YCE News

Today was another wonderful day in Poza Rica.  We started the day with another good devotion and prayer time before heading off to get supplies.  After getting the supplies and a great lunch at Enrique’s we finally made it to Casa Hogar.  From there everyone just scattered almost as if divinely appointed to minister in some capacity.  People were putting furniture together, Dr. Zinni and staff were finishing the medical exams, pictures were being finalized, supplies were being unloaded, purchased items were placed in their new locations, and children were being entertained.  It was really fun and unique to see God’s army of “ants” so busy doing whatever needed to be done. 

When seemingly out of nowhere the music just started, with Elias and the band, which now had a new sound complete with Jesse’s new bass guitar amp and Obed’s double drum pedal.  Then we all focused our attention on God in praise and worship.  That led into a prayer time that was so powerful for all who were part of it.  What happened to the children and workers tonight in the spiritual realm will go far beyond what we will ever know. 

As we pack to leave Casa Hogar and start heading home our hearts have mixed with emotions.  That feeling is something that no one can describe unless they have been here.  God has really showed Himself this week.   There has been numerous challenges with the rainy, muddy, uncharacteristically cold weather, missing luggage, the bus being stuck in the mud, etc. that for us to be able to accomplish what we have, has been nothing short of a miracle.  Thank you God for showing us your glory and for reminding us that this is truly not about us!

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Tuesday was jam-packed from the start.  Roselena Balderas reminded us during our devotion time that warfare always happens before God gives us the victory.  That lead into a powerful time of prayer.  Afterwards, we headed to the orphanage to hang out with the kids and staff of Casa Hogar.  They were introduced to the game of Corn Hole for the first time and they loved it!  The weather was cool but nice, and as some continued to have fun and play games outside together, many of the children were given basic medical check-ups by Dr. Zinni and Nurse Cheryl from Ohio.   

Around 25 boxes were packed up with food and basic supplies for the families living at the trash dump.  Lunch at Enrique’s was delicious as usual, and then we headed to the hotel to prepare for the ministry that would take place at the trash dump. 

Even in the muddy conditions, many families gathered to hear the message of the gospel that was presented by several on the team.  Jelly Bean and Lolly presented a clown skit about staying away from sin, followed by an upbeat song led by Sister Evangelista from NY about the River of God. David Moore presented the gospel, reminding us how important it is to stay on the path God has for each of us.  Many responded to the call for prayer and several young men came forward to receive Christ into their lives.

The last event of the day was the Christmas party for the staff and leaders at Casa Hogar back at the hotel.  The atmosphere was festive and fun as team members had the opportunity to mingle with Pastor Elias & Teresa Herrera and the others.  Memories from previous trips were shared by many, bringing laughter and tears.  Generous gifts from individuals as well as churches across the US enabled the ministry team to share gifts for each one there, including a motorized scooter for Lucia’s ministry at Mission Belen, a sofa bed for Teresa Herrera, and a new video projector for the orphanage.  All of our hearts were blessed as the gifts were shared. 

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Monday, January 11, 2010

What a wonderful day!  The cold let up a bit - just in time for our outdoor Christmas party for the little ones!  Some of the men left early this morning to begin painting the rooms in the girls dormitory while the ladies bought food and supplies for the party.  We all met up at Casa Hogar for our group photos and then began the fun and games with the children.  The kids fluttered from table to table with huge smiles on their faces as they decorated their own Christmas ornament, received face painting, and decorated a postcard (intended for their rooms, but those sweet-hearted children decided to write messages on the postcard and present them to various team members and Casa Hogar staff). 

We are very grateful to Sisters Evangelista, Luisa and Roselena for spending the majority of the afternoon in the kitchen so that we could have some delicious Puerto Rican dishes and homemade salsas.  Everyone was very grateful and many had seconds!  We are also thankful for all those who remained outside to prepare the tables and keep the children busy until it was time for the party.  And I know the girls were so happy to have freshly painted bedrooms!

We ended the party by giving the children their Christmas gift bags, one by one.  (We had quite a hard time keeping them from peeking beforehand!)  They showed off their new toys to the onlooking crowd and then immediately got down on the ground to begin opening the packages and testing things out.  It was a joy for all present and we thank everyone who donated to help make the whole day possible.

In the evening at the hotel we gave the teens their Christmas party.  The room looked so festive and cheerful (good job team).  The kids filed in one by one as the team sang “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.”  We did a group photo and some individual photos and then ate pizza together.  The team organized two hilarious games - one in which the teens had a relay (boys versus girls) to sit on balloons until they popped, and the other in which each group (again, boys versus girls) had to pass a marshmallow from one teen to the next using only a toothpick held in their mouths.  Their were screams of laughter that probably were heard in the lobby!  After that, we moved on to passing out the gift bags.  The kids were so appreciative and all seemed to really enjoy their presents.  We each received several hugs of gratitude and friendship before they left.  Several of the teens expressed looking forward to seeing us tomorrow.  It was a special night for all of us. 

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Sunday, January 10, 2010

We started today with a powerful service at the church in Papantla, about 30 minutes from the hotel and orphanage, of which Brother Omar is now pastoring.  We were all warmly welcomed, despite the unusually cold weather, and started off with some vibrant worship in both English and Spanish.  Dave sang the English verses alongside Elias Jr, Jesse, and Obed, who provided tremendous music and the Spanish verses. There were also some fresh-faced young ladies playing tambourines and honoring God with choreographed dance.  Brother Tony gave a brief but poignant message about how our plans are not necessarily the plans that God has for us.  Just as Mary and Joseph faced an unexpected pregnancy and the judgement of their community because they were not yet married, we too may worry about our own life circumstances and what people may think of us.  But God just might be preparing you today for what He has prepared for you in the future!  Later, the Millers from Cleveland Ohio blessed us with a song, and three other team members from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Ohio performed a drama to Spanish music.    Brother Brian then shared another powerful message from Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say in response to this, if God be for us, who shall be against us?”  Through his teaching we learned that where ever we go, we have God before us, Jesus at our side, the holy spirit within us, goodness and mercy following us and angels surrounding us.  The message truly moved us all.  At the close of the service we saw numerous people respond to the alter call and many more come up to assist in prayer, as the barriers of language were washed away by His living water.

As we left the church, our bus ended up getting stuck in the mud and what seemed like a damper to the amazing service we had just finished ended up becoming another opportunity for fellowship and comradery.  Many of the community members and members of the church congregation responded to our need and worked together to help get the bus unstuck.

We had another delicious meal at Enrique’s and then were off to the orphanage for the quinceanera and the purity service.  Despite the fact that we had 11 suitcases still missing from all the travel delays, we still managed to bring together the items we needed to present at the two services. First we celebrated the rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood with four of the 15-year old girls at Casa Hogar.  All of them really looked beautiful with their elegant dresses, heels, and tiaras.  After presenting them with a bible and kneeling pillow, the girls danced with Pastor Elias and others sharing in the celebration.  For the purity service, we saw most, if not all of the teens at the orphanage publicly commit themselves to sexual abstinence until marriage.  A sponsor presented each teen with a ring to wear on their left ring finger, not to be removed until it is replaced with a wedding band, to signify their commitment to God and to themselves.  The evening ended with a delicious meal of lamb (”birria”) prepared for us by the women of Casa Hogar.

We are now preparing the gifts for our young children’s Christmas party tomorrow.

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Saturday, January 9, 2010

We are making history on this edition of the Poza Rica Global Expedition.  For the first time ever, the team arrived to the Poza Rica Inn in two groups, due to delayed flights all over the U.S.  Graciously, Brother Tony decided to go easy on us and let us sleep in a little bit.  After some much-appreciated rest and our morning devotion, we went to Enrique’s Restaurant for an absolutely delicious lunch. (Including the best tamales I’ve ever tried!)  Next we made our first visit to Casa Hogar to get acquainted or reacquainted with the children and staff.  Words cannot even begin to describe the type of welcome we received from those little children.  Just try to imagine a set of double doors opening up to boisterous Mexican dance music and about 50 children rushing towards you with pompoms shaking and their shouts and cheers filling the air.  I think its safe to say that there wasn’t a dry eye among us!  We were introduced to all of the workers and children, one by one, and then got a tour of all the different buildings and dormitories.  The children seemed proud to share a tour of their rooms and happy that their friends from the United States had returned. 

Since several individuals arrived to Mexico to find that their luggage had not, we made a stop at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club to pick up some personal items, as well as look at some of the gifts we’d like to purchase for the orphanage. 

We ended the evening with tacos by Enrique.  As always, the food was delicious and the service excellent.

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A Pastor’s Wife’s Response to a Missions Trip

On June 9-16, the International Department of Youth and Christian Education coordinated their 22^nd missions trip to Poza Rica, Mexico, in the last ten years. Al’Lora Leonhardt, a pastor’s wife from Sheffield, Ohio, shares her testimony.

I don’t remember the exact moment when it happened, but I remember knowing as a teenager that God was calling me to some form of missions outside of the USA.   However, God’s timing and plans are often different than we expect and here I am years later, finally stepping into the doorway of experiencing the joy and heartbreak, the fun and exhaustion, the hope and desperation of missions.

In June, three of us from Sheffield Church of God were privileged to journey with Coordinator Tony Lane and the other thirty-six STEP team members on the short-term missions trip to Poza Rica, Mexico to visit Casa Hogar, the Church of God orphanage.  Even with the risk of sounding completely clichéd, I have to say that I will never be the same.

As we arrived in Mexico City that Tuesday, the anticipation was palpable!  We were soon to find that God had pulled together a team that would become cherished friends as we worked together, sweated together, laughed together, prayed and worshiped together.

On Wednesday morning, June 10^th, we headed to Casa Hogar for the first time, following poolside devotions and communion.  Tony Lane spoke with us about our unity in Christ.  We received our “It’s Not About Me” bracelets.  These would be VERY helpful reminders as the week continued! 

When we arrived at Casa Hogar, the kids were lined up the driveway with balloons to greet us.  It was an awesome moment.  The faces of the small kids were happy and expectant.  We congregated at the top of the hill to meet everyone…Miguel with his laughing eyes, Mireli the Princessa, Charo with her typical teenage hesitation, and Juan de Dios with his handsome smile.  Each of their 48+ faces is forever etched in my mind.

The language barrier was very frustrating for me, but I would later find that smiles, fun activities and, yes, even bottles of fingernail polish would help me to build connections in spite of language barriers.  We toured the property and spent some time getting to know the Herreras, the staff and kids.  Such beautiful people!

That evening we headed to Mission Belen (trash dump community) for an outdoor presentation of the gospel and food distribution to about 22+ families. Yosiry Suriel from New Jersey opened with a song in Spanish.  Allie, a pastor’s daughter from Cleveland, TN,  played her guitar and sang with some of the other team members.  Unshackled Drama Team from Carrollton, Georgia performed. Linda from Tennessee shared the story The Three Trees, which pointed to the cross.  Even though it was intensely hot, I was happy that I had dragged along my clown costume.  Florecita and Lolly, clowns,  enjoyed sharing the salvation message for the many kids gathered there. The kids were attentive, but also guarded since most of them had probably never seen clowns before!  Lastly, Eric wrapped up with prayer for needs and nearly all of the residents responded to the call.  

English and Spanish, laughter and music, saws and hammers merged to create the sounds of a truly enjoyable day as we spent time at Casa Hogar doing activities with the kids on Thursday.  Some of us painted faces while others helped with crafts and puzzles.  A few team members worked on the screens for the boy’s dormitory.  They desperately needed protection from mosquitoes at night.  It was such hard work in that heat.  Did I mention it was HOT?

One of the 14 year old boys, Javier, continued to hover nearby, watching the face painting.  He reminded me of my own 14 year old son.  Too cool to ask, but terribly interested in what we were doing.  We finally convinced him to give it a try.  As he painted a spider on my arm, I though about how many times my own kids had their faces painted and how blessed they are with opportunities to explore their own talents.  I won’t forget Javier’s bashful but proud smile afterwards.  I hope to take him a paint set next time.  Javier and the other children at Casa Hogar have God-given talents and abilities that the world needs to see. 

That evening, we rode in the backs of trucks up to the Mountain Mission (Lucia’s Mission).  Lolly and Florecita again had a fun time connecting with the kids.  Every kid understands “Gimme five” or “Chocala”!   Together, in English and Spanish, we shared the message of the cross and salvation using the cross paper tear and the salvation bag.  The kids watched and listened intently.  Many people on the team participated in the program, and then sandwiches were given out to the kids.  Did I mention it was HOT!? 

Friday morning, we headed to the beach at Tuxpan.  The kids from Casa Hogar met us there and we had such a good time.  They were all smiles!  We quickly began giving out the swim shorts we had bought the night before.  They loved the shorts and the beach. 

Most of the older guys got together and played American football on the beach.  It was so typical of men.  Give them a ball and they immediately connect, language barriers aside!  The younger ones played in the beautiful Gulf Coast water and sand all morning.  We ate mangos cut like flowers with chili pepper sauce sprinkled on top.  Yum!  Did I mention it was HOT?  

I remember spending a few minutes with Yazmin, one of the teen girls, playing in the sand with the little kids.  The teen girls seemed to have a lot hidden behind those gorgeous eyes.   Most of their stories are desperate. Casa Hogar is a refuge for them. 

Saturday was a jam-packed day with the team heading to El Tahin in the morning.  Afterwards, some of the team went to Sam’s Club to shop for 6 months of supplies for Casa Hogar while others went on to the orphanage to work on the screens project and to set up for the giant birthday party.

All of the kids had grateful smiles at the birthday party at which each child and staff person received a gift.  Inflatables were rented for them to enjoy, which they loved, and the nail polish I had thrown in my bag at the last minute was a big hit with the older girls.  Pampering is instant bonding for women regardless of language! 

That evening was awesome, as the band, made up of Casa Hogar staff and family, played worship songs and we all sang and worshipped together.  Nothing connects you like worship.  There was such an amazing sense of unity.  Some of the teen girls seemed to have real breakthroughs as they prayed.   The STEP team members anointed the dorms and facilities with oil, asking the Holy Spirit to break bondages, protect the kids and provide for Casa Hogar.  We ended in the Chapel where prophetic words were given by Tony Lane and Stephen Bush as God moved strongly on our hearts.  Stephen Bush prophesied that Pastor Herrera, the General, is raising up an army of soldiers for the Lord who will change their world in various capacities.  It was powerful.

Pastor Beltran welcomed us warmly at the church in Papantla that Sunday morning. Again, it was a wonderful experience to worship with brothers and sisters who, even though their language is different, their hearts are filled with love for God just like mine.  Many team members participated in song and drama ministry that morning and Pastor Tony preached a great message, exhorting the young people to commit to purity.  The altars filled.

Sunday evening was the outdoor concert in downtown Poza Rica featuring the Jesus-loving, dreadlock-wearing gospel rapper, Burning Bush.  It was so much fun watching Burning Bush connect with the crowd as he rapped and we shouted back, “Hootie-Hoo!” 

After prayers, hugs, and more pictures with the Herreras on Monday morning, we headed to Mexico City.   The air was heavy, and so were our hearts.  For me, it felt like leaving family.

After shopping in the Mexican market, we gathered for our final meeting together.  As Tony affirmed the team and wrapped up the week, his care and concern for the ministry of Casa Hogar was passionately reiterated.   

I’m profoundly affected by this trip.  The ministry of Casa Hogar unquestionably fulfills the directive to Believers in James 1:27 to “look after orphans”. I want so much to continue to be a part of that.  It is my hope and prayer that you will too.  Cliché or not, you will never be the same.

For information on being involved in an upcoming trip, including the Christmas trip in January 2010, or one of the summer trips in 2010, contact Tony Lane at 423-478-7229 or write tlane@churchofgod.org.

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June 13, 2009-Day 5

Today started off right with a time of devotion by Stephanie from North Carolina. She reminded us of the abundant life that Christ gives (John 10:10) and that it is a message that we’ve come to share with the people of Poza Rica.

Afterwards, we headed to Papantla to tour the ruins of El Tajin (A.D. 600-1150) and enjoyed the Flying Boys’ performance. The STEP team had a great time just being together. After shopping in the market there, picking up handmade items and vanilla that is grown and processed in the region, we headed to the orphanage.

While some of the men finished the project of installing screens on the windows and doors of the boy’s dorm, other members of the team prepared for the birthday party. The kids loved the giant inflatables! Each child and staff member received a gift and there were lots of hugs and smiles and thank you’s.

Six months of supplies were bought at Sam’s Club for the orphanage today as well. There were 7 fully loaded carts! Mucho rice and beans!

It was extremely hot today.  We have come to live with the fact that sweat is going to pour from us but God has a way of helping us even in the heat!

As we headed into the evening, we shared in an awesome time of worship together. We were blessed by music from the Casa Hogar staff and we ended with a time of prayer and reflection in the Prayer Tower. The Holy Spirit moved upon hearts as only He can do.

It was a long day but a fruitful one. There was more work done than we were able to humanly accomplish. The Lord, however, will strengthen us for the rest of the journey.

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June 12, 2009-Day 4

Today we went to the beach with the children of Casa Hogar y Alfa y Omega. Since the children usually do not visit the beach it was a special day for them. Some of the guys from the STEP team played football, well American football, with the boys from the orphanage. This was the first time the boys came across a football game. The girls were having a lot of fun in the water getting sandy, digging holes and building castles. Some people were in a raft in the water. Others were in hammocks eating mangos. It was a good day had by all! The beauty of it was that for a moment in time the constant cares of the work of ministry and the monotony of having to spend every minute at the orphanage for the kids were put aside. It was such a treat that you would have thought that we took them for a trip to Disneyland.

In the afternoon, after lunch/dinner at Enrique’s, we visited the bridged were Pastor Elias and his wife Teresa founds kids and started their ministry. While we were taking pictures a man appeared, who was meet with a girl believed to be 12 or 13. We were so surprised to find out that people still live there. We ask you to please pray for all these people who are in desperate need of Christ.

When we got back to the hotel we got together and arranged the gifts and clothing for the kids because we are celebrating everyone’s birthday. Then everyone split up to do different things. The teenagers from Casa Hogar came over for a talk, the girls in one room and the boys in another. Some worked on a drama and music and others finished other projects.

Keep praying for us. We have two more full days, especially tomorrow and the heat is almost unbearable. The heat index for tomorrow alone is to be about 135. But as we have been learning, that it is not about us, we drink plenty of water and go on with what God has for us.

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It was a great day for STEP participants in Poza Rica. To start the day this morning Miguel Ayala, STEP participant from Los Angeles, California reminded us of the words of Christ in Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. …Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.” Following morning devotions we headed to the orphanage and spent time there with the children doing crafts and activities. They made colored sand crosses and many other crafts. The kids also enjoyed getting their faces painted. Some of the team members participated in the project to put screens on the windows of the boy’s dormitory (in the 5000 degree heat). This will help to keep the mosquitoes out of their rooms. English and Spanish, laughter and music, saws and hammers blended together to make the sounds of an enjoyable morning.

After a delicious Mexican lunch at Enrique’s, we headed up the dirt roads to Lucia’s Mission via truckbeds. This is one of the poorest communities in the area. The gospel was shared through song, rap, drama and clowning, and food was given to the children. This groups is extremely talented and God has truly placed us together for such a time as this.

We then had a late dinner at the food court of the local mall before doing some shopping for our trip to the beach tomorrow. It is going to be a fun day!

Meeting the people of Mexico, spending time with Pastor and Sister Herrera and getting to know the beautiful children here has reminded us of the awesomeness of the body of Christ and how blessed we truly are.

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