Fort Bend Baptist Academy March 7-14

Every time it is our privilege to host a team of young people, we remember the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy whom he called a true son in the faith. I Tim. 4:12 "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

The youth of Fort Bend Baptist Academy (FBBA) of Sugar Land, TX are not to be underestimated. These 19 high school student along with the 4 adult leaders accomplished great things this past week for the Kingdom of God in the state of Chiapas. We believe much was instilled in their own hearts and lives as well. It was absolutely a great week of ministry, but one that included many challenges. For some it was a first time missions trip, while others were returning for the second year. It is our understanding that FBBA conducts what is called Eagle Week each spring offering a variety of options for their students - one being a foreign missions trip. We are thankful that once again the work in Chiapas was selected as their destination.


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After their arrival at the Tuxtla airport, the team traveled to Chenalho to the missions facility and had a brief orientation, dinner and a good night's rest. On Sunday the team attended a local Tzotzil service in Chenalho and participated with special songs they had prepared. Later after lunch a sports competition was scheduled with the youth of Chenalho in both basketball and volleyball. Everyone had a great time with fun activities, as well as building relationships.


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The work week began by driving to a remote village of Oxinum where the group painted the interior and exterior of the church building. It had been added onto twice due to the fact that the congregation has grown so much during the last few years. The building has been doubled in size and the timing of the work was perfect. Oxinum was scheduled to have a dedication of their new addition of the building just 3 days after we painted it. Later that afternoon once we arrived back in Chenalho, the work day continued as the group made 40 benches. 20 for Chicumtontic and 20 for Patuits. The lumber was cut out and painted, but the benches for Patuits were nailed together the following day once they were brought up the steep mountain climb.


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Patuits is a very remote Tzotzil village in Chiapas that was a hard 2 hour drive on a mountain dirt road. After our arrival to the closet location by vehicle, the group unloaded all the materials with the help of the local people of the village - lumber for 20 benches, the tools, welding machine, boxes with welding equipment, etc. All of this had to be carried up the mountain on a narrow path to the village of Patuits, plus any of our food and water for that day.

The local Tzotzil people said it would take 40 minutes to walk up the mountains. Instead it took some of us Americans up to an hour and a half. I had prepared the group to let them know that even though this day would be difficult physically, the church members and Pastor Lorengo had hand carried every block, 100 lb. bags of cement, re-bar, metal for the beams and the tin for the roofing over these past several weeks. It was all because of their desire to have a church in which to worship God.

After our arrival and greetings by the local people of Patuits, one crew started welding the roof, and the FBBA youth nailed the 20 benches together. Later they poured cement for the platform inside the church. The group left the village arriving back in Chenalho late that evening, very tired, but with a feeling of accomplishment. They had helped to encourage the people of Patuits and gave of their time and funds to help others in need.


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The following day was a time of shopping in the local markets and enjoyment in San Cristobal de las Casas. Lunch was in the beautiful garden restaurant of San Cristobal. Later that evening the team participated in a children's service in the village of San Antonio del Monte with Pastor Juan. With the help of Olga, our children's minister from Chenalho, the youth of FBBA assisted with puppet ministry. Olga did Bible stories and songs in their dialect. Also, the youth performed a drama and sang during the service. It was a festive time, and everyone enjoyed it, especially the children of San Antonio del Monte.

Our last work day required an early departure to Socoltenango where we have a large church that has been under construction since Oct. 2008. The church was plastered and ready for an interior and exterior paint job. Within 3 hours the church was complete, and it came out beautiful. FBBA provided the funds for the doors and windows as well as the paint for the completion of this church building.


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15 minutes away from Socoltenango is a famous waterfall called Chiflon. Due to its close proximity, we were able to visit the area before heading back. It is approximately a 30 minute walk from the base to the top view of the final waterfall in the series. The water was beautiful and clear, even in Mexico. Hope you enjoy the photos. Upon our return to the vehicles, we had a tail gate snack, and then headed out for our 3 hour trip back to Chenalho.


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On Friday the group loaded up the vans and trucks to returned to Tuxtla. The team ate lunch in Chiapas de Corzo, shopped, and then took the 2 1/2 hour boat ride down the Sumidero River through the canyon. The team completed their week at the Camino Real in Tuxtla with pizza, devotions, prayer and reflecting on their week.

The days were hard due to the travel and physical demands, but the group did an awesome job this week with great attitudes as well! Only God knows all what was done in the hearts and lives of each of these young people! We don't know who will be the next missionaries or person He will use mightily for His purposes. We know He has good plans for all of them, and it is often the ones we least expect that God uses most. The possibilities and opportunities for these young people are endless. We know great things are in store for each of them!

We send special thanks to the 3 teachers of FBBA and also Charlie Williams who spent this week helping with the team. We appreciate Mrs. Bowen and the great job she always does in organizing and leading her mission teams. God bless you all!

Elizabeth Memorial February 21-27

While many in South Louisiana were celebrating Mardi Gras week back home, the group from Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church of Branch, LA chose to spend these days building a church in Maravillas, Chiapas. Pastor Brian Hotaling, his wife Kim, 2 of their daugthers, Samantha and Kelsey along with 3 other members of their church, Laurie, Geno and Murrell formed a great team who worked so hard all week long.


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Many were responsible for making this week possible. The members of Elizabeth Memorial had several fund raisers and donated the money to purchase all the construction materials for the church building. Knowing this was also such a community effort, we thank everyone involved in working together over the past 14 months for the successful endeavor to further the Kingdom of God in Chiapas.

The distance to Maravillas from the ministry facility in Chenalho involved a fairly challenging drive, and also due to the distance an over night camp out in tents was required. The team painted the building inside and out, welded and erected the metal roof, built and painted benches, ran electrical lighting and poured the cement floor.


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It was very exciting for all the people when the team was able to bless the children of Maravillas with shoes and the adults with blankets and Tzotzil Bibles. This was followed by a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication to the Lord for the new building, prayer for the pastor of Maravillas and for those that were sick.


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The team was able to distribute shoes to children in 2 other very poor villages. The children in some of these villages didn't even have clothes, but they were so proud of their new shoes. We hope to get some clothing do them in the future. 3 other villages were blessed with Bibles in the Indian dialect.


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The week ended with all of us being physically tired, but our spirits were soaring with gratitude for all that had been accomplished. It was a very rewarding week, and we can't thank you enough - our dear friends from Branch - for the enormous blessing you have been to so many in Chiapas. You have touched our lives as well with your kindness!

We send our greetings and prayers to Jake Taylor who had to miss the trip due to the illness of his grandfather.

Leadership Conference February 12-19

We in the US have grown up understanding the concept that children need to be ministered to on a different level than what is taught to adults, but this is still a fairly new idea in parts of the church world in Mexico, particularly in the mountains. But after the concept was introduced last year, and Olga was prayed over and set apart to led in children's ministry, this arena of ministry has grown at such a delightful rate. In fact Olga has 20 churches under her leadership at this present time.


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So since the workshops for training leaders of children's ministry were so successful last year, we did it again. In fact, we hope to host these opportunities for growth and inspiration each year as long as God gives direction to do so. Nell Lamury of Word of Life Fellowship of Patterson, LA and her team once again did an incredible job. Nell stated prior to their arrival that Russell would need to bring an extra van to the airport just to pick up all the supplies they were bringing in. And she was right. What a blessing to the work of the ministry as the ladies unpacked suit case after suit case of materials that were right away put to good use. In addition an enormous amount of supplies were purchased in Tuxtla, so each church represented at the workshops went home with many new ideas and lots of tools to work with.


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We began our week with a visit to the Tuxtla orphanage, Casa Hogar Alegre. Besides all the wonderful ministry to the children during a chapel service, the ladies blessed the kids with a pizza and ice cream party. What a delight for us as American adults to see the excitement of these children and the many happy faces as they enjoyed this really special treat!


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The following day the Tuxtla workshops were hosted for the churches of the cities, and everything was translated into Spanish. 12 different groups were represented from various parts of Chiapas and also the state of Tabasco. Later that week the same workshops were conducted in Chenalho for the Indian churches where all the classes had to be translated into the Tzotzil dialect. 18 churches were represented, and everyone left Chenalho with new vision.


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The workshops included classes on making puppets, props for various puppet songs, materials for several games that can be used with new themes or Scriptures each week, plus many more ideas. Brandi, Ashley and Bonnie taught a Human Video to a Spanish song, and they all loved it so much. People of all ages were learning these moves including one of the pastors. The passion for worshipping the Lord through this means of expression was beautiful to watch. Those that attended were blessed with gifts sent from the US, and they so enjoyed having so many beautiful things to choose from.

Children's service in San Fernando


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Many people were responsible for making this a successful week of ministry. Lots of funds were donated by people who were not on the team, but wanted to help out. Many, Many Thanks to all who made it possible! To all of you who came, we once again say thank you, and Chiapas is a blessed place because of your visit. To Martie, Bonnie, Sandy, Shellie, Monique, Brandi, Ashley and Lorraine. You were terrific! And Carlitos is still singing the songs you taught him! And to Nell Lamury - your energy, passion for ministry, love for people - both children and adults, willingness to press on and work through any obstacles, your enthusiasm for life and complete commitment to the cause of Christ regardless of location, is so greatly admired and appreciated! You are truly an inspiration to us and to the leadership of the work in Mexico. To you and all those who have worked along side of you - your labor is not in vain, and we truly believe it has been planted in good soil. We believe you have already seen, but will continue to enjoy much fruit for your labor.