Morning came early but included a filling breakfast. Then came a surprise for me, the singing. I do not know what it was but as we began to sing, my eyes were filled with tears, running down my cheeks. What is it about? Was it the songs or the harmony of men singing? I don’t know and part of me would mention it aloud much less write about it. But I have said it happened. Will it happen tomorrow or was it just one of those things. After the message we heard our assignments and headed out to the vans. I was sure of my assignment but ended up in the wrong van. We headed across the border into Acuna, Mexico and right away the landscape changed. The houses looked much different and we soon arrived at the Rodriguez Family house that is being built. The wall framing was complete and we began to unload supplies, equipment and lumber. It was a mass movement, with some sure of what they were doing and others trying to find a place. We added vapor barrier, the exterior sheeting, then moved the trusses, painted facia, ran electrical and added windows. It was later when I worked with Joel Cram lifting the sheeting onto the roof. He, like myself, was on his first Power Ministry trip. He had to wait till he was 18 to make his first trip. And I waited till I was 70. There are others much older, like Vance Luke who is 98 on his 7th trip. But age doesn’t seem to limit sharing on a Power Trip. A lunch crew provided barbeque and we got to meet Moses Rodriquez and his family, and sang for his daughter, Kate who was 6 today.
We received our new assignments and I went with a group on a Joy Tour. We found a grocery store where we bought beans and rice to give out. Then we drove to a neighborhood where we stopped and divided into groups. We went to each house inviting the residents to experience a gathering street revival. By the time we made it back to where we had set up the supplies, a crowd of families and individuals were gathering. When they arrived they were given sweets and welcomed. Singing was followed by messages of Christ. Two from our Power group offered personal messages of faith. Then several came forward and gave their lives to Christ. They were prayed for by all. Then they lined up ready to receive many gifts of food, tee shirts, mittens, caps, sweatshirts and other gifts. Many expressions of gratitude were shared both to God and one another. We all returned crossing the border without any problems. We ate together in Faith Mission sharing another wonderful meal with stakes, bake potato and ice cream. There are so many who make each day a place to serve and for each one, I ask you to continue to pray for us…one trip, three different weeks.
Chris