2004 Mission Trip Memories
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:28:58 GMT
Read reflections from the 2004 Juarez Mission Trip and visit our Mission Trip photo album!
[more]
Mission Trip Memories - Todd Reinschmidt
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:27:00 GMT
- Todd Reinschmidt - Work Facilitator, Pasos de Fe
This being only my third trip as a staff member here at Pasos de Fe, this trip meant the world to me. Janet, Paul, Diane, Porter, Sarah, Griffin, Ashley, Kate, Claire, and Maggie showed me what a true "Mission Team" was all about. Their dedication to learning, growing, serving and doing was inspirational to me. I respect them for that and hope that they incorporate this same attitude into bringing the missions at Trinity to fuller life. Watching and being allowed to participate in their evening devotional program truly touched my life. How incredibly wonderful our God is to use ten of His special children to serve by being served and to love by being loved. Thank you for your love and support of our ministry. Pastor Juan Pablo and the others at Verdad y Fe have been touched by your grace and love! Dios les bendiga.
Mission Trip Memories - Kate Shoemaker
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:25:46 GMT
Even an attempt to express our trip in words wouldn't do it any justice, or explain what it meant to me. The skilled strokes of an artists hand could not paint a mental picture of the pastor's face seeing his stuccoed wall or seeing us playing basketball with his children. No photo can make you feel the umph' in your heart when seeing the neighborhood children hanging on the church gates a half hour before VBS started.
This trip wasn't about the physical labor as has been in past years. The painted and stuccoes wall was, what I think, a tiny token of appreciation we gave to Verdad y Fe in exchange for the life changing faith journey that they put me on.
Each day we began work at 8am and worked until 1pm. The exhaustion felt as a result of work was forgotten as we began our afternoon activities. We saw the poorest parts of town, taught VBS, and spent time with the Presbyterian community. Each day I learned so much about the (Mexican) culture and lifestyle of our Mexican brothers and sisters. I have come to appreciate so much the things I once took for granted: warm and long showers, air conditioning, and most importantly family. With the few material possessions these people owned, they showed such devotion to relationships. I envy their ability to accept everyone in Christ.
The physical images of the trip may fade, but the impact the trip had on my faith will remain forever.
Mission Trip Memories - Sarah Grant
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:23:11 GMT
Hola chicas y chicos! This trip has been amazing. Most of you know that the week before this trip I lost my brother. I knew I had to still go for Tommy, my family, and me, but I thought that it would be too difficult. I was very wrong. Everyone was great! I loved being able to meet so many new people and enjoy their culture. It was hard at first because I don't speak Spanish, but it was soon overcome. My favorite was working with the little children at VBS. Seeing them line up at the gate an hour early was inspirational. This trip definitely gave me a shock at what the true Mexico is like. It is hard to believe that people actually live in shacks with tin walls. I've grown a lot in my faith and hope that sharing my experiences will spread awareness about the problems going on in Mexico.
Mission Trip Memories - Janet Chester
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:22:15 GMT
Absolutely amazing trip! It is difficult to express in words how God was working in each of us, but I know that each one of us left Mexico having grown spiritually each in our own ways. This is my fourth mission trip to Mexico over my 10 years in youth ministry, but I am still moved each time I go. This trip was especially moving to me as we really got to know the members of the church, saw first hand the struggles of everyday life, worked along side the members of the church, and welcomed the children each day to VBS.
I felt particularly blessed to have Todd, Tricia, and Jaime as our volunteer coordinators for the trip. All of their work and being with us from beginning to end of the trip made my job as youth director much easier. Their ministry allowed me to be more present emotionally and spiritually to how God was working in our group. I was particularly impressed with our group as they jumped in whole heartedly from learning Spanish, getting to know the people, working hard days, to sharing openly and leading parts of the evening discussions. The imprint this particular trip has made on my life is far more than I can fully realize at this time, but know that I felt God very alive and present in faces I encountered each day!
Mission Trip Memories - Griffin Devine
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:21:14 GMT
Never in my life have I experienced such highs and lows spiritually. My faith was pushed to the brink when I saw people struggling to live on less than the cost of my baseball equipment. Why would God allow this to happen? But then I saw the faith in God that the people had. They truly believed that someday everything will be set right. Despite their living conditions they devoted everything they had to God. In seeing this, it was impossible to not feel a swell in my faith. What I will be leaving in Mexico pales in comparison to what I will be bringing back with me. I leave my sweat and work, but I return with a realization of my relationship with all of God's children. So in the words of my new found brothers and sisters, Gloria a Dios.
Mission Trip Memories - Porter Campbell
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:20:29 GMT
This trip was my last, and I must say I learned more over the course of a week than I had on any other mission trip. I learned about an entire culture that was previously unknown to me. To see that joy exists in places devoid of many "standard" comforts and to participate in that happiness taught me the true power of friendship, laughter, and love. While we worked and sweated in an uncomfortable environment, we were able to have the time of our lives as the joy of the people we met infected us. Pastor Juan Pablo, his family, and congregation have taught me that love knows no bounds - cultural, economic, or any other. They called me a brother from the beginning and treated me as such. Some people ask "Where is the love?"... I know.
Mission Trip Memories - Paul Devine
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:19:36 GMT
There is no way to express what this trip has meant in one short paragraph. I had so many expectations and fears, mostly centered on a language barrier that I assumed could never be overcome. And, while I admit that I should probably have been arrested for the murder of the Spanish language, I actually managed to eke out a few grunts and hand motions that some how allowed an exchange of ideas. But this experience went much deeper than meeting a few Mexicans and stuccoing a wall. I will never be able to erase the image of a 17 year old girl, her baby in her arms, who invited us into her home at the request of her pastor. I don't know from her perspective why she would allow a group of well to do white Americans into her meager home. It seemed to me that we were being shown how the "other half" lives. But what I saw was three small rooms strung together in a row, one of which was sub-let to another family. A hand made table with a hot plate for cooking, bare walls and doorways closed with nothing more than a piece of fabric, including from her neighbors. A place that was at least 105 degrees with no ventilation and no visible source of heat for winter nights that I'm told get to below freezing. This woman/child and her husband get by on a weekly wage that was less than I charge per hour. And despite this object poverty, she still greeted us with a genuine smile and heart felt "Buenos Dias." In the depths of poverty, she still had enough to teach me about hope and faith. And I thank God for that.
Mission Trip Memories - Ashley Bender
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:16:51 GMT
When I decided to join the youth group on the mission trip to Juarez, Mexico, I had no idea what to expect. I had a feeling that the trip would be fun and a learning experience, but little did I know the extent of that intuition. This experience has changed my faith (Fe) in a way I never thought possible. I have come to appreciate every aspect of my life. I have realized that my faith is not determined by set rules but by my personal truth in my life.
Mission Trip Memories - Maggie Schoeberlein
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:15:57 GMT
Mission Trip 2004, Juarez, Mexico. This group of words means a lot to all of us who attended this trip. These words also mean different things to all of us. Mission to me means that we all attended this trip for at least one reason. That reason is different with each one of us. Trip means that we all gathered to this place in search of our truth and faith. Juarez, Mexico can mean a lot of things. Mostly, to me, personally, these words mean love, hope, acceptance, and forgiveness. Gracias!
Mission Trip Memories - Claire Santoro
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:09:51 GMT
Walking into Verdad y Fe in Juarez, Mexico, I was a little nervous and very shocked. The city was nothing like St. Louis, and the neighborhood was nothing like the beautiful area I live in. I wasn't sure quite what I had gotten into: desert, poverty, extreme heat, a language I couldn't speak. My uncertainty lasted only that first night, however. I soon discovered the wonders of Juarez that St. Louis does not hold. The people of Juarez astonished me with their undying hope and faith as they fought daily against economic and social problems. The kids at VBS, despite wearing the same dirty clothes two days in a row, were so accepting, loving and proud. They eagerly listed to my rough Spanish, and they never turned down a hug or high-five. They taught me that there are so many things greater than money such as friendships, love, and faith. I will never forget their unintentional teachings, and if I could have one prayer answered it would be that we could all live our lives with the faith I found in Juarez.
Mission Trip Memories - Diane O'Brien
[the WORD]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:04:17 GMT
Dios le bendiga! - God bless you! How wonderful to be greeted daily in this manner by our sisters and brothers in Christ in Juarez, Mexico! There is so much to tell... of how we put stucco on the wall around the church... of how we painted it... of how we offered Vacation Bible School to the neighborhood children... but how do I express what really happened? How do I convey the depth of emotion and faith that occurred when --
- We saw the children (18 the first day growing to 40 the last day) arrive a half hour early for VBS, hanging on the gate waiting to be allowed in and not wanting to leave when it was over.
- We visited the home of church members Juan, Alicia, and baby Sarai. Juan works in one of the maquillas (factories) and earns approximately $55.00 per week. Almost half his salary goes to rent a three room casita (small house) with cement floors. The bathroom is marginal and the kitchen stove is a hot plate. They have no air conditioning... not even a fan. Through all of this they hold on to their faith.
- The hermanas (sisters) of the church prepared exquisite Mexican comidas (meals) for us every night being very careful to prepare the foods in ways that would not upset our stomachs.
- Hermana Feliz invited me into her home to meet her mother who is 101 and is now blind and deaf. She very proudly told me how her mother had worked hard all her life as a midwife and had never lost a baby.
- When I heard our youth reflect on their daily experiences in Juarez with maturity and understanding.
I could go on and on (and will if you ask me) with stories of how our faith grew through our relationships with our sisters and brothers in Mexico. I hope to find ways to share these relationships, hmmm... anybody up for an adult or family mission trip?
The Beautiful Smackdown
[Relevant]
Sat, 28 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
"At times, the account of Jacob grappling with God seems downright bizarre. As Jacob plodded along to Canaan, he was likely frazzled at the prospect of reuniting with his estranged brother Esau, whom he cheated out of their father's blessing. Perhaps his mind was churning with doubt and fear. Has he forgiven me? How will I face him? Maybe I shouldn't go. I can't do this... Slicing through the tension of this mental tug-o-war was God, masquerading as a stranger, who thought it appropriate to engage Jacob in a little spontaneous ground fighting. Apparently not stunned by this peculiar interruption, Jacob welcomed the stress-relieving diversion and actually proved to be a skilled wrestler. He had previously outwitted both Esau and his uncle Laban. Clearly he could contend with this fellow, too."
[more]
To Read or Not To Read
[Relevant]
Sat, 28 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
"Have you read your Bible today? Most Christians I know say that the number one challenge in their spiritual life is the discipline of reading scripture on a daily basis. And I have to admit it: I've tried devotional books, I've tried reading the Bible from beginning to end in 15 minute segments and I've tried approaching the text armed with a whole pack of high-lighters. But I've never discovered a way that was consistently real and relevant to me. And when I recently checked out a major online Christian bookstore, I knew I wasn't the only one involved in this struggle. A side bar in the devotionals section asked "Not Enough Time?" and offered a list of solutions, starting with Bible studies which take ONE minute a day!"
[more]
Selective Memory
[Relevant]
Sat, 28 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
"I've heard sermons so powerful that you left thinking your life would never be the same. I've read books about God that would blow you away. I've learned incredible truths from teachers and professors. I could tell you amazing things about the love of God and His plan for your life... If only I could remember what they were."
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What Would a Rich American Jesus Do?
[Speak Up For The Poor]
Sat, 28 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
"I honestly don't know what to do about the many beggars who seem to see a white man as a walking ATM... I ask the classic question - what would Jesus do? - then get stuck when I realize that Jesus was never a member of the perceived elite, didn't walk around with a bunch of cash on hand, and at least knew the language of the masses who clung to him for the food and miracles that they tried to squeeze out of him. What would a rich, American Jesus do in the era of globalization as he roamed the streets of the developing world?"
[more]
Presbyterians begin picking up the pieces after Hurricane Charley
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 28 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
While the Rev. Steve Mock is negotiating with demolition and salvage crews on what's left of First Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda, FL, teams of Peace River Presbytery volunteers - armed with church directories - are knocking on doors in a nearby subdivision looking for members of his congregation. Punta Gorda took a direct hit from Hurricane Charley, leveling homes, businesses and First Presbyterian Church.
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A Tree Just Is
[Daydreams]
Sat, 21 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Imagine a group of people standing under a tree arguing whether that tree is right or wrong for being a tree. This is what arguing about homosexuality amounts to. You can stand under a tree and argue "Well, I think it's sinful for that tree to be a tree." "I think it's OK for a tree to be a tree, but I don't think it's right for that tree to shed its leaves in the wintertime." "Since that tree is a tree, then we'll just not eat its fruit [maybe to punish it?]" Everyone has a different idea, and they stand under this tree arguing for most of their lives. And the tree just stands there. The tree just is. So if the tree is and that's that, then all that's left for the people to decide is their response to that tree. Wouldn't it be better to just accept that the tree is and then find ways to use that tree for the good of all the people? Rest under its shade; eat its fruit. There are any number of good uses for a tree if you don't spend all your time standing next to it arguing about whether it should exist or not. A tree is a gift from God, just like you are.
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The Unwanted Harvest: Reaching Out to AIDS Victims
[His Touch Ministry]
Fri, 20 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Kevin was 20 years old. He'd gotten into drugs and done a little bit of everything. But he decided that he was going to get his life straightened out, so he joined the army. Two weeks after taking his blood test he got a call that said come back in. The blood test showed that Kevin had full-blown AIDS. As he drove the 90 miles back to his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, he thought, "How will I tell my mom and dad? How will I tell the guys I run with? How will I tell them that I have this terrible disease?"
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Mieke Vandersall Ordained in New York
[Presbyterian Promise News]
Mon, 16 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Former Trinity deacon Mieke Vandersall was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament by the New York Presbytery on July 17th. Her specific call is to serve as Coordinator/Evangelist for Presbyterian Welcome, a coalition of 14 churches whose members "envision a world as inclusive as God's grace and a Church where God's gifts of ordained ministry are recognized in persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Click here for pictures
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God and the Blue States: Closing the "Religion Gap"
[The Nation]
Mon, 16 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Democrats are determined to narrow the so-called "religion gap," if not to close it, in the coming election. Yet they are well aware that the challenge they face is at once daunting and complex.
[more]
"The Swimsuit Issue"
[spirituality.com]
Mon, 16 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Even under the florescent lights in the swimsuit dressing rooms, our bodies are still made in God's image.
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"Spirit of Gentleness"... Or Domination?
[Eco-Justice Ministries]
Mon, 16 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, reflects on the hymn "Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness," and how radically it contrasts with the ideology of domination (of nature, of nations) that is so widely assumed in our society today.
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The Christianity Battles
[beliefnet]
Mon, 16 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Some first-century Christians believed in a different kind of Jesus--but were suppressed, says scholar Bart Ehrman. What would Christianity look like if Ebionite Christians, Marcionite Christians, or Gnostic Christians had been more convincing?
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Bombs can't keep Baghdad Christians out of pews
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 14 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
It will be business as usual in Baghdad's Christian churches this Sunday, Elder Ayad Al Saka says.
[more]
PC(USA) Leaders Send Letter on Sudan Crisis
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 07 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
With the siege of Darfur in Sudan reaching catastrophic proportions, leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) have sent a letter to the church asking all Presbyterians to pray for the tragedy and to contact their congressional representatives urging intervention to stop what has been called "genocide" or "ethnic cleansing."
[more]
Triennium allows teens to be themselves while encountering God
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 07 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is held once every three years to bring Presbyterian young people together with international guests for worship, Bible study, recreation and global awareness. This year's event, whose theme was "No Longer Strangers: Members of the Household of God" (Ephesians 2:14-19), invited participants to explore and share their faith in a multi-sensory, multimedia spiritual trip through rock 'n' roll-driven worship, sun-drenched recreation, passionate sermons and riveting small discussions.
[more]
Pop Quiz for Bible Believers
[EthicsDaily.com]
Sat, 07 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Here's a pop quiz for all who believe the Bible should be taken and followed literally: True or False--The Bible makes provisions for offering a sacrifice to the demonic god Azazel.Homosexuals are to be: a) tolerated, b) encouraged, c) killed or d) banned.Capital punishment applies to: a) those disrespecting parents, b) those committing adultery, c) those working on the Sabbath, d) those cursing God's name, e) all of the above.
[more]
Theological Task Force Tackles Ordination Issue
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 07 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
"There is no magic pill," task force member Milton "Joe" Coalter said, referring to the denomination's sexual-conduct standards for ordination to church office. "We were not asked to solve the problem of ordination standards, and I'm very concerned the church will feel we failed if we don't come up with the 'magic pill. We must convince them that, whatever we say about this and other issues, our report (in 2006) is the beginning, not the end, of the process of discernment."
[more]
Spectrum Of Belief
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 07 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Task force hears about six distinct Christian views of homosexuality: Prohibitionist, Definitive Guidance, Justice, Pastoral Care, Celebrationist, Consecrationist
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Political Activity Guidelines for PC(USA) Organizations
[PC(USA)]
Sat, 07 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
As a federal tax exempt 501(c) (3) organization, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), at all levels (i.e., General Assembly, synod, presbytery, and particular church), is permitted to engage in a limited, insubstantial amount of witnessing or lobbying activities which attempt to influence legislation or issues. It is strictly prohibited, however, from engaging in political activity which includes, but is not limited to, participating or intervening, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office.
[more]
Man enjoys smallest small group
[Lark News]
Tue, 03 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
Stu Clark belongs to what is believed to be the smallest small group in America: himself. "I meet at my house every week in the living room," he says. "I bring snacks and my Bible, and after some chit-chat I get down to discussing that week's reading, sharing my burdens, my praise reports. Then I pray for myself." He enjoys the intimacy he has gained with himself over the weeks, he says. "There was a lot about me I didn't know," he says. "The small group setting brings out those personal details you might not otherwise share."
[more]
Tradition
[Cat's Cradle]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
When I read about the emerging church, it reminds me of Tevye and his time. There are those who want to sweep down, uprooting all that has gone before, throw all tradition away as if it were some kind of rotten vegetable or moldy bread. If it isn't new, it can't be trusted because only if it is new is there no baggage attached to it. At a meeting a couple of weeks ago we talked about a new ad campaign that we have been running in the local newspaper. We have obtained a couple of those new ones from 815, one featuring an eye chart with the word "God" in the middle and the other a takeoff on a McDonald's ad. I made the mistake of saying I really didn't "get" them and that they really didn't attract me to the church. I was told in no uncertain terms by a 30-ish (and very bright) professional that the campaign wasn't aimed at "my" age group but at "theirs". We want to attract the younger people and so we target our advertising to those. I understand now how so many of our senior members feel; it's almost like "Hurry up and get out of the way so we can make progress! YOU'RE SLOWING US DOWN, you and your traditions."
[more]
A Breaking Point?
[PoMoMuSiNgS]
Sun, 01 Aug 2004 05:00:00 GMT
But, at what point do we stop and say...No. This is NOT right. While they may honestly love God and have come to this conclusion through prayer, etc., at what point do we say, "This viewpoint is holding members of the family of God under bondage. This view restricts the use of God-given gifts. This view hurts. This view brings about bondage. This view brings about hurt...this view, plainly, pisses God off."
[more]