Spring Break Missions 2018: Ensenada
Hello!
I am back from Ensenada! It’s been about a week but it’s given me the chance to reflect on the many blessings of this trip. Christ’s love displayed so brightly in a different city and culture. Dios Es Amor is a small church with a body of no more than 40 people located in the outskirts of Ensenada. Roads leading to our destination were unpaved, stray dogs were roaming around the streets, and houses no longer looked like the ones in America. Throughout these sightings, it began to hit me: “Wow, I’ve definitely taken so much for granted.” Even though I come from a similar background, there was something about reliving my childhood that made me more cognizant of God’s blessings in my life.
When I stepped out of the car, I was immediately welcomed with heartwarming smiles and greetings from the youth and adults at the church. The following day, we attended Sunday service at Dios Es Amor with worship and a sermon in Spanish. The combined voices of no more than 30 people all merged into one harmonious sound that showcased our love for Christ. It was awesome to see how despite the language difference we were worshiping the same, one true God.After service, we began prepping for our most awaited event of the week, Vacation Bible School (VBS). Though it was a lot of work to prep, it was encouraging to see everyone in the room working on decorations even if it was nearing midnight. As a team, we decided to make the theme “Caminando Con Cristo” which translates to “Walking with Christ,” so we traced probably about 30 pairs of feet that filled up the main room. VBS was held from Monday to Thursday at 9am- 12pm. Our team was in charge of three groups: arts and crafts, story time and games. Our goal throughout the week was to demonstrate to the kids the love and joy that comes along with walking with Christ. About 25 kids showed up every day, their joyful presence radiating everywhere, teaching me what it meant to rejoice in the little things. Who knew the amount of fun one could have with a balloon?
After VBS, we also helped around the church with whatever they needed. One of our two main projects were weeding the parking lot and organizing the rooms within the church buildings. It was through these small acts of service where I was able to display my appreciation for the church. Since the day we arrived, the church cared for us as if we were part of their family. Their heart to serve exhibited the same attitude that Christ displayed to his people. I cannot express the amount of gratitude I had for the people in Dios Es Amor. From cooking three meals a day to making us feel as comfortable as possible, I first-handedly witness what it meant to serve others in spite of their financial circumstances. God has so graciously blessed this church with dedicated and loving people who display Christ’s love in all that they do. Even though I was physically in a different country, their hospitality made it seem as if I was just at home.
Weeks leading to the Ensenada missions trip, I had many uncertainties regarding logistics and the overall health/safety of the team. However, during the trip, God once again reminded me of His faithfulness and sovereign nature. Overall, I cannot be more thankful for having the opportunity to use my Spring break as a means to serve Him. He used the people in Ensenada to show me that giving back to the church does not limit itself to monetary giving but also through acts of service. As each day passed, I was humbled by the way they cared for me as if I was one of them. Time and time again, God has shown how much greater He is. He reminded me that my worries are little to none in comparison to Him.
Weeks leading to the Ensenada missions trip, I had many uncertainties regarding logistics and the overall health/safety of the team. However, during the trip, God once again reminded me of His faithfulness and sovereign nature. Overall, I cannot be more thankful for having the opportunity to use my Spring break as a means to serve Him. He used the people in Ensenada to show me that giving back to the church does not limit itself to monetary giving but also through acts of service. As each day passed, I was humbled by the way they cared for me as if I was one of them. Time and time again, God has shown how much greater He is. He reminded me that my worries are little to none in comparison to Him.
It is without a doubt that Ensenada now has a piece of my heart. I hope that you were able to get at least an insight on how God works through all His people in this world. I also want to give one last thank you to those who have supported my team financially and through prayer as we preparing for the trip. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Ensenada. Pray that they continue to maintain the same joy when serving Him and that God may continue to use them in great ways to bring Himself glory.
In Christ,
Merry Lee
In Christ,
Merry Lee
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