Post 22.0

The biggest thing I've learned since I've been in Mexico.. That's a loaded question, I know that me being able to live with Alfonzo Martinez has been the best thing for me in Mexico. I have learned so much from Alfonzo how to be a man of prayer, led by the Spirit, husband, father, and student of the word. Alfonzo has modeled these righteous characteristics and I desire greatly to grow in those areas. He has also showed me how to be a humble servant and selfless leader. On this trip I have learned how to be effective in the Mexican culture, I've learned many new words in Spanish and how to have a conversation that goes beyond the normal introduction questions. On this trip I have had to cope with being the only guy on the team, how to communicate with 3 very different women. I have learned much about the different personalities of different girls, sure it's been challenging but I know that as a result I will grow and become a stronger man of God. I have learned how important and vital it is to spend daily time with the Lord in prayer, even back in the states. I am so thankful to be able to spend 3 months in Mexico, I would definitely do it again, in a heart beat. I am so thankful for the people I spent these past 3 months with, Alfonzo & Erika Martinez, Victoria Philips, Megean Fernantez, and Macey Fernandez. Thank You all for praying for me and remembering our team during this season of my life. GBC isn't over yet I still have 1 more month, so I hope to connect with each of you to tell you the stories of God's greatness.. God Bless You!

Post 21.0

Hey everybody, hope you are all doing well and your family is healthy. We are over 2/3 of the way done with this trip and I wanted to give you just a brief update of what the Lord is doing here. Despite having a smaller group of students learning guitar I have been having 4 kids show up consistently, their eagerness is inspiring and their devotion to practice shows up from week to week on my 11:00 Wednesday appointment. Leading worship has been going really well at the Women's Rehab Center, we introduced a new song called Nuestro Dios (Our God by Chris Tomlin), I love seeing the women worship and sing out their praise to the Lord even when it's not on key or they don't clap on rhythm, I think that their worship is really beautiful. At Rincon the kids are still full of energy but they are becoming more receptive to the Bible stories we tell them. I love Rincon days (Fridays) because I get to play soccer with them to wear them out so they sit still during the Bible story. About once or twice a month we drive or ride a bus up to Mazatlan to spend some time with the youth from Espiritu y Verdad and attend the 11:00 Sunday service. I really enjoy the fellowship with the youth most of our conversations center around worship music or bands because that's what I love and know. I personally have really enjoyed living with Alfonzo and Erika Martinez, the missionaries here in Escuinapa, they are my parents for these past 3 months, I know I will miss them greatly. Alfonzo has poured a lot into me and I know much of what he's taught me I will take into my future as a student, husband, and father. So yeah, that's just a snapshot of what's been happening in my life personally and what God has been doing in the hearts of the youth and kids in Mexico! Thanks again for your continued prayer support, I hope that when I return, to be able to connect with each of you face to face. I can't wait to share the testimonies of God's faithfulness. God bless you!