Here’s the last video, from this past Sunday. It’s a little shorter than the others, probably because the morning service was a big part of the day, and I didn’t video any of it. In our church, one of the interns (Robert) preached.
So here’s a little taste from the last day of the weekend. A major theme was, apparently, FOOD. 😉 But if you want more details about this day, read Vision Weekend Day 3.
Saturday was the first bilingual day. We spent time in God’s Word and in discussion about how to move forward together. For a full summary, see Vision Weekend Day 2.
Here are a few clips from the day. We spent most of the day in the building where Iglesia Bíblica Sendero de Vida Santa Barbara (Way of Life Bible Church Santa Barbara) meets.
Here are a few brief video clips from the first day of the Vision Weekend. Obviously you won’t get the real "meat" from the weekend, but you’ll get a bit of an idea what happened… hopefully.
For a summary of what we talked about on this day (Friday), see Vision Weekend: Day 1.
Just a couple of notes – first, you won’t see clips of everyone who shared. Second, the answer is no, I did not intentionally stand outside of the view of the camera!
Today the group split up, some going to the service in Santa Barbara and some going to the service in Jesús María. Our service was … well, no day is ever the same as another, let me put it that way. For example, part way through the service, as I was playing keyboard, the stand fell off of one of the legs, and so I was playing on a slant the rest of the morning. Well, except that the sound stopped working for the keyboard, until I unplugged it from the system and just tried to play with the keyboard speakers….
But we won’t get into all that.
Robert (one of the interns) preached, and Hannah (our Hannah) and her ballet class performed.
After the service we had a potluck, with yummy food as usual. Then we had our last baptism class (which wasn’t exactly the last – some people weren’t there, and one girl wants to be baptized who wasn’t in the other classes… so more will be happening this week!
But – well, this isn’t really Vision Weekend related, but I had a great time again listening to testimonies and talking about the Gospel.
After a break in the afternoon, we met at Valtierras’ house for … well, you guessed it … more food! No one will be going away hungry, that’s for sure.
Finally, we had a time together praying and singing praises to God.
Oh, of course there were the goodbyes. Lots of hugs!
There’s not really any way we can thank those who gave of their time and money to be here this weekend. God will thank them.
Now we’re home again. Tomorrow I’ll be getting up to take two of our guests to the airport. Then back to normal li… no, sorry, scratch that. Life will be crazy from here on in. In less than three weeks we’ll be on the road, and before then — ! But that’s for another post.
If I can, I’ll get up some more pictures and video of the weekend. Meanwhile, you’ve had a summary!
More sort-of live blogging of the Vision Weekend. Day 1 is here, and here is Day 2…
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We begin with a time of worship in both English and Spanish, focusing on the greatness of our Lord Jesus.
Samuel gives a devotional from Matthew 25:14-30. He talks about the union of people from different countries with different "talents", preparing to unite to fight a spiritual battle.
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A time of prayer, in which many people pray aloud in confession and thanksgiving.
Rod is giving a summary of some of the materials that have been handed out to everyone. He’s talking about the purpose of the weekend, about the realities of Ixtapaluca, about the distinctives of the churches and ministry here.
Now everyone is introducing themselves to the larger group. 🙂
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Martin is sharing some things that the leadership in the church here in Santa Barbara have talked about. What specifically does the local church here need? What kind of personnel? What types of physical goods?
A bit of extra discussion about giving strategically – what will be the most help? What is needed?
Rod is introducing the work groups for specific discussion: ongoing theological training, using websites, technology, graphic arts and social media, reaching children and youth, creative ways to share the Gospel, using music in outreach, and supplemental income for bi-vocational workers.
But first, stopping for some VERY DELICIOUS food!!
Work groups discussing ideas…and now presenting their ideas to the whole group. Practical ideas – ways we can go forward… Great ideas!
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Now people are scattering – most I think are going to visit Xochimilco.
I had an interesting evening, but that’s for another post…
I more or less kept track of what we were doing as the day progressed, so here are my notes from the day. I’ll try to upload some actual photos and video later, but this will give you an idea what’s been happening…
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Ice breakers with Tiffany and Melissa.
A time of worship together.
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Jeff shares a personal testimony about resting in your position in Christ.
Rod shares about the purpose of the weekend – the Great Commission and the love of the local church.
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Jim shares about how Mexico fits in world mission – a strategic country, especially for the Spanish speaking world. And Mexico City – the world’s largest Spanish city and the challenges there.
Robert and several others share about religion and culture in Mexico – beyond the statistics, what do people really believe?
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Antonio (a pastor in Mexico City) speaks on the needs of the church – what is the biblical model for the church? What are the needs of the church in Mexico City?
Rod speaks on philosophy of ministry – what are the special opportunities of Mexico City and this part of Mexico City? What are the challenges? Where do we want to go from here? What kinds of people do we need, and what could they do?
Lunch break – some yummy Mexican food, of course!
A trip up to Ixtapaluca’s ancient ruins to get a good view of the surrounding housing developments (what a beautiful day!)…
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Going down to Jesús María to see the community centre where English classes are going on. Alyssa is also working on the mural on the water tower, so everyone goes to see it (and perhaps even help paint!).
Day one of the Vision Weekend has been great! Tomorrow we’ll meet in the building in which the church in Santa Barbara meets, and join a bigger group. First, a little rest (maybe)…