If You're Reading this....I Must be in Mexico

IF YOU’RE READING THIS . . .

I MUST BE IN MEXICO!

by Debbi Weeks

Yes, if you’re reading this devotional I must be in Mexico – not on some luxury vacation, but on Grace Youth’s annual mission trip, building homes with AMOR ministries. This is my fifth trip (I think). It is always amazing to see what God does in and through the students, and in and through me.

But, since I’m not really here, this is a different kind of devotional. This is a devotional that is soliciting your prayers for the families we are building for, for our team, and for me!

We are building four homes this week. Each of these homes will be 22’ x 22’ (that equals 484 sq. ft. if I did my math correctly! J) These homes do not have any electricity, insulation, drywall or plumbing in them, and yet they are a blessing to the families because they are a great improvement on their previous living conditions.

Let me begin by telling you what I know about our families:

· The first family is the Juaregi-Benites family. Theirs is the smallest family we’ll be building for this year, consisting of a father, mother and two daughters. Dad is a security guard and they have a weekly income of $170.00.

· The next family is the Guevara Vazquez family. They have six people living in their home – dad, mom, a young son and three grandchildren. The dad is a cook and they have a weekly income of $150.00.

· The next family is the Dias Rodas family. They also have six people living in their home – a father, a mother, two daughters, one son and a sister (to either the mother or father). The dad is a security guard and they have a weekly income of $130.00.

· The last family is the Manzo Gutierrez family. This family is the largest and the poorest with a weekly income of only $80.00. They have nine people living in their home – a dad (who works as a bricklayer), a mom, six sons and a daughter.

We do not know if any of our families know Jesus, but one of their present “homes” has a spray-painted sign on the side that says, “Jesucristo es el Senor” which translates, “Jesus Christ is the Lord.”

Please pray for our families that their new home will keep them safe and healthy, that it would be one step in relieving their poverty. Above all, please pray that the love of Christ would be evident to them through our service and in their new home.

Colossians 3:12-17 says, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Please pray Colossians 3:12-17 for our students and staff!

One last thing, please pray for the weather – please pray that it would be cool. This is a personal prayer request (although I know others who are in agreement with this request J) – I just don’t do well in the heat! Thanks so much for your prayers.

And, if you’re reading next Wednesday . . . I must’ve made it back! J

Father God, Praise You for Your justice, that You are not a respecter of persons. Praise You for Your omniscience, that You know all and yet you want us to come to You in prayer.

Forgive me for when consider myself before others and neglect to serve them.

Thank You for this incredible opportunity to serve the poor in Mexico and thank You for allowing me to see good works displayed in the students and staff on the trip.

Please keep us safe and please help us live out Colossians 3:12-17. Your will be done, for Your glory.

In Christ’s Name, Amen