Words from Josh about the trip.
For a week or two leading up to our mission trip on September 4, I really wasn’t feeling up to going. Looking back, I can clearly see that it was spiritual warfare, but at the time, I just felt like there wasn’t much of a reason or need for me to go. This mission trip was focused on spending time with local people, especially children facing difficult situations, including orphans and children staying in a shelter with their mothers.
Thankfully, by the night before we left and the morning of the trip, those negative feelings were gone. I was simply excited to go.
The first day, September 4, was mostly spent traveling to our location and getting everything set up. It was a great day. I was able to ride in a van with a brother I had never really talked to before. We spent hours talking, fellowshipping, and getting to know each other, along with everyone else in the van. That alone was a blessing.
On the second day, we stayed at the orphanage all day, which served as our “home base” for the trip. There was no driving around that day. We simply spent time together and with the local kids. It was great seeing their faces light up as they made slime, played in the bounce house, and enjoyed the day. I was also able to meet a few of the long-term missionaries who serve there and hear their stories.
That evening, our team provided dinner for more than 75 kids. A few people cooked throughout the day, and the rest of us joined in after spending several hours with the children. I really cannot describe the teamwork that happens when it comes time to prepare these meals.
I have now had the opportunity to help prepare meals for 75-plus kids on two different mission trips. Growing up, I played soccer on several youth sports teams, and it usually took at least a month for everyone on a team to really begin working together well. Sometimes it took several months, and some teams never truly clicked.
But on these mission trips, it is completely different. Some of us had only met one another the day before. Some of us, including myself, don’t really cook. Yet somehow, we are suddenly able to work together with unity, swiftness, and thoroughness to prepare these meals. It is truly extraordinary and difficult to describe. There is no bickering in the kitchen. The Lord gives us a task, and He gives us the ability to accomplish it together.
On the third day, we went to a church just outside of Ensenada. You travel down bumpy dirt roads to get there, and the playground and park don’t even have grass, yet that church is alive. It is incredibly easy to fellowship with the people there, even though only a few of them speak English.
That same day, we were also able to visit a shelter that houses women and their children. I have now visited that shelter twice, and it has become one of the most impactful places in my life.
On one of my visits, we played soccer with the kids for about an hour and then helped with repairs around their homes. Even in such a short amount of time, building those small relationships with the children has been one of the most eye-opening experiences I have ever had.
On the final day, we cleaned everything up and began the trip home. That meant several more hours of fellowship in the van, which was amazing. By the time the trip was over, I had developed much deeper relationships with the brothers and sisters I had traveled with.
I believe many Christians who are living in more fortunate circumstances should regularly put themselves in places where they can serve people who are less fortunate. Everyone I know who has gone to serve the homeless, traveled to another country, or spent time helping people in need has come away changed. I have never known anyone who regretted going.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be Mexico. There are people in need everywhere. But serving the poor and needy is one of the greatest blessings you can experience in your life.
Here are few photos of the 34 lights that need to be replaced.
