Buenos dias.
News flash and updates from Progreso:
1. Progreso school - its always good to walk down to the school where our work first started in Progreso, so a small group from our team did just that. The original school had 3 walls made of tar paper, two rooms, and a dirt floor. We patched walls, poured a cement floor and fixed up the desks. This caused the government to take a look at what we had done and they acted and start building a nice school, and it has grown and improved each year. It now has 6 buildings with a large patio inbetween, along with a nice fenced in school yard, and a new large, roofed cement slab play area. Things are clean and have bright colors and the kids wear uniforms. It is a happy place to visit.
2. Last night there was a meeting that included Pastor David, Marco (president of the Baptist Churches in Sinaloa) and some Mexican officials from the city, state and whole country. There was much discussion of how the churches could be involved in the school and encourage positive activity for the students and also to have a presence in the prisons in the area. To make a very long and very exciting story short, the city official was a women whos first project was the colonia of Progreso, so it is dear to her heart. When she heard that Pastor David and the church (including North Haven) has been working in Progreso and helped with the school and are now building the church building, she was very excited and said "what do you need? I can get it for you! Do you need land, radio time, etc?" Well, David and Marco were jus overwhelmed and wowed by what God is doing here. Stay tuned for exciting future developments!!!
3. The agricultural crisis as mentioned in an earlier blog has resulted in about 90% of the crops being destroyed which means employment crises, price increases, and other economic issues because Sinola produces the major amount of the crops in Mexico. The President of Mexico will be flying into Culiacan tomorrow (Friday) sometime to have a press conference to sign some type of a welfare proclamation to fund the agricultural crisis. (probably disaster relief equivalent). This should be very interesting with his security detail.
4. We distributed more food bags today and spent time with the people of Progreso. Another afternoon children's program included a fabulous skit by Angel (Linda), Prisoner Peter (Randy), some tough looking prison guards (Trey and Bob) with the dramatic reading by Paul. This was followed by an evening evangelistic service. Our team sang a song (in English) for the crowd/. They did not ask for an encore!
We spent a lot of time on the roof tonight after our day was over, discussing our week and its impact on all of us. We all agree it was a great week that went too fast. Seeing the needs of others really shocks us out of our own little comfort zone, and puts lifes issues into priority. Knowing that God has the whole world in his hands and loves us all so much, gives us the reason to come to Culiacan. We have been blessed by the people here, and also our teammates have blessed each other.
We will be wrapping up our week with a Fiesta Block Party tomorrow afteroon. Please continue to pray for our team and our final days here.
Muchas gracias,
P&J
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday
Wow - what a day......
Wow because we were able to see past the "projects" and focus on the people. We enjoyed the journey,not just the tasks. A very full day with similar activities as mentioned in the previous posts. Our team seemed more seamless today - we moved together well. We distributed the food bags today to many homes. The families really appreciated the food, especially one who's husband has just lost his job. Some of us walked up and down the streets stopping at homes visiting, inviting them to the services tonight and tomorrow night. The Mexican people are so warm and friendly and often invite us to come into thier property and sit and chat for a bit. It is so heartwarming and enjoyable to sit with them in their humble abodes and share life stories and encouragement from the Bible and our life experiences.
For the childrens Bible school Pam and Steve shared the story of the boat twice owned. We all sang He's Got The Whole World In His Hands with the motions, and even tried it in Spanish, but that didn't go over too well. Yoko taught us the Oragami folds to make a boat for a craft. The puppets made the kids squeal with joy as always. Another event that the kids enjoyed was the clown that came tonight to share his talents and enthusiasm with the kids, weaving in bible stories. He held their attention for a very long time.
The highlight for us all was the evening service. The church at Progreso, House of Hope, is still under construction, yet we had our first real service in the "sanctuary". The city donated a stage which was set up, the Three Amigos musicians were on stage, and we had an awesome sunset as the backdrop. Two members of our team shared how Jesus has changed their lives - transforming them, after some very low points in their lives and struggles with addictions. Pastor David preached with enthusiasm and passion. It was a great night to remember, especially for those of us who have worked here in Progreso since our first time here.
We are lacking in sleep a bit, but that's usually the norm. Everyone seems in good health and usually remembers to put their sunscreen on. (Yes, the SUN is shining). Have we mentioned the food is really good? :)
For the team,
Peggy and John
Wow because we were able to see past the "projects" and focus on the people. We enjoyed the journey,not just the tasks. A very full day with similar activities as mentioned in the previous posts. Our team seemed more seamless today - we moved together well. We distributed the food bags today to many homes. The families really appreciated the food, especially one who's husband has just lost his job. Some of us walked up and down the streets stopping at homes visiting, inviting them to the services tonight and tomorrow night. The Mexican people are so warm and friendly and often invite us to come into thier property and sit and chat for a bit. It is so heartwarming and enjoyable to sit with them in their humble abodes and share life stories and encouragement from the Bible and our life experiences.
For the childrens Bible school Pam and Steve shared the story of the boat twice owned. We all sang He's Got The Whole World In His Hands with the motions, and even tried it in Spanish, but that didn't go over too well. Yoko taught us the Oragami folds to make a boat for a craft. The puppets made the kids squeal with joy as always. Another event that the kids enjoyed was the clown that came tonight to share his talents and enthusiasm with the kids, weaving in bible stories. He held their attention for a very long time.
The highlight for us all was the evening service. The church at Progreso, House of Hope, is still under construction, yet we had our first real service in the "sanctuary". The city donated a stage which was set up, the Three Amigos musicians were on stage, and we had an awesome sunset as the backdrop. Two members of our team shared how Jesus has changed their lives - transforming them, after some very low points in their lives and struggles with addictions. Pastor David preached with enthusiasm and passion. It was a great night to remember, especially for those of us who have worked here in Progreso since our first time here.
We are lacking in sleep a bit, but that's usually the norm. Everyone seems in good health and usually remembers to put their sunscreen on. (Yes, the SUN is shining). Have we mentioned the food is really good? :)
For the team,
Peggy and John
Tuesday
We began our day Tuesday with an early breakfast in Progreso with 36 kids at the church site. We served up a warm breakfast of eggs and ham, tortillas, beans, fruit, tamales, and OJ. It was fun to see the kids eating breakfast on the tables covered with tablecloths that the kids from North Haven Wednesday night club had written sweet messages on. Once breakfast was over, the kids from Progreso wrote on tablecloths that will be returned with the team. Great idea!
The construction work continued on the walls and chairs. The numero uno bano was finished and the inaugural flush was done. We all say GRACIAS!!!! We spent a lot of time with the children and playing with them. We ordered bread from the family next to the church who have a brick oven in their back yard. Mmmmmm good - fresh yummy homemade bread.
Octavia, Pete, Cindy and John went to the wholesale market in town to purchase food to fill food bags to give out to families in Progreso who are in need and have a relationship with the church. Money was raised at this years Gala particularly for that. We put together bags of food to be given to 30 families.
VBS story "David and Goliath" was acted out by Shawn and Lexie (guess which one was Goliath?) while Cindy read the Bible story in Spanish. Music was led by Emily, Glynae read a poem in Spanish about Jesus is our Shepherd, and Nicole told the story of the candy cane: the shape is a shepherd's staff, or turned up side down, a "J" for Jesus, and the (red) stripe represents the blood of Jesus and the (white) is Jesus' pureness.
People from a bordering neighborhood were invited by a group from Emmanuel to attend the Wednesday and Thursday evening evangelistic services at House of Hope. One group spent an extended time with Maria. Please pray for her, as she acknowledged her need to be right with God and take that step of faith.
We wrapped up the day with carne asada dinner at Emmanuel Baptist church.
Thank you for your interest in our trip. We covet your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for our team. We are really having a great time!
For the team,
Peggy and John
The construction work continued on the walls and chairs. The numero uno bano was finished and the inaugural flush was done. We all say GRACIAS!!!! We spent a lot of time with the children and playing with them. We ordered bread from the family next to the church who have a brick oven in their back yard. Mmmmmm good - fresh yummy homemade bread.
Octavia, Pete, Cindy and John went to the wholesale market in town to purchase food to fill food bags to give out to families in Progreso who are in need and have a relationship with the church. Money was raised at this years Gala particularly for that. We put together bags of food to be given to 30 families.
VBS story "David and Goliath" was acted out by Shawn and Lexie (guess which one was Goliath?) while Cindy read the Bible story in Spanish. Music was led by Emily, Glynae read a poem in Spanish about Jesus is our Shepherd, and Nicole told the story of the candy cane: the shape is a shepherd's staff, or turned up side down, a "J" for Jesus, and the (red) stripe represents the blood of Jesus and the (white) is Jesus' pureness.
People from a bordering neighborhood were invited by a group from Emmanuel to attend the Wednesday and Thursday evening evangelistic services at House of Hope. One group spent an extended time with Maria. Please pray for her, as she acknowledged her need to be right with God and take that step of faith.
We wrapped up the day with carne asada dinner at Emmanuel Baptist church.
Thank you for your interest in our trip. We covet your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for our team. We are really having a great time!
For the team,
Peggy and John
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday
What a beautiful day in Culiacan! After breakfast here at the hotel, we split into two team. Guys went to Progreso to work on the church building site where they painted, laid cement block for the walls and bought supplies. News Flash: HALLELUJAH there are two bathrooms at the church there that will be finished this week and I would like to say that I am super excited about that. :) Meanwhile, back at church, ladies worked on sorting the donated clothing we brought down. These will be distributed later. We worked on our puppets and other activites in preparation for the afternoon. After lunch we all were at Progreso at the House of Hope. We had around 50 kids and parents show up for a fun afternoon. The puupets (well done, Julie) along with John and Peg, led the singing time, and then we read the Max Lucado book, "You Are Special" to the kids. Trey read the whole book in Spanish - "Tu Eres Especial". We took digital photos of the kids and printed the pictures on a little printer while they colored frames as the craft, then gave them the photos to put in the frame. That was a big hit! We were so happy to see the children and parents again and be back in Progreso! Not much has changed from what we can see so far. It just feels great to be there again. We are looking forward to a great week together. Our team is having a great time getting to know one another better,and working well together and laughing a lot. The sun was shining all day here and we felt the warmth of it. The Son is shining amongst us all and we feel the love between us all.
We appreciate your continued prayers for our team here, in all areas, especially health. We have a few people who aren't feeling 100% at the moment, but not too bad.
Tomorrow will be a long day of construction (so we have heard) after serving breakfast for the children in Progreso at 8:00 a.m. Another early to rise day. That means lights out campers.
For the team,
Peg and John
We appreciate your continued prayers for our team here, in all areas, especially health. We have a few people who aren't feeling 100% at the moment, but not too bad.
Tomorrow will be a long day of construction (so we have heard) after serving breakfast for the children in Progreso at 8:00 a.m. Another early to rise day. That means lights out campers.
For the team,
Peg and John
Sunday, February 6, 2011
we are here
Hola and greetings from Hotel Santa Fe Express in downtown (warm) Culiacan, Mexico.
Our travel yesterday was uneventful...just a long day. We arrived in Mazatlan on time and made it through customs. We dined in the charter bus with our to go orders from McDonalds. I had McPollo and it was pretty good. John went crazy and had BBQ sauce on his. We arrived in Culiacan around 12:30 (1:30 your time), so the alarm went off too early this morning.
Today we spent most of the day at our sister church, Emmanuel Baptist. Our exuberrant service ended at 2:30, and we immediately were served lunch. It was great to be together with our mexican friends worshiping in thier culture. We are now relaxing and working on our assignments for tomorrow. Tonights dinner is at Papas Locas, our favorite outdoor restaurant..mmmmm. the closest thing to a Tiki Hut! Go Packers.
We are heading out to Progreso tomorrow and look forward to spending the afternoon with the children with a mini-Bible school.
There was a cold snap in the area recently where the temps went below freezing for 5 hours....which does not bode well for the tomatoes, peppers, corn and beans. There is not time to plant another crop, so everyone is waiting to find out the outcome from this possible disater. This will affect peoples jobs and the economy.
Back here at the hotel, we don;t have the usual noise of traffic here to lull us to sleep. There is none because there is no street in front. Instead of climbing over piles of snow back home we are climbing over rubble and base layers of rock that will eventually be the new street.
That's the report for now..........stay tuned. Please continue to pray for our team and our work here.
For the team, (Packers)
Peggy and John
ps...who won?
Our travel yesterday was uneventful...just a long day. We arrived in Mazatlan on time and made it through customs. We dined in the charter bus with our to go orders from McDonalds. I had McPollo and it was pretty good. John went crazy and had BBQ sauce on his. We arrived in Culiacan around 12:30 (1:30 your time), so the alarm went off too early this morning.
Today we spent most of the day at our sister church, Emmanuel Baptist. Our exuberrant service ended at 2:30, and we immediately were served lunch. It was great to be together with our mexican friends worshiping in thier culture. We are now relaxing and working on our assignments for tomorrow. Tonights dinner is at Papas Locas, our favorite outdoor restaurant..mmmmm. the closest thing to a Tiki Hut! Go Packers.
We are heading out to Progreso tomorrow and look forward to spending the afternoon with the children with a mini-Bible school.
There was a cold snap in the area recently where the temps went below freezing for 5 hours....which does not bode well for the tomatoes, peppers, corn and beans. There is not time to plant another crop, so everyone is waiting to find out the outcome from this possible disater. This will affect peoples jobs and the economy.
Back here at the hotel, we don;t have the usual noise of traffic here to lull us to sleep. There is none because there is no street in front. Instead of climbing over piles of snow back home we are climbing over rubble and base layers of rock that will eventually be the new street.
That's the report for now..........stay tuned. Please continue to pray for our team and our work here.
For the team, (Packers)
Peggy and John
ps...who won?
Friday, February 4, 2011
February 2011 trip to Culiacan, Mexico
Ready, set, GO!
The next 24 hours are "Get Ready" time! The team members are tying things up at work and at home, running to Target one more time, trying to find summer clothes, doing laundry, leaving "while I am gone" notes, etc. Team XI leaves tomorrow and returns early morning February 14. Please cover us in prayer and check our blogs for updates.
The next 24 hours are "Get Ready" time! The team members are tying things up at work and at home, running to Target one more time, trying to find summer clothes, doing laundry, leaving "while I am gone" notes, etc. Team XI leaves tomorrow and returns early morning February 14. Please cover us in prayer and check our blogs for updates.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reflections
Hello dear team members and friends,
It was wonderful to spend a week in Culiacan with you, whether physically with you there or whether you were elsewhere and praying for and thinking of those of us in Culiacan. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and love. It is beautiful to experience companerismo with you, whether close by or far apart. (now that I have an english keyboard I wont be able to include the ~ or ' in my spanish words anymore!)
Each of us, who experienced the trip physically or vicariously, are a part of a great team, a part of God's transformational work on this beautiful earth with its beautiful people. Seeing and experiencing what we did in Culiacan is a part of that transformational work in our own lives, and will flow out into how we partner in the work for the lives of others. God's transformational work is happening in Culiacan, and is happening beyond Culiacan; it is needed in Culiacan, and it is needed beyond Culiacan. We need to partner with each other, share, be accountable, and learn from one another as we seek to be a part of God's work. Let's all remember this as the days and weeks go by, and may they never separate us from these experiences or companerismo.
To all, whether you came with us to Culiacan or read or heard about it,
Elise Probasco
It was wonderful to spend a week in Culiacan with you, whether physically with you there or whether you were elsewhere and praying for and thinking of those of us in Culiacan. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and love. It is beautiful to experience companerismo with you, whether close by or far apart. (now that I have an english keyboard I wont be able to include the ~ or ' in my spanish words anymore!)
- What did you see, hear, smell, feel, taste, think, sense, or experience during that week that is becoming a part of God's transformational work in you?
- And what did you see, hear, smell, feel, taste, think, sense, or experience that is becoming a part of God's transformational work through you?
Thank you for your piece in this tapestry.
It has been a joy and a gift to journey with you. Peace be with you.
Fotos!
I noticed that we stopped posting pictures half way through the week. Forgive me! Here are some for you to enjoy.
Blessings.
Monday evening in Guasave (the drama)
Blessings.
Monday evening in Guasave (the drama)
Tuesday in Badiraguato (Huesito the clown)
Thursday in Progreso (fiesta)
Friday in Chulavista (spontaneous fiesta)
Flying back
Monday, February 15, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
¡El ùltimo dìa!
Hello friends,
Today was the last day that we are here in Culiacàn. And we went out with a bang!
After breakfast, we went to an area close to Emmanuel church that had several apartment buildings, 3 or 4 stories high with 4 apartments on each floor, with staircases open to the air and a plaza in the middle. We went with people from the church to invite them to Sunday services and to pray with them. One group talked to a man in a wheelchair who was drunk and sells drugs, some talked to people about how God has impacted their lives, and one group prayed with three or four people to begin having a relationship with Christ.
After lunch (everything seems to center around food on these trips!) we went to Chulavista and had a last-minute fiesta in a park. We got set up right when school let out, so children came running - literally - from every corner of the park to our fiesta. It was great! The biggest one we´ve had yet, and we didnt even invite anyone ahead of time.
We had our fancy Valentine's/Good-bye dinner tonight at Emmanuel with lots of people from the church. We heard from an older couple in the church, and sang our traditional good-bye songs that speak of always loving each other because we are family. We didnt leave the church until almost midnight...
and we leave the hotel at 6:30, so it is surely time to go to sleep.
Please pray...
Peace and blessings.
After lunch (everything seems to center around food on these trips!) we went to Chulavista and had a last-minute fiesta in a park. We got set up right when school let out, so children came running - literally - from every corner of the park to our fiesta. It was great! The biggest one we´ve had yet, and we didnt even invite anyone ahead of time.
We had our fancy Valentine's/Good-bye dinner tonight at Emmanuel with lots of people from the church. We heard from an older couple in the church, and sang our traditional good-bye songs that speak of always loving each other because we are family. We didnt leave the church until almost midnight...
and we leave the hotel at 6:30, so it is surely time to go to sleep.
Please pray...
- For those who are fighting sicknesses, especially as we have a long day of travel ahead. We have found this to be the trip of headaches, perhaps from some bad backpacks...
- For safe travel
- For the people of Emmanuel, that they would be able to continue their work here with love and energy in all their relationships. They tell us all the time that it energizes and empowers them when we join them, but they are the ones who continue the work and relationships after we leave.
- For the people we met over the week, that they would connect with Christians in their areas and experience the holistic transformation of Christ in their lives and communities.
Peace and blessings.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Another late night
Hola. It has been a long day. We left the hotel at 6:45am and went to Progreso to hand out breakfast snack bags to the children as they entered school. While we were there we saw friends that we hadnt seen yet, dropping their children off at school and that made us very happy. It is always exciting to be at the school there because that is where our ministry in Progreso began four years ago. The school building then was a 3 sided tar paper wall with a dirt floor "building". Now there is a "compound" of several cement classrooms - some of the nicest buildings in the neighborhood. It is so exciting to see the results of how God has worked through us in Progreso over the 4 years we have been visiting.
After a breakfast break, we went back to Progreso and spent a good amount of time simply being there and building and making new relationships. The women met in homes and caught up on life with their amigas and the men walked around the neighborhood looking for conversations with men and to help them as we could with any projects. One group of women (including me - Peggy) got carried away and didnt watch the time and went "missing" for a while....we didnt realize the rest of the group was at Lupitas house for lunch waiting for us and they were making phone calls and starting to worry about our safety,. We were just fine............just talking!
We continued with an event at the House of Hope this afternoon-evening including a fiesta, drama, music, puppets and preaching. Lots of fun and games for the children and families and our team. We enjoyed our time together. We played games with over 100 children during the service time. The evening concluded with a new event - a MEN only pizza-fellowship time. (true FELLOWship). Since it was everly evening, men were home from work and able to spend time and connect really for the first time, after praying and desiring for this to happen. The timing was right. It will be exciting to see what becomes of this as the men from Emmanuel and the few men from House of Hope follow up.
Over all a great day of ministry. As you might have guessed, our blogster, Elise, is unavailable. She needed sleep, so we granted that. So, you get John and Peggy instead. We are tired also, so cutting this short. Thank you for your interest, prayers and support. Please pray for health and strength to get through the last day of ministry and then travel home. And wouldnt you know it, they started up with the jackhammer outside the hotel about 45 minutes ago. We are going to try ear plugs tonight.
Goodnight from Culiacan.
After a breakfast break, we went back to Progreso and spent a good amount of time simply being there and building and making new relationships. The women met in homes and caught up on life with their amigas and the men walked around the neighborhood looking for conversations with men and to help them as we could with any projects. One group of women (including me - Peggy) got carried away and didnt watch the time and went "missing" for a while....we didnt realize the rest of the group was at Lupitas house for lunch waiting for us and they were making phone calls and starting to worry about our safety,. We were just fine............just talking!
We continued with an event at the House of Hope this afternoon-evening including a fiesta, drama, music, puppets and preaching. Lots of fun and games for the children and families and our team. We enjoyed our time together. We played games with over 100 children during the service time. The evening concluded with a new event - a MEN only pizza-fellowship time. (true FELLOWship). Since it was everly evening, men were home from work and able to spend time and connect really for the first time, after praying and desiring for this to happen. The timing was right. It will be exciting to see what becomes of this as the men from Emmanuel and the few men from House of Hope follow up.
Over all a great day of ministry. As you might have guessed, our blogster, Elise, is unavailable. She needed sleep, so we granted that. So, you get John and Peggy instead. We are tired also, so cutting this short. Thank you for your interest, prayers and support. Please pray for health and strength to get through the last day of ministry and then travel home. And wouldnt you know it, they started up with the jackhammer outside the hotel about 45 minutes ago. We are going to try ear plugs tonight.
Goodnight from Culiacan.
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