Hello everyone!
I am really excited that I get to share with you all what has been going on here in Puebla, Mexico. I arrived last Sunday, February 13th and have really been enjoying my time here so far. I am currently staying in a Puebla seminary where young men, around my age, study the gospel to build upon their relationship with God and prepare for their future role as a pastor. My friend John whom I spent my outreach with during my discipleship training school, and whose family lives here in Puebla, has close connections to the seminary. Because of this, it was possible for him to set up accommodations for me while I am here on mission.
When I first arrived at the seminary, I was a little unsure of the living arrangements John had made for me. The room is very small, comparable to college dorm, and consists of little more than a bunk bed and a desk that I share with my roommate, Gabriel. However, I now look forward to coming back to my modest space at the end of each day because of everyone’s graciousness and acceptance of my presence in the seminary. Over the past week we have formed a great bond, and have had an incredible time watching movies, going out for tacos, and making jokes with each other. Gabriel even makes my coffee every morning and leaves friendly reminders for me to apply sunscreen. These individuals at the seminary have portrayed a true reflection of Jesus’ love and it has been such a blessing to experience their kindness and support throughout this trip.
This past week I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with John and his family as well. They have generously welcomed me into their home and have treated me as if I am one of their own. His mom often cooks delicious, homemade Mexican dishes for us, and his siblings love spending time with me and John. Because his mom teaches guitar lessons at the local missionary school in the afternoons, it has become John and I’s responsibility to look after his three-year-old sister. During these hours I have been thoroughly entertained by playing basketball with John’s younger brother, Matthew. We both have a passion for the sport, and it has been so rewarding to encourage his love for basketball and offer pointers on how he can become a better player. I believe that this time spent with Matthew has been a blessing for both of us. Since the start of the pandemic, he has not had the opportunity to socialize with many friends and has felt somewhat isolated. I am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity for me to be Matthew’s friend in such a difficult time.
Every morning John and I have made the effort to venture to a peaceful, outdoor location to discuss God’s word and study bible verses we feel God is putting on our heart. Several days we biked for miles to find the perfect spot to spread the good news, and it has been so satisfying to do so. This past week I have had the opportunity to share the word of God, as well as my own story, with Grace followers, a ministry that John helped pioneer that consists of young people between the ages of 16-24. I spoke about the challenges I overcame my freshman year of college; where I failed and ultimately what I learned from my mistakes. I am very hopeful that my message was encouraging to these young individuals who may be experiencing similar hardships.
Lastly, my friend John is a very talented musician, adventurer, and photographer and he is being called by God to use his talents to further the kingdom and make Jesus known. His next step in this process is to complete a worship school through YWAM and to continue leading Grace Followers in Mexico. Grace Followers is the ministry I am here working with now. He is fundraising and needs financial support to be able to do this. A worship school costs around $3,000 USD and anything helps.
Here is the link to donate to John and what God is calling him to do: https://express.adobe.com/page/H0eYJFE2GUul0/
If you are able to donate through Paypal, there is a link on the page and his bank information is also available.
This mission trip has been a rich and rewarding time for me. Please keep me and John in your prayers as we continue our ministry and grow together in Christ.
Thank you for reading,
Isaac
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