The Pan de Vida Team

Yesterday I took a drive down to University Drive Alliance Church to hear a presentation by their Mexico team.  Here’s the story – a few days after our team left Pan de Vida, the orphanage near Querétaro, they arrived.  A team of 26, they were able to complete a large amount of construction, and also run a vacation Bible school for the kids (about 80-100 of them).  The picture above is of the boys’ dorm at the orphanage.

Now, I have to admit, it was absolutely a joy and a delight to hear about what God had done, and to see pictures of what they had accomplished.  I was able to talk to a few of the team members, and I wish I could have talked to more.  (Actually, if any of you are reading this, please give me a call and we’ll go out for a manzana.  Oh yes, I know where to get them.  I have connections…)  It sounds like it was a great team – ready to serve, excited to see what God would do.

Of course it was wonderful to hear about Mexico and see the pictures, but also painful.  Painful because I had to leave it behind, and I’m not there now!  But in the mean time, it’s always great to hear from someone who’s been there.

Recently some black top was put down in the loading zone behind our local grocery store.  Our living room window faces that direction, and on Saturday night I was watching while a group of skateboarders took advantage of the new surface.  This may be a rare event, because I imagine the owners won’t want the back of their store to become a local hangout.  However, I was tempted to go out and watch, since I do love skateboarding.  But, the dishes were important too, so I kept drying them.

I got thinking about how great opportunities like this come up every day.  Opportunities to get together with people who have a common interest.  That’s really a big part of church planting, and missions in general.  

I was reminded of this again last night, when someone was sharing.  They were talking about one
guy on the team who loved skateboarding so much he had dragged his board all the way to Mexico.  Everyone thought it was pretty crazy.  But then they saw this guy giving rides to the kids in Mexico, and they saw the joy on the kids’ faces, and they realized it was all worthwhile.

What do you enjoy doing?  A hobby, a passion, a sport?  It just may be that God can use that in ways you never imagined.  It’s great to see people connecting with other cultures in creative ways.  When they see the joy and love that Jesus can bring through it all, they’re changed and excited and ready for more.  What a great God we serve!