God hand picked eleven people to come together as a team, to be His hands and feet. It was evident as soon as we hit Mexico that our team was a team from day one. After a long day of travel on Sunday with expectations of settling in and starting on Monday, we were greeted at the airport with news that the agenda has changed. “Drop your bags in your rooms; you will be paired with a child and participating in V.B.S.” We helped with V.B.S, a cookout, and a birthday party celebration for two beautiful girls. Wow, what a start to a productive week.

After a good night’s rest, we awakened with the excitement of what God had in store for us on day two. Loaded into a van, we headed to Delilah’s (a widow) home. We were to finish the home, which included painting and running electricity, in time for a dedication and dinner the next day. As we drove through poverty stricken areas of homes built with scrapes of wood, metal, and broken pallets, one could only think how difficult it must be to live like this. All I could think of was Yahweh Yireh Lord our Provider. We took a quick tour, and one of the missionaries asked “Where is the kitchen?” “You are standing in it.” It looked to me like a large outdoor porch. Delilah prepares her meals outside until she can afford to enclose her kitchen. After a long hot day our tasks were completed.

The next day we helped with a giant sale where proceeds would go to the hosting church to complete their building project. Upon our arrival, people were lined up waiting for the sale. This neighborhood was also poverty stricken. I helped with the shoe area. While setting up, I came upon a pair of Nike’s that were ripped on the side and splattered with paint. My first thought was to toss them out, but I left them on the table. A boy of about 12 picked up the shoes, inspected them then placed them back on the table. After a time, we cut prices by 50%. The boy returned with money in hand and purchased the shoes.

Following the sale, our team went on a prayer walk. Singing and praying, we arrived at Gloria’s home where we were given the grand tour. Upon our departure, we were greeted by Josephina, a neighbor who came with a gift of two large papayas. How generous for someone who has so little to give so much. As we were about to leave, the boy who purchased the paint splattered shoes appeared with a large smile wearing his new shoes.

We piled back into the van and went to Delilah’s for her house dedication. What an emotional time as many prayers were offered and many tears shed. A red ribbon was cut and in her open kitchen she presented us with an authentic Mexican meal. Again such a generous gift for one who has so little. Our last interactions with children included V.B.S. at a state-run facility, and taking a group of girls to the movies. Our last day was adventure day as we headed to the ocean and the Myan Ruins, we could not help missing the interaction with the children.

Our final debrief was powerful as one of our team members rededicated his life to Christ. Our group went away committing to make a change in our communities and churches. As I reflect back on the changes the team made during the week, it was apparent that God planned for the eleven of us to be His hands and feet for the week. We witnessed God supplying all of the needs, not the greed’s, of His people.