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!

It's been a week now since we returned from our trip to Mexico.  I had wonderful experience with the CREST training course I began this week but the long days and intense schedule really did not allow me much time to think about anything else.  This morning was  the first time I have had an opportunity to reconnect with some of the Team and it did not take long for our conversation to turn back to the time we shared together.

There are a couple of thoughts that have dominated my look back -- thoughts I believe we share as a Team.  There is still the wonder and joy of being used by God to build a home for Nicholasas and her family; that this was accomplished in such a short time still creates within me a wonder and joy!  What makes the experience even more wonderful is that we were able to share it together!  The spirit of unity,  the laughter and joy we shared was incredibly rich!  It was for me a powerful testimony of the charcater of the Team and the presence of the Spirit among us!

The other dominant thought relates to the conditions we saw around us.  It is unimaginable and difficult to put into words some of what we saw.   Why God would allow me to live where I do and be so blessed while Jesus Manuel (Nicholasas' oldest son - 19) lives in such poverty, I cannot answer.  But this I know, our time in Mexico has created a sense of humilty and gratitude for the blessing we do enjoy.  It has also increased our awareness of how much good we can accomplish when we seek to bless others in our Saviour's name.  This is part of the ethos of Valley; it is our responsiblity as a Church and I am grateful to be part of a Church family that 'gets it'!

On behalf of the Team and Asher and Suzanne, and Nicholasas, I want to thank you for prayers; knowing you were praying made a difference in our experience.  Thank  you also for your generosity!

We will be sharing a full report on Sunday, April 7th -- please plan on being with us so that we can share the joy together!!

Sunday was a long day of travel.  By 5:00 a.m. I was on my way to the airport, the rest of the team was gathering for an early breakfast.  (I had an earlier flight to Seattle and would be joined by the Team there.)

I picked up  my boarding pass and moved toward security only discover and a long line, an incredibly long line!  I took over an hour to pass through security after which I walked to gate, along a hallway, outside and on to the plane.  As I was walking to my seat, the captain announced, "now that our last passenger is on board, we will be preparing for take off."   Less than two minutes after buckling my seat belt, the plane headed to runway!

Our flights were uneventful and we did re-unite at the gate in Seattle after lunch.  I have to admit I pulled up the Bruins game online and watched as I waited!  By the time we boarded for the short flight to Wentachee it was evident everyone was ready to return home.

The drive home and across the border in Osoyoos was also uneventful, which was a good thing! 

We sensed the prayers of the church, family and friends throughout the adventure!  We sought to serve our Lord and to represent you well and my own sense is that we were able to do both those things for His honor and glory.  We went to be a blessing and returned wonderfully blessed.

We will be sharing our experience with you in the next couple of weeks!

Thanks for being part of the adventure!

Our day began early with a quick breakfast, some sorting of items to be left behind and the loading of the van.  As we stood in a circle at the back of the van, Asher expressed his thanks for the work done and the joy we had in serving together. 

After a prayer together we piled into the van and headed north.  We had one more stop planned.  We provided a wake-up call to  Nicholasas and her family to drop off sleeping bags and bedding and other items; one last act of  blessing!

But it was we who were blessed!  There was a joy in Nicholasas’ face and in the faces of her children.  Asher presented her with a Bible which we had all signed and although she cannot read, it is a symbol of
God’s presence and the blessing she has received from His hand.  One final wave good-bye and we were on our way to the border.  
 
We made a quick stop in Ensenada and one final stop for fuel before arriving at the border.  Asher had told us the wait time would be long and sure enough the line was long, very long!   We were entertained by all the vendors lined between the rows of cars and along the side of the road selling local cuisine and a variety of  souvenirs.  The Team sampled some items over the 2 hour wait and then we had the ‘luck’ of being selected for a  secondary search.  The whole process took about 2 ½ hours but a short time later we were back in the States.

We said our good-byes to Asher and Suzanne and later the Team enjoyed dinner together before an early bedtime and another early morning wake up!

Monday, March 11th

The day began with a much more leisurely feel to it! Breakfast was an hour later (8:00 a.m.) and we didn’t have to rush off to the build site. After going hard for four days, it seemed odd, perhaps a bit of ‘letdown’, the project was completed. 

We did however have the joy of visiting the orphanage; what a tremendous ministry!  We were given a tour of the facilities and a wonderful perspective on all that takes place on the grounds; it is a little community within itself.  A home and school setting is provided for 60 children, with onsite support from laundry facilities, a salon/barbershop, chapel, library, sewing centre, and maintenance shops.  The ministry provides outreach to the community in the form or meals and clothing and household needs. 
Many come from North America to serve for a week or month or longer.  There is something for anyone willing to serve!

A special lunch was prepared for the Team and we enjoyed a relaxed time around the table.  Katie had put in a request for a special dessert; one we hope to share with you when we give a report in a couple of weeks!  The afternoon was quiet; some of the girls went into town to ‘shop’.  Ask Ellen about her new ‘jeans’!  We had a late afternoon drive to the ocean. I could spend hours just watching the waves break in; there is something majestic about the ocean.  I had to take off my shoes and experience the cool waters of the Pacific!  
 
We had the privilege of meeting a family many of us having been praying for at Valley.  Christy and her girls were a delight to meet; their faces radiated the joy of Christ.  What a contrast to Nicholasas and her family.  
 
After this brief visit, the Team headed back to the taco stand and coffee shop before returning to the compound to pack up for an early departure on Saturday.  

Much of the conversation centred on what had been accomplished in such a short time.  It really is remarkable that a small team, working together, supported by our church family and willingly giving of ourselves to bless a family we had not even met could be used of God among the poorest of Mexico!  
Along with the house build, we were exposed to the incredible need in this area.  We have all gained a
greater understanding and appreciation for what Asher does.  He is well-respected in the community, has wide network of wonderful Christian men and women and a heart for the people.  He loves what God has called him to do and has a gift for sharing Christ  to those who need to hear a message of hope.

As John and I talked we agreed this is something Valley can do; what way to spend a week of retirement! 
This was not a week at the resort but it was week to which little can compare.  To be used of God to
bless another, you tell me what is better than that?

My thoughts are turning toward home; this week has not allowed any time for preparation for a course I begin next week and my ideal of doing some preparation for the 24th was a much too lofty goal.  The run through next week and into Easter will be demanding but this time in Mexico has given a fresh light to the power of the resurrected Lord.


 

THE HOUSE IS COMPLETED!

Hammering was the predominant sound of the day!  With much to be done, a ‘divide and conquer‘ approach was taken and the sounds of hammering, sawing and drilling was non-stop; expect for mandated breaks!!   Albert and Wayne tackled the finishing touches on the outside, John and Diena prepared the kitchen counters, Len and Daylyn finished off the beds and my job was to nail the sheeting for the inside walls!  Katie, Ellen and Suzanne took the task of preparing for the family to occupy the house.  Asher…he was kept busy picking up whatever was needed--the hardware store, the second-hand furniture store, the hardware store, the grocery store, the hardware store...!

Thursday was a long day!  By late afternoon, there were a few more finishing touches to be done; the site needed to be cleaned up and furniture moved in.  Katie and Ellen accompanied Asher and Suzanne and Nicholasas to town for the purchase of some shelves for the bedrooms, a table and chairs and then a
trip to the grocery store to stock her up with some basics! 
 
There was a buzz in the air as the household products purchased on the way down, the furniture and groceries were brought into house. For me it was wonderful to stand back and watch the joy on the faces
of the Team as they readied the house for the family.  The kids and neighborhood kids were coming in and out of the house; the laughter and joy in the faces was a welcomed change! The final touch was a Canadian flag placed on the front of the house.

Supper was delayed and plans for an evening trip to share in a church service with a congregation who recently received a new building care of church in Fort St. John had to be altered.  Asher called us together and invited the family to join us and we shared  in a dedication service.  Asher reminded the family who were are and why we came and several of the Team shared a word of testimony / blessing.  The whole project, the reason we came and the joy we experienced was captured in a moment when Nicholasas expressed her thanks; “when it rains, we won’t get wet”. Her gratitude was evident; a lady who doesn’t smile much  / doesn't have much to smile about was filled with joy; her son, who we only met today, a quiet 18 year-old was shy but, you could see he was overwhelmed with all that was happening. 

I had the privilege of praying a prayer of dedication and then Asher handed the keys to Nicholasas and she and her family entered the house.  Tools were loaded into a truck and good-byes where said and we left with much joy for the work done; knowing we have had the joy of being God’s agents to bless this family. 
 
We made a quick stop at the church I mentioned earlier and were greeted by the pastor and people before heading back for a late supper and quiet evening – except Katie and Ellen, they were making curtains for
the windows, to be dropped off with a few other things on the way out on Saturday.

We started this project together as a church and as a church we share the blessing together!  I can’t wait till we get home and share our experiences with you!

My morning began with a conversation with Suzanne which helped me gain perspective on the world I continue to observe around me; which continues to boggle my mind.  Suzanne told me this is the ‘poorest of the poor’ in Mexico.  Bill, a worker with IDT (International Discipleship Training), the organization Asher partners with in these projects, said the situation we encountered with Nicolasas is the ‘worst’ he has seen in 25 years of ministry here.  Such a realization magnifies the gift we are providing for this family.

The truth of Scripture is also running through my mind: “Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain”.  It has been our joy to build a physical structure, to offer to this family a ‘home’ that could change their living conditions, but we need pray the Lord will work in the hearts of this lady and her children.  Pray that this family will come under the influence of the Lord Jesus; that these kids will see Christ and open their hearts to him.

Our day ended in a similar yet different fashion to the day before.  We joined a local church in worship.  Unlike the night before, a simple building, dirt floor, benches and powered by a generator, this was a large congregation of the middle class, stage lighting, projection unit and full audio. The worship was lively and energetic; wireless headphones allowed us to hear in  English.

The build site was busy and productive.  The last of the inside framing was put in place, making four bedrooms and a small kitchen / common area.  Len was our ‘window guy’, installing six small windows. Albert and Wayne spend the entire day on the roof; Ellen and I joined them in the afternoon and by day’s end the roof was pretty much finished.  A number of small finishing jobs were completed and a whole lot more painting.  Suzanne and Katie took on the project of painting the existing house the same color as the new building.  Over the past couple of days the family has done some sorting and cleaning and the team has helped to improve the cleanliness of the grounds.

We have all looked to John as our project leader and he has done an amazing job, not just on the build site but with the overall project. We are blessed to work with him!  Both Albert and Len are skilled workers; each one has brought a wonderful spirit, a servant’s heart to the team.  For me, there is great joy in watching Wayne and Daylyn, Diena, Katie and Ellen help and serve where needed.  (Katie has served as team photographer, taking dozens of pictures each day!)

 Everyone was stiff and sore and tired by the end of the night but it was another good day!

The Scriptures give us a wonderful picture of the worshipping church in Revelation 7:9-10:
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…”

Tonight we experienced a taste of what that moment  will be like when we worshipped together with a local church here in Mexico, The House of Prayer.  Though we spoke a different language there was no mistaking the presence of our Lord.  There was a joyous spirit of worship and this was indeed a house of prayer.  I had the privilege of  bringing greetings on behalf of Valley, with a young man from the congregation translating. 

At the end of the service the Team assisted in the distribution of food to some of the women in the congregation.  The bag consisted of a kilo of rice, beans and corn flour and a litre of oil.  One by one the women would receive a bag from one our Team members who  blessed each of the families receiving
a bag.  For me the part of my joy was watching our Team.  We shared in a wonderful experience together.

Tuesday was a long day; the Team worked hard on the build site. I need to mention the tremendous work the girls have done for  two days – painting the outside of the house, the outhouse and shower and all
the trim, as well as lending hand whenever asked!  The guys worked on the middle wall of the home and then began to build the rafters for the roof.   Wayne was busy cutting, John, Len and Albert put the rafters together and laid the sheeting for the roof.  My job?  When I wasn’t talking with the Team members, encouraging and thanking each one, I did get put to work, carrying, lifting and lending a hand where I
could. 

As I watched our Team in action, there was a  sense of being well-pleased, as each one served selfishly, with a ‘wherever I can help spirit’. There was much laughter and joy as we served together.  At one point I thought the roofing had John and Albert stumped, but in the spirit of Valley, ‘we made it  work’.  Nicolasas worked in the  yard, cleaning and sorting and the children once again helped with the painting.  As part of our gift to the family, they received a new concrete sink and wash  tub.

I fully expected in this part of the world, to see a measure of poverty; what I did not expect was the ‘filth’ (I use this word, not to be unkind, but because it’s the only word that describes the conditions we see around us.)  The living conditons of this family is beyond imagination.  I’m not sure my mind will ever be able to grasp what my eyes have seen. I wonder, what impact house might have on this family?  How might God change their lives, especially the children, whose faces and occasional smiles betray what appears to be a joyless life?  

I saw sign on the bus ride down, ‘Pray for Mexico’; prayer will change things!  And so will the generosity
of churches like Valley; your gift is a blessing beyond words to this family and the families who received the food bags!

 Thank you  Valley!

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 and was promptly greeted by Asher and Susanne.  We drove a few miles north to reconnect with the Team and I realized again how blessed we are to serve together as friends; more than friends—we are family, the family of God!

 While the day began early for me, after a short night and the prospect of a trip south that I knew would take me out of my comfort zone, the day began for the Team with breakfast and time of prayer together and then getting ready to head to the build site.  I knew the moment I boarded a mini-bus to cross into Mexico I was indeed way out of my safe, comfortable world; I felt vulnerable.  We were behind schedule and the driver’s side trip for a personal errand and then two return trips to the same depot to pick up more passengers before we  crossed the border did not help lower my anxiety!  I was fearful I would miss the connecting bus in Tijuana, so I simply prayed, “Lord, you need to help me arrive in time.”  I knew the Team was praying, Valley was praying and Janice and the kids were praying; I rested in that knowledge. Passing through customs was relatively quick and I arrived at the Central Bus Depot in Tijuna with five minutes to spare!

I was not the only one who was anxious.  A later than anticipated arrival by the Team at the build site had left Nicolasas, the single mom, we are seeking to bless with the house, wondering if they were going come; when they did arrive she greeted each one with a hug.

After surveying the build site and consulting together; a time of getting organized and on the same page the work began; walls were framed and the outside sheets were painted and attached to the frame and by
the end of the work day the outside structure of the house was raised.  A couple of the children helped with the painting!  The outhouse and shower arrived already built and ready to be put into place.  The Team was blessed with beautiful sunshine and much was accomplished for day one.  

We shared supper together and had time to enjoy one another’s company and share in a time of worship with a group of teens from the Regent Christian School in Surrey.  

Everyone will sleep well tonight.

As I prepare to call it a night, I still find a measure of anxiety in my spirit; perhaps I’m right in that place where God can meet me and minister His grace.  I’m thinking of Velma and the wonderful celebration we shared yesterday – we will miss Nick.  I’m grateful for the wonderful way Valley has ministered kindness to the Dikur family; thank you for your support!   As I rushed off to catch my flight, I know the right decision had been made to delay my trip. 

As the clock moves toward 11:00 p.m., tired but still awake, my thoughts are drifting to home, for the first time as a family we are all in different parts of the world!  So I send this posting with some personal words…to my dear wife Janice, to Lisa, Scott and Andrea, I love you!

7:30 a.m. - San Diego

Arrived last night at 12:30 a.m.

About to take a cab ride to the Greyhound Station, then across the border to Tijuana, where I will seek out the ABC bus company for a 5-6 hour trip south to rejoin the team in Vincente Guerrero.

No news from the team -- will keep you posted -- when we can get online.

Continue to pray for us -- as we pray for you!

KC

The best laid schemes o' mice an’ men gang aft agley.   (Robert Burns)

These famous words, often paraphrased:  “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” remind us we can carefully plan but something may still go astray!

For over a year plans have been made for a Team from Valley to engage in a house-building project in Mexico.  Plans were devloped, our people responded generously and all was set for the  team to leave this morning; which they did!  But, I was not with them!

On Tuesday morning I had the privilege of being with Velma and her youngest daughter Vikki as our friend Nick was removed from life-support; he peacefully passed from this life to life eternal a  few hours later.  As funeral plans were made it was clear I needed to stay to minister to the family and officiate the memorial service.  The leadership and many of you were understanding and supportive.

It was time for ‘plan B’!   With a few calls and the click of mouse I have been able to move my flight to Sunday after the memorial service.  I’ll be arriving in San Diego late Sunday night followed by a Monday morning cab ride to the Greyhound station, a bus ride across the border to Tijuana, Mexico and then another bus ride to Vicente Guerrero.  I should rejoin the team later Monday afternoon!

Isaiah 58:11 says:  The Lord will guide you always. 

I think I shall place my trust in the One who is a faithful Guide rather than the best laid plans of mice and  men!

Pray for the Team – pray for me; for safety in travel and for a life-changing encounter as God meets us in
Mexico!

With the turning of the page of our calendars, my thoughts are turning toward Mexico.  

What began as a vision among some of our leaders over a year ago; a vision to send a team from Valley to be involved in a house-building project, is now about to unfold.  Along with Wayne and Daylyn, John and Katie, Diena and three friends from the Alliance Church (Albert, Len and Ellen) I will be leaving for San Diego this coming Saturday and then joining Asher and Suzanne to head to Vicente Guerrero on Sunday.

I have to confess at this point, Mexico has been more of a distraction.  Trying to prepare for a nine day absence over two Sundays and for a Leadership Development course that begins two days after returning, and then looking ahead to Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter; my own ‘obsession’ with being prepared as created some of this distraction!

But, as the reality of our departure is drawing near, my thoughts are cycling back to some words from a good friend who told me months back to go and ‘let God mess with my heart’.  David is a veteran of these kinds of mission trips and speaks from experience, knowing that God often meets us in this kind of ‘out of the ordinary’ experience in ways that might not otherwise be possible.  To have our Creator and Lord ‘mess with my heart’ would be an incredible  experience!

I also hear Asher saying this kind of experience is life-changing for the team members.  

                                           What would it be like to be “spoiled for the ordinary”?

The more I begin to wrap my heart and head around what waits in a week’s time, the more my thoughts also revolve around the truth that we are going to represent Valley.  We will be a living testimony to the gracious and generous spirit that is Valley.  We will share your heart to bless others with a single mom and her children as we build for them a place they can call home.  We will model the Biblical value of serving others in Jesus' name.  And that is pretty awesome!

Mostly my thoughts center around the reality that as we go, our God will go with us and He will meet us there; He will meet  me there.  I recall a prompting from the Spirit several  years back; a prompting to go to a Clergy Conference in Atlanta.  “Go and I will meet you there” was the words I kept ‘hearing’.  In obedience I went and God did meet me there.  There was a defining moment when I knew, ‘this is why God wanted me here’. 

In Exodus 24:12, The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here”.   It was an invitation to abide in the presence of the Lord; an invitation to be in that place where God could ‘mess’ with his heart!  

I’m praying for the same experience as my thoughts turn to Mexico.

Pray for the Team, that we will be in such a place as we go; as our God meets with us!