Spring Break 2015 Mission Trip - Day 1

With an early morning start, our team went to serve a pancake breakfast at a senior’s home, Casa de Los Abuelos, located in Mérida. After picking up Ofear, our translator, and dealing with some GPS problems, we eventually found our destination and were met by Pastor Miguel, his wife, and their two friends.

The senior’s facility is located in a home, converted to house over 20 abandoned elders, led by a Christian woman who has taken it upon herself to provide for these people in need. The house is basic, with very limited resources. She has a few volunteer helpers and food is donated. On days without donations, they eat rice and beans provided by the government. We were there to provide a meal, share a program, and show love.

Once the business of breakfast service was complete, there was time to sit with the residents. One fellow wanted to talk. I didn't understand a word he was saying, but listened intently, nonetheless. He seemed to appreciate that someone would listen to his story. Another fellow spoke English and told us his story. He was originally from Cuba and moved to the US at the age of four. He lived there until moving to Mexico in 2007, to be with his family. Two years ago his family rejected him and he was left to fend for himself. He doesn't know why they rejected him.

My heart was broken by the suffering and loneliness of these people. At the same time, I was encouraged by the love the lady in charge shows to these residents, and how the local church supports her. It shames me, seeing the gratitude shown by these seniors for the relatively small things we did today. We are so rich, and still we seek more and more. Yet these people have nothing. I could be doing more, and will do more. The joke today was that we all needed to learn Spanish, because that was the language spoken in heaven. Maybe they are right.

After leaving the senior's home we drove to the future location of Pastor Miguel's church. The sun was hot, yet it was a privilege to pray with the team for Pastor Miguel – to anticipate the things that God has planned for his church and the eternal impact it will have.

Our evening program was canceled, so we were able to spend the evening at the base. We made many balloons animals and ended the day with debriefing and a prayer – anxious to see what tomorrow will bring.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

Trevor