When preparing for Mexico, the scene that was painted to Logos Hope's Public Ministries Director Augusta Davin (USA) was that the Church in general may not be as aware about mission and what it means to be mobilised. This proved to be true in some cases, she says. But Augusta explained: “The Church has actually already come to a place where they realise they don’t know a lot about missions, and they have been very receptive to hearing more. And not just hearing more and learning more, but doing more.”

Many Christians expressed their understanding that they need to be part of a mentality where they are ready to ‘pray, give and go’. Augusta explained that some churches are too small to send missionaries by themselves, but local pastors realised that if they unite, they can then find members who are ready to go and will be better able support them together.

“The Holy Spirit was working on those pastors’ hearts before even our advance preparation teams arrived on the scene; for them to go from not knowing to being almost fully engaged with sending someone into mission,” reported Augusta. She was also encouraged to witness churches explaining that they did not have a lot to give, financially, but were willing to support with the little they had – and with each person giving a little, a lot was offered in the end.

Resourcing associate area leader for OM Latin America, Julie Paniagua (USA), explained that believers were challenged to see beyond their own community. “The number of Mexican volunteers, ambassadors and tour guides who partnered with the ship in each port was impressive," said Julie. "All together it was around 300 people, who are passionate and ready to get involved in missions.”

While it will take time to bear fruit and much of the ministry's effect may not be known in the here and now, one measurable result which Julie praises God for is that He touched the hearts of people in one church in particular. Not only did they give USD $700 in their first offering for mission work, but the pastor also committed to sending a team, alongside two other churches, to a least-reached country to see how they could work together to make an eternal impact.

Colorado, a twenty-minute drive from the port of Coatzacoalcos, made welcome a team of volunteers who arrived laden with donations of books from the vessel's cargo. They also brought bookshelves made by the onboard carpenters and organised the books on them, to get the library up and running.

The team was watched by thirty excited members of the community as the small space was transformed in an afternoon.  

“It was great to see the excitement on the kids’ faces,” said Anthony Webb (UK). “Being able to help start a completely new library feels pretty special, and we're all hoping that it'll be a great benefit to everyone there.”

The eight boxes of books the library received were mostly in Spanish, with some English titles for those who are developing their language learning. They ranged in topic from children’s books to cookery, dictionaries, novels and Christian living.

Logos Hope’s crewmembers were delighted to be able to distribute donations after receiving permission from local authorities. The mayor of the area also came to visit the project and gave a speech of thanks; receiving an inspirational book himself as a gift.  

Some local people spoke of their delight at receiving Christian books in particular.

“A family told me that they are running a Bible study in their home for around 50 people,” explained Anthony, “So they were especially glad to receive literature that would help in their outreach.”

Moving from Logos to her sister ship Doulos in 1983, Tom visited the Middle East, where he worked in the deck department. He stayed on Doulos until the end of 1984 and passed his qualifications to become a Chief Mate. He had also started a relationship with a fellow crewmember, Maggie (USA).

Tom and Maggie married in January 1985 and re-joined Logos that June in the Caribbean; with Tom acting as chief mate. Their first son, Tommy, was born in 1986 – the same year in which Tom (Snr) obtained his captain's licence. On 4th January 1988, just six weeks after the birth of their second son, Joshua, Logos ran aground off the coast of Argentina and the entire crew had to abandon ship. Mercifully, no one was harmed in the shipwreck. Tom and his young family returned to the USA.

In September 1988, there was a call to return to Doulos, this time as captain. Not long afterwards, the Dyers transferred to a new vessel, Logos II – the replacement for Logos, funded by donations from around the world. The ship was renovated in Amsterdam, where Captain Tom and Maggie’s daughter, Esther, was born in 1989. The family continued their seafaring adventure on Logos II until their youngest son Caleb was born, at which point they decided to raise their family on shore.

With Logos II and Doulos having reached the end of their service life, in 2010 Captain Tom came back as captain on Logos Hope and has filled in as captain for short spells ever since. Reflecting on his experiences over almost 40 years with the organisation, Captain Tom said, “In many respects the work hasn’t changed: the bookfair is almost the same as it was 30 years ago, except now it is indoors. Logos Hope’s bookfair and café are well thought-out; it’s a great opportunity to connect with people down there.”

The team was accompanied by a local Christian who volunteered with the ship while she was in port. Armando Contreras Castillo, from Coatzacoalcos, acted as translator for the non-Spanish speaking members of crew. Armando shared his personal story with the youth group, and explained that he had visited Logos II when he was around five years old, while his parents had been blessed to come on board OM’s ships twice. His mother, wanting him to be involved, is the one who informed him of Logos Hope's visit in 2018.

Armando explained that his first day on board was incredible. “The volunteers are passionate for God and are looking for ways to share the gospel,” he said before adding, “If you have an opportunity to do the same, do not doubt. Do not doubt the gospel. It is the best decision you could take. Obey Him.”

Jessica de Jonge (Netherlands) also shared about what led her to serve on Logos Hope. Jessica wanted to know God more, and even though joining the ship wasn’t her dream at first, she is convinced this was God’s dream for her. “If you let Him into your dreams, and let His dreams be yours, you will find God and His plans for you, and it’s a real adventure. Please go, pray and ask Him, because He will answer,” she challenged the teenagers.

The crewmembers noticed how seriously the teenagers were listening to their message, and how interested they were as they asked a lot of questions about committing to serve on the ship. “Talking with people who have sacrificed part of their lives, their work and their career is impressive," said Armando. "It makes us wonder ‘What can I do?’ But when you come here, you can see normal people giving their lives to Christ – and this is incredible!”

What the audience does not get to see is the crewmembers’ preparation before and after their public performances, behind the curtain. Their preparation, excitement and nervousness are not always revealed – nor is each crewmember’s story about why they perform.

Megumi Yonezawa (Japan) is part of three different performance groups on board and appeared on stage in two segments in the event in Coatzacoalcos: the percussion drum playing and a joint Hula/Haka dance. “I felt excited, I’m always excited to see people’s reactions because they are very good, especially to the percussion,” said Megumi. Audiences shout and cheer as the drummers invite them to enter into the high-energy rhythmic set. “People have different talents," continued Megumi. "Some can speak on stage very well, but it isn’t for me. I feel happy dancing and performing, I don’t feel nervous at all, and I think ithat comes from God. That is why I want to share this joy.”

One 'passion group' (or hobby club, whose members learn skills together and perform them in their ministry) which awakens general curiosity is the Ankglung group. It is led by Benny Lin (South East Asia), who explained that this instrument – which only exists in his region of the world – is made out of bamboo and it takes several people playing together to make a tune. Each instrument plays one note, and people play one or two instruments by shaking them. “Depending on the level of the players, you can play music with five people or ten,” Benny said.

For Melisa Balliu (Eastern Europe), this was her first time dancing on stage as part of the Hip Hop group, as well as her first time participating in this event. She was full of emotion and unsure before going on stage, but said later that she felt happy when her group finished its performance: “I really felt like myself, watching the lights, watching more than a hundred people watching us performing there. It was an amazing experience and moment. I was honouring God with my gift,” smiled Melisa.

Once the ship was securely berthed and ready to receive the public, the mayor was back – along with other local dignitaries – to attend the official opening of the bookfair. The guests and Logos Hope’s leaders spoke of their shared expectations for the coming weeks the crew will spend in Coatzacoalcos. The visitors appeared impressed by the various national costumes worn by crewmembers, who introduced themselves in their native languages as well as in Spanish. Logos Hope’s director, Pil-Hun Park (South Korea), also addressed the gathering in Spanish.

Pil-Hun shared some of the secrets of living in an international community; mentioning the need to understand others’ points of view, act selflessly and consider others before yourself. The audience laughed as they heard that World Cup football was currently a threat to harmonious living, with cabinmates supporting rival teams. On a more serious note, Pil-Hun said, “We are very excited to be in Coatzacoalcos.”

Mayor Victor Manuel Carranza Rosaldo spoke of how special his arrival into port on board Logos Hope had been, and he expressed a warm welcome to the ship’s crewmembers. “We want to open our doors to all and be aware of others’ richness,” he said. Mayor Carranza said the multicultural and unified way of life on board was an example to the city. “We need to seek this great community that you have,” he concluded.

Moving to the Visitor Experience Deck, the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the bookfair to the public was performed as local people and the media looked on. Guests and ship officials then browsed the store, where Director Pil-Hun insisted the guests of honour should each choose one book which they would receive as a gift from Logos Hope.

The head of the port authority, Director Marcos Cesar Theurel Cotero, explained that he sees the ship as much more than a library. “It brings good will, it is a true global cause,” he said. There is a buzz of anticipation as people look forward to the impact the ship’s crew will have on Coatzacoalcos and the surrounding area in the coming weeks.

The 1950 novel, one in a series of seven, tells the story of four siblings who find themselves in a mysterious world called Narnia, having entered via a wardrobe they were hiding in. The abridged text is directed on board Logos Hope by Bethany Neil (USA), who has a background in theatre. After bilingual versions of the play in French/English when the vessel toured West Africa and Spanish/English in some parts of the Caribbean and Latin America, Bethany and her cast have now made the leap to an entirely Spanish production.

Only a few of the international crewmembers in the play are native Spanish speakers, so the others have been learning the language through their script. Nathan Prokopchuk (Canada), who plays one of the brothers, Edmund, had a Spanish speaking friend work through the lines with him. “The audience really appreciates that we have learnt their language just for this,” he said.

Anna Paula Leal, a local visitor who watched the show on board, shared that for her, the story’s theme pointed to the relationship mankind can have with God. “The way the children get closer to Aslan [the lion who sacrifices his life for them] is what I like best,” said Anna.

Bethany revealed that her favourite character is Aslan, “Because he is very much like Jesus Christ: he is kind, good, powerful and forgiving.” The director added, “Even this afternoon as I was standing backstage watching the performance, God was reminding me of how He has forgiven me, just today and yesterday.”

Another audience member, Tony Barragan, gave his views on the story: “It is about Jesus, so it is a good way to share with people who don’t know Him.” Tony’s wife, Sugey Cervantes Lopez, who is a teacher, added that she thought the play was an excellent way to capture the interest of a younger generation and point them to the symbolism of Christ's redemption.

Bethany was encouraged that several people she spoke to at the close of the performance had shared that Aslan the lion was their favourite character in the drama as well. "Many people who already know the Lord and many people who have never heard are now experiencing it in a visual and tangible way,” said the thankful director.

Reformed Presbyterian Associated Church "La Santísisma Trinidad" (Holy Trinity) was founded 138 years ago. It only started to focus seriously on missions two and half years ago. The visitors from the ship were given the opportunity to share about the calling God inspires in His followers’ hearts, and the importance of telling those who haven't heard about Jesus Christ.

The team was welcomed by Pastor José Othoniel Juarez Baez and his church before the group separated, to minister both to the children as well as the main church congregation. Aileen Tan (Singapore) spoke about Operation Mobilisation, Prisca-Sarah Baligand (France) shared about the vessel’s focus on knowledge, help and hope, and Amelia Vine (Wales) told the story of her calling and desire to serve God through this ministry.

Michael Bukit (Canada) related his own life experience and explained that he has come to a greater understanding of God’s person since stepping out to serve Him in obedience and trust. Michael, who has come to Logos Hope before starting his university studies, pointed to passages in the Bible that demonstrate the importance of Christians surrendering to God’s calling when it comes to serving Him.

Pastor José Othoniel explained that a number of women from his church went to a conference on the ship which confirmed what they as a body had been focusing on in recent years. “It is God’s heart, it is God’s purpose, and this purpose is taking place in many types of churches. To accomplish God’s mission, we cannot think about denominations; we cannot think about one nation in particular. We all have to be united in prayer, in offerings and in sending [missionaries].”

Members of the church were thankful for the message shared by the ship’s crew and said it would encourage them towards a goal they have recently been focusing on. The crewmembers expressed the hope that the hand-made flags displayed around the church would serve as a reminder that people in many nations still need to hear the Good News.

The latest event in Tampico started with a lively Hula performance, followed by a treasure hunt in which the kids had to find pieces of a map underneath their seats. Hundreds of young people crawled on the floor with excitement, searching for the pieces. Once they had assembled the picture, the children realised there was a part missing on the map. It had a heart-shaped hole. The event's host, Mima Bessa (Brazil) explained that the missing part of the map represents problems in the world.

For the next act, Benaya Keppler (Germany) appeared, in character as a crazy scientist, who explained he had found the solution to the world’s problems. Using chemicals, he told the audience that adding solutions of 'money' and 'experience' would fix everything, but his experiments only made the world worse, giving it a dark colour. The scientist finally found the solution to clear out the dark colour that had overtaken the world: love.

In a final humorous act, Gino Borst (Curaçao) appeared on stage walking with crutches, carrying shopping bags and a briefcase. In a parallel of the story of the Good Samaritan, Gino tripped over and shouted for help. Crewmembers were amazed to see around 30 children run to the stage to help Gino get back up. This scene would usually show two strangers passing by and ignoring Gino before someone from the audience finally helps him up the third time he cries for help, the moral being that helping others also makes the world better. However, in this performance, the children watching unknowingly showed a good example of understanding and living out this message from the outset.

As they were leaving, one of the schoolteachers, Maestra Conchita commented, “This was a fulfilling experience, which showed fundamental values for the community. The integrity that you all have and the work that you do on the ship are marvellous.”

The crewmembers who organised the event, Becky Breckels (United Kingdom) and Wynand Scholtz (South Africa) expressed the hope that the children’s lives will have been impacted with the lasting message of compassion for one another and they will remember the example of Jesus.

After five weeks of routine repair work and necessary inspections on the 45-year-old vessel, the ship’s community has regrouped and is energised to move ‘full steam ahead’ with the programme of visits for the coming months.

Crewmembers have been swapping stories from the various activities they were involved in during the maintenance phase. Usually referred to as ‘dry dock,’ this year, the term ‘wet dock’ has been used instead – since scheduling changes in the Veracruz shipyard meant that the berth where water can be drained away to facilitate work below a vessel’s waterline was not available to Logos Hope. Instead, a team of divers inspected the hull underwater.

Around 150 members of the deck, engine, accommodation and catering departments remained on the vessel to assist shipyard workers and the organisation’s team of international marine operations specialists. Key tasks carried out included welding and steelwork, generator and engine maintenance, servicing of all three cranes and the vessel’s stabilisers, tests of lifeboats and lifesaving equipment, as well as retiling of bathrooms and finishing off the exterior with a fresh coat of paint.

Meanwhile, the rest of the onboard community got out of the way of the work and got stuck into projects on shore for longer than they may usually have the opportunity. Teams spread throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and various South American countries to partner with churches and charities. Many valued spending several weeks getting involved with communities, building relationships and seeing the difference they were able to be part of.

Some groups of crewmembers travelled further afield to help with fundraising and recruitment initiatives worldwide, while others participated in training courses and rehearsals for the ship’s live theatre show.

Having moved on to the port of Tampico, Logos Hope was reopened to the public by local dignitaries including the regional governor, the city’s mayor and the director of the port authority. All expressed enthusiasm for the ship’s visit and each offered whatever assistance the international community might need during the three weeks the vessel will be in town.

It didn’t take long for the ship’s volunteers to be reminded of Logos Hope’s popularity once more. Hot on the heels of the record-breaking visitor numbers in the previous port, the gangways opened in Tampico to a ‘media frenzy’ – so crew are delighted to receive an excited welcome and look forward to making meaningful connections with local people.

"The team I was assigned to while we are away from the ship for this month had the wonderful privilege to visit a girl called Renata in her home. I was so inspired by her story, by her life. We all were! 

"Renata was raised in a Christian home and school. From an early age she was very excited about missions because her grandmother, who is a doctor, used to go on mission trips on her vacations each year. When Renata was 13 years old, it was discovered that she had a brain tumour and required two surgeries. During the second surgery, she needed a complete blood transfusion and ended up in a coma. It was unclear what her condition would be when she woke up, but her family and church were praying that God would work a miracle, to preserve Renata's mind and memory.

"When she woke up, Renata could not move or talk. She stayed in hospital for four months, until all the patients had to be moved because of Mexico City’s earthquake. Renata’s grandmother is now taking care of her, to allow her mother to work and raise her younger children.

"A year after her surgery, Renata is persevering with therapy and has recovered some movement in her right side. She is beginning to speak and can feed herself. She is now 15 years old. God has answered prayers in that she has all of her memories and is able to remember Bible verses, songs and stories. She is bilingual and loves talking and singing about God's faithfulness. Little by little, she is working towards and longing for the day she will be able to walk again and recover her life. In the meantime, she blesses the hearts of those around her with her faith.

"I was so surprised to see how much she remembers, including full chapters of Scripture! I read Psalm 23 to her and felt the tears well up in my eyes as she began to say it with me. Making a circle around Renata, we three girls from Logos Hope stood with her grandmother and great-grandmother, plus a family she has known for many years. As we prayed — some in Spanish and some in English — the presence of the Holy Spirit grew so evident! It was incredible to experience. I'd never before felt [God’s] power like I did that late afternoon in Mexico City.

"Renata is a beautiful girl, inside and out. Her story has forever touched my heart! I know that as she continues to grow in physical strength and in the Lord, she will be a light for many. Her testimony will touch the lives of everyone she comes into contact with."

The team of volunteers was tasked with helping the church by doing painting and practical work, attending house groups around the city to encourage members in their walk with God and motivate them to think about missions, as well as running the youth and children’s programme and getting involved in ministry to homeless people.

Every Saturday, the church opens its doors to people in need and distributes clothing. Stepan Vardanian (Armenia) spoke to those waiting to be helped. Stepan said, “I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit speaking through me” as the audience of 30 sat captivated by the story of how he became a Christian. Pastor Jenny Lagunes explained how to come to know Christ personally and 11 made the commitment to follow Jesus.

Pastor Jenny invited the Logos Hope group to pray one-on-one with these people; giving them the opportunity to hear individual stories.

One crewmember, Misha Gukov (Russia), was deeply affected by the story of an elderly man who had moved to Veracruz and is now living in a shelter.

“He was crying and shivering while telling me how badly he is treated [at the shelter]… He was so ashamed that he couldn’t look me in the eyes. He sounded hopeless,” recounted Misha. After prayer, the man left, feeling somewhat more positive, though still tearful. He promised he would return to the church and would continue to pray.

The team left the church a brighter, cleaner place after their redecorating. The international volunteers thank God for the experience in which they not only made an impact on, but were also impacted by, many people’s lives.

A total of 226,554 members of the public climbed the ship’s gangways to browse the bookfair, sample the atmosphere in the International Café or attend an onboard event during the six weeks the vessel was open.

The figure represents only the second time any of the organisation’s four ships has surpassed the 200,000 visitor tally. The previous record was set 30 years ago; when 201,710 people stepped on board Doulos in Taichung, Taiwan, during a 19-day port call in September 1988.

Seelan Govender (South Africa), Chief Executive Officer of OM Ships International, welcomed the exciting news. “We are constantly asking, ‘Is the Ship Ministry still relevant? Are we still accomplishing what we believe God has called us to do?’ I believe these numbers certainly reinforce the sense that there is a strong appeal for the ministry we have been given.

“More than that,” Seelan continues, “What excites me is the opportunity this gives us, with a reach that is far beyond what we could do without a ship: in challenging people, in motivating people, in moving them one step further in their understanding of the kingdom of God, who God is and what God has done for them.”

Veracruz has traditionally given OM’s ships a warm welcome. All four vessels have visited the city in a total of six port calls since 1979. Each time, large numbers of people have been drawn to the floating bookstore and to connect with the international community of Christian volunteers. In almost 50 years of the Ship Ministry, total visitor numbers for a single port have exceeded 150,000 on only eight occasions. Two of the eight were previous calls in Veracruz: in 1982, when Doulos docked for three weeks, and in 2003, when it was the turn of Logos II.

Even though 15 years have passed since that last visit, Logos Hope is clearly as popular as her predecessors were. It was symbolic that this call in Veracruz marked another milestone as the current vessel’s seven millionth guest was celebrated.

It’s not statistics that matter to the CEO, though. Whilst figures like these are encouraging to partners all around the world and useful to inform how Logos Hope prepares for future ports, Seelan’s drive is that each individual leaves the ship having been impacted in a personal way.

“Through a book they may have purchased; through a conversation they may have had with a crewmember who comes from a totally different part of the world; through asking questions like, ‘Why are they living on board and why do they give their life to something like this?’ it’s our desire that each visitor experiences something that causes them to evaluate who they are and where they’re going, or to reinforce the values system within their own life.”

Seelan concludes, “My hope is that we will see lasting impact that goes on to bear much good fruit in people’s lives – not only in Mexico, but to the ends of the earth.”

The ship will be closed to the public with only technical workers and support services remaining on board, so 250 volunteers have disembarked for a month of something different – either in Mexico or elsewhere in the world.

Some have gone on ‘challenge teams’ in partnership with other ministries, while others have formed ‘mobilisation teams’ to visit churches and youth groups to inspire them about world missions and the Ship Ministry.

There are also various training courses being run at a base camp location in Veracruz. Many of the logistical arrangements have been masterminded by George Greenwood (UK), who has been strategising for several months.

“It’s quite an operation and you definitely have to be flexible as changes crop up,” says George. “The cast of our theatre show is rehearsing an all-Spanish version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, plus other crewmembers will receive training so that they can then pass that on in the outreaches we get involved in in the ports we visit.”

The programmes offered range from leadership courses to social justice awareness as well as entrepreneurial skills to help train communities how to set up their own businesses. Those who will work alongside churches have received training in evangelism and children’s ministry, in order for them to share different resources and ways of connecting wherever they go.

“We want our crew to use this time when they can’t be on the ship to be effective where they are and also learn and grow from the new things they get involved with,” says George, who has sent ten different mobilising teams to visit 14 countries. The international mix of young people have spread out to locations including Canada, Argentina, Ukraine, Poland, Taiwan and Australia to raise awareness of OM Ships and present recruitment and fundraising opportunities with the ministry.

Back in Mexico, 16 challenge teams will go to different cities to help 18 churches with various projects. The 100 crewmembers will each use their skills to serve in initiatives ranging from earthquake relief to sports clubs, evangelism at orphanages and being involved in a ministry to girls who have been abused.

“It’s nice to be off the ship and amongst people in their training and seeing them really enjoying bonding in small groups,” George says, “But it’ll be most rewarding when we all get back on board and hear the stories of how everyone got to work with different people. Unexpected things may happen, but they end up being a blessing in the end.”

The alteration to the programme has afforded extra time for the bookfair to be reopened to the public in the port of Veracruz. After what had been a record-setting four weeks in port, with 190,000 visitors climbing the gangways, even more people can experience the world’s largest floating bookfair for an additional two weeks. 

Pastors Anabell Lara and Edson Conde were among the first on board when the ship reopened her doors, and they wasted no time in buying close to 50 books.

"It was the third time we had tried to come to Logos Hope and this time we made it!" Anabell said. "First, we came on a Monday—unaware that the ship was closed—and when we tried again the following Sunday, we couldn't wait in the long queue because we needed to get back to our church. We had almost lost hope of visiting, so it was with great joy that we learnt of this change of plan!" Anabell explained, smiling.

Oscar Lopez Perez was another of those delighted to hear Logos Hope was to open for a little longer in Veracruz. He booked holiday time off from his job and travelled from Rio Blanco, a city two hours away, with his wife and baby daughter. Oscar said, “We especially wanted to buy cookbooks, science books and children's books.”

Roger Gregorio was heading to the bookfair when he saw crewmembers Eliu Patino (Mexico) and Tim Dougoud (France) playing music and singing. Roger had to join them in playing the guitar and performing some songs he had composed. An improvised band was soon entertaining visitors with an impromptu concert.

Forty-five-year old Maria del Carmen Montenegro learnt via Facebook that Logos Hope had reopened and went to the bookfair immediately, with her daughter Brenda and her four-year-old grandson, Jose Jairo. "It's the third time we've come,” Maria said. “We’ve bought books, pens and lots of souvenirs from the ship again this time."

Logos Hope is expected to remain open to the public in Veracruz until 6 May, after which her annual maintenance phase will begin.

“I feel wonderful to be able to connect with others to talk further about God's ways and vision for reaching others with Jesus' love,” said Samatha, “I am encouraged when people participate in world missions: by going, sending, praying or giving financially to God's work.” 

During the conference a video presented Operation Mobilisation's initiative to equip Latin Americans for world mission: Ellos son como Tu! (They are like you). Those gathered also heard personal stories from a challenging series entitled More than dreams. It features video clips from men and women who had no knowledge of the gospel and no contact with Christians; yet their lives have been transformed after they experienced dreams and visions pointing them to Christ.

José Enríquez, a member of a local church, was impressed by what he heard and saw. He said he was praying for the great need that exists in the countries of Central Asia. “Because they are part of us and they were created by God, with the love of God, we should love them and share with them the message of hope so that one day we can all be in the Kingdom of Heaven,” said José.

Mexican pastors, missionaries and members of local churches attended the conference. Among them, Manuela Aguilar Valdez, who is from OM Mexico's team in Guadalajara, thanked Logos Hope for organising the day, which she described as “very enriching, because it helped us to understand the great need to reach these remote people.”

Valentín Luna, a member of the Free Brothers of Veracruz Church, said that it was very interesting to "get to know the great need that exists around the world."

The conference pointed attendees to various sources of further information on the topic and left many with a desire to pray with renewed dedication for Central Asian people and those working among them.

*names changed

Three months later, the team returned and found that the church had grown to include 20 members and had also started meeting in a church member's house during the week. 

The OM team spent a weekend staying with the people and praying for them. One night there was a house meeting with 15 adults. It was a night where the power of God manifested itself and several non-Christians repented of their sins and others were liberated from strongholds that they had been struggling with for years.

"I was very impressed to see strong, tough men breaking [down] in front of everyone, watching them cry and being released from their chains was amazing...we witnessed the power of God," said Jason, a volunteer with OM Mexico.

The seed of the gospel was first sown years ago in this town by a former OMer and God continues to work through inexperienced young people in the hands of God.

This small town has a population of 1,500 people, and the majority of the work comes from the surrounding agricultural fields; however poverty, drug addiction and alcoholism have a strong presence and hold on the people. 

Please pray that God brings a revival and restoration to the families of this town. Pray that the community of believers in Carrillo Marcor will continue to grow and the community will be transformed. Pray also for the OM team that is providing follow-up and discipleship in the local church. 

Francisco and his family were received by the ship’s director, Pil-Hun Park (South Korea) and captain, Samuel Hils (Germany), who presented their special guest with a voucher worth over $150 USD to spend in the ship's bookfair.

Receiving applause, smiles and congratulations from crewmembers and fellow visitors to the ship, Francisco and his family were overwhlemed and lost for words. Finding his voice, Francisco declared, “This is an honour that I share with my family."

“Many congratulations for the mission that you are fulfilling,” he told Logos Hope's crew. “Books help us to understand things deeply, and many times they give us the answers we are looking for, and that allows us to make big decisions in our lives.”

The bookfair was full of people and the queue to enter the ship was so long that it was difficult to see where it ended. Over 100,000 visitors have walked up the gangway in only the first two weeks the vessel has been in port in Veracruz.

Among them was a homeless man who had difficulty walking, even with the help of a walking stick. “He took more than 30 minutes to get from the gate to the ship, so when we saw this we gave him a wheelchair,” said Khemraj Lakhan (Trinidad and Tobago). “All he wanted was to have books to give to other people. I gave him around 30 of our free literature booklets. Then we helped him down the gangway with the wheelchair and watched him walk away slowly.”

Other visitors had similar positive experiences. “I'm really in the world's largest floating bookstore!” exclaimed Soledad Alvarez. “It’s like I’m sitting in the middle of a beautiful garden, choosing the best flowers.”

With her eyes full of tears, another visitor, Maria Saida, sat observing the bookfair staff. “It's a privilege to be here with you,” said the 51-year-old woman. “I'm excited and very happy to be on this wonderful ship. This is a great bookfair and I would like to take many books back home with me.”

Both the ship’s community and local people are full of expectation for the time Logos Hope will spend in the port, which has been described as a gateway to the vibrant, contrasting, multicultural country of Mexico. Local officials and the ship’s leadership exchanged gifts and good wishes at the ceremony to open the vessel’s bookfair to the public.

Representatives of the government, the port administration and media organisations joined Veracruz citizens in listening as Logos Hope’s director, Pil-Hun Park (South Korea) offered his thanks for the welcome the ship had already been given.

"I want to thank you with all my heart for your support, help and generosity, for allowing us to be here in your country," Pil-Hun told them.

Pil-Hun said the reception as the ship came alongside her berth was extraordinary. A traditional Mexican mariachi band played as people danced and served food from the region. "We really feel so honoured, and I want to tell you, on behalf of the entire crew, that we are excited to be here with you.” He continued: “The vision of Logos Hope is to share knowledge, help and hope. We can live together without taking into account the colour, race or place each of us comes from. What is important to us is the hearts of people," said Pil-Hun.

In his speech of response, the president of Veracruz municipality, Fernando Yunes Marquez, said, "We are honoured to receive you but, above all, to receive the message that Logos Hope brings to us: a message of knowledge, hope and mutual help." Señor Marquez added: "In a troubled world, where some want to build walls to divide nations, Logos Hope reminds us that our seas have no barrier. The ship’s message is universal, regardless of which country we come from.”

The commercial manager of the port authority presented gifts to the ship’s senior figures, after which the traditional ribbon-cutting declared Logos Hope’s bookfair officially open in Veracruz for the coming month.

A friend of Lety had called asking if she could meet with a woman who was concerned about her six-year-old daughter. The friend said that the woman thought her daughter had been sexually abused. Because Lety works in art therapy, the friend had thought to call her.

Lety made an appointment for the next day. The next morning they came, and Lety saw that the woman was carrying a two-month-old baby boy but was not accompanied by a little girl.    

“She was 26 years old, but looked a lot older—like 40,” Lety said of Rocio. “I asked her why she didn't bring her daughter.” Rocio said her daughter was at her sister’s place.

“That answer did sound a bit strange to me,” remembered Lety. “I also noticed some scars on her arms and face, so I asked my friend to help her with the baby boy for a moment, because I needed to talk alone with Rocio.

“I asked her again, ‘Why is your daughter not with you?’ Rocio started crying. She told me that her father-in-law tried to abuse her, so she decided to hide her daughter with her sister. I suggested to go to the authorities to let them know about her situation. But she said, ‘No, please!’ I asked her why not and told her she was not alone. Then she started crying helplessly.

“A few minutes later, she was able to share her terrible and unbelievable story as a victim of human trafficking.”

Where are you?

Rocio was 15 years old when her father passed away. Her mother remarried a man who drank and physically took his aggression out on those at home. One day when her stepfather was drunk, Rocio went for a walk on the streets and met a young man. He was the first man to ever say nice words to her.

After being together for only a few days, the young man proposed to Rocio. He asked her to run away with him and get married. This was the opportunity Rocio had been looking for. She said yes and ran away with him to another city, far from home, where they got married.

During their wedding night, Rocio was raped by her new husband and his friend. The following night, her husband sent her out to prostitute herself and threatened to kill her if she didn't obey.

For 10 years, Rocio was kept naked during the day and tied up in the backyard at night. She became pregnant and had a baby girl, named Maranatha.

One day her husband decided they should go to a Christian church on Sundays. He told Rocio not to talk to anyone. If she did, he'd sell her baby, just like he had her.

Rocio couldn't understand why God allowed this endless suffering. “Where are you?” she asked the Lord often.

Finally, she found an escape. One day her husband was so drunk that Rocio got away with her five-year-old daughter. She ran until she found a small town, but nobody there would help them. She started collecting plastic bottles to gain money to feed her child. Rocio decided to find her sister, but her father-in-law found her instead. He offered to help her take care of Maranatha while Rocio collected plastic bottles.

Life seemed better until one day Rocio noticed that Maranatha was sad and only wanted to take long showers. And she had started wetting the bed. Rocio asked Maranatha what was wrong. The girl confessed that her grandfather was touching her inappropriately and threatened to take her to her father if she said something to Rocio.

Rocio was so angry she took Maranatha to her sister, just in case her father-in-law, or even her husband, tried to take her away.

The next step

"The next day, Rocio talked to my friend, who used to buy plastic bottles from her," shared Lety. "She asked for help, and my friend called me. Since that day, the Dreams ministry has been helping Rocio to build a new life."

Dreams, a ministry of OM, is focused on women and children at risk in Mexico City and Hermosillo.

"We want to empower them through education and exercising their human rights," said Lety. "We want to let them know how valuable they are and change the wrong idea they have in their minds about themselves. We provide art therapy, individual counselling and sociological screening to identify any factors of abuse or trafficking. We also try to meet their emotional and psychological needs."

The Dreams team gets in touch with most of the women by weekly interacting with girls in prostitution on the streets.

"Thank God Rocio's husband was caught by the police and is now in prison,” shared Lety. “I was able to give therapy to Rocio and her daughter, and we helped her find a church and psychologist, who could follow up with her. She got married again and has a baby boy. She's still collecting plastic bottles and selling them to get money. But soon I hope to visit her again in the city where she lives to help her with the next step: to empower her to develop her own small business."

Praise God that Rocio and her children are safe and are building a new life. Pray for the thousands of other women who have not yet found an escape. Pray that God will use the Dreams ministry to change the lives of many more.

*Name changed

Marco Salas was appointed as the new national director of OM in Mexico in June. He made his decision to accept the leadership based on Matthew 22:36-40 36: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Marco began his ministry in May. A little while later, several guests who were OM friends, missionaries and OM Mexico representatives came together to ask for a blessing on Marco's leadership. They prayed for wisdom, guidance, love and spiritual covering, strength and faith for the new director who starts a new season.

“Some people have said that the only bad thing about Mexicans is that there are not enough of them in OM,” mentioned Sue Priestley, Associate International Director. “We dream about seeing many Mexicans joining OM here in Mexico and in the rest of the world. We are very grateful that God brought Marco and his wife SeRah Kim to work with OM. We've seen how God has equipped this couple for this time and see with much anticipation what God will be doing with them here in Mexico.”

Roberto Façanha, leader of OM Latin America, thanked OM Central America leader Alex Paniagua for his faithfulness and service as an interim leader for OM Mexico, while “getting a new captain for this boat". "The reason for which Marco and SeRah are here is because God chose them at the exact moment," said Roberto. Alex Paniagua in turn noted that “we want to celebrate God’s faithfulness, who raises leaders from different parts of the world to do His work".

Marco and SeRah received several testimonies and words of support during the meeting. One of the previous leaders, Samuel Castro, gave a final blessing and encouraged them to “preserve themselves in the love of God and give Him the glory.”

"We can pray for you!" was the message written on cardboard signs that participants in a recent OM outreach in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico carried with them. It proved to be a great strategy to connect with people in the city that’s known for heavy drug trafficking.

The hundred participants, from seven churches, shared eternal hope with people they encountered.   

Children in costumes were the first to make contact with passers-by. Their love for God encouraged them to proclaim the truth of God’s kingdom.

“A police car with two cops slowly passed by, watching what we were doing," recalled Daniel, one of the participants. “They stopped, and with some fear, we approached them. We shared the Gospel with them, and both men surrendered their lives to Christ!”

The men were touched that Daniel and the other participants willingly talked with them.

“Thank you for caring about us by sharing this message with us, respecting our job and praying for us," they said. "Usually people fear us and walk away.”

Amongst the participants was a young guy who was very active in the distribution of literature and in talking to people. He knew about God but hadn't accepted Christ as his Saviour personally. During the outreach, though, the young man surrendered his life to Jesus.

“It is definitely much better having the experience of salvation rather than only the knowledge of the purpose of God as a Saviour,” he said. “Thanks for receiving me and giving me the opportunity to participate in this campaign. God bless you!”

The Durán family, from Morelia Michoacán in Mexico, came to Christ three years ago and took part in the outreach.

“This is our first experience in missions," they said. "We want to serve the Lord as much as we can.”

OM worker Carla Ojeda had just finished her time on board the Logos Hope when God showed her the opportunity to continue working missions, but now in her native country.

"The news spoke about high insecurity in Monclova. But it was there where we had to take the Word," she shared. "The outreach made a very strong impact on the churches that participated, seeing that evangelism in unity and love is the best strategy to extend God’s kingdom and be blessed."

Carla taught some of the workshops in preparation for the outreach.

"During one of the outreaches, I met the Durán family," she recalled. "In the beginning, their daughter refused to get involved. However, as the days went by, she couldn’t help it anymore and stated that she wouldn’t hide her call to missions any longer.”

OM Mexico is grateful for the opportunity of the outreach.

“We thank God for letting us carry out this event for His glory and the extension of His kingdom, achieving unity in evangelism and brotherly love of the church," said Fernando Aguilar, coordinator of the outreach. "Thank you so much to those who joined this effort, to those who attended this event, as well as those who prayed for it. A united Church is much more evident than an isolated one.”

Please pray that God’s peace will be over Monclova, Coahuila, and that drug trafficking will no longer rule the city as it has. Pray that the new believers' hearts will be empowered in the Lord. Pray that love and steadfastness will overflow Coahuila’s churches to share the word of salvation. Pray also that God will confirm with clarity the call to missions of the daughter of the Durán family.

Every year, OM Mexico offers a short missionary training in Bahia de Kino, a small port near Hermosillo, Sonora.

“When I was a student in this training, it was an adventure from the beginning,” shared Sareth. “Through daily lessons, God showed me more and more what it is to be a missionary. We got lots of information about what is happening in the world today. I realised that wanting to serve is not enough. I have to share the same compassion that Jesus Christ has for the world. I have to hurt the same way that He does.”

Every day was a challenge to “be a better version of myself”, she said. “To let grow God in me. The most challenging, I think, is the journey of faith—a little trip where we literally lived by faith for 24 hours in a place called Ejido. God really showed us His loyalty, and taught each student to trust in Jehovah Jireh.”

During the training, Sareth changed in many aspects and went home with a renewed mind set for Christ.

This year began in the same way for Sareth, but instead of taking the training, she participated as a staff member.

“It was a major challenge,” she shared. “I learnt exactly what it is to be a leader in action. As Christ did with His disciples, I served the students.”

“It was great to be able to witness the transformation that God gives in the lives of the students. Now they are bright lights, spreading the word of hope without any fear! Many people already have experienced the love of God through young people who attended the missionary training.”

OM: How did you get involved with OM?

Javier: I have several family members who have been with OM: cousins, uncles and some friends too. But when I first heard about this opportunity in the south of Asia this year, I decided to go.

OM: What do you do with OM?

Javier: I attend a local church where we spend time with children in different activities like drawings, crafts and playing with balloons. These are not common things to do for children in this country and they really enjoy it! I also teach them to play the piano. Furthermore, I work two days a week at a help centre where we spend time with local people. We practice sports, teach them music and other things too.

OM: How did God call you to South Asia?

Javier: I was praying to serve God somewhere, either in my country or somewhere else. Last year a friend of mine, who is also serving in this country, visited my church and told me about this place. That was the answer to my prayers. It has been a unique experience, and I have lived things that I never thought to live! Serving God in this country is very gratifying, full of surprises and blessings.

OM: What has been your most difficult experience so far, and how has God shown his faithfulness?

Javier: We are not allowed to perform Christian activities, such as preaching the Gospel. In Mexico, we have the freedom to do outdoor activities to reach many people with music, dramas, clowns, etc. That is unimaginable here.

OM: Is it how you imagined it would be as a missionary in South Asia?

Javier: Honestly no, it's not what I imagined. I expected to find something different. I thought it would be an easier job. I realise that the way to reach people here is not through music events with clowns and outdoor activities. The way of working here is different, more discrete and personal. At the beginning this was very hard for me and it still is a challenge.

OM: How can we support you in prayer?

Javier: Pray that I can learn the language of this country. This is essential if I want to spend time with the locals and share the Gospel in a better way.

*Name changed

Carmen shares, “I always brought a notebook for him, since I figured he’d be bored during the workshops. I thought he only came to join me. But although it was my commitment, as time passed, his interest grew. Whenever the workshop was suspended for some reason, Joshua wondered why we weren’t going to OM.

“Each workshop was a blessing to my life,” she continued. “I came every Wednesday eager to learn and prayed that God would show me where He wants me to serve in the near future.”

Carmen’s pastor has given her the opportunity to share about missions in her church, and she and other members of the church gather every Thursday to pray for missions.

“Sometimes when I shared in my church about what I had learnt in the workshop, Joshua helped me,” said Carmen. “When I had forgotten about a certain thing, he was there remembering it. I felt so encouraged by that!”

Carmen does not find it easy to travel from Tecámac, where she lives, to the OM office in Coyoacán, México City, every week.

“But when I see what God has allowed me to learn during this time in OM Mexico´s workshops, and what God has planted in the heart of my son, I am so thankful for my loyalty during this year,” she said. “Now my son is very interested in missions and is always attentive to every lesson and video we see.”

At the end of 2014, Joshua, Carmen, her sister and her two girls joined OM’s Navidad Blanca (White Christmas) outreach in Pachuca. They had waited for the school holidays with great anticipation. Early in the morning on 21 December, they travelled to the Church of Cerritos, in the town of Ixmiquilpan.

After a church service and lunch, the group went into the village to invite locals to the event they had prepared. The following days, the group was in Huizachal and San Juan, giving away candy and toys during the activities.

“[We] were happy to invest our vacation to talk about Christ,” remembered Carmen. “The trace these experiences leave in our children is very precious for us. I can say that 2014 was a year of learning. But above all, I appreciate the mighty hand of our God over my family.”

Joshua’s smiling face during the workshops was precious, recalls OM Mexico team member Karina Victoria.

“He was always smiling whenever he asked a question about a missionary or expressed regret about what happens in the world without Christ,” Karina expressed. “To me this seems an open invitation to continue engaging in missions and learn more during OM activities.”

Karina asks for prayer for Carmen and Joshua: “Please pray that they would continue to meet weekly in our office. Also pray that Joshua will make a clear decision for Christ, and that God will guide him to be a missionary. And pray for Carmen and her husband, for God’s wisdom and guidance in their lives.”

Recently, three women attended the prayer meeting for the first time. One of them, Sandra*, had suffered cancer. God had healed her after difficult treatments in the hospital. The other two women, Tere and Abi*, were friends who were prepared to pray for missionaries and hear about OM.

That night was dedicated to “The effective blessing”. Attendees asked themselves how they could bless another person specifically, coming up with various ideas of how to do that.

Tere said she would like to pray for and bless someone else with physical health, because she had experienced the pain of losing her mother to cancer.

“At some point I did not understand why God didn’t heal my mother,” she shared in the meeting, “even though I had prayed so much for her healing.”

To live is Christ

Meanwhile, Sandra shared about her own suffering and struggles with cancer. “As a child of God, I believed what the apostle Paul said: ‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain’ (Phil. 1:21; ESV). When I faced the disease, I held the future promises that we have in Jesus.”

If God decided to take her with Him, she said, then she would renounce to her earthly life that very moment. Sandra still currently receives medical care, with no sign of cancer. She’s establishing a foundation to support women with the disease and help them through the Word of God.

That night, Tere was encouraged to leave her grief over the loss of her mother and enjoy the eternal promises that God has for those who persist in the faith. Sandra explained that we can pray for physical healing, but the real urgency is rather praying for the healing of people’s souls and hearts, because it is precisely there that the body is contaminated (Mark 7: 20-23). 

After praying for one another, the ladies felt blessed. They had blessed each other by sharing and praying. What was supposed to be a prayer meeting for missionaries turned into a gathering of women, thanking God for His love and, in turn, blessing the Mexican workers on the mission field with the love of the Almighty.

Love each other

The OM team in Mexico City find it amazing how God works, using OM ministry as an instrument of blessing for the Body of Christ, not only influencing the mission field but also edifying one another in love as Jesus commanded in John 15:17: “This is my command: Love each other” (NIV).

Please pray for Sandra, Tere and Abi to be real-life testimonies to non-believers. Pray also for a permanent office for OM Mexico, where they can organise workshops and meetings more easily. Pray that those who have attended activities with OM Mexico would contribute to a greater missions awareness in the country.

*Names changed

Mexico is where George’s missionary adventure began, in 1964 when he was just 19 years old.

“Prayer ladies can send you far away and give a huge turn to your life,” he said in a speech to 200 guests in a missions event hosted in his honour in Mexico City in August. “That’s what happened to me. I think that the lady who prayed for me did not want me close to her. She never even spoke to me; she just did a prayer and sent me as far as possible!”

George Verwer was pleased to fellowship with his friends in Mexico and gave thanks for those who have worked with OM during the past 57 years.

“Stand up, all those that have been working with OM,” he said at one point in his speech. “I want to see you! It doesn't matter where you have been working: on the ships, in an outreach, or like my friend Elias who was beside me evangelising when we started in Mexico. Congratulations – applause! Let’s keep moving forward!”

George Verwer’s life has impacted a new generation of future missionaries from Mexico and all of Latin America.

“Believe me, George is a bomb,” said Alex Paniagua, interim field leader of OM Mexico. “The last sermon I translated for him really moved my heart. You don’t notice it’s been 57 years since he started. He is still excited like a teenager!”

The OM founder gave books away to the guests in the event, encouraging them to keep praying for the world, to mobilise the Church, to be involved in trans-cultural missions and to never stop evangelising.

“These books are for you,” he said. “Read them, take the necessary information and share it with others to keep enlarging the vision to the exterior, out of our comfort.”

Furthermore, during three conferences in a church in Mexico City with over 9,000 members, he gave away more than 6,000 books. People waited in line to receive a book from him.

“I haven’t seen such a long line of people waiting for a book, except from the ship’s ministry,” said George, thanking each person for coming and praying for several people who approached him.

At the event, OM Mexico team members shared about opportunities to serve in the mission field. Currently five other missionaries from Mexico are serving with OM around the world.

The Aguilar family, who recently arrived home from serving in Pakistan for seven years, was also present at the event. The OM Mexico staff had a great time connecting and encouraging people who are interested in missions.

George Verwer’s life, ministry and recent visit to the country encouraged the OM Mexico team. Please pray for those who attended the event and for good follow-up by the OM staff, so that more from Mexico would join missions.

She recalls Brisa, a 22-year-old Mexican lady who is glad to have a mission agency near her home. Here, she has learnt more about her call to work in missions, even in the area where she lives.

“Many people have expressed that it is really motivating, but also stimulating for younger generations, to have an agency like OM in the country.” The prayer letters that OM Mexico has sent out recently have been very well received.

It's been two months since OM Mexico started working again after going through several structural changes. Since team members from all over the country gathered together to discuss these changes, the team in Mexico City has been conducting a prayer night every Wednesday in the new office. Several volunteers are present during this weekly meeting.

The team is currently training and mentoring five volunteers to reach out to migrants and girls in prostitution in the country’s capital and other areas. “In their churches, they are testifying about their call to missions,” said Karina.

Also, team members working in OM Mexico’s personnel and communications departments have taken part in intensive training, since previously no people were dedicated to these two areas specifically. This requires more hours of work, good communication and investing time in prayer.

“We need to remember that our principal reason to be involved in the great commission is the fact that we were rescued first by grace to be ministers of the Gospel to those who do not know Him,” said Karina.

Mexico is a big country with many social struggles, diverse cultures and dialects. The OM team is convinced that the country needs Christians working with love and passion. OM Mexico is focusing on relief and development, justice, evangelism and discipleship.

Please pray for OM Mexico to be able to buy their own office in order to develop more skills and trainings.

People who have supported the ministry for several years also attended the meeting, as well as brothers and sisters interested in joining OM Mexico. “It was a good time of fellowship,” said one team member.

The plenary session was held by Daniel Grasman and his wife, Mayra, who recently returned from India. Daniel and Mayra challenged the team to stay strong in unity, to appreciate their brothers and sisters in Christ and to persist in prayer.

Leadership changes

In addition, OM Mexico’s field leader of two years, Andrés Méndez, stepped down from the role. “It has been a privilege to serve with people committed to the missionary work,” he said. “It was a real honour to be a bridge for workers who go to the field and meet the call that God has placed in their hearts.”

Andrés and his wife, Sari, along with their two young boys, will continue to serve with OM Mexico in Hermosillo Sonora. Besides local ministries, they will mobilise locals into missions.

“I have been very blessed during this period,” he told everyone at the meetings. “Now, I’m very quiet, very peaceful about this decision, along with my wife. God is trustworthy, and I know that this is our time to leave the leadership. Thank you for your trust and support. We really appreciate it and hope you keep us in your prayers.”

Provisional leadership of OM Mexico has been taken on by Alex Paniagua, who has served OM for 18 years in countries like India and South Africa, and is currently the leader of both OM Costa Rica and OM Central America.

New staff and office

OM Mexico is currently working on a new structure, but the team remains committed to the work of the Latin missionaries serving on many OM fields. Their vision is to see people and communities transformed through discipleship, justice and relief and development, as well as to motivate, equip and send Latin people into global missions.

With this new structure, OM Mexico has brought on a number of new staff members, including regional leaders and a communications officer. Another change for the team has come with a new office, located in the centre of Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s oldest neighbourhoods.

To learn more about the work of OM in Mexico, visit the website and Facebook page. You can also contact them directly at info.mx@om.org.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Why let the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.” - Psalm 115:1-3 (NLT)

The Butterfly Club is a weekly gathering of 30 young girls in Hermosillo, Mexico. A group of 14 OM volunteers started organising the meetings for 10- to 13-year-old girls who come from a vulnerable environment with broken families that lack many basic resources.

The “Butterflies” attend a governmental orphanage school where they are provided elementary education and three meals a day. They stay there from Monday through Friday and go home with relatives or tutors during the weekend.

During the month of March, the leaders in the Butterfly Club talked with the girls about abuse. “It is always the heaviest topic to teach about but very rewarding,” says OM Mexico team member Sari Mendez. “Especially when we talked about sexual abuse, the girls paid close attention. And no wonder, over 70 per cent of them have experienced some kind of sexual abuse.”

The goal of the programme is to show the girls that what they have gone through is not their fault, and that they can find restoration in Jesus. During the month of classes on abuse, the girls learnt about various types of abuses, the consequences abuse can have and how they can find hope in Jesus.

“Some of the girls opened up about their experiences for the first time,” shares Sari. “During the class on restoration we gave each girl a bracelet with a real pearl reminding them how God can clean us and how we are even more valuable than a beautiful pearl.”

The girls could not believe that they now own a real pearl. More importantly, though, they now feel like one.

OM Mexico decided to pay the community a visit, treat the kids to some candy and bring small gifts. The team presented a simple drama to the children that explained the gospel. “The children were very excited,” said Carla. “This gave us a good opportunity to talk to the adults as well. Usually tribal people tend to be more closed towards outsiders, but this time we were able to talk and share with them.”

Please pray for the people in Guajaray and other tribal communities in Mexico. Many of them don’t know the Lord yet. Pray also for workers to reach these people, who often only speak their own dialect.

“This is the prettiest thing I have ever owned.” With shining eyes, Teresa thanked the volunteers in the Butterfly Club for the Christmas present she had just received: a beautiful butterfly necklace.

Teresa is one of the 10-to-13-year-olds attending OM’s club for girls in Hermosillo, Mexico. The girls come from a vulnerable environment with broken families that lack many basic resources. The “butterflies” attend a governmental orphanage school where they are provided elementary education and three meals a day. They stay there Monday through Friday and go home with relatives or tutors on weekends.

Every week during the Butterfly meetings, they enjoy fun activities with the OM volunteers and talk about God and important topics, such as women’s rights, self-esteem and how to handle abuse and violence.

The club just celebrated Christmas for the third time. All girls had big smiles on their faces when they opened their presents. Besides a necklace, they got a toothbrush, pens, sharpeners and other school materials.

“We explained the true reason behind this celebration,” said OM team member Sari. “Then we played games, like trying to remember all the five Bible verses the girls had learnt in the previous months.” The winner got a beautiful butterfly Bible. “It has been amazing to see the girls’ desire to learn the verses,” said Sari. “This is an encouragement for us, knowing that the Word never returns void.”

At the same time, the teenage boys in the Eagle Club celebrated Christmas as well. A little over a year ago, OM Mexico started offering a club for the boys in the school too. During the Christmas celebration, they used the Wordless Book to talk about salvation.

“It seemed that the boys never put so much attention to the class as they did this time,” said leader of the club Rafael. “Many of them accepted Jesus as their Saviour.”

It’s not always easy for the OM team in Hermosillo to work with these kids, who come from broken families and have never heard about Christ. “But the work in the Butterfly and Eagle club is so close to our hearts,” said Sari. “We share with them about Jesus and talk about life values and the importance of restoration, hoping that one day these butterflies and eagles will fly in the freedom of Christ.”

"The idea is that everyone brings 10 clothing and accessory items from their closet with them, that they are ready to say goodbye to," explains Sari Mendez from OM Mexico. The entrance cost to the event is five dollars and provides the participants with two tickets that they can change for a clothing or an accessory item.

Each girl places her things on her given spot. When everyone is ready, the clock is set and the exchanging starts. When someone is interested in someone else's item, she leaves a ticket at her station. This gives the previous owner a chance to exchange the ticket for another item.

"This was the first time we organised an event like this," says Sari. "There were 30 women participating and many went back home happily with 10 new pieces of clothes or accessories." It was fun to do “economic shopping” like this, she says. "But the best of it all is that all the funds are going to help missions projects in Mexico. That is called shopping with good conscience."

Now imagine that you are four years old. You are wet because of the rain. You’re cold, afraid of the thunder and looking for shelter, but there is none. You take a wet cardboard box to cover yourself. Leaning against a wall you pray that the storm would be over, or at least that you wouldn’t be afraid and alone.

“This is the story of tens of millions street kids in the world,” said OM Mexico team member Sari Mendez to the audience at the Damasco missions conference in Caborca, Mexico, in August. She challenged them to consider what they would do with this information.

Damacso conferences, organised in partnership with the Union Transforma movement, focus on encouraging young people to reach out to the world through missions. The participants were challenged through videos, dramas, games and God’s Word to share the gospel with the nations. OM participated in most of the workshops, and Andres Mendez, director of OM Mexico, was the keynote speaker.

It wasn’t all theory at the conference, though. The participants also put things to practice. In the evening, they headed to a local park to make noise with songs, games and clowns. Soon, an audience had gathered around them. The group shared testimonies of how Jesus is the answer.

Many participants at the conference left challenged to do their part in missions. Madeline, one participant, commented that she had learnt that even though she is not able to go into missions herself, she can make a difference through her prayer. “North Korea, here I come,” she said, smiling.

“God, give me 800 young people and I promise You we’re going to intercede for the nations of the earth,” said David Villanueva, the coordinator of the Transform Union and organiser of large mission events in Mexico. On the 24 March, about 800 people united in the auditorium of the ExpoForum in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Various missionary agencies participated in the event, called Expomision, as well as local ministries that have one common goal: to take the good news of salvation to the unreached.

OM Mexico was one of these agencies. “God is looking for people who are willing to believe, trust and give themselves entirely to glorify Jesus,” said Andres Mendez, leader of OM in Sonora. “We have believed and seen God at work amongst us and we know that He is calling us to seek and honour Him.” The event made it clear that God is not looking for perfect people, Andres says. “He is looking for people who are willing.”

The Expomision also gave the mission organisations a platform to share about the work they’re doing and give the young people an opportunity to get involved. OM Mexico is thankful for events like these, where they can connect with other organisations and meet new people interested in missions.

At the end of last year, a group of 10 with an OM Mexico project, Sheltering with Love, brought 150 blankets, medicine and other supplies to indigenous people in the remote area of the Mexican state of Chiapas. In addition, they shared from the Word of God.   

“When we arrived, our brothers and sisters were already waiting for us,” says OMer Felicitas Cisneros. After spending some time with the people, it became apparent to the team that the Christians in the two communities had grown spiritually since the last time they had visited.

The team held Bible studies with the children and teenagers. “It was a blessing to be with the teenagers in these places and share with them a little bit from the Bible,” says Efrain, a participant in the outreach. He shared about the integrity of Daniel and challenged them to follow his example. “While I was doing that, I noticed that they all knew the Ten Commandments,” he says. “I felt a great compassion for them and was able to see the big spiritual needs they have.”

At first Efrain found it difficult to interact with the teens because most of them were shy towards strangers, but after he played games with them, they were much friendlier. “I could tell that they really had learnt something,” he said. In his first Bible class, only six teens attended. But 27 showed up for the second one.

Efrain shares that in the end, he realised that God had put a special love in his heart for the teens: “I hope that one day I will be able to go back and continue to share a bit more about everything that the Almighty has taught me.”

According to Felicitas, the Christians in the community were praying to have their own church building and shared this with her on a previous visit. During this trip, the team was able to bring a donation for the construction of the building. “It was a small offering, but we trust that the Lord will multiply it,” says Felicitas. “We thank God for everything that He allowed us to do for His glory and honour.”

On top of giving out blankets, the team delivered 22 boxes of food supplies, medicine and baby clothing to the communities. The volunteers gave workshops on healthcare and distributed anti-parasite medicine—an urgent need they had observed during the previous visit.  

The team then went to San Francisco, a town without electricity. The electric company has installed posts for electricity, but the community needs to pay over 1,700 US dollars to the local government to get the cables connected to the network. The OM team asks for prayer for this situation, as the community is too poor to pay this amount.

“We thank God that we have been able to visit the people in these communities,” says Felicitas. “We know that God is working in their lives. Please pray with us for both their economic and spiritual situation.”

“For us who aren’t used to being in heights like this, this was quite a tiring experience,” said one of the participants in the outreach organised by the OM team in Sonora, Mexico. “Even the least physical efforts made us feel exhausted. We were all out of breath.”

But despite the unusual environment, the team still brought the good news of Christ to the men, women and children of the Huichol tribe.

During the first day, the team offered activities for children. “It was very interesting to see that the kids remembered immediately everything we taught them,” one participant said. “We found that no one ever before had talked to them about the love of God. They had never had a Bible class. They were really eager to hear it all and learned the things rapidly.”

In different meetings for men and women, the team members could see how God started to restore the lives of many people.

“It was definitely worth it to have travelled two days to get to these people,” said OM Sonora team leader Andres Mendez. “I believe that God made them and put them in these mountains. With this visit we have been able to really understand the value of the churches in our community and share some of the love we receive in Christ with the Huichol people.”

Please pray that a firm church would be established in the Huichol community, and that many people will grow in their knowledge of God and His Word. Please also pray that God will prepare and send out more workers to this area.

“The people are ready to receive the Word,” said Pastor Waldo Castro. “But we need more workers to bring it to them.”

They began with songs of praise and worship, and a former drug addict gave his testimony. They performed a drama and preached from the Word of God, challenging the inmates. Several men were touched by the message and tears ran down their cheeks. “This filled our hearts with joy,” says Tami, coordinator of the programme.

As soon as the service finished, it was time to pass out the food. “We prayed for God to multiply the food,” says Tami. “By the end of the service there were 200 men attending.” Their prayer was answered. “I could hardly believe it, but it happened. As we were handing the food out to the inmates, it didn’t run out. We even had enough plates and spoons for 200 men!”

Tami and her team were amazed by this miracle. “When we gave food to the last person in line, it finally ran out. God’s name be praised!”

Lucila’s foot was bandaged, but she didn’t really know what was wrong with it. Though she wasn’t able to stand on her foot, she didn’t have the money to go see a doctor. Lucila, a member of the Faith, Hope and Love Church in Santa María Huatulco, Mexico, met OMer Isabel García during the OM Mexico July outreach in the state of Oaxaca.  

 “She told me she had seen a doctor once,” says Isabel. “But he didn’t really give her a solution.” Isabel promised the lady she’d pray for her. In her heart she felt that she needed to do something for her.

During the following days, Isabel preached during a women’s conference in the same area. To her surprise, Lucila attended. “Again, I felt that I had to do something for her,” says Isabel. She asked Paty, one of the participants in the outreach, if there would be a doctor amongst all the ladies attending the conference. There was. Paty and Isabel presented Lucila to doctor Mitzar and told her about the problem with her foot.

Lucila took off her bandage and her foot was black. Doctor Mitzar asked Lucila to come to the hospital the next day. She was diagnosed with a virus in her foot and doctor Mitzar made sure she’d get all the treatment she needed for her foot to be healed. “It was godly provision,” says Isabel. “Praise God for the miracles He does.”

Some were stuck on the main roads, due to mud slides and heavy rainfall. Others were coping with mosquito bites, stomach infections and casual accidents. For many of the participants, it was their first experience on an outreach with OM Mexico.

The location for this year’s July outreach was the popular tourist spot of Huatulco, Oaxaca. It was OM’s first time working in this area in Mexico. Because the humidity is extremely high in this part of the country and the average temperature is around 35˚C (95˚F), a few more participants than normal struggled with health issues. But in the end, it was all worth it.

Together with the brothers and sisters of 17 churches, the OM teams focused on sharing the gospel, using sports, dance, drama, balloons, songs, sketch board and children's programmes. In total, 67 volunteers joined in from different parts of Mexico and some from other countries.

Worth the sacrifice

Two boys from the city of Monterrey managed to raise enough finances to participate in the outreach by selling products on the streets. “As a result of being out in the sun all day, one of them got dermatitis in his back,” says Felicitas Cisneros, coordinator of the outreach. “But when he arrived in Huatulco, he told us he was happy that he did it because it gave him a chance to do what he desires most: to preach the gospel.”

But when he arrived in Huatulco, he told us he was happy that he did it because it gave him a chance to do what he desires most: to preach the gospel

During the two weeks of outreach, participants distributed 35,000 tracts, organised 35 meetings in the open air, gave seminars for youth, men, women, businessmen, pastors and leaders and worked in 25 communities in Huatulco and its surroundings. Some of these communities had great needs. Three participants from Canada responded right away to the extreme poverty they encountered and bought 43 blankets for families in one community.

Worth the hassle

Many people heard the gospel through the activities presented. “What really motivated many of us to look on Jesus Christ at all times was the fact that several people came to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour,” shares Tonje Eklund, a participant.

What really motivated many of us to look on Jesus Christ at all times was the fact that several people came to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Tonje particularly remembers a sixteen-year-old girl named Yasmin. “She entered the church enthusiastically in the morning when we as an OM team arrived in her small village,” says Tonje. “She stayed to watch the clowns performing and listened to the gospel being preached in many ways during the day. She came back for the afternoon football match between the OM team and locals. Just beside the tank of fresh water for the players, she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour.”

The story of Yasmin motivated the team a lot, says Tonje: “They show us that it is worth the hassle, and that nothing of our work is in vain.” Felicitas also expresses her thankfulness to the Lord for the lives of the participants who worked hard and struggled in the outreach. “We will continue to pray for them,” she says. “We give the honour and glory to God for everything He has done during this outreach, and for what He will continue to do in our country.”

He opened his heart. He talked about things he had never talked to anyone about. “We told him there was only one way to get rid of his problems,” says Isabel. “That was to accept Jesus in his life, and to persist in following him. We told him this wouldn’t be anything easy, and that he would need to be firm in his decision.”

In the end, he decided to accept Christ. “His decision made a huge impact on me,” says Isabel. “It was a courageous decision. In these situations it’s the Holy Spirit who gives freedom and peace. Not just to this guy, but also to his family.”

Alonso was 70 when he started his studies at the Bible seminary in Ocosingo. He studied, preached, and provided a small income for his family by cleaning coffee or picking corn. His children remember their father coming home after preaching and immediately going to work in the field.

His passion for God’s work grew more every day and many people came to know Jesus through him. Alonso told his children to pray for the seeds that had been planted – one day they might see the fruit.

The example of a faithful servant

One night, while he was studying in the Bible seminary, Pastor Alonso died of a heart attack. The members of the church where he preached held a retreat in his memory. They prayed and fasted on a mountain, a forty-minute walk from their homes.

It filled Alonso’s wife and family with joy to see these communities that had moved away from God reunite again. Some of the people cried because they realised they hadn’t been doing what Jesus commanded — to go and preach the gospel. The example Alonso had set encouraged other believers to continue preaching to extend the kingdom of God.

During a recent outreach in the community of Chiapas, the OM Mexico team could see some of the fruit from the seeds Alonso had planted. “The community in San Francisco, Chiapas has a small church building now,” says Felicitas, OM Mexico short-term outreach coordinator. “More and more people are coming to the services.”

The physical needs of the community, however, remain great. A few months before the outreach, Felicitas had received medicine and vitamins to give out. “This was a blessing,” she says. “There is a lot of malnutrition.” With a group of five people, including a doctor, she visited five communities in Chiapas. The doctor was able to give medical consultation to 50 to 60 people a day during the week-long outreach. “She said she had never seen that many people during a day,” says Felicitas.

God at work in these communities

Because of water shortage, wells are dry in the area and this causes health problems for the people. “We’d like to do more for these communities,” says Felicitas. “It would be nice to get them water tanks so they can store water. They need blankets because starting from September it is freezing cold out there. We’d also like to continue giving them medical attention and, most of all, anti-parasite medicine.”

The team members preached in three of the five communities and were able to encourage many people during the trip. “God is at work in these communities,” she says. “And we thank God for being able to be part of it.”

“Every caterpillar is born with the potential to become a new creation - a beautiful butterfly.” This principle is the basis for the ‘Butterfly Club’, a weekly gathering of thirty young girls in Hermosillo, Mexico. A group of fourteen OM volunteers recently started organising the meetings for ten- to thirteen-year-olds. They come from a vulnerable environment with broken families that lack many basic resources.

The ‘Butterflies’ attend a governmental orphanage school where they are provided elementary education and three meals a day. They stay there from Monday through Friday and go home with relatives or tutors during the weekend.

“We have the great opportunity to meet the girls once a week at the orphanage and teach them important topics, such as women’s rights, self-esteem and how to handle abuse and violence,” says team leader Marcela. The volunteers organise activities for the girls, talk with them about God and help them see His purpose for their lives.

T-shirts for the girls

As a way to identify themselves as a part of the Butterfly Club team, the volunteers each wear a blue t-shirt with a big butterfly on it. In its wings, it has words such as beautiful, great value, generous, confident, smart and creative. Whenever a girl graduates from the orphanage school and leaves the club, she receives a t-shirt. “We invite people to partner with us by buying a girl a t-shirt,” says Marcela. “This is also a great way to let people know about the club and the needs these teenage girls have.”

The girls’ needs are huge, she says. Recently, the team was confronted with this fact again through the story of fourteen-year-old Rosita. “Since she was a baby, she has been in five different orphanages. None of them were able to help her,” says Marcela. “We invited her to join our club every Thursday, but she would never come.”

A while ago, she escaped from the school and ran to the middle of a very busy street. She knelt down, hoping that a car would hit and kill her. Fortunately, somebody saw her. After wrestling with this person, Rosita was taken back to the school. The staff at the orphanage had no other option but to take her once again to another place.

“To us, Rosita is a caterpillar that was born with the potential to become a new creation,” says Marcela. “We pray that she will be able to become what God intended for her to be: a beautiful butterfly, flying in hope and purpose.”

From a worm to a butterfly

The butterflies in the club are in a healing process, Marcela says. “We are so blessed to be part of this metamorphosis. The ministry is growing. The orphanage principal is asking us to extend the club for younger girls. We’re just starting with a club for the boys as well.”

Praise God for the open doors in the orphanage school and the changes the team is witnessing in the girls’ attitudes. Please pray for wisdom, God’s guidance and more people and resources for the club as it continues to grow.

Marcela and her team are anxious to see more butterflies develop. “None of them is destined to be a plain worm. They have a God-given future, filled with beauty, hope, vision and purpose.”

Nacido para ser hermosa

"Cada oruga nace con el potencial de convertirse en una nueva creación - una hermosa mariposa." Este principio es la base para el 'Club de la mariposa', una reunión semanal de treinta chicas en Hermosillo, México. Un grupo de catorce voluntarios OM recientemente comenzaron a organizar las reuniones de diez a trece años de edad. Vienen de un medio ambiente vulnerable a las familias rotas que muchos carecen de recursos básicos.

Las 'mariposas' asisten a una escuela orfanato gubernamental donde se les proporciona la educación primaria y tres comidas al día. Se quedan allí de lunes a viernes, a casa de familiares o tutores durante el fin de semana.

"Tenemos la gran oportunidad para conocer a las chicas una vez por semana en el orfanato y les enseñan temas importantes, tales como los derechos de las mujeres, la autoestima y cómo enfrentar el maltrato y la violencia," dice el jefe del equipo de Marcela. Los voluntarios organizan actividades para las chicas, hablar con ellos acerca de Dios y ayudarlos a ver su propósito para sus vidas.

Camiseta para las chicas

Como una forma de identificarse como parte del equipo del Mariposa Club, los voluntarios llevan camisetas azules con una mariposa grande en él. En sus alas, que tiene palabras tales como "hermosa, de gran valor, generosidad, confianza, inteligente y creativa." Cada vez que una chica se gradúa de la escuela orfanato y deja el club, que recibe una camiseta así." Invitamos a la gente a asociarse con nosotros, la compra de una niña de una camiseta. Esto también es una buena manera de dar a conocer el club y las necesidades de estos adolescentes tienen."

Esas necesidades son enormes, dice Marcela. Recientemente, el equipo se enfrentó con ese hecho, una vez más a través de la historia de catorce años de edad, Rosita. "Desde que era una bebé, ha sido en cinco diferentes orfanatos. Ninguno de ellos era capaz de ayudarla. La invitamos a unirse a nuestro club, todos los jueves, pero ella nunca llegaría."

Hace un tiempo, ella se escapó de la escuela y corrió hacia la mitad de una calle muy transitada. Se arrodilló, con la esperanza de que un coche se golpeara y matarla. Afortunadamente, alguien la vio. Después de luchar con esta persona, Rosita fue llevado de regreso a la escuela. El personal del orfanato no tenía otra opción que llevar a su vez más a otro lugar.

"Para nosotros, Rosita es una oruga que nace con el potencial de convertirse en una nueva creación," dice Marcela. "Oramos para que ella será capaz de convertirse en lo que Dios quería que ella sea. Una hermosa mariposa, que vuelan en la esperanza y el propósito."

Desde gusano normal a mariposa

Las mariposas en el club están en un proceso de curación, dice ella. "Estamos muy afortunada de ser parte de esta metamorfosis. El ministerio está creciendo. El director de orfanato nos pide ampliar el club para las niñas más jóvenes. Estamos empezando con un club para los chicos también."

Alaba a Dios por las puertas abiertas en la escuela orfanato y los cambios que el equipo está siendo testigo de las actitudes de las chicas. Por favor, orar por la sabiduría, la guía de Dios y más gente y recursos para el club, ya que sigue creciendo.

Marcela y su equipo están ansiosos por ver más mariposas vuelan. "Ninguno de ellos está destinado a ser un gusano plano. Tienen un futuro dado por Dios, lleno de belleza, esperanza, visión y propósito.”

Between 17 and 23 December, the team of OM Mexico and a group of volunteers gave away 200 sandals to children in the poor Mexican farming state of Chiapas. “It was incredible to see how excited the children were to have their own shoes,” said OM Mexico team member Felicitas Cisneros. “The majority of them had been walking barefoot most of their lives.”

It was the second time that the OM Mexico team visited the southern state of Chiapas, which used to be a strong anti capitalistic rebellious community. Fourteen people travelled together for fourteen hours by bus from Mexico City to San Cristóbal, six hours to Ocosingo, seven more hours in a pickup truck to the entrance of San Francisco and finally an hour and a half walk to the community.

Besides kids’ sandals, they brought medicine, vitamins and baby formula. Doctors came along to provide medical care for families, mostly with 10 or 12 children. Team members showed mothers how to feed their children the best way with the little food they have. Malnourished babies received vitamins; children were taught how to best take care of themselves.

In the midst of providing practical help, the team members shared various Bible studies with the kids, teenagers, men and women. Every group had its own special time of teaching. The volunteers also helped to change the construction of their small community church from cane to wood. “They wanted to have a better house for God,” added Felicitas.

Cold

At night, the community suffers from the cold because of a lack of good blankets. “At last we finally understood why they got up at one or two o’clock in the morning to make tortillas,” said Felicitas. “They did that so that they could warm themselves by the fire that was needed to cook.”

Felicitas remembers a newborn baby crying because of the cold. “We gave the mother a blanket to cover her with, and then she stopped crying. She was simply cold. This broke my heart. I’m praying that we can go back to Chiapas soon to bring blankets for the people.”

A participant says that the friendly attitude of the people in the community impacted her a lot. “They always gave us the best. It didn’t matter if they weren’t able to eat; we were always the first to receive.”

The participant added that it was a huge blessing for her to be able to bless others in Chiapas. Meanwhile, God used this mission to confirm her calling in very tangible way. “Blessed be the name of God who uses every ministry to let us get to the call He has for us.”

I went through a hard time, but God took me out of that situation and now I only want to serve Him

One afternoon the team did a painting workshop and the kids loved it. One woman told the team members afterwards, “I was sad and worried about my young children before you came, because I was afraid that they would one day start taking drugs. Now I understand that if I become a Christian and God is with me, He Himself will start working in my children; they, too, can become Christians, and be freed of the addictions of this world. This is what I ask of God.”

A 13-year-old teenager admitted that when he was 11 he had started taking drugs and gotten addicted. “I went through a hard time,” he said, “but God took me out of that situation and now I only want to serve Him. I’m not ashamed to be a Christian!”

‘God went ahead of us’

“I read somewhere that nothing happens the same way twice,” says Felicitas, one of the team members. “And this outreach proved this saying true. We witnessed God’s powerful hand working at all times.” The people were very hungry to hear about Jesus, she says, and young people were willing to share the gospel.

“One afternoon when I visited homes door-to-door I spoke to two children, 8 and 10 years old, who were playing with a computer game. ‘Would you like to know more about Jesus?’ I asked. They answered yes so I suggested I could do so after they finished their game. But one of them said, ‘No, let’s talk now!’ Their answer was a real joy to me, so I started sharing Jesus with them…

I didn’t realize that two more children had also come close to listen, as well as two women and the owner of the home. When I finally asked them whether they wanted to receive Jesus in their lives, they all said, ‘yes’! It was proof that God had prepared their hearts for that moment. We are only asked to share the love of Christ, and the Holy Spirit does the rest.”

She also had the opportunity to share with a lovely little girl whose hands were very injured as a consequence of working in a peanut field.” Juanita had been working from very early that morning and was very tired. But she wanted to hear about Jesus, and invited Him into her life. I found out that her father is the town ‘witch’ who claims supernatural powers. Please pray that God will now reveal Himself to Juanita’s family!”

God´s glory flowing

Team member Joshua Hernandez says that during the two weeks of the outreach in Irapuato he witnessed God’s Glory flowing through clay vases and burning hearts. “I could really see the talents He had given my team-members Lolita, Miriam, Gaby, Obed, and my team-leader, Lety,” he says.

“Let me start with the first day. It was such a blessing to not only knock on doors, but on the hearts of the people we met - and just hear the children scream with joy at receiving a simple balloon. For children from families with more money, this would mean nothing. But for these kids, balloons were big gifts. We also did programmes with clowns, mimes, and puppets, and gave out sweets. Day after day, door after door, step by step we could see God’s love poured out in the hearts of these little ones. It was a silent kind of ministry in places where sin abounds, but where God’s people lightened lives.”

The team worked from early in the morning till late at night for a week in one of the poorest and neediest communities, called the Apatzingan colony. After that the team moved to the outskirts of the city to leave a print of Christ in the colony called Los Príncipes. Fifty kids heard the gospel each day and took it back home with them. “One day we will see the impact of that fruit in the lives of these children.”

In Peñuelas, 30 minutes from Irapuato in a community called Tareta, the team brought God’s living water to dry places, amongst real hungry people. They used horns, clowns and flyers. “It was as if Jesus Himself was walking through those streets. We had strong winds, black clouds and sound problems. But in spite of that, the Lord’s message went out to this small community which needed His love so badly. Both children and adults accepted Christ into their lives. It was hard to say goodbye to them. But we have faith that Jesus will water and perfect the seeds of faith that were planted there.”

They were on an exposure programme with India por Herencia, a partner organisation of OM Latin America. ‘God gave us the privilege to take our lights to the children of the railway station’, says Mariana, one of the participants.

‘These children are forced to leave their homes at a very young age. They are sent into the streets and trains, travelling from one city to another, to beg for money. Many are injured and mutilated in order to receive more money. This makes them easy prey to human trafficking and many of them end up in crime and violence, drug-addicted, abused and sexually exploited.’

The participants of the exposure programme met the children in a shelter that offers a different reality. For a moment there, they could enjoy the music, teaching, games and movies that we provided for them. Even though it was just for a few hours, they could enjoy what they are again: kids.

Dalit Centres

In New Delhi, the team started with a few days of cultural orientation. They visited churches and got to know a group for women and children who are victims of human trafficking.

In Lucknow, the participants worked in projects directed by other Latin people. The group installed a water pump for the Tharus, a native community living close to Nepal. They painted doors and benches in a school and visited sick people in a village.

The team also paid a visit to the Dalit school in Lucknow, attended by 400 students of the community that’s generally known as ‘untouchable’ in India. OM’s sister organisation OMIF runs a hundred of these Dalit Education Centres in the country, with a total of 21,000 students.

In Kachhwa, the participants organised a programme for children, handed out food to them and painted walls in a hospital. They moved on to Varanasi, where they spent time with street children in the railway station and then moved on to Kolkata. In the Latin Cultural Centre there, the participants taught Spanish classes.

Incredible

Finally, after passing by New Delhi one more time, they arrived in Gurgaon to visit a home for 40 children and a rehabilitation centre for men and women. The team had a great experience living together with the kids, men and women there. ‘We were able to listen to their stories and encourage them,’ they said.

‘India is incredible,’ says Alejandra, one of the participants. ‘This country will definitely stay in my heart.’ Hernando, another participant, says that it made him happy to realise that Jesus is the same, anytime and anywhere. ‘Jesus continues to change lives in Mexico and India, and like His word says, to the ends of the world.’

Please pray for the people the team visited during the programme. And pray that many more Latin Americans may catch the vision to serve in India and other countries.