My mind is travelling back in time to a year ago today when I found myself sitting on a bus bound for Vincente Guerrero, Mexico. For over a year plans had been made for a Team from Valley to engage in a house-building project in Mexico. Plans were developed, our people responded generously and the Team was a day ahead of me, already on the build site.
Days before our departure, I had privilege of being with our friend Nick Dikur as he passed peacefully from this life to life eternal. We shared in a wonderful celebration of his life on Sunday afternoon and reminded ourselves of the hope we have in Christ and then I headed for the aiport to make the necessary connections to join the team in Mexico.
Two flights, 2 cabs, 4 buses, two border crossings, two military checkpoints and several “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish” responses later, I stepped of the bus in Vincente Guererro where I was greeted by Asher and Susanne. We drove a few miles north to reconnect with the Team.
In just four days the Team from Valley erected a simple structure that would become a home for Nicolasas and her family. It was incredible experience! (You can read about our Blog – March 2013.)
A year later at Small Group last Wednesday night a group of friends sat around the table and celebrated again the life and memory of one who has gone before. Amdist all the laughter and tears, we were reminded just how powerful it is be ‘in community’ with one another; to share life together!
Later that night I received an email from Asher Motola, in response to a question I had raised with him. I had sent him the following: It's hard to believe it's been a year since the Team from Valley travelled with you to Mexico. How is Nicolasas and her family doing a year later? I'm curious how you 'measure' the 'fruit' of your ministry...what do you see a year later...year's later as you faithfully serve?
This is what Asher wrote in response:
Hi Ken, Nicolasas is doing better. My colleague went out to see her two weeks ago and brought groceries to her. The place is looking cleaner than it ever has. A lady from the outreach department at the Orphanage has been spending time with her and giving her basic life lessons regarding hygiene, housekeeping, etc.
The little girls are in school and the birth certificates for the other kids are in process.
The pig (remember the pig near the outhouse?) was sold a couple of months ago - it had reached a good, marketable size.
She is definitely one for whom the investment is paying off in a measurable and visible way. We don't always see such obvious fruit.
A year later, I continue to marvel that I was able to part of that experience! I was blessed to part of an amazing team of men and women who gave themselves wholeheartedly to this project. And I am blessed to be part of such a generous, caring church family!
Thank you for making an eternal investment in the life of Nicolasas and her family! Thank you for being the church to one another!
And to my friend, Nick, ‘goodbye, until we meet again’!
What a day, what day that is going to be!
Days before our departure, I had privilege of being with our friend Nick Dikur as he passed peacefully from this life to life eternal. We shared in a wonderful celebration of his life on Sunday afternoon and reminded ourselves of the hope we have in Christ and then I headed for the aiport to make the necessary connections to join the team in Mexico.
Two flights, 2 cabs, 4 buses, two border crossings, two military checkpoints and several “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish” responses later, I stepped of the bus in Vincente Guererro where I was greeted by Asher and Susanne. We drove a few miles north to reconnect with the Team.
In just four days the Team from Valley erected a simple structure that would become a home for Nicolasas and her family. It was incredible experience! (You can read about our Blog – March 2013.)
A year later at Small Group last Wednesday night a group of friends sat around the table and celebrated again the life and memory of one who has gone before. Amdist all the laughter and tears, we were reminded just how powerful it is be ‘in community’ with one another; to share life together!
Later that night I received an email from Asher Motola, in response to a question I had raised with him. I had sent him the following: It's hard to believe it's been a year since the Team from Valley travelled with you to Mexico. How is Nicolasas and her family doing a year later? I'm curious how you 'measure' the 'fruit' of your ministry...what do you see a year later...year's later as you faithfully serve?
This is what Asher wrote in response:
Hi Ken, Nicolasas is doing better. My colleague went out to see her two weeks ago and brought groceries to her. The place is looking cleaner than it ever has. A lady from the outreach department at the Orphanage has been spending time with her and giving her basic life lessons regarding hygiene, housekeeping, etc.
The little girls are in school and the birth certificates for the other kids are in process.
The pig (remember the pig near the outhouse?) was sold a couple of months ago - it had reached a good, marketable size.
She is definitely one for whom the investment is paying off in a measurable and visible way. We don't always see such obvious fruit.
A year later, I continue to marvel that I was able to part of that experience! I was blessed to part of an amazing team of men and women who gave themselves wholeheartedly to this project. And I am blessed to be part of such a generous, caring church family!
Thank you for making an eternal investment in the life of Nicolasas and her family! Thank you for being the church to one another!
And to my friend, Nick, ‘goodbye, until we meet again’!
What a day, what day that is going to be!
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