As we continue the race to the finish, striving to make each day count and finish well, another Power Trip Adventure begins. Forty-eight men from all parts of the country have gathered once again. With days one and two of week three in 2025 now complete, my week three journal begins.
My name is Jason Schoen, and this is my fourth year participating in a Power Mission trip.
The first day started as most do: coordinating pickups for 48 people and ensuring everyone arrived safely at our first destination—Faith Mission in Del Rio—after a much-needed meal at Chopstix Restaurant. Upon our arrival at Faith Mission, we were greeted by new faces and old friends, realizing that while time has made all of us a little older, it can never take away our youthful hearts. What unites us is our shared desire to serve God.
For some of the men, this is their 25th trip; for a few, it is their first. As day one came to a close, I was reminded of a quote from a preacher I heard a few months ago: it was time to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Day 2 started with breakfast and then morning worship with Cody Gibbs and Mark Weber, followed by a devotion from Pat Schmeling. The message was a gentle reminder that we need to guard against getting so “busy” serving God that we forget that just as important is spending time with Him, listening to Him, and developing community with those around us.
After breakfast and devotions, it was time to hit the road. Our projects for the day included three teams at Mega Mission, working on building church pews (25 was our goal), constructing fences, and expanding the kitchen. Another group worked on building a classroom and a kitchen storage expansion at the Pan Am church. Yet another group hit the streets of Acuña, visiting a rehab center that housed 120 men. Some of our men shared their testimonies, clothes and toys were distributed, and songs were sung. On the streets of Acuña, the Gospel was shared with a group of kids and adults, and pamphlets were handed out—street evangelism at work.
Lunchtime was held at Pastor Oscar’s church at the Pan Am building. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs, baked beans, and potato salad never tasted so good. And to top it off, a large birthday cake for Cody Gibbs’ birthday was thoroughly enjoyed.
After lunch, it was time to head out to continue work on the projects started in the morning.
Entry back into the United States went smoothly, and a BBQ dinner from Roadhouse Restaurant was thoroughly enjoyed. The evening ended with a video presentation honoring Louie Davenport, who listened to God’s calling 50 years ago when he literally started bringing truckloads of beans to the border towns of Mexico and Texas.