Mexico again and again, and again.

Returning to Mexico every year to visit the same places and many of the same people may not expand our cultural horizons or allow us to check off more countries on a Travel Buddy map. But the consistency builds credibility with those we're ministering to and gives a short-term mission trip long-term benefits. Here are a few stories of the relationships I love.

Adorable Michelle Annette two years ago.

Michelle Annette now

 

At Pastor Lupita's church in the village of El Golfo, I couldn't resist sweet Michelle Annette. These two precious hermanas are the daughters of the worship leader in a church with more children than adults and a fluctuating male population. I pray little Michelle continues to grow healthy, strong, and full of wisdom, with God’s favor upon her. (Luke 2:40)

Jovenita years ago in front of her store

Jovenita and famliy now.

Jovenita (pictured right in both photos) is the owner of a souvenir shop we've been frequenting for five years in El Golfo. Her brother Jose was with her in 2006 (left) and her sister Juanna and niece Adrianna have been with her for the past two years (right). Our prayers for this family finally bore fruit last week as she confided in us about her kidney disease and tearfully accepted the Lord as her Savior and Healer. She was nearly glowing as she brought her dog in to be neutered the next morning. Appropriately, the last surgery of the trip, and my last in Mexico.

Trini serving us tamales this year!

Dr. Dougie and Ray praying for Trini two years ago.

 Two years ago, we were pleading with the Lord for Pastor Juan's wife Trini to be healed of the peptic ulcers that left her weak and coughing up blood (left). Last year her improvement was obvious, but this year when she fed over 20 of us homemade tamales (right), we were blown away by His power. Being fed by the ones we went to feed, and blessed by those we went to bless. Humbling. 


And now!

Juliet with "Kitty" two years ago.





 



 

1 year ago

Juliet is the granddaughter of pastors Victor and Trudy. They work five or six 12+ hour days in the onion fields for $20-30/week. And pastor a church. Now, Victor is struggling with a hernia that requires treatment more expensive than they can afford, yet they remain faithful. Over the years I've befriended Juliet and her tomcat "Kitty." This year after she brought out the photo I gave her last year in the frame she'd found for it and we posed for some new pictures, I reluctantly said my farewells; "Feliz Navidad, Dios le bendiga." When she unknowingly replied, "Hasta el proximo año," I teared up. I'd just discovered she was ticklish but I had to say "adios" instead of "until next year."

I trust the Lord knew what He was doing when He brought these lovely people into my life, and that He is still in control as I move on to build relationships with other Latino people.

 

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." -Isaiah 55:8-11