Today, we switched gears from building houses to serving at a community event with Spectrum Ministries.
Our daily devotions reflected on Jeremiah 18, where we can be encouraged that despite our past, God can reshape us into instruments for his purposes.
At the morning session, Dave Burdette, founder of Radius (then known as Mexico Caravan Ministries), shared 13 practical suggestions based on his experience for taking the next steps to going into the mission field. The list included: avoiding distractions, praying for the world, finding a mentor, creating a covenant group, and being informed.
After the morning session, the team headed to a location where Spectrum Ministries was holding an event for families in the community. The team was excited to see the last house we built on the way to the event!
After the initial set up of tables, benches & tents for the various activities, the team spent time with the neighbourhood church to meet Pastor Paul and learn about the church & community, and pray for the event. The team then welcomed the ~300 children plus their family members that joined. The team worked alongside Spectrum and Radius staff to facilitate activities like face painting, balloon art, water games, and gaga ball for the children. We also set up stations for families to enjoy fruit (apples, bananas, and watermelon), popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy. Families were also able to go home with school supplies for the children and fresh vegetables.
The team not only demonstrated fast learning (members were making balloon art, painting faces, and making snow cones for the first time!), we were able to practice having a heart of service, quickly stepping into roles wherever there was need. We were also thankful to have the small interactions with the children and families we encountered.
Later in the day after dinner, the Radius team shared more about their internship program as an opportunity for young adults to grow in their relationship with God in a cross-cultural setting. The team also heard the testimonies of 2 of the current interns we have been serving with this week.
At the daily debrief, the team reflected on the day, thankful for the opportunity to serve the community, understand more about the their needs & challenges, and learn how God works through people like those at Spectrum to connect and journey with them.
