Beyond Borders

The Bittersweet Good-bye

The youth at the van with some of their young friends that they made during the week

The setting was bittersweet when we all said good-bye this last Saturday.

It was bitter, because it was hard to say good-bye, but the reason for the tears was sweet. In just a weeks time people from two different cultures, who speak two different languages and who live a long ways from each other came to love each other.

In the serving together to pull off the VBS and the fellowship during meals and outings a bond was built. Thank you Jesus for your great and mighty work. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer.

The Unexpected Gift

Our last meal with our friends from the two churches – Skyview and La Nueva Jerusalén

I didn’t know what exactly to expect from this last week. I hadn’t spent a lot of time with the Nueva Jerusalén church, so it was a learning experience for me as well.

It encourages me not only that the ministry went well. Many kids heard the gospel. I’m also thrilled that those that served grew to love each other. The love of Christ shone brightly!

Dawn and I hope that this will lead to something greater. A furtherance of the kingdom through these relationships. The possibility of more churches started in Ensenada. O Lord, please do work. Hear our prayer and build on the foundation built this last week.

We also hope that those that came from Denver will be forever changed by the experience, even if it’s in a small way. We hope they will grow in their passion for missions, and the needs of our neighbors in Mexico.

Dave and Dawn with Jesus Petrikowski and his wife Yudi

There were many tears when we said good-bye. It was sad, but it encouraged me knowing that they connected in a significant way.

St. Paul’s Good-bye

It reminds me some of when Paul said good-bye to some of the churches he started. There was much weeping. That was a longer and stronger relationship, but we got a taste of what Paul experienced.

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.” —Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭36-38‬ ESV

One of the most difficult things about missions, even short-term missions is saying good-bye.

I pray the Lord will bless and encourage both of these churches as they continue to be faithful to serve the Lord. O Lord, give us the opportunity to serve you together again!

In His Grip, Dave

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