Kids Small Groups

Wrapping up a much-needed welcome home meal then homeward bound. Should touchdown at MO2 by 8:30. Stories are ABOUNDING!!!

The team is slowly but surely crossing the border. Prayers are appreciated for this SLOW process. Once they are on US soil they will refuel the cars and their bodies. All that to say ETA back to church is likely closer to 7-8 pm at this rate. Thanks for your patient and we'll re-update in a little.

The team returned to Accion Cristiana where they participated in the big church service AND children's ministry.  In "big church" the children performed a skit/drama that Bradley Okajima eloquently explained.  Such a simple yet powerful dramatization of a child alone and without Jesus yet then transformed by the love of Jesus and the community of believers that comes with it.  Well done!  Then it was followed up by Kent Johnson sharing his testimony which touched the hearts of the church members as they have been dealing with, as a church, difficulties and trials.  God has a purpose and plan for it all even when we do not understand.  Thanks, Kent, for that reminder.  And again Pastor reminded the congregation of the answered prayers of this Saddleback team.  The church had a dream that their children's ministry could be a light to inspire and motivate other churches throughout Ensenada to reach the next generation...with the support and partnering of the SK PEACE Team this dream was realized this weekend.

After some FUN times actually making children's ministry happy in Aventuras en Accion, the team got to enjoy some authentic Mexican taco stand deliciousness before heading back to camp.  Time to get their hands dirty, literally and figuratively, with some work projects to prepare the camp site for the hundreds of children and adults who would be working there this summer.  Paint, wood, screens and more were just some of the work project highlights for the team to support their host site.

Cover the team in your prayers as they debrief tonight and tomorrow, spend time in affirmations and then begin the fast turn-around journey home.  We eagerly anticipate the personal stories of life change experienced by each of these team members.  Can't wait!

To say that today was a full and fruitful day of ministry may be an understatement.  Truly, the Spirit was alive and at work throughout the entire day.  The team had a bright and early start, but they felt well-rested and prepared for what God had in store for their ministry-packed day.

First, the team was ready to teach a one-day Purpose Driven Children's Ministry Training to local church leaders in Ensenada.  After all, no better teachers than the leaders, parents and students who have grown up in Children's Ministry and gone through all of the purposes in Kids Small Groups.  And God knew the teachers were just the right ones as He brought 191 church leaders from 37 different churches.  WOW!  Praise God!!!  Special highlights to the Okajimas, Lees and Haynes who taught powerful general sessions that literally moved the group to resounding cheers of "Amen" and even tears of inspiration and motivation.  Well done does not even do sufficient justice to the job done by this SK Mexico PEACE Team.  So very proud of them.

On top of this mighty feat of teaching, each "village" spent half of the day ministering at an orphanage and retirement center alongside the ministries already taking place in these locations through the local church.  It was truly an honor and privilege to serve alongside the local church as the hands and feet.  About 60 children were fed God's Word through an hour and half teaching with craft, games and more.  Then hearts were compassionate and sweet as they sang to the elderly in a retirement center.  Beautiful to see Saddleback Church support Accion Cristiana in the ministries they are already actively engaged in.

As you can tell, the team is TIRED after an almost 12-hour day of ministry.  Their time is short but man are they using the most of the time God has given them to transform the landscape of eternity.  Cannot wait to see how children's ministries are revolutionized throughout Ensenada because of the seeds that were planted.

The team has safely and soundly arrived to their SK PEACE Trip host site.  And right on time around 5:00 pm.  Everyone was eager and ready to get out to stretch their legs.  Dinner called their names and they ate and ate WELL.  Now off to chapel to begin to prepare their hearts for the ministry God has for them ahead.  Pray that their bodies, hearts and minds are open to what Cortney will be teaching them tonight.  Pray for a restful night of sleep as they have a FULL day of conference teaching, working with children and serving the elderly tomorrow.  They have ARRIVED...

Mexico Here We Come!!!