by Dianne Ross, Director of Children's Ministries

Twenty six Bethany attendees (ages 8-54) just returned from a week of ministry just outside the town of Ensenada, in Mexico, working with some amazing children and staff at a place called “The Ranch.” Here are just a few excerpts from our group journal:

Ava Greiger (age 9) wrote on day two of our trip:

“The campsite is fine, but I’m not so sure about the Ranch kids. Some of them are nice enough, but some of them are kind of loud. It is hot here.”

On the last day, she wrote again :

“Oh, my gosh. Today is the last day and I do not want to leave. I want to stay. I’m really sad. I don’t want to leave Nancy or Saul (pictured) or Zitlali or Antonio. They’ve all been really nice to me.”

Lisa Hudson wrote:

• “ Fears: Are our BPC children too young for this difficult mission? What if they get so hot and tired and frustrated that they hate it and want to go home?”
• “ Reality: Our kids had the best time hanging out with each other and playing baseball and cards. They also worked willingly in their KP groups and felt the significance of serving others. All the kids loved this trip and want to come back.”

Wilson Ives (age 11) responded:

“I thought it was cool to see how happy the (Mexican) kids were even with so little.”

 

Michelle McFarland commented:

“I’m excited to have experienced this together with Audrey (age 10). I’m thrilled that she wants to come back some day to do “Monica’s job” (SPU grad on staff, age 24). Audrey’s words—”I’m definitely taking middle school Spanish—and we’re not saying “goodbye”...just “see you later.””

Rick Hudson reflected:

“Now as we approach the SeaTac runway, I am thinking about how my life and priorities need to be renewed. Some of the things that seem so important much of the time don’t seem as important as things that I often give less priority. The goal is to see what is important—to “fix out eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen” (2 Cor. 4:18) - to have the perspective of God...to be a little closer to “Mexico time” or, better yet, “God’s time.”

Denise Teagle wrote:

“God is speaking to me through Haggai 1. This has truly been one of the best weeks of my life.”

And from Ethan Fritzberg (age 11):

“It was amazing because we saw kids who trusted God even though they didn’t have much to trust him for.”