Mexico 2010

Taking it to the Streets

Colonia in Mexico from House of Praise International on Vimeo.

Answering the Call

Wednesday July 14th 4:30pm

Casa Bethesda from House of Praise International on Vimeo.

We arrived at Casa Bethesda yesterday evening after having spent the day painting. We had been instructed not to bring toys or candy because the kids we would be visiting suffered various mental disabilities that would prevent them from being able to enjoy any of those things without the possibility of hurting themselves. All of us were anxious and not quite sure what to expect. After making our way through a white dirt alley we ended at a large painted gated that read, “CASA BETHESDA”. Over the gate and past the driveway you could already hear the excitement of the kids (and adults) that were all “patients” there.

One of the greatest men I’ve ever met greeted us in the entrance and thanked us for coming. This man was Pastor Paulino, a taller, older gentleman with a calm face and grayish hair. He seemed like the most humble man alive without even saying a word. With no desire to be credited for anything that we were about to experience once we entered his house. After all, he never wanted this to begin with…

After entering the yard of the Bethesda Home we were greeted by many different people, mostly children and some adults. All suffered from some sort of Mental Handicap. Some were so excited that they just screamed every once in a while and smiled when we waived to them. One young man was swinging very high on the swing-set while holding his ear with one hand very tightly.

After mingling with some of the children we went inside and got to hear Pastor Paulino’s story. It was after this story that life seemed so much more different. It was like you had finally found out something that had been there all along yet you never knew because you weren’t fortunate enough to have been exposed to it.

Pastor Paulino’s Story

Pastor Paulino from House of Praise International on Vimeo.

Afterwards we went into a room with a few girls that were in bed. Some were confined to their chairs by rope – others were confined by their inability to move properly. We were informed of the stories behind some of the girls and then we decided to sing some worship together. Once the guitar started playing, a few of the girls lit up with such excitement, even their inability to communicate couldn’t hide how they felt.

We sang a few songs and then I started to play “You Are Good” from the new worship album we just released. In a matter of seconds the songs took on an entirely different perspective as I tried to sing the words of a song that belonged to them way more than it belonged to me.

Does your mercy for me really flow so deep
Are my sins so distant
Will Your promise to be patient ever cease
Are you here this instant

You are good
More than I’ll ever know
Surely my soul sings

And how could love ever be so within my reach
Here without condition
And in this love I believe, perfect and complete
Jesus our redemption

A Day of Painting

Tuesday, July 13th

We painted, then we painted some more. Then after that we did a little more painting. Stay tuned for more videos by tonight.

Mexico Day 1 + 2 from House of Praise International on Vimeo.

We made it…

Monday, July 12th

I sit here in the pleasant air-conditioned hotel room as we wait for dinner time to arrive. We just arrived in Mexico, having no trouble whatsoever crossing the border. The team is very excited to begin working and making an impact down here in Piedras Negras (Black Rocks). The photo above was taken at the Alamo in San Antonio Texas. I was informed not to take photos while crossing the border. Lol.

More to come soon…
Brandon

A word from Pastor Mark

We are excited about being in Mexico. We came with a team of 18 people and we have high expectations to see people healed, saved and delivered. We already feel a bond and unity between the team members as we flew into San Antonio and had lunch together near the Alamo. We are looking forward to painting the school, doing puppet ministry, outreaches, visiting an orphanage and leading different services. Please continue to pray that people’s hearts would be softened and receptive to the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

We know that God has commissioned us to sow the Word. We know that things in our lives are going to be watered. We know that God will ultimately bring the increase.

Pastor Mark