The blur of the past few weeks has landed me on the doorstep of our summer program. Tomorrow our summer Spearhead team arrives and we will begin a 3-day orientation before they head off with their summer families and ministries. For the remainder of June and the first part of July, they will be observing their families and ministries and applying themselves to learning Spanish. In July, they begin their full-time ministry, when many will be involved with Vacation Bible Schools, evangelistic English classes, and other types of outreach with their Mexican churches.
As a summer facilitator, my role is to "make things easier," as the very word "facil" in Spanish means "easy." It's probably related to Latin as well. ;-) Etymological nuances aside, I basically help with the communication between the program participants and their host families and churches. I also will be helping to train the team in skills helpful for ministry here, as well as help them to navigate the cultural adjustments they will face. Finally, I will be a sort of coach/mentor for some of the girls on the team.
This summer, our theme is "Freedom," based on the chapter Isaiah 61 and the verse John 8:36. We begin praying over a summer theme early in the Spring and as a leadership team come to a decision sometime late spring/early summer. This theme of freedom really spoke to all of our hearts and we are anxious to see what God has in store for all of us as we reflect on the truth that "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) I have been so excited as I have seen glimpses of how God is freeing people all over Mexico City, from the literal slavery of human trafficking to the spiritual slavery of unforgiveness and shadows of the past. I can't wait to see what else He has in store...but I know that it's more than I could ever imagine!
Prayer Requests:
--For safety for our summer team as they fly in on Wednesday, June 13th.
--That God would help them as they adjust to the language and culture here.
--That God would be preparing all of our hearts for what He has planned for us in these next two months.
--That God would move mightily and bring freedom to many this summer!
