The race has begun! So far, it has reminded me of the Amazing Race! Ha! We all boarded a bus in Matamoros, and drove us around, got us lost (easy to do for me) and dropped us off! It turns out we were in a bordertown called Reynosa. Our team has decided to follow our Race Capitan (Eric!) and let him do most of the scheming… I mean, strategizing. So, I had relatively no idea what the plan was. Talk about trust!
We ended up sending “scouts” ahead (Eric and Kelly) to run to the bus station and buy us tickets. The bus ride from Reynosa to Palenque was 26 HOURS. It was the longest bus ride of my life! Fortunately, I am able to sleep pretty much anywhere at any time. J Also, the Mexican countryside is absolutely breathtaking. The race consists of more than traveling, though. To win this leg of the race, we need to interview a local and write a blog (check), eat at a taco stand (YUM and check), and pray for some people along the way. Then, we had to be the first team to get four of our members to the top of a pyramid and take a picture with the Kings Temple in the background. Interestingly, all teams arrived at the pyramid park before it opened! Kim, Mary, and myself took care of the packs while Eric, Kelly, Jake, and Michelle got tickets and raced to the pyramid. Of the B Squad teams we were racing. Our team was the first to the top! We won! While we absolutely love our brothers and sisters on the other teams, and while we have no idea what we won yet, it was really a lot of fun. Please pray that we can continue to embrace the fact that our God is adventurous and fun!
Now that we are in Palenque, we will be doing ministry here for the next three to four weeks. God has really broken our hearts for the people here. He really wants them to know how much He loves them! Our (Agapetos) team will be spending one day a week in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We’ve already been there once, and we want to continue to encourage these brothers with the Good News of Jesus’ offer of redemption, freedom, and a personal relationship. We may also have the opportunity to partner with a local core group and come alongside them in loving people. We may spend a couple of days walking the streets and meeting and praying with people. Mostly, we’re going to ask the Lord what He would like us to do… and then do it! I am SO excited to share this with you all. Please pray for our protection as we move forcefully into the community, reclaiming the people that belong to the Lord. Please lift myself and each of my team members up in prayer, as we are moving further into our own hearts and further out of our “comfort zones” (which are going to cease to exist soon – This life has absolutely nothing to do with being comfortable. “I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes,” because it’s simply not about me). Please pray as the Spirit leads you, for GOD IS MOVING IN THIS PLACE!
I love you all. Thank you for joining me. I hope to update you again soon. I’m yours for the Journey.
