensburg, Kansas to help rebuild their tornado ravaged community. They would greatly appreciate your prayers for fruitful service and safe travel. The team will be posting photos and giving trip details throughout the week on our church website www.ccfresno.org.

Final Thoughts

2007-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

What a week we had in Mexico. We returned exausted yet full. It is such a good feeling to know that we went and gave everything we had to offer. Now we pray for those dear people and look forward to seeing them again soon.

Here are a few final thoughts from those on the team.

"It was beautiful to see the community bathroom finished this year. This year we did a lot of everything around the facility. It was blessing to come along side our brothers and sisters in Christ and be able to take some of the load off of them if only for a week.

We also returned to Thermoelectric for another Bible study. We were so blessed to see God’s harvest increased. There were 15 ladies this year and we studied Hebrews 12:1-2. Let us all be encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us and as we run, let us run with endurance and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus."

"This was another wonderful year at Casa de Paz. It was such a blessing to do projects of play with the kids, talk with staff, help out, etc. The children have such a love for them and we know it is the work of the Lord through David and Karen and the staff here working for the glory of God. It was wonderful to see the kids’ excitement when launching rockets. At thermoelectric, again it was a blessing to do another Bible study and see how it has grown from 4 last year to 15 this year.

A couple in San Antonio de las Minas, Monica and Andy, were such a blessing to work with. They have a beautiful gift of hospitality and such a love of the Lord it is humbling.

Thank you Cas de Paz for the hosting us and praise you, Jesus, for blessing this time in our lives."

"Thank you, Lord, for giving me the opportunity to serve the children and staff of Casa de Paz. Please bless them and keep them and let them know there are prayers being lifted up for their sake from Fresno, CA. Also, God, please don’t let any of the stuff I built to fall apart. Praise God!"

"This has been a wonderful time of fellowship and service in God’s work. What a blessing it is to be able to come down with brothers and sisters in Christ, to love and serve others. God, thank you for the time and the grace you have provided us. I pray that we will continue to look to you as we go back to our hometowns to minister and serve others. Please Lord, also may you continue to watch over the children and fellowship here. May you help them grow in the grace and knowledge of you. Thank you Jesus! Amen."

"Thank you Father in heaven for this wonderful opportunity to share your love with others. I will remember this moment for ever. My eyes have been opened to so many things about the human heart. All the children and staff have blessed my soul. This is a treasure I will hold in heaven. I will keep you, Casa de Paz, in my prayers and may the Lord Jesus Christ keep you."

Friday-Farewell

2007-07-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone.

I apologize for not keeping up on the blog. It has been so very busy!!!

Yesterday we went out to Thermoelectrica, and Terrie led a Bible study with Sara translating. It was beautiful to see these ladies still hungering and thirsting for the Word, and to see how the Lord grew the number from 4 last year to 12 this year!!!! He is SO good!! The others from our team played futbol with the boys and beads with the girls, and again, the Lord provided a peaceful covering for the study. There was a lady who was in the village for the day that came with her sister. She asked for prayer for her sister, Cynthia, that Jesus will become real to her so that she will accept Him as Lord of her life. What is so incredible about Cynthia and her sister being at the study is that the only reason her sister was visiting was that her car broke down and Cynthia’s husband was fixing it that day. So, even a car breaking down can lead to a divine appointment!!! We were able to take complete Spanish Bibles and some school supplies to them, as well. Please keep them and all the ladies in Thermoelectrica in prayer that they will keep growing in the Lord and that more and more will be saved in their village.

We did do projects again with the children here at Casa de Paz, including finishing their rockets. We launched the rockets in the evening after a hot dog BBQ for the children and staff here at Casa de Paz. It was so cool! We also did dinosaur egg hunts (watermelons hid on the grounds) and watched the DVD from last year’s trip theater style with popcorn and everything, and the kids loved seeing themselves on the big screen! It was really a special time connecting with them, sharing pictures and memories with them, and hopefully creating more to share in the future!

Today we went to Ensenada and La Bufadora where we haggled and as Steve says, “did our ministry to the merchants” there! We are getting ready for the campfire now. I apologize if this was too bland a rendering of the goings on! It has been such a beautiful time. I pray you all enjoy the pictures, and we look forward to sharing in detail the things the Lord has shown, strewn, and grown in us. God bless you all!

In Christ’s Love,

Bon

Extreme Makeover, Mission Mixteco Edition

2007-07-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

It was another fine day today at C.D.P. We did more activities with the children. We had our nearly-NASA trained experts help the kids build rockets. Our agricultural experts planted bean seeds with the children. Our fashion design experts worked to create a custom designed camisa for each one. As great (and exaggerated) as that sounds, none of their expertise and abilities mattered one whit, except for the one thing all of us can bring to anyone anywhere: The love of the Lord!! It was such a blessing to see the children excited and engaged with the activities and us.

We again went to Mixteco. Some of the team dug trenches and put up window trim. The ladies had been praying about being able to paint the classrooms for the teachers even though we had no painting supplies. The Lord answered that prayer before we even got here!! David, who is the director of Casa de Paz, had bought painting supplies with the money we had sent a month ago!!! Andy and Monica had 100 gallons of paint that had been donated to them just waiting to be used. The Lord is so good how he supplies! We were able to paint 2 classrooms . . . and even paint a wall bright teal (It’s sharp!!).

We stopped on the way back to Casa at Thermo Electrica where one of the ladies we met last year, Magdalena, excitedly kept saying how filled with joy she was to see us! Last year when we visited, she was part of a group of women that said they had been praying that the Lord would send them someone to teach them how to do their own Bible study. He used our group to answer that prayer! Never before and never since have I felt a sense of peace and known the Lord’s covering during a meeting, and this was something all of us felt. It was divinely designed appointment and was so beautiful! What an encouragement to see her again and a reminder of God’s faithfulness to his children.

On the voyage home from Thermo Electrica, I looked in the rearview mirror from my position in the back of the van and was curious about the look in Terrie’s eyes. Eyes squinting and jaw set, we soon learned of what hid behind that look. She took us on a violent turn down a road that has seen the death of many a hubcap, oil pan, and axle. We were thrown hither and to--forget sitting on the edge of our seats, we were over the tops of them! Well, hopefully we will return with all of our parts in place, although I am not too sure about the rental!!

Well, all that adventure and dinner being complete, I will sign off for now. God bless you all!

In Christ’s Love,

B.B.

Blog Jammin'

2007-07-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, Friends!!! Today has been a busy but beautiful day! This morning we were able to help out around Casa de Paz folding and sorting clothing donations, weeding and raking, and later doing our projects with the kids!! The children seemed to enjoy playing with Play-Doh and coloring , building rockets, and stitching crosses with us, and we were blessed by seeing them excited to do these things with us!

After lunch, we did a hubcap hunt on our way to Mission Mixteco. We found a Nissan, an unidentifiable one, and finally one that matched our van. Unfortunately, it’s broken. If anyone would like a souvenir hubcap from Mexico, email Steve and we’ll see if we can hook you up!!!

At Mixteco, some of us cleaned at a school there, and the men painted over graffiti and assisted in projects around the home of Andy and Monica, a beautiful missionary couple that has been serving in that region for many years. They blessed us incredibly by making us quesadillas with all the fixin’s and sharing with us more of what the Lord has been doing in that region. Their hospitality is so incredible—they live in a 2 bedroom house with 1 bathroom, and when we visited yesterday they had a group of 20 or so staying with them. I don’t know about you, but over 20 people to 1 bathroom/1 shower? From what I hear, this was not an exception! They had said the house and the land is on loan to them. How better could they use something God gave them than to leave it wide open for use to anyone with a heart to serve Him?

Some of the younger guys also had a soccer tournament of sorts with the kids in the neighborhood there, all this after doing the work with the team!!!!! They were of course slaughtered by the Mexican team, but it was fun.

We arrived home locked out of our room with a new puppy roaming the patio. It’s 6:30, and we are anxiously awaiting dinner. Sooo, until I write again, may the Lord bless you immensely!

Blogita Bon signing off. . .

Pictures

2007-07-23T21:59:00.001-07:00

Belonging to the King

2007-07-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

07/23/07

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Praise God! The Calvary Chapel of Fresno Mexico Missions team arrived safely at Casa de Paz orphanage in Mexico on Sunday, 07/22/07!!! The Lord has blessed the preparation and material needs of this trip with individuals and businesses donating funds, food, and construction materials and blessed us with a safe arrival. Our plans for the trip include various construction and cleaning projects, in addition to the time spent with the children at Casa de Paz playing games and doing projects, and ministering in the surrounding community.

Today was our first day working with the children, and it was wonderful!!! There were several children asking for team members from last year's trip that didn't come this year. That was a joy to know that the Lord used our time from last year to touch their hearts in a real way, and we pray the Lord grow love even more with this visit. We had an opportunity to visit Mixteco where we cleaned and installed windows. It is a joy to hear how the Lord has been blessing lives with the ministry in that area as well.

God bless you all! Thank you for your prayers and support.

In Christ's Love,

The 2007 Team