Our groups participated in the same activities as mentioned in day 5 (Joy tour, building projects and Track assembly). We also had the unique honor of briefly hearing from Allen Ehlers. Allen is in his 80s and recently had his lovely and godly wife of 65 years, Charlene, enter the presence of the Lord. Allen and Charlene started Faith Mission 62 years ago and faithfully served the Lord since then. It is difficult to imagine all of the miracles and wonders that occurred at Faith Mission over those six decades! Tim Ehlers, who came to Del Rio/Faith at 5 years old, now continues his parents legacy leading Faith Mission with his wife Rosa.
JOY TOUR
One of our men that went on the Joy tour today mentioned that 150 people from the neighborhood participated, and that of all the things we have done, that was his highlight. Honestly, you have to experience Joy (tour that is) to know what we mean. It is hard to put into words, but the magic of the Joy tour is the willingness of the Mexican people to hear and respond to the word of God and His message of salvation. It is unlike anything that could ever happen in the US. It is because of this willingness that all of the work the men do down here is all the more important.
TRACKS
I have to say some more words about tracks. These are little stories demonstrating biblical principles. They are in sort of a comic book format. Each track has a theme like envy, witch craft, and so on. Each one calls the reader to lean on Jesus. As I mentioned yesterday, these tracks spread the Word of God far and wide to places many missionaries do not even travel.
BUILDING
The teams worked very hard and all three major projects are nicely set up for the week 3 team. I was able to participate in the project where we are building a cafeteria at an elementary school. In addition to getting the roof, siding, most windows and doors hung (great progress), we gave out maybe 150 lollipops to school children…sorry teachers.
RECAP
As your men return from power, I encourage family members and friends to find a quiet place and time to ask them some questions. ‘Can you give me a recap of your daily journeys?’ ‘What was the most impactful thing you did?’ ‘In what way did God speak to you during the trip?’ ‘Do you have any pictures you took?’ You get it. Of course, as guys, we may or may not answer right away, but it IS in there.
My last word is a prayer for safe travels and long memories of the things God did in each of our hearts. Thank you Power leadership for your tireless work in organizing these trips. Finally, thank you Jesus that we GET to do this in your name…
Scott Lips