I promise... this will be the last looong, rambling post. But I just want to be able to sketch a picture of where I'm headed and what I'll be doing...
YUGO Ministries, and in particular the "Ensenada Outreach Center" (EOC) is a great organization that seeks to serve the Mexican people. Currently YUGO works primarily in 'border cities' - areas near the US/Mexican border. Every time I make that drive from San Diego airport into Mexico, I'm humbled and moved by the obvious differences. Poverty is a real issue in many of these Mexican cities and towns. YUGO's desire to to show God's love to these people in various ways. What I like about YUGO and EOC is the desire to do missions "well" and in a way that's empowering to the local people, leaders, and pastors. Scott Wester, the director at EOC shared with me how he hopes the mission can become more and more invisible - simply providing behind the scenes resources, support, and man-power to the local churches and leaders. We don't want to be the 'white canadians/americans to the rescue with all the right answers'. Instead we want to simply respond to Christ's call to take care of the widows, the orphans, the poor...simply, humbly, and in love...
We aren't all called to do that in other countries. I never thought i was "one of those people" either, as I still feel a strong calling to serve in the local church here in Burlington, Ontario. But for this season, I am being called.
There are many ways in which EOC serves the people:
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS/SCHOOLS - many children are not able to afford to go to school. You will often just find them playing and wandering about in their villages and towns. YUGO runs several school and daycare programs, as well as runs VBS programs.
FEEDING PROGRAMS - Currently there are 2, 3 programs which provide breakfast or lunch for children of various villages. It's often just a cup of oatmeal and a biscuit but for some of these kids - it is all they will eat that day.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY - They have just begun to work in this area, connecting with the women of the villages/towns. Meeting with them, caring for them, ministering to them.
CONSTRUCTION MINISTRY - this is the area which our church has participated the most in. In about a week, a group of 10-13 people can build a home for a family. Many people in the nearby towns live in shacks, half built homes, some made of cardboard and tarps, roofs caving in on them, rooms too small to house there large extended families. Teams come up to volunteer and by thursday or friday they are handing keys over to a family. It's such a powerful and emotional experience and I dont think I'll ever get used to that humbling experience. There are other construction projects such as building banjos (bathrooms), churches, and schools that YUGO does as well.
... AND MORE... - I know there are many other ways EOC works with the people, handing out food at the hospital where people wait for days to be seen by a doctor, working with local pastors, supporting other ministries, and so much more! i can't wait to learn all about it!
So where will i fit in all of this? Well, hopefully i'll get to put my hand in it all a bit. Give some "capochees" (piggy backs) to some kids, hammering some nails (i'm a good hammerer!), helping with special services (aka cleaning bathrooms at the base camp) - wherever! But my main role will be as the base camp director/host.
In Chipultapec, EOC has its 'base' camp. This is where many of the mission staff live, as well as where the volunteer teams and groups stay. It can house up to 200 people in dorm style rooms, includes a dining hall, kitchen, chapel, and several garages/buildings for the construction projects and donations. During the summer the camp is full to capacity and there's always lots going on. When a group arrives - the questions, details, and craziness begins. Where do sleep? When do we eat? What do we do? How do we do this? I'll be the one hosting, facilitating, and directing these groups when they arrive. I will also be leading chapel times, an essential aspect to the process for the groups - helping them debreif and gain the most out of there time in Mexico. You see the EOC does not just serve the local Mexican people but also the hundreds of Canadians and Americans who come down to volunteer. So i get to help empower, encourage and provide a positive experience for everyone involved!
Im really stoked about the position - i love watching people grow and learn and feel empowered. I am excited to see the transformation in people in just a week! And this way too - Im not totally screwed because i don't know very much Spanish... at all.
It's a great example of the body of Christ... we all have different gifts, passions and callings! im excited for this unique role where i can use my gifts and skills to help serve the teams that come, so that they can serve the Mexican people. I hope and pray I can jump into this leadership role with ease and a quick learning curve. I guess those years of directing at camp will pay off again! It'll kinda be like camp... except not with children... and in Mexico.... ? ok, so it's not like camp at all... but Im still excited!
So hopefully that will give you a bit of a picture of what I'll be doing in my time in Mexico!
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