What It Means To Be Thankful

Beloved,

It's Friday evening and our mission is coming to a close.   This blog entry will be our last before we see you all again.  We look forward to sharing the joy of our trip with all of you.

The morning started early, as usual.  Everyone was ready to worship at 6:30 and Don challenged the teams with a devotional on being content with our joy in the Lord.  His reference was 1 Corinthians 7.  Our prayer time was followed by breakfast and the teams were off to their assignments of finishing the house, the VBS ministry and the Pastor's Conference.

Picture 72 kids and their parents being van pooled in.  Some of the vans made 3 round trips to get everyone to the compound.  But it was worth it.  At the end of the day, the VBS staff was exhausted, but overjoyed with the 25 decisions (ages 5 to 12) made for Jesus.  It was so good to see the staffs from both churches, plus 4 bilingual speakers from Peter Yee's church in Ensenada.  It could not have been done without everyone's help.  We were so thankful for the the teams and for the fruit.

The pastors at the conference learned much and hunger for so much for more.  It will be a challenge to feed them, but no challenge is too small for God.  The pastors were thankful for the teaching and for the donated gifts to them - especially suits that fit one of the pastors to a tee.  The prayers of the righteous availeth much, Thank you.

Finally, there is nothing that can truly express the thankful hearts of our Baja family.   A small group of us took them to lunch while the rest of the team decorated and put the finishing touches on their humble abode.  When the family returned from lunch, Donny shared from his heart and tears of what it meant for us to build this home.  And before he presented the keys to Eric and Lydia, Eric said that he wanted to pray.  This was an amazing act which you will come to appreciate when you hear about his "story" from the team.  So Eric prayed about how thankful he and his family were for our team to come so far to build their home.  You had to be here to feel the blessing of his  prayer of thanksgiving.

We will be departing Vincente Guerrero at around 8:30 tomorrow morning.  One of the CCAC vans left early this moning and it took them 4 hours cross the border.  So if we encounter a similar delay, we will probably arrive at Crossway around 8:00 tomorrow evening.      

So ends our mission here in Vincente Guerrero.  But it also marks the beginning of new lives for 25 children, a handful of faithful pastors, a grateful family and a blessed team.   Thank you, dear ones, for your love.

And we will praise Him, 

Your Baja Team

VBS Friday - Fun Games

VBS Friday - Bible Story

A thankful family

A thankful team

Janet's Frist Room of her own.
She will need to share it with Dara.

Israel's Room built for future additions

Lydia's Kitchen with simple plumbing.....

Even Oso had a new home...or house
with shingles on the roof.

Kids, Pastors, and A Family's Blessing

Dear Beloved,

Yesterday (Wed) marked the start of Vacation Bible School and 75 kids and a bunch of parents showed up.  Thank you for your prayers.  A shuttle scheme was devised using the majority of the vans to transport the kids, and their families, from a church about 10 minutes away.  The kids were divided into 3 groups which flowed through a Big Teach time, Bible Study, games, crafts and ending with a lunch in which they devoured over 150 hot dogs.  This was a good start to bringing the good news of Jesus to these kids and their families.

There were a few less children today for VBS, but the time was enjoyed by all.  Between Crossway and CCAC, there are over 25 volunteers to care for the children.  Maria, from CCAC, went door to door in the neighborhood and rustled up a dozen kids for VBS.  Another praise for the Lord's goodness to His people.  VBS will end with a celebration lunch tomorrow.

The Pastor's Conference started today at noon.  There were 6 pastors and their wives who attended and their gathering together brought great hope to the mission of the church in making desciples in the world, beginning with Mexico.  It is clear that this conference is the first of many to follow in the future.  Your prayers were answered.

The house is basically completed with a few odds and ends to finish.  Tomorrow, while the family is away at lunch, the team will furnish the home and lay out the gifts that were donated by all of you.  Upon the return of the family, the home will be dedicated to the family and it will be such a blessing to them, to us, and to you.  Thank you.

The family has been right there seeing their new home rise up each day.  I just realized that I failed to mention earlier that our family was thought to be 3 in number.  When we arrived on Monday, we found Lydia (Mom) nursing her new 23 day old daughter .  So the home will be equiped with 2 bunk beds for this growing family.  In appreciation and anticipation for their new home,  Eric and Lydia, along with help from relatives, prepared a full blown Mexican dinner for us tonight.  We're humbled by their generosity because it cost Eric more than we'll every know.  This family blessed us in a genuine and sacrificial way and we give thanks to God for them.

With our schedule doing so well, we will be leaving Vincente Guerrero earlier than planned on Saturday.  We hope to arrive at Crossway around 6:00pm.

Thank you for being with us over the past week,  Your love and prayers sustain us,
And we will praise Him,

Your Baja Team

VBS General Assembly

VBS - Fun and Games

VBS Crafts

VBS Bible Time

Pastors - Small in numbers, great in the Lord

Familia Dinner - Very generous blessing

Chicken, Fish, Totillas, Refried Beans, Rice, and more !

One Big Happy Familia

Callin on a break !!

Kids, Pastors, and A Family's Blessing

Dear Beloved,

Yesterday (Wed) marked the start of Vacation Bible School and 75 kids and a bunch of parents showed up.  Thank you for your prayers.  A shuttle scheme was devised using the majority of the vans to transport the kids, and their families, from a church about 10 minutes away.  The kids were divided into 3 groups which flowed through a Big Teach time, Bible Study, games, crafts and ending with a lunch in which they devoured over 150 hot dogs.  This was a good start to bringing the good news of Jesus to these kids and their families.

There were a few less children today for VBS, but the time was enjoyed by all.  Between Crossway and CCAC, there are over 25 volunteers to care for the children.  Maria, from CCAC, went door to door in the neighborhood and rustled up a dozen kids for VBS.  Another praise for the Lord's goodness to His people.  VBS will end with a celebration lunch tomorrow.

The Pastor's Conference started today at noon.  There were 6 pastors and their wives who attended and their gathering together brought great hope to the mission of the church in making desciples in the world, beginning with Mexico.  It is clear that this conference is the first of many to follow in the future.  Your prayers were answered.

The house is basically completed with a few odds and ends to finish.  Tomorrow, while the family is away at lunch, the team will furnish the home and lay out the gifts that were donated by all of you.  Upon the return of the family, the home will be dedicated to the family and it will be such a blessing to them, to us, and to you.  Thank you.

The family has been right there seeing their new home rise up each day.  I just realized that I failed to mention earlier that our family was thought to be 3 in number.  When we arrived on Monday, we found Lydia (Mom) nursing her new 23 day new born.  So the home will be equiped with 2 bunk beds for this growing family.  In appreciation and anticipation for their new home,  Eric and Lydia, along with help from relatives, prepared a full blown Mexican dinner for us tonight.  We're humbled by their generosity because it cost Eric more than we'll every know.  This family blessed us in a genuine and sacrificial way and we give thanks to God for them.

With our schedule doing so well, we will be leaving Vincente Guerrero earlier than planned on Saturday.  We hope to arrive at Crossway around 6:00pm.

Thank you for being with us over the past week,  Your love and prayers sustain us,
And we will praise Him,

Your Baja Team

VBS General Assembly

VBS - Fun and Games

VBS Crafts

VBS Bible Time

Pastors - Small in numbers, great in the Lord

Familia Dinner - Very generous blessing

Chicken, Fish, Totillas, Refried Beans, Rice, and more !

One Big Happy Familia

Callin on a break !!

Amazing Grace, How sweet the .....Home.

Beloved,
Another day has passed and your team is making wonderful progress with the house and getting to know the family who we are serving.

It's been warm, and very, very sunny and there is dust (no, dirt) every where.   The temperatures have been in the 80's, and the sun is laying a good tan (aka sun burn) on everyone.  In the evening, it has cooled down nicely to a comfortable70 degrees.  

This morning, our devotional started at 6:30.  Don Harada spoke on the role of the church and how we are commissioned to make disciples throughout the world.  It is good to be here in Vincente Guererro and to serve our Baja family - Eric, Lydia, Janet and little Israel.  Eric has been working very hard with the team in building his home.  He is very thankful and always has a smile on his face.

Today was all about getting the roof on the house and painting the house.  Thank you for your prayers as your team did very well, and there were no injuries.  PTL !  The team did a terrific job and the pictures below speak for themselves.  You'll see that the home is very colorful.  We worked well together and got everything done and more.  Your prayers sustain us.

Please pray that VBS will go well tomorrow and the rest of the week.  At this point, we are expecting around 60 kids but are planning for 100.  It doesn't matter how many come.  We trust in God that souls will be saved for His Kingdom.  Thank you for your prayers.

In this morning's worship time, we sang "The Power of Your Love".  The refrain spoke to us - "And as I wait, I'll raise up like the eagle.  And I will soar with you.  Your spirit leads me on.  In the power of your love."   We rest under the wings of God.  We will build His house.  We will not be tired.

And we will praise Him,
Your Baja Team..

The Ladies led by Kathy Harada were off to a fast
start with paining the trim which would be installed last.

The interior crew led by John Callin was constructing 3
bedroom interior while the painting crew was already painting
the walls.  Thank you, Donny, for keeping the team moving.

The roof was constructed into 4 quarter panels.
Everyone was nvolved in getting them on the
roof.  Very Exciting !!!

Panels are installed to cover the roof, and up goes the bright
yellow trim.  Eric is on the top of the roof working hard.

 

Even the outhouse gets painted.  

Amazing Grace - In just 2 days, the basic home is completed.
You had to be here to believe it.  Everyone's help was needed to
make this happen.  We are a team. Thank you for your prayers.
Still more work to be done.

We not done yet, but there are a lot of smiles on the faces of
the family.  We are all smiling too.  Thank you, Jesus.

And The Walls Came Tumbling ...... UP

Beloved,

Today (Monday) was a very productive day for your team.  Everyone was seated and waiting for Don's devotion at 6:30AM.  Amen !  Don spoke from Genesis and reminded all of us that God's purpose for creation was to cause us to take His image to all the world.  Just like here in Baja and in Sendai.

The team was anxious to get "hammering" away, but the Lord knew better.  The saws and tools from Heart Ministries did not arrive at the site until after 10:00AM resulting in a very late start.  During the wait, we relaxed and played dodge ball with the kids.  Great fun for some of us!  But as soon as the equipment arrived, we were off.  By the end of the day, the 4 walls of the house were UP, and the 4 sections of the roof were done and will also be up first thing in the morning.  It is still difficult for us to believe how much we were able to complete in 3/4ths of a day.  And at the same time, we wonder why we're filled with such amazement since with God, nothing is impossible.  Thank you, Lord.

When we returned after 5:00PM, the team was ready for one thing - a good shower, and the hot water lasted.  Praise the Lord !  We broke bread together with chicken enchilatas and ended the evening with a devotional to close the day.  Most of the team is sitting around in the brightly lighted dining room right now talking, and Diane's team is preparing for Vacation Bible School with the neighborhood children beginning Wednesday.  Please pray for a bountiful turnout.

So the day is coming to an end and your team will rest well tonight.  Their dreams will be heavenly and sprinkled with loving thoughts of the day and how the Lord led the way.

We received the following scripture from Diana Kim as a reminder of why we're here.  It's from Hebrews 3:4 - "For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God".  Yes, we are building a house and we are blessed with the task and working together to complete it.  But we are reminded that God has orchestrated all of this.  He is in control and provides everything.

Thank you for your prayers and for your love of the people of Vincente Guererro.

And we will praise Him,
Your Baja Team

"And the  purpose of creation is to ..........."

Got you!!

Alright....work, work, work.  No talking.

Wall one is up

Here goes Wall Two

Aunty, Where did everyone go?

Wall 4 coming Up in record time.

Janet - "Soon, we will be moving from this place".  Thank you, Jesus

Arrived Safely......and More

Dear Beloved,
Your team arrived safely in Vincente Guererro this afternoon at 4:00pm.   Our day started at 6:00am at Crossway and it was a long one.....but we rejoice in the Lord's protective hand in our travels and His power in the Gospel for His glory.

Thank you for coming out to the church at the break of dawn to pray with and see us off.  We remain humbly indebted to all of you for your ongoing support in every way.  We give thanks to God.

The travel down south was slightly blemished with a few wrong turns and delays, but in the end, we all arrived safely at the compound of Heart Ministries.  The only hazzard was a cracked front windshield due to a rock coming off of a truck tire.  No worries, all is well - which brings us to the power of His Gospel.

At our first stop in TJ where all 9 vans gathered at a rest stop to ensure that everyone made it past the border checkpoint, Ana Walker and Rosie Yokomizo had a God moment  with a woman who was weeping in the restroom.  She was full of despair due to the murder of her 14 year old son just 8 months ago.  Ana was there to share God's love with her, and the power of His love overcame this desperate lady.  She gave her life to Jesus and entered into an eternal relationship with God.  Amen.  And we were all reminded of the reason why we are called to serve in Baja.  Beloved, please pray for her and for us.

Part of the team made a special trip to visit the family that we served last year.  They welcomed us graciously and humbly.  It was such a sweeet reunion.  We also visited the family that we will be building a house for this week. They were equally grateful for us coming and our parting words were,"Hasta Manana" after we had the wonderful privilege of praying with them.

So we are safe and excited to begin our mission tomorrow morning.  Thank you for your love and prayers which sustain us.  Gracias !

And we will praise him.
Your Baja Team

The teams from Crossway and Community Christian Alliance Churches.  A big team and a big God.  We trust in all that God will do through us.  Amen.

Lunch at Costco's in Ensenada.  Just like in America except for a hot dog going for $50.....but it's really in pesos....around $2.

 Jonathan with the family that we will build the house for beginning tomorrow.  Humble, thankful, and amazed at such generosity from strangers......but not for long.  We already share a kindred spirit with them.  Praise God.

This is the family that we built a house for last year.  They were so glad to see us again.  How we love them so.  Your support in prayers and finances made it all possible.  Thank you.

Getting Ready To Serve

Beloved,
It is now 3 weeks before our team leaves for Baja to serve a poor neighborhood in Vincente Guerrero which is located 4 hours below the Mexican border.   Our mission is a simple one and threefold - 1) build a home for a family of four, 2) put on a Vacation Bible School program for the children of the neighborhood and 3) encourage pastors in the local churches with an equipping retreat.

The team came together in mid-May and we are 24 strong.   Here's what we've done so far:

• Had 4 team meetings to discuss the mission and prepare for ministry.  We will be ready!
• Engaged family and friends for prayer and financial support ($600/team member).
• Gained the same support of Crossway members who have responded graciously.
• Built a smaller version of the house we will build in Baja.  This 'shed' will be used by Crossway for its additional storage needs.   The team gained a lot of practical experience.

The team has one more meeting in early July.  We will then pack up and head for Baja early Sunday (7/24) morning.  We're excited to be used by God to serve those less fortunate.

Thank you for participating with us in this mission venture.  Your prayer and financial support has been a huge encouragment to us.  Thank you!   Please continue to pray for our team - unity, safety and a complete reliance on the Lord in all that we do.  

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer from the first day until now.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:3-6

And we will praise Him,

Your Baja Team

   

Crossway's Family
Eraclio Dominguez
Lydia Ventura
Janet (8)
Israel (4)

Jeremiah Shed
3 Walls are up

The start of the Jeremiah Shed.
Safety is foremost in all that we do.
"Don, pay attention;
my hand is stuck!!"

Roof is On.
A few scratches and very dirty,
but no injuries

All Done - Beautiful!
About 60% of what the house
in Baja will look like.

Baja Team 2016

Top: Brandon Eng, Tyler Yamashita, Scott Hamamoto, John Callin, Angelo Pinon, Don Harada, Jonathan Hernandez
Middle: Stan Date, Chelsea Pinon, Kathy Harada, Tami Shiotani, Kimberly Harada, Rosie Yokomizo, Derrick Yoshida
Bottom: Timothy Eng, Mason Nakada, Emiko Sherman, Pattie Hazama, Diane Date, Patti Kimura, Willie Nakada
Missing from Photo: Ana Walker, Donny Citwood, Jeff Furuyama