We have a big… very big… event coming up in January! On the 5th to the 7th of January, the sports ministry known as Uncharted Waters will be returning to Ixtapaluca.
Uncharted Waters has actually been here more than once, running evangelistic sports camps. And they’re coming to do it again – but this time, with a twist.
The purpose of the camp will not only be to reach out to kids here in Mexico City. It will also be to train Mexican workers from other parts of the country to run their own sports camps. So it will be 15 years of international experience from Uncharted Waters added to the national experience, enthusiasm and people-power of Mexican leaders!
Now regularly doing over 100 camps a year, Uncharted Waters wants to see this ministry grow exponentially.
So we’re hoping to be hosting a lot of people come January! If you know Mexican Christian workers who would be interested in this ministry, point them to the poster below. Our coworker Rod has also posted more information in Spanish here.
This event will be three days long, hosted at our community centre in Jesús María, Ixtapaluca – Tiempo de Vivir. There is no cost.
London, 1741. German born George Frideric Handel completes what would become one of the most popular works in the English language – his Messiah. Though it was first performed in anticipation of Easter, it has also become popular before Christmas, since it covers many aspects of Christ’s life and future coming.
Full of Scripture, it draws from such books as Job, Isaiah, the Psalms, the Gospels, Romans, Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians. The most popular part is the famous Hallelujah Chorus. When listening to the performance, King George II stood – and following protocol, everyone else stood also. Thus began the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus.
There is a story about how Handel was hidden away in his room working on the music for the Hallelujah Chorus. His assistant called to him – with no response. He called again – and again. Finally the assistant walked into Handel’s room, finding the composer in tears. What was wrong? asked the assistant. Handel answered: "I thought I saw the face of God!"
Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world Is become the kingdom of our Lord, And of His Christ; And He shall reign for ever and ever! King of kings, and Lord of lords Hallelujah!
Do you want to enjoy the Messiah this year? Of course a great way is to see if there’s a performance in your area.
But here are some other resources for you.
My recording of choice is the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir under conductor John Alldis. It’s not expensive, and includes 49 tracks. Get this version of the Messiah here.
Wouldn’t you like to understand Handel’s creation a little better? A new book released this fall can help you do just that. It’s called Handel’s Messiah: Comfort for God’s People, by Calvin Stapert. Here’s what the author has to say about his book:
The three sections of this book aim to increase understanding from three different perspectives. The first section traces three histories—the history of oratorio up to Messiah; the history of Handel up to Messiah; and the history of Messiah’s inception and reception. Although I think these histories can contribute something toward a greater understanding of the work, I tell them primarily because they reveal a series and confluence of remarkable and unlikely events that led to the making of Messiah and from there to the phenomenon that it has become.
No time to read over the holidays? I have great news for you! You can get the audio book – this month only – for free! That’s right – check it out at christianaudio and download it right now (not free anymore, but you can still buy it).
A little while ago my Dad sent me the below video. It’s one of the recent "flash performances" of the Hallelujah Chorus.
This one is billed as a "random act of culture" from the Opera Company of Philadelphia. On the 30th of October 2010, the opera company and 650 area choristers met at Macy’s and the great musical work appeared out of nowhere.
But as I watched, I realized that someday this will be seen as more than just culture. The words tell us that Jesus Christ truly is the King of all. And someday, people from all cultures and languages will praise Him – everyone in his or her own way. And that will be more beautiful than anything we can imagine now.
The members of the First Free Mexico Team are now on their way home! We certainly had some interesting days here in Ixtapaluca.
The team really made an impact, and we certainly appreciated the boost they gave to the work at the community centre, and the encouragement they gave to us and the other believers here. Yesterday they were involved in two Bible studies, plus time preparing, our own time in the Word and prayer, learning more about Ixtapaluca, trying new foods, and a lot more. Yesterday was quite the day!
Some of you are also aware that we were praying about a family issue back in Canada, which was on our hearts during the team’s time here.
The picture above was taken on top of some indigenous ruins on the hills above the city. You’ll have to ask the team how they got up that high!
Of course there are always minor disasters going on in the background – such as a broken lock on our front door yesterday. While we were eating and doing some errands, Shari and the kids were locked out of the house, waiting for a locksmith. He’s returning today to finish what he started!
First thing this morning the team members said goodbye to their hosts and we headed back to the airport. The team’s flight was slightly delayed, so we went to the food court and had a snack. (I won’t say what we ate – it’s supposed to be a secret!)
I soon discovered that almost every table in the food court was covered with this same ad! What is this supposed to tell us about the food in the airport food court? And, of course, it wouldn’t reinforce anyone’s stereotypes about Mexico, would it? 😉
Anyway, we saw the team through security, and had a remarkably uneventful trip home.
I have lots of video and pictures of the team – hopefully I’ll be able to get that up soon. But don’t hold your breath.
So now we’re home again, dealing with … homework! And tonight we have our first practice at the community centre for the "closing ceremonies" of the year. So excuse me – I’ve got to run!
I’m trying to get some information up here for people back home that wonder what’s going on with the team! I do have more pictures and video, but I’ll deal with those later.
Today we had a good time talking about some of the things we’ve seen and done, and talking about ministry, and God’s Word. Then we went out in front of some of the local schools, just when the kids were getting out, to hand out flyers promoting this evening’s English class. We must have handed out 6 hundred flyers or more.
Actually, it was an English and Canadian culture class. The team did a great job with a packed house, showing the names of the provinces, teaching pronunciation… all kinds of fun things. In the picture above, you can see them teaching the "head and shoulders" song.
There were lots of people there, and the event drummed up a lot of interest in the English classes that will be starting up again in January. Also, we invited people to an event on the 10th of December. Some even expressed interest in the baking classes.
In short, we made a lot of new friends!
If you want to pray about tomorrow, there will be a Bible study in the morning (for the women) and in the evening (for everyone). In between we’ll be getting ready, doing some errands, and some other fun stuff.
And while you’re praying – well, it seems like there’s a lot of sickness going around! The Fry family has been laid low by something. Our friend Allan couldn’t make it tonight because his Mom is sick. We just keep hearing of people struggling with health. So pray for them – and for us, that we would stay healthy! (All right, so I’m not healthy. But I could be a lot worse!) 😉
