A small taste of what it has meant to be in Mexico City

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our team here in Mexico City. I wish all of you could have been here this past week to see these young men and women work side by side to be the hands and feet of Jesus. These young men and women have represented their love of God in amazing ways and have been great ambassadors of God, Canada and McKernan. I hope you enjoy the following (you might need a tissue) and know that this is barely scratching the surface of what this trip means to these young people. (I will add the others later) – Pastor Terry Okken


This trip has been a very special experience for me coming as a leader. To see how the students in our (my & Jesse’s) small group have stepped so far out of their comfort zone and from what I can see, become more of themselves has been such a privilege. I have found so much joy in watching the students step out and lead.

Another special thing has been the “off-ministry” times where we get to build our relationships within the team. It is so exciting to see the students let go of things in their past and use this trip as a turning point, having set up an alter before God saying “I am no longer bound by these things that distract me and hold me back.”

This trip has also provided me an opportunity to set aside my own distractions and enjoy just being in community with God’s people. I have loved building friendships with the other leaders, and students, and forming new ones with my new family her in Mexico City. God has continued to teach me to rely on him constantly and to surrender my plans and agenda to His will. I feel as though he is teaching me what life is about and what my purpose for being on earth is – to glorify God through the love I show for others. I often come to the end of my own love, but then God allows me to see people through a fresh set of eyes – His eyes – and in grace, grants me the extra love I need.

I am blessed by this culture and the love that flows so freely. I pray that this experience will allow me to take more love home. I am so thankful that I am here and am excited to see where God is going to mold and shape me and the rest of the team during the next days and in re-entry. -- Sheleena Boulianne


I have been asked what this trip has meant to me. I ponder in my head and in my heart, “What does this trip mean to me?” Well here it is, unexplainable, but it doesn’t end there. That, that I cannot explain is so much in my heart and changed me as a person. I have had so much fun doing the Lords work which means so much to me and I can’t imagine how happy the Lord is with the work we have done here in Santa Ursula at Monte Sion and in Huixquilucan. I can see him smiling his big grin and it makes me smile and cry. Why? Because we have pleased him and this world is so full of darkness. You can now find light in these two places we have worked in. “The Lord is a light unto my path…”

We have connected so well with the people here, I can’t imagine leaving and never coming back. So many connections with the children here, a girl named Estaphania from the church in Huixquilucn who was always willing to talk no matter how difficult it was for us and for her tounderstand. Xochitl a girl from Monte Sion who clung and cuddled with us all and captured our hearts, as well we will never forget the little cutie Jonathan from Monte Sion. So cute I wanted to take him home with me. I am amazed by God’s amazing way of showing himself to me through my own mind. There were times on this trip where it felt as we both shared a mind and he shared his thoughts with me, with my daily devotions. PRAISE THE LORD! for all he has done! I am looking forward to home but don’t want to leave at the same time. I guess I miss home! It seems that is where my heart lies at the moment but for a piece it is here for we have seen a taste of heaven. No doubt about that. -- Karisa Seim


This has been an amazing short-term mission trip and especially because it was my first experience. It has amazed me that God can do so much in such a short time and all of the miracles he has created in these children’s lives. The amount of kids that came and the great amount of attention they paid really stood out to me, and I praise God for that. In my own heart, I have been shaped greatly by my ability to leave my comfort zone and to worship God with service. Personally, my act of being a servant is to use my hands to further our world and building new area’s. Lastly, I was astonished by the wonderful hospitality of all the people we’ve been around including food and accommodations. Now, I hope to finish off this trip with continued love for Christ and carry that on back to Edmonton. – Matthew Faulkner


Mexico City is an amazing place! I’ve really enjoyed learning and soaking everything I can in since arriving here last Saturday. I’ve really enjoyed learning Spanish with the help of the family we are staying with. I’m actually getting to be functional in it now, and being able to have short conversations in “Spanglish” is a lot of fun! I’ve felt really comfortable all week doing the VBS and playing with the children. This is a major praise item for me since working with young children has never been an area of great strength for me.

Another highlight of this trip for me was playing some genuine Mexican street soccer with some guys my age. I felt like I was in the video game FIFA street! It is great to see God at work here in Mexico, and playing a small part in his plan here has been a great pleasure and privilege. Thank you for your prayers, I’m sure that they have had a positive impact in my trip here in my attitude and enabled me to function beyond my “normal” settings. God Bless -- Jesse Boulianne


Wow doesn’t even begin to describe Mexico City and this missions trip. It has been an amazing experience and one I will never forget. The first full day in Santa Ursula was spent at Monte Sion. The worship caught me off guard at first but was beyond beautiful with the two languages being sung side by side (it brought me to tears). The VBS with the kids was miraculous! How they embraced us as older brothers and sisters and also our lack of well spoken Spanish was well appreciated and so special. Of course you create some bonds with the kids you are working with but for me, I connected with 5 girls in more depth. Estephania, Xochilt, Katherine, Sarai & Nataly Pamela always gave me a huge bear hug & made me feel like I belonged. One of the most rewarding experiences on this trip was to see many more than half of the total amount of the kids draping their black ribbons over the cross and bowing their heads in prayer. It touched my heart in a way I have not felt before.

I love the culture here in Mexico, how they are so accepting, loving and provide hospitality to complete strangers. I only hope that I can learn some of their culture and bring it back to share with my family & friends. The most important things I’ve learned this trip is that everything is possible as long as you give it to God and even though you came to serve, you might be blessed and served by others unexpectedly along the way. -- Christie Roethlingshoefer


It has been such a huge blessing to be back with my brothers and sisters here in Mexico City. I wasn’t sure I’d be back but I’m so glad that I am. God has really reminded and retaught me a lot of the things I learned two years ago. Everytime I am here I am amazed at the power of unspoken love. It blows my mind how easy it is to express love to someone without being able to tell them. One person who really impacted me again this trip was Obed. I was kind of surprised that he still remembered me. Near the beginning of the trip, I showed him the bracelet he gave me last time and he remembered giving it to me. A few days later he actually brought out the letter that I wrote for him two years ago. That blew my min that he still had it. One moment that I will never forget from this trip is when it was after me and Obed had been hanging out with each other for a while that day, and it was time for me to leave, and he came over to me, gave me a big hug, and said in English, “My big brother forever”.
God is continuing to bless me and teach me sooo much about relationships while I’m here. Hopefully I can take this with me forever. – David Schneider

Hey Team!

Hey MOBY Team! Guess what WE did here today back home??

All the parents of you students that were available gathered for brunch today at the R's House (thank you David and Evelyn). It was a gorgeous afternoon in the backyard, and we even ate quiche (just for you Megan!), thanks Christie for loaning us your parents :)

We talked about you and your experiences you've told us about so far, enjoyed the company, our kids went crazy on the trampoline, and we had a time to pray as a group for all of you.

We wanted to let you know we love you and are praying for you, and are very proud of you. How did the service go today team?

9 Minutes on a Phone Card

It's amazing how much you can pack into a phone conversation with 9 minutes left on a phone card! Terry was at the grocery store and called.

Today was the last day of VBS at Monte Sion. And the 37 children there had a wonderful day. 7 children came into the Kingdom today! Accepting Christ for the first time. The other 30 stayed seated, because most of them had accepted Jesus as their Saviour the last time the team was there. What a beautiful end to the week.

Later today the team went to the Floating Gardens and had a GREAT time Terry said. Pastor Jaime had made a meal for them to bring along for lunch it was Stuffed Peppers and Terry just oooed and awwwed about it over the phone. He said it was a little spicy but wonderful. (and Terry loves spicy). Terry said the weather has been so great...so funny every afternoon they say "Oh, it must be 2:30, it's raining!" Each afternoon about that time they have about a half an hour rainstorm!

Tomorrow the team will take the whole service, and Pastor Jaime was going to preach, but told Terry then today that maybe he should preach! (here in Edmonton it takes us a good week to prepare for a sermon!). So, Terry will be working on that tonight!

Some of our students will also be sharing testimonies about what God has been showing them this week, Terry said Matt and Christie will be sharing and at least one other person too. I'm so proud of them and I know it will mean a lot in their own life to articulate that to the Mexicans.

Terry was talking about a conversation with Lauren too how she spoke of her love for this Spanish culture and said "I could live here, that's why I'm going where I'm going". Just three days after Lauren returns from Mexico she will be off to Bible School in a Spanish country. Please be in prayer for Lauren as these days draw to a close and she continues her preparation for what God has for her next.

I heard a little more about the building project. The church is building a second story on top of the house beside the church. Their intention is to build 5 classrooms in order to be able to house a regular school for the community. This gives me such hope and encouragement hearing this. Pastor Jaime has many dreams for the impact of Monte Sion in this community. One of our greatest hopes in a mission team is that we can be an encouragment to the local church we serve. An encouragment in people, in prayer, in care, and very practically too.

When it didn't work out for the team to go to the hospital, Terry asked if they could help with some of the construction. There is one man building on this project and they only build as they have money. Pastor Jaime said yes they could help! So the team helped toss bricks up to the 2nd story, mix cement, move garbage, and build a wall of one of the classrooms. Terry was looking at an invoice on the bricks and realized how we could help them with the project by contributing to the supplies for more of the building. A very good use of our resources and a very practical encouragement for the church too.

Terry again said what a great leadership team he has and how grateful he is for their work alongside of him.

...well then our 9 minutes ran out!

Pray for the church service at Monte Sion tomorrow...for the students sharing and that Terry can hear from God what He desires to be shared with the people there.

Last Day of VBS at Monte Sion

I received an email last night from Terry. Sounds like the team is doing well. Today is their last day of VBS at Monte Sion. He had said it will be a little sad to be done, but that it is the 6th day of VBS for them (and the 2nd week of VBS for them after the week of training here at the VBS at McKernan) and I think they will really miss the interaction with the kids - after all this is what they came for and have just loved being with them, but I know the team is probably tired too.

Yesterday the team was not able to go to the hospital (I don't exactly know why), so they were able to help with a couple of things at the church. They were able to be a cleaning crew and give the spaces some good elbow grease, and they were able to help with some of the construction of the classrooms at the church too laying bricks etc. Terry said that bricks cost 1.5 pecos per brick so 100 bricks is 150 pecos, so about $15 CDN dollars. 1 bag of cement is 100 pecos ($10 CDN) so the team will help purchase some bricks and cement, and do some real help in helping with the building project. I think it was really a fun change of pace for the team to help the church in this way - they really enjoyed it.

After VBS today the team will celebrate by going to the floating gardens later. This is a outdoor floating market that you get to by brightly painted boats complete with mariachi bands playing on the boats for you. It's a very fun and festive Mexican experience.

Tomorrow the team will wrap up VBS with a celebration service at the church. They will be singing 5 songs, hopefully 2 in Spanish. Terry said he's not sure if he's preaching again but after all it was only Friday :)

I want to put some lyrics in today from another Matthew West Song (called The Center). I was thinking about the team and what they are doing in Mexico and how they are putting themselves at the center of God's will for them...and that in doing that it's a huge commitment and also a spiritual battle.

This song talks about some of that surrender.

I want to know how it feels to be
Standing in the center of Your will for me
I want to know what surrender means
Keep me in the center of Your will for me

Lord, help me hold on
Help me be strong
I don't wanna move unless You move me

It is one of my prayers that as the team sees God in new ways, steps forward in new ways, that they begin to experience a deeper level of surrender to God's heart and plan for them. That they listen more carefully for His voice, and then follow where He is calling them. I was reading in the book of Acts again yesterday about the early church and how Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy all had to listen carefully and follow in obedience to God's voice. It's a powerful part of our faith journey, and a powerful part of God doing His work in and through us. Incidentaly, Monte Sion calls themselves an Acts 29 church. If you page to the end of the book of Acts in your Bible you'll understand what that means :) ...continuing the call!

Prayer Requests:

• Tiredness. My guess is that the team's energy is beginning to wane. It is at these moments that patience wanes...and emotions rise. Pray for kindness and understanding and teamwork to reign.
• Today the gospel message will be presented at the VBS in Monte Sion, pray that the Holy Spirit will do it's work today!
• For joy and safety in their time off later today at the Floating Gardens
• For the service tomorrow at Monte Sion. All the families of the children from the community that come to VBS are invited to the service. Last time there were people everywhere! It's a real sense of celebration and outreach.

An AMAZING trip!!!

Where should I begin? As the title hinted, I'm pretty much having the time of my life here in Mexico! But I guess the best place to start is the beginning, when we stepped out of the security area of the the Mexico City airport. As soon as we got some ¨luggage issues¨ worked out and started heading out to the cars, the Mexicans who had come to take us to the Becerra's immediatly grabbed our suitcases, leaving us with nothing to carry and both of their arms full! From there on, I never ceased to be amazed at their hospitality and absolute LOVE for us; some of us complete strangers! We stayed at the Becerra's house for the first night, and they gave up the master bedroom and 2 of the kids' bedrooms for us to sleep in, while some of them shared a little hide-a-bed in the dining room/kitchen area. Things like making us meals, giving up homes and offering everything they had amazed me, even though I had experienced things like this only 2 years ago.

Then, there was the first round of VBS, where we first experienced kids' love. As you may know, we stayed in a house about 5 minutes away from the church in Huixquillican. And the kids there enthusiastically joined us in countless rounds of ¨Stella Ella Olla¨(a hand clapping game for you who are not familiar with popular 1990's games =D ) , helping us with our Spanish, looking after their little brothers and sisters... just amazing, loving children! We were sad when those 3 days ended, but were very excited to go back to Monte Sion, where it all started last year. It's been two days there, and I can't even describe the love those children show us; both kids who remembered us from 2006 and even new ones. They will come up and just SQEEZE you, and you can't help but see nothing but God's love in their beautiful brown eyes and their vibrant smiles. They know nothing about us, other than the fact that we're leading a little kids camp at their church and that's enough for them to show love to us like they've known us for years.

Now, for some of my personal experiences. On the first day, when we first arrived at the Becerra's, I walked over to Mrs Becerra, and we just held on to each others' hands, not really being able to say anything to each other except for ¨How are you?¨ But she showed me love in a different way. Taking this pretty blue beaded bracelet off of her wrist, she held it out to me. Not knowing what else to do, I stuck out my wrist, and she slipped it on. She just GAVE me her bracelet; and even though she didn't say anything, I KNEW this was her way of saying she loved me and was happy to see me again!

There's this fourteen-year-old boy who lives in a house on the church property named Obed. While we were at Huixquillican, he stayed in a house just above us, so we got to spend some time with him. And on Tuesday, he played with a bunch of us on the roof (yes, we hang out on the roofs of houses a lot-- there's always a way to get up there. On this particular roof there were a couple little dogs who lived there, so we had to watch out where we sat!!) ; just laughing and playing a card game (and I won! Haha.) . But then it started to rain, and along with that the thunder and lightening sent us inside. So, there, a few us of sat there and talked; (and laughed-- a LOT!! I mean, sometimes when we do something funny or he tells us something and we don't understand, he just says, ¨You crazy!!¨but anyway) he taught me Spanish but his willingness to try to communicate and how awesome of a time we were having was amazing to me! Ever since then, he feels like a Mexican version of my fourteen-year-old brother, Joel. Just goofing off and being weird; teaching me special Mexican hand shakes and really having a blast around him!

Okay, one more thing... last night after showing a kids movie, most of the kids had left, so we were all hanging out; singing songs in Spanish AND English (sometimes the same song but different languages!! So cool!) . But I was talking to this one girl who had lived in Quebec for 2 years... I finally found someone who speaks French in Mexico! I would say her name, but I really had no idea even how to pronounce it. Maybe she'll write it down next time I see her; hopefully tomorrow! But I learnt that when she came back to Mexico about a year ago, because she was in a Canadian school they wouldn't let her into a Mexican school right away. So, as a 15-year-old, she'll be starting grade 7 in December. Her days are filled with just working, so it was really interesting talking to her!

It's about 9 local time right now; (Terry just told me we had a team meeting in 10 minutes!!) so I will go offline. Hope you enjoyed reading this (and that it made sense-- I'm a little tired because last night was late and this morning pretty early) !!

Oh, and who am I? I'm Megan; might be useful for the following people to know!
I love you Mommy, Daddy, Joel and Austin and I miss you; I have souvernirs for you guys!!!

A Day in the Life...

Just wanted to let you know what Terry told me about what a *typical* day looks like for the mission team. I know it's always nice for me to know what might be happening for them at any part of the day so that as I am praying I can pray specifically for them. They are on Central Time in Mexico City.

7 am - Rise
8:15 - Done with Breakfast
8:15 - 8:45 Quiet Time
8:45 - Walk to the church to prepare for VBS for the day, and get ready for the children to arrive. The church at Monte Sion is gated and Pastor Jaime opens the gate and greets the children as they come! VBS runs till noon each day.
12:00 - return home for preparing lunch and a Siesta, have a team meeting to prepare for the next days work, and/or do ministry (like today at the hospital)

Later in the afternoon its supper prep and then back to the church to show the movie.

Later in the evening the team also has another meeting to debrief from the day, have some time of worship together.

Then it's bed time.

Tomorrow is the last day of VBS at Monte Sion and then the team has church on Sunday. Monday and Tuesday are *days off* where they will do some work around the church I believe and sightsee. They haven't determined what they will go to see yet, though I think the Pyramids were on their list as one thing they'd like to do.

Terry said the church has changed quite a bit from last trip and that they have added some classroom space to the church. A house was built in the open space beside the church that they used to play soccer in, so now it has to be soccer in the church courtyard. Alex and Matt had played soccer with some of the neighbourhood kids in Huixquilucan and despite being our major soccer guys on the team said "oooh these guys are good!"

That's my update for the day. Thanks for your continued support and prayers and comments for the team!

All the News!

I can't tell you how great it was to hear news from the team. Terry was able to go to an internet cafe with Isaac this afternoon and spend some time chatting back and forth and we were even able to use it to actually *talk* to each other over the internet. A little like Skype works if you've ever heard of it. So hearing each others voices was great, especially for our kids to be able to talk to Daddy.

So I have lots of newsy items to give to you.

The team is back at the Monte Sion church. They will hold their second VBS here. This is Pastor Jaime's home church. This past Sunday Terry preached 2 x at both Monte Sion and at
Huixquilucan...good thing we had just preached at McKernan and he had the basic sermon outline on his laptop - because he only found out on Saturday night! :)

The time at Huixquilucan (that is the proper spelling now :) was amazing.... and you can find it on Google Earth if you type it in right! It's about 2 hours west of Santa Ursula). They held their VBS under tarps. This is a very small home church with only 4 families - so the children at the Bible school were entirely from the community. On Wednesday their last day, they presented the gospel message and shared what it means to have Jesus as your Saviour to the children. Amanda Luna (wife of missionary Juan Luna - sister to Mrs. Becerra) explained in Spanish what it meant to ask Jesus into your heart or to rededicate your heart to Jesus. She explained that they should only do this if they were ready and not because they thought someone wanted them to. Terry had told the team in advance if no children stand or if only one child stands - it doesn't matter - we know our role might have been seed planting....and it's the Holy Spirit's work - not our work.

But when Amanda asked those who wanted to receive Christ or rededicate their lives to stand, ALL 46 children present stood. It brings tears to my eyes as I write it. Our team were not only seed planters, but got to help reap the harvest too.

Please pray for these 46 children and their brand new lives in Christ...that they will grow deep in the Lord, that the seed will fall into really great *soil* for them to grow deep and strong in their faith...and pray for this small precious church in Huixquilucan. The children did not want the team to go!

The team was well loved at this church again they were able to stay in a home near the church. On two of the VBS days at lunch - one of the families (who's home the church first started in) invited the team to their *shop/store* for authentic Mexican food.

The team was able to finish showing the Jesus Film the second night, picked up their bags and then drove back 2 hours to Santa Ursula and stay at the Becerra's home.

Just to give you an idea of the hospitality of the Mexican people, the team is staying in the Becerra's home, giving up their beds for the team. There is a big mix of couches, air mattresses etc. there! Can you imagine adding 11 more people to your home?

At the Becerra's during a rainstorm Terry was able to show the DVD that he brought along that Shane Lawrence made of our last mission trip to Santa Ursula with the family. They loved it.
After the DVD was completed they took the team out for supper for Tacos. This is Terry's favourite food he had eaten in Mexico last time. Real authentic Mexican tacos are supposed to be amazing, and I know it was a special surprise for Terry.

So I know the team has been eating a lot of authentic Mexican food and loving it...and no one has been sick! (a great answer to prayer)...and Schneider family Terry said that DAVE has been eating!!!! :) but Terry did let him get some chicken fingers last night (ha!) and Karisa a burger :) But he said that Christie has been loving the spicy food!

Terry said the team has been doing so very well working together, they have bonded to the culture, and have already talked about how difficult it will be to leave. That Hayley has been such a blessing with her Spanish (thank you Lord for putting her on my heart to ask to go with the team). And that Jesse's Spanish is REALLY coming along well. They love being together and are working hard together.

Today began the VBS at Monte Sion, all the kids were excited to see them back. The VBS we did 2 years ago was called Fiesta, we left the material with the church last time, and the church has done it several times since. Terry was playing the old CD for the kids and they all joined in on the songs AND actions that they sing regularly!

Amanda Luna loves the new Avalanche Ranch material they are doing this year too. We will be leaving this material with them too as it is all written in Spanish.

Tonight they will show a movie for the church people, one for the kids (Hermie) and one for the adults. Terry had brought a projecter along to be able to do this.

Tomorrow after lunch the team will hopefully be going to the hospital that Sarah Becerra (Mrs.) works at. She is in charge of a whole floor of the hospital and got permission for the team to come and hopefully be able to do ministry there.

Prayer Requests:

• Adjustments to the new church for the team
• Ministry at the hospital tomorrow
• The children and families at Huixquilucan
• Continued great team work and great relationships between the team.
• Effective ministry to the community at Santa Ursula. (VBS runs tomorrow and Saturday there)
• Energy for our leaders. Good rest for the team with a very busy schedule. God's Spirit to do His work in each of their lives as they minister. I know He has specific things He wants them to learn and experience during this time.

Tomorrow I will post what the team's typical day is like for them and Terry *hoped* to be back with some words from the team and some pictures. He isn't really in control of his time so I know he'll do his best.

Please add your comments to ANY post on the comment button below I know the team will see it and it will be an encouragment to them.