Chiconautla Mission Trip | Northwood Church

the pyramids and the mountain

2010-08-08T09:16:00.002-05:00

We all had a wonderful time at the pyraminds on friday. There are two large pyramids there, the sun, and the moon pyramids. The larger of the two is the sun pyramid. At the top we took many great photos to show you all when we return home. Our tour guide was wonderful; he was full of energy and explained things to us very well. On the mountain yesterday I think most of us felt closer to God than we have all week. We were sitting atop one of his beatiful creations worshiping and praising him. We sang songs in english and spanish and took time to pray alone, with others and got prayed for by our friends in Chiconautla. Over all it was a spiritual time and we got to be closer to God to wrap up our time there. We cant wait to see our families tonight and we miss you all. Happy 18th anniversary Scott from DeAnne. Dios te bendiga

Sunday morning

2010-08-08T07:08:00.004-05:00

Wow time flies! Sorry we did not have more time to update, but it was a busy end of the week! Thursday morning children's ministry was the biggest one so far, and there were over 200 people there! We ran out of all our crafts and snacks! This is an area that they are starting a new church plant, in homes for now, but this was the first outreach that they have tried there, and it was a great success. Shelly did blood pressures and talked with the adults. Our youth were clowns, I mean they actually dressed up as clowns :-) and the rest of us played ball, braided hair with beads, and painted faces, along with playing catch with the kids, when we weren't dancing around, singing and doing the skit.

Thursday afternoon was spent with the Vivanco's going over the week, and we were able to take a family picture for them, which they haven't done since Bethany was born. Another night of Hope church service on Thursday night, which was well attended also.

On Friday we were off to the pyramids, and yesterday we climbed the mountain and said our goodbyes. I will let a couple of the others write about the pyramid and mountain, because I am going to try to upload some pictures....

We will be leaving Mexico City at 3:30 today, and return to Minnesota around 11 tonight. Pray for safe travels and health for the rest of the day for us, and we are off to breakfast and devotions and will be praying for the service today- GO LUKE!!!!

Thursday Morning

2010-08-05T09:36:00.003-05:00

Hola amigos and familias!
Our last day of children's ministry! Yeah, but sad, realizing it is our last chance to serve the kids. Yesterday was a long and fun day. We were in La Presa in the morning which is about a 40 minute drive and Karen and Grant were clowns, wait till you see the pictures! The inner clown definately came out. The youth did an awesome job on the skit, and the entire team was playing games, painting faces and braiding hair. We had lunch at our homes and headed right out to the next church in La Hermosa. The highlight of this one was that apparently bubbles bring out the inner child in all of us and the kids! Wow, what fun! Again, I will post pictures later! Afterwards, they had tamales ready for us, muy rico!!!!! VERY DELICIOUS!!! The first bite of mine, I realized that it was muy pica (very hot), in the next bite, I realized why, I bit into the full hot pepper that was in it! Laura has a picture..... There were also, sweet ones, and atole....
DeAnne did an awesome job on her faith story, and as in each prior night a couple people accepted Christ for the first time, and many rededicated their lives to Christ! YEAH GOD!!!!
Great devotions this morning, praying that we may bring the fire home to all of you....Pictures to come....

tuesday

2010-08-03T18:10:00.003-05:00

Jess writing here. Today was our first day running (okay, helping with) 'el programa infantil' - the kids' program. We'll do 4 of these programs during our time here in Chiconautla, in four different locations around the suburbs of Mexico City.
The kids' program was an amazing experience for everyone on the team. Though the clouds cleared (fortunately or unfortunately) in time for the program, we somehow found the energy to run and jump around with the 175-some kids who began to show up. Brad, Shelly, and DeAnne got to be the first to don the clown suits and make-up, and they drew quite a few stares and laughing comments as we walked through the streets in the morning. Good advertising for the program!
Once we arrived at our destination, Nancy (the director of the kids' programs at Iglesia Bautista Bet-lehem) started shouting through a pair of loudspeakers, inviting the neighborhood kids to come on over. With the help of some very enthusiastic 'payasos' (clowns), kids began to trickle in. Frisbees and footballs flew every which way across the arena, occasionally hitting unsuspecting parents or kids. When it appeared that most of the kids had arrived, we moved on to games-- 'Simon dice', 'el autobus', and something that involved a lot of running around and trying to step on plastic circles. The clowns were very good sports, getting into the games even though they had no idea what the rules were (explained, of course, in Spanish). We sang and danced, and performed a skit based on the story of Jonah. (Fortunately for the actors and assistants, it was well-received.) We split up into groups for crafts and snacks, and finished out the morning with facepainting.
The energy of the morning was infectious, and we came away tired but happy.

Last night, we listened to the first of four evangelistic services that the Iglesia will be doing this week. It was a bit harder to understand than Sunday's services because it was almost completely in Spanish (except for Brad's faithstory), but we were able to follow more or less what was happening. The highlight of the evening came when a man in front of us raised his hand to let the church know that he had prayed to accept Christ during the service. It was very cool to see the excitement and love of the people in the church toward this man, and the encouragement they offered to him.

We've been bonding as a team over craft and snack assembly. (We need about 150 of each for each kids' program). Personally, I think we make quite the interesting picture in our little circle of wooden desks, stuffing goldfish and Tootsie rolls and beads into baggies that may or may not zip closed. But, anyway, we're having fun.

So much more to write about, but the battery's dying. So for now, adios, y hasta luego!
The Team

2010-08-02T17:01:00.003-05:00

monday afternoon

2010-08-02T16:42:00.002-05:00

Getting a short break after a long day of work. We painted, we cleared debris off the roof where the new work shop is going to be, and ate a wonderful lunch at the church provided by our amigos in Chiconautla. We took many great pictures to share with you all when we return home. We miss you all muy mucho. Dios te bendiga. (Karen is feeling sad that we only have a few comments and she thinks only a few people are following us in our journey. So please comment)

videos from Sunday

2010-08-02T09:51:00.002-05:00

monday

2010-08-02T08:48:00.002-05:00

We are all awake and meeting at the church. We can't stop talking about the pan (bread), fruta (fruit), and all the delicious food we've had. Today we are painting at the church; time to get our hands dirty. Still missing you all muy mucho. Dios te bendiga.

Sunday

2010-08-01T17:42:00.003-05:00

We are safely in Chiconautla and have had an, well, interesting but wonderful time with our host families. we have already attended 2 of the 3 Sunday church services. a round of applause to Grant on his sermon, and Karen, Annette, Shelly, and Jess on giving their faith stories. we are looking forward to Blake and Dan giving theirs tonight. we miss you all at home and Thank you for continued prayers as we continue this amazing journey. Tomorrow we will try to get videos up and a little more on details. Dios Te Bendiga! (God Bless you!)

at the airport in atlanta...now on the plane...will try to update tonight!

2010-07-31T10:29:00.002-05:00

We leave in 3 days!

2010-07-28T22:34:00.003-05:00

The team is excited and ready to go!!! (ok not really ready, but definately excited!)

We look forward to keeping you updated with the amazing things GOD has in store for us. Watch for videos and pictures as we share our adventure!

Prayer requests:

1. That we are able to get everything done here before we leave, so that we can be everything that God needs and wants us to be while in Chiconautla.

2. That anxiety and nervousness about the unknown, are replaced with faith and peace, as we embark on this life-changing mission trip!

P.S. We love to see comments from those of you who are reading the posts!

Almost home...

2009-08-08T22:10:00.002-05:00

We are sitting in the hotel in Mexico City after a long, emotional day. We spent the morning on top of the mountain worshipping and praying with the people of the church. We had one last meal with our host families and then went to the church for a goodbye ceremony. We had the opportunity to try and say thank-you for all that we were given this week by our host families and the church. Not an easy task as there are no words to express our gratitude. We return to Minneapolis late tomorrow night and will try and post pictures when we get home. Thank you for your prayers and please pray for a safe trip home! We can't wait to see you and share the stories from our week!

Buenos Tardes desde Mexico!

2009-08-05T20:38:00.003-05:00

We are at the end of day 5 and our days have been packed! Tuesday and Wednesday were spent clowning around. Literally! We have participated in four children´s ministries so far, with two more to go tomorrow. It is safe to say that this has been one of the trip highlights so far! (Though there are many others!) We have learned that we have some very talented clowns among us!

The evening services have been incredible with several people coming to Christ each night. It is such an honor to be a part of these services.

We appreciate your prayers so much! Please continue to hold us up! Our team has been hit with some illness the past couple of days, but as of tonight, our team is whole again. Please pray for continued health and safety, as well as energy as we are all hitting the point of exhaustion. In our morning devotion time this morning, we talked about how now is the time we need to especially rely on God to pull us through. We know that on our own we are nothing, but with God, anything is possible! Dios te bendiga!

2009-08-03T15:55:00.003-05:00

Hola from Mexico! We arrived safely on Saturday afternoon, after almost missing our flight in Houston due to delays caused by mechanical issues! After a brief orientation time with Laura at the church, we were introduced to our host families and brought to their homes. We all made it through the first night anxieties and adjustments and returned to the church bright and early on Sunday morning for a full day of worship. Jason shared a message about the three parables in Luke 15 and about how God actively seeks the lost and celebrates the found. Beth, Don, Lisa, Racquel, Spencer and Paul all shared their faith stories and the entire team shared 2 worship songs. It was a full day! A few team members commented that even though we couldn´t understand most of what was said or sung, the spirit of God was vividly felt! God´s love truly transends language and culture!

This morning during our team meeting and devotion time, we were able to share stories from the previous two nights and it seems everyone is settling right in and starting to bond with their host families. The families are all so gracious and give us everything we need and more!

Today we are spending the entire day at the church, helping out with various projects. Tonight begins the first of four "Noches de Esperanza" (Nights of Hope.) These are evangelistic services meant to reach those who do not know Christ. One person from our team will share a faith story at each service.

Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for us! Pray that we continue to bond with our families here, that our time here is productive and that God´s love will shine through us.

2009-08-01T01:27:00.003-05:00

Mexico by the Numbers

7 months ago 10 people decided to put their faith in action and answer God's call to go to Chiconautla, Mexico for 9 days.

4 of the 10 team members are going to Chiconautla for the first time.

The 10 team members will connect with the Chaffin family of 4 who have already spent 10 days working with the church in Chiconautla (Note: I know there are 12 people in the photo included with this post... the Chaffin kids weren't in attendance the day we decided to take the photo).

The team leaves Minneapolis at 6:50 AM and lands in Mexico city at 12:50 PM (there is a layover somewhere in there). Over 800 pounds of luggage will be hauled by the team to Chiconautla.

Almost 1000 crafts were prepared and individually packaged by the team for the 6 children's ministry events that are planned for the week. 30 pounds of candy has been packed and will be shared with the children during the children's ministry events.

5 families in Chiconautla have opened their homes to the team members. The host families will feed, shelter and laugh with the team members and new friendships will be formed and existing friendships will be strengthened.

500 pounds of tortillas will be consumed by the team members (okay, I made that one up... but we will eat a lot of tortillas while we are there!).

The team will attend 3 church services on Sunday and 4 services during the rest of the week (That is 7 if you are keeping score). 10 faith stories will be shared during the church services.

Hundreds of kids (I'm not kidding this time) will hear about how Jesus seeks the lost of the world as the 14 Northwooders perform a skit based on the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7).

14 Northwooders (10 team members + 4 Chaffins) will have their lives changed.

Mission Trip Day 9 Prayer Request

2008-08-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for safe travel as our team leaves Mexico City for Minnesota; they arrive home at 11:30 p.m.

Mission Trip Day 8 Prayer Request

2008-08-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for safety as our team and friends climb a nearby mountain for a sunrise prayer service. Join them by praying the Northwood Prayer Focus for 2008:

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

2008 Prayer Focus

Children - That God will bless and protect Northwood children and use our ministry to reach other children in the northwest suburbs and that each of us will become more like children as we follow Jesus.

Finances - That God will grow within us the spiritual values of contentment, simplicity and generosity.

Africa - That God will help Northwood Church share the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Africa and lead us to respond to three major challenges this continent faces: HIV/AIDS pandemic, hunger and refugees.

America - That leaders elected to public office in 2008 will lead and govern with justice, mercy and humility.

Marriages - That God will strengthen marriages and families within Northwood Church.

Mission Trip Day 7 Prayer Request

2008-08-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for safety, fun and relaxation as the team goes on an excursion to Mexico City

Mission Trip Day 6 Prayer Request

2008-07-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for the children’s ministry efforts in La Presa and for our team as they witness to children and parents

Day 4

2008-07-30T15:45:00.002-05:00

A lot has happened over the past few days. We have spent the past two mornings assisting the church staff with children's ministry. On Monday, we went to a park in Chiconautla and well over 200 children came. We sang, danced, played games, performed a skit of Daniel and the lions den, and handed out bags with a craft and goodies. At one point, Sara invited the children to pray for Jesus to come into their hearts and several did! Today we repeated the program for kids in La Purisima and again several children asked Jesus into their lives! God is so good!

In the afternoon, we split up into different teams; some of us taught child development classes to small groups of women, some of us continued the work at the church and the rest of us went out door-knocking with people from the church. We handed out invitations to the evening services. The evening services are titled, Noches de Esperanza, which means Nights of Hope. The evening begins with incredible music from the church´s worship team. One person from our team has shared their faith story each night, then a powerful testimonial video is shown. Manuel then shares a short message and invites people who do not know Christ to give their lives to Him and each night, several people have. There are no words to describe how powerful these services are! God is working in mighty ways here!

As a team we have spent a lot of time discussing what it means to be a "missionary" and what an honor it is to be here as Christ´s hands and feet. We have spent much time in prayer asking for strength, wisdom and openness to the opportunities He places before us. Please continue to pray for us and the church here as we continue our work here.

Dios les bendiga!

Mission Trip Day 5 Prayer Request

2008-07-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for the children’s ministry efforts in La Purisima and for our team as they witness to children and parents
Pray for the team and their families back home as they are missing each other

Mission Trip Day 4 Prayer Request

2008-07-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for the children’s ministry efforts in Chiconautla, and for our team as they witness to children and parents
Pray for opportunities to show God’s love during the classes held in homes

Pictures

2008-07-28T16:25:00.007-05:00

Brian Preaching

Our Host Family

Beth sharing her faith story

Belinda sharing her faith story

Brian working while Steve supervises

First Post!

2008-07-28T15:51:00.007-05:00

Well, here is my first post from Mexico City. I haven't had a chance to get to a computer until today and I have a lot to share. Hopefully I'll have time over the next few days to post more and give you all a chance to see what we are doing in Mexico City.

Overall, our trip to Mexico City was pretty uneventful. However, we did have a minor incident getting Pastor Brian into the country. The Northwest agent at the gate in Detroit asked Brian to check his carry on as the flight was full and the bag wouldn't fit. This shouldn't have been a problem... except for the fact that Brian's passport was in the bag AND you can't get your luggage until you go through immigration! Upon landing in Mexico City, Brian went through immigration and was briefly detained while Belinda (the only fluent Spanish speaker on our team) cleared things up. We all had a pretty good laugh... at Brian's expense. I really wanted to take a picture of him being detained by security, but I also didn't want to join him in the holding cell. So, no pictures.

We all spent our first night in Mexico City getting to know our host families. LaVonne and I are staying with a wonderful family that has truly made us feel welcome. We laugh all the time... mostly due to our poor grasp of the Spanish language. We have spent the past couple of nights playing Uno and Skip-Bo.

LaVonne and awoke on Sunday morning to sound of a rooster crowing nearby... this would have been okay had it been 7 AM and not 3:30 AM. We managed to get a little more sleep before attending the three worship services at the church. Brian delivered the message at all three services, four of us shared our faith stories, and us Northwooders sang a few songs at each service.

Today (Monday), we are hard at work on the church building (well, those of us that aren't writing blog posts). The Northwood team is painting, sanding, repairing the street in front of the church and much more. I am sure everyone will sleep well tonight. I swear, I worked on the church this morning... I am at the Vivanco's home now helping Laura update their website and other computer related activities.

Well, things are going well in Mexico City. We all miss our families back home but wouldn't trade the experience in Mexico City for anything. We can't wait to see what God has in store for us here. We start the evangelistic services tonight, and start the children's ministry tomorrow.

I will try to post some pictures soon so you can see all that we are up to. I also have a lot more to share, but really need to get back to the work at hand.

Dios les bendiga.

Mission Trip Day 3 Prayer Request

2008-07-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for fruitful and uplifting daily devotionals and sharing among the Northwood team each morning this week
Pray for safety as the team works on the church building

Mission Trip Day 2 Prayer Request

2008-07-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for Pastor Brian as he preaches at three worship services
Pray for every team member as they share their FaithStory this week

Mission Trip Day 1 Prayer Request

2008-07-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for safe travel and connecting through Jesus with host families. The team leaves Minneapolis at 6 a.m.

Northwood Goes International

2008-07-04T18:24:00.000-05:00

On July 26 a team of short-term Northwood missionaries will head to Chiconautla to serve at Iglesia Bautista Bet-lehem with Pastor Manuel Vivanco and his family. Manuel and Laura Vivanco have four children: Emily, Caleb, Kelly and Nicolas and they have served the church in Chiconautla through Latin America Missions for over 15 years.
Northwood Church has partnered with the Vivancos for five years now by sending short-term teams and regular financial support from our Outreach Fund.This is the fourth year Northwood has sent a team to Chiconautla to share, assist and fellowship with Iglesia Bautista Bet-lehem congregation and community.
Our team leaders for the second year in a row are Steve and Amy Chaffin. They are joined by alumni Shane and Beth Jacques and Jason and LaVonne Dyer as well as first-timers Eric and Belinda Bergren and Brian and Kris Doten. The team will return to Minnesota on August 3 and share some of their experiences with us on Sunday, August 17.