So this past weekend I went on a scouting trip to El Paso for the youth mission trip this summer. We had a chance to go into Juarez to do some future scouting, and some mission work down there. It was by far one of my best weekends since I moved down here as I was really touched by the groups that we visited with.

We spent the first day visiting Lydia Patterson Institute and Houchen Community Center, both of which are groups we are planning on working with in June. We then met on Friday night with a pastor who just got back from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to see if that really is where we as a church would like to go on our family mission trip next summer. It was amazing to hear his stories, and a group of us are beyond excited to go to the Congo next year.

On Saturday we visited with a couple of ministries going on in Juarez, and helped with some mission work in some rough parts of Juarez. The poverty difference just walking across the border was astounding. There were people everywhere in Juarez, and so much need. We met with one man who found Christ in prison and does ministry with the drug dealers, prostitutes and other derelicts of society down there. His story was impressive, and I am still being changed by the the willingness of his heart to be in ministry.

We also spent some time with a retired couple, who took us around Juarez, deep into the heart of the city to where we could really see more of Juarez. We met with an incredibly sweet 80 year old woman who they visit with every week, and then handed stuff out windows to people in the streets. It was really awesome seeing the relationships that they have with the people on the drive towards the bridge.

God truly blessed my time there this weekend and really began planting some seeds in me in regards to these border ministries. I can't wait to see what comes out of this trip for me.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 at 3:28 PM. You can skip to the end and leave a response.