Sorry for our absence, but our Wi-Fi was down.

You are hearing from Jade, Olivia, and Grace for one last time...

Alright, for the past three days we have built two houses, seen a lot of God sightings, had a great VBS, and earned a lot of gold stars.  The building of the houses went very smoothly.  We all got along and were patient with each other in our small cramped site.  Some of us even conquered our fear of heights.  On Monday, as we were looking for an area for VBS and we came across a guy with a rattle snake, named Jose.  Linda was freaking out because in her devotion we had read earlier that morning.  She said she was afraid of snakes.  We began talking to the kids about VBS, but they didn't understand us.  So they grabbed their dad, Jose.  He spoke perfect English and was even a Christian!  We told him we needed a place to hold VBS and he said we could use his house.  We ventured down a BIG hill to his casa (house).  And guess what?!?  It worked out perfectly!  On Tuesday, we held VBS there.  It was a huge crowd of people.  There were about 100 kids there, but with adults there were about 200.  Seeing how happy the people were with less, moved a lot of people.  It was truly a "YAY GOD" moment as we look back and see how amazing it all went.  The best part was how grateful each and every single one of them was.  The start of Wednesday, we began working on the site to finish it all up.  It was our final working day and we built the railing on the lofts, tarred and shingled the rooves, put up all the trim, and did some touch ups with paint.  We were even able to finish up early due to the cooperation and hard work of our great team.  The owners of the houses made us a delicious, authentic meal, to express their gratitude.  We concluded the night with devotions around the fire.  Padre (Pastor Roger) read us a really touching story about a woman, who lived her life through chapter two of Phillipians.  This morning we are packung our belongings, devotions, and dedicating the houses to their rightful owners.  We are sad to be leaving what seems so soon.  Jade does not want to let go of her favorite Wisconsinites.  All in all it has been an incredible trip with many God sightings, blessings, and growing experiences in faith and as a person.  The group has come to the conclusion that laughter is the best medicine. 

See you all soon!

On Skype with the group in DR



Devotions on Satuday night



   

Pastor Roger teaching area lay ministers and pastors on Sunday afternoon

 

Bob G teaching area lay ministers and pastors on Sunday afternoon




"Road House" Crew


 

"Ocean View" Crew

  

Building houses


 

Not a lot of room to work


 

Lunch break


 

Got a lot done on Monday



Putting the roof on



Working on Tuesday



Kids gathering for VBS



 

 

Telling the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 at VBS





Putting the finishing touches on Wednesday





What a good looking group



Devotions on Wednesday night

Sorry for formating

Numero dos blogging it up with Jade, Olivia, and Grace! (Yes, we are catching onto Spanish real quick.)

We were blessed with a gorgeous day here in Tijuana. In Mexico, they call Sundays' family days. So from us to you, Happy Father's Day!!! This morning we were able to sleep in a little later. Craig made us some great pancakes to start the day off right. We then walked across the street to the local church that is associated with El Divino (where we are staying). While Pastor Roger and Bob gave the sermon, the youth and some of the adults hosted a Sunday School for the little children. Thankfully the translators knew what we were talking about, and the communication went well. We told them a story, made crafts, and played games with them during the time together. Overall, Sunday School went extremely well and everyone enjoyed sharing God's Word. After church and Sunday School, we headed to Rosarito. Pastor Roger and Bob stayed behind to lead a class. In Rosarito, we ate at Ortega's Buffet. Then we headed to the beach to enjoy the afternoon. The weather was cooler in the afternoon then it was in the morning, but we still had a great time. We traveled to Puerto Nuevo for an hour of shopping after the beach. We noticed it was a lot nicer of a town and more clean then in Tijuana. We even passed the FOX Productions and saw the Pirates of the Caribbean ship, the Black Pearl. Once we returned to the mission we had dinner and devotion time. All in all, it was a splendid day!

Until next time...

Hi to all from Tijuana! Blogging it up today is Jade, Olivia, and Grace.

This morning came quick as the roosters crowed at sunrise. Right after breakfast, Linda led us in morning devotions. We split up into groups to accomplish all the jobs that needed to be done, such as painting, sanding, cutting wood, framing of the loft walls, and cutting the trim. It was perfect working weather. With everyone working hard together, we got it all finished before lunch. Chef Sandi whipped us up some delicious pasta salad. The remaining time of the afternoon was spent prepping for VBS and Sunday School tomorrow morning. Also, we headed downtown for some site-seeing and shopping. Pastor Roger stayed behind to work on his sermon for tomorrow morning. He had the job of taking the brownies out of the oven when they were done. Sandi said approximately 10 minutes.When we got back, we had dinner and dessert. However, Pastor Roger left the brownies in the oven for an hour and ten minutes. Unfortunately, the brownies were rock hard and burnt. On the plus side, no one broke a tooth and we're heading for ice cream!

Until next time...



Meeting at the airport



Loading up the vans



Checking out the building site





Gathering for breakfast




Cindy building with Mike



Cutting trim is dusty



Lots of painting to do



6-15-2012

After a long day of travel we made it safe to the mission.  We visited the build sites and met the families we will be building for.  We had a wonderful meal at Super Taco (authentic Mexican food).  Our Bible study focused on Philippians 4:4-9.

Yea God!
Cindy Z's (and Grace too) suitcase was exactly 50.0 lbs.
Nebraska group making all their flights
Safe travel
The cargo van (Pete and Bob) got through the boarder crossing without any fees/donations despite intense questioning in an experience that took a half an hour.
No one got lost driving in Tijuana.
Timely application of the Word to help group members deal with cultre shock.

Prayer Requests

Prayer Requests  - Mission Trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic - 2012

   Before We Leave - Please pray that God would prepare us all mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually for these mission trips. *Please pray Ephesians 6:10-19 for us before and during the mission trips, that we may be equipped and ready for what God would have us do each and every day!

   Day 1 - Friday, June 15th - Please pray for safe travel, and that we would begin these trips with the right heart, to have the attitude of Christ to everyone we come in contact with, to serve them, and serve each other.*Scripture to pray for the day - Philippians 2:4-5 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." *Please pray for team members Carole, Sandi, and David - Mexico, and Mary and Lilly - DR

   Day 2 - Saturday, June 16th - Please pray that God would grant us unity of heart and action in all that we do. *Scripture to pray for the day - Romans 15:5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among youselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." *Please pray for team members Scott, Casey, and Mirand - Mexico, and Mike and Brian - DR

   Day 3 - Sunday, June 17th - Please pray that our worship would be pleasing to God, and that He would prepare our hearts for service to Him this week. *Scripture to pray for the day - Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." *Please pray for team members Roger, Bob, and Geordan - Mexico, and Lexie and Julia - DR

   Day 4 - Monday, June 18th- Please pray that we would do tasks for the glory of God, and that the Holy Spirit would grant us humble and servant hearts. *Scripture to pray for the day - Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." *Please pray for team memebers Peter and Craig - Mexico, and Derek and Ozzy - DR

   Day 5 - Tuesday, June 19th - Please pray that God would grant us strength to persevere with our given tasks, and that we would encourage and be there for each other. *Scripture to pray for the day - Romans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." *Please pray for team members Linda and Jade - Mexico, and David and Beth - DR

   Day 6 - Wednesday, June 20th - Please pray that the Holy Spirit would guide all we do and say, that it would not be in vain. *Scripture to pray for the day  - Psalm 127:1a "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." *Please pray for team members Cindie and Grace - Mexico, and Zach and Drew - DR

   Day 7 - Thursday, June 21st - Please pray that God would give us opportunities to serve that we do not expect - surprises of service! *Scripture to pray for the day - Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." *Please pray for team members Kira and Olivia - Mexico, and Rachel - DR

  Day 8 - Friday, June 22nd - Please pray for safe travel home for the Mexico team, and a blessed final day in the mission field for the Dominican Republic team. Please also pray that the joy of the Lord would be evident in us! *Scripture to pray for the day - Nehemiah 8:10c "...For the joy of the Lord is your strength!" *Please pray for team members Aric and Alec - Mexico, and Jimmy - DR

  Day 9 - Saturday, June 23rd - Please pray for safe travel home for the Dominican Republic team. Please pray that we would all share what God did in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and that we would seek to please God in all we do! *Scripture to pray for the day - 1 Chronicles 16:24 "Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous dees among all peoples."

  Thank you for being a part of these mission trips through your prayers!

One Mission Two Different Directions

Brookfield Lutheran Chuch is honored to partner with Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE to travel to Tijuana Mexico for yet another year to serve by connection people to Life in Jesus with 19 youth and adults June 15 - 22.  We are blessed this is our 8th year of our two churches coming together.  We love the people God puts in our path while in Mexico.  El Divino Salvador Mission and the Marteniz family have been amazing hosts which we now consider family.  We are saddened our friend Manuel will not be joining us this year as he went to be with the LORD.  We praise God for his faithful service to US through the years.  We do everything to honor God but also in memory of Manuel this year.  

All the preparations have been made, details are being checked on and yes the packing has begun!  BLC was commissioned by our congregation on June 3 when we also honored the Seniors who have finished their 8 year discipleship journey in Life in Jesus Youth.   We covet your prayers for safety and preparation this week.  Please plan to check back with us each day to see how and where we saw God in each day. 

Our goals for this trip mainly are to be used where God would use us as well as build two small houses and provide a children's vbs experience two to three times during the week.