Called Out

Hello from Croc!

Sorry it has taken me so long to get a post out here for you guys to read. I thought my cell phone would work in Monterrey/Croc, but it doesn't . . . at all. So, it's been absolutely impossible for me to get a post on here.

However, I finally snuck away from the group tonight to make a quick post.

Things are going INCREDIBLY well! For all of you parents out there, you should be proud of your kiddos. They have inspired me every day with their serving spirits. Whenever we're looking for volunteers to do something, there are almost always more hands than we need. (Even for doing dishes!)

On top of that, they have been simply amazing with the local kids. No matter how hard we work during the day, they always have time and energy to play with the little ones. Whether it be jump rope, tag, soccer, or some random game, they have been engaging incredibly well.

Last night, we had the opportunity to split into several different groups and have a conversation with a local family. From the reports that came in, that was one of the highlights of the week! Our groups shared life with the locals, and even had the opportunity to share about the God we love. One of the families that we're serving this week doesn't know Christ yet. We're hoping that could change before we leave. We're going to spend the night eating and hanging out with them tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that our time here is quickly drawing to a close. Tomorrow (Sunday) is a day of rest. So, we'll be going to church, traveling to a nearby swimming pool, and then celebrating the dedication of work completed with some local families.

One final story . . . this week, we've been serving in an area of Croc known as Parcellas. Just five or six years ago, we didn't take students to that part of town. You see, even in a community that battles poverty, there are still those who "have" and those who "have not". Parcellas had not. On a couple of occasions I joined other missions leaders in a prayer walk of the Parcellas area, and it was obvious from their glances as we walked by that we weren't welcome.

Now, fast forward to 2008. We are serving 3 different families in the Parcellas community. And it's going GREAT!!! Not only are they willing to interact with us, they are opening their lives to us. Only God can do that! That is the transforming power of the Gospel right here in Croc!

Every time I come here, I am excited for what God is doing in this community. It feels like such a privilege to be a part of it.

Please know that even with as great of a time as we are having, you are greatly missed. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Much love from Croc!

~Ben