Mission Oppertunity

[Jimmie Lu]

We had an overwhelming response for a trip to be organized to take others into Mexico. So we are in the planning stages of doing just that. We are aiming for a time in March/April. We need at least 20 people and no more than 30 to go for your costs will be $250 plus travel expenses. You will be responsable to get to Texas The $250 pays for the construction of the house and meals. You will be provided a place to sleep near the church and 3 meals. We will also be spliting the cost of water equally.5-7 gallons are needed at the site per team per day. I am going to be as honest as I can this will not be a pleasure trip we will be doing the construction of a house. Street evangelism and revival services every day we are there. It is poverty stricken but the people are friendly and willing/hungry for the gospel. If you are interested you can ask questions here and I will reply here. If you are serious about committing to go please email me. You can also visit www.lgom.net to view picture and read about what happens in Mexico. This is a boarder town not deep in the heart of Mexico. You do not need any particular skills and you will be provided with interpreters. Thanks for all your support for our past trip. :)

[Jackie]

Sorry if I seem to be asking dumb questions, but I'm doing so that there will NO misunderstandings. I'm sure you know what I mean! How will children be included in that? Is there an age requirement? I'm talking here about children being accompanied with parents, not young people going on their own with the team. Keep in mind taht my youngest, if we were to go would only be 5. How does the cost figure in for a family? $250 per person, or per family? Thanks, Jimmy Lu! In all honesty, I can't see us going because of the March/April time. We're pretty much tied down during the public school year, but am still intereste. God often has a way of working things out that are simply inconceivable to us!

[Brooke]

I am anxious to hear how old the kids have to be (mine are 5 and 8) and how the cost figures in. That time of year should work well for us. We obviously can't commit until we know what our financial obligation would be, but at least there would be plenty of time to earn it. We have wanted to find a mission trip the entire family can go on! I'm so excited to learn more!!!!! :D

[Brooke]

ROFLOL..... :lol: ....my son is 8 but he'll be happy to know that the forum thinks it's [/i]cool 8)

[Jimmie Lu]

Age does factor in. Keep in mind that the $250 pays not only for the house construction but for the 2 meals per day the church doesnt provide. I will ask some more questions on how other teams factor age I do know that they will use all ages. Children who are only 5 will still be able to help clear away dishes after meals and can participate in church by singing or street witnessing to other children their ages. I imagine if we are taking 25 adult or older kids then then the cost could be adjusted for the younger ones. I personally will be taking my 5 yr old and he will work. He can do jobs like take water to workers at the site, clean up after meals, and pass out care bags or Bible tracs. He was with us this summer and he did a wonderful job witnessing for Jesus. So if you are asking can little ones go?? Sure. and I will ask what other teams do for the Cost?? Ok?

[Jimmie Lu]

And Jackie--- Hubby sent you before to PA maybe who knows he will send you to Mexico!!! lol :lol:

[CrystalB9]

My husband and I have talked for yrs about doing mission work. We knew we didnt want to fly, we wanted it to be something we could do as a family and we wanted it to be an educational life experience for all of us. My kids and I do community service projects every yr. Usually we collect items for pregnancy clinics. I would love to go on this mission, but I want to make sure it is where God wants us. My husband and I are praying and we have talked to family members who are praying for us.
Any and all details you can give us Jimmie Lu would be great. I know you gave us a time frame and talked about $. I am also curious how the sleeping arrangements work, is the food safe to eat, I have heard about not being able to drink the water or anything that is cooked in the water. Is is safe for the children to be there? What types of items would we be collecting to take along with us to give to the people? Example, what are their needs? Is there any other place, site, book I can get my hands on to read up on mission work?

Volunteering instills pride, encourages growth and strengthens our sense of community. - George W. Bush

[Jimmie Lu]

Ok good questions and the more everyone asks the more everyone knows so do not feel funnt about asking. I can assure you the food is safe. Larry and I will be bringing alot of the food we eat in with us and we ate at a families house there and we are ok. We did not get sick from the food. As I mentioned we will all split the cost of water equally as it takes 5-8 gals a day for the site. We will buy the water state side and will take all possible measures to ensure no one gets sick.If you can look at a map of Mexico and find Reynosa Mexico that is the major city near the town we will be at. Like I said before I will try to be as honest as I can. Larry and I will be driving down and we are going to plan some fundrasiers as there are others from PA wanting to go. I sure hope and Pray you and Rod the children will go with us. The area we were in and will be going is safe. As far as sleeping the church there has a dorm/mess hall for us to sleep in and eat in. We are responsable for breakfast and lunch the church ladies cook dinner. Larry and I are trying to make sure enough people go so we cover the cost of building the house and food. You are responsable to get to Texas. Like I said Larry and I will drive. It will make your trip longer if you drive. You may want to check into renting an RVfor your family. However you will have boarder trouble getting a rented RV in and there is more insurance costs as well. But I am sure we can ask Tom and Shelia to leave it in Texas at there hosue if you wish. We own our RV so it will not be that big of a deal.

As far as what we are taking. we will collect personal care products just like before. I am not sure if we will get to an orphanage but there are plenty of kids on the street to give coloring books and such to.
I hope I have addressed your questions well. Keep asking!!!

[Jimmie Lu]

Sorry you asked about a site and I will direct you to the site of the missionaries in Mexico.
www.lgom.net
Go to Mission oppertunities and click on "Build Mexico"
My kids were there and we at no time were in any danger.

[Jackie]

But Hubby knew that PA was only going to be for two days, which meant we only needed two days of babysitters, for one child. I'm with Crystal...if we do it, I want it to be a FAMILY thing. Actually, we discussed it briefly last night. I told you I would have him pray about "something" and see what God told him. Well, last night I was thinking about it (because you had posted), and so it was on my mind. He looked at me and asked "What are you thinking about?" So I decided to tell him...Missions! He gave me a look and asked, "Is that what I've been praying about?" So I told him about your trip, but mentioned it would be March/April. I think that pretty much dismissed it for him. Like I said, God would have to do a real work to get us to go at that time of the year!

Crystal, last year I planned on going to a nursing home right up the road from us where they have very involved handicapped children living. These children are too involved to attend school, and there's a teacher that teaches full time out of there. It's under the program I use to teach with, so I know the teacher. She's a Christian gal that use to attend DH's church when we were first married. The goal was to call Chris and see if we could volunteer to come and help maybe twice a month. I never did it last year, but it's been on my mind again this year. So, one month from now, could you please hold me accountable and ask me if I've set up for my kids to visit the nursing home regularly? Some of my wonderful goals will never happen until someone gets on my case about the, LOL!

[Jimmie Lu]

I was only teasing you Jackie!! :lol:

[CrystalB9]

Absolutely Jackie!! I will check in with you in about a month and see where you are with the nursing home. That sounds wonderful. :D

When we collected items for a newly opened pregnancy center last yr my kids and I never dreamed of the impact it would have on us!! The ladies at the center were so thankful, they gave my kids a field trip of the center showing them how the items we collected would help young mothers. By the end of the day the lady in charge came to tears when she thanked us again. As I leaned for a tissue myself I noticed my sons were wiping their eyes as well. How awesome is that? I cant even begin to tell you how that made me feel. I dont think my feet even hit the ground when I walked out of there. I wanted them to remeber how they felt at that moment so I had them write a journal page about our day at the center. They mostly wrote about how proud they felt for helping others, but what really touched me was my oldest thanked God for one of the best days of his life.

[CrystalB9]

Thank you for answering my questions Jimmie Lu. I hope it works out for us to go too! If I think of any more questions I will let you know. For now, the only thing I can think of that would keep me from going would be if I would become pregnant. Rod and I are trying to conceive. As I keep saying - all in His timing.

[Jimmie Lu]

Ok Crystal when I set the actual date I will let you know about deposits and payment/ fundraisers etc... We will work with everyone who wants to go. In fact we were offered the oppertunity to advertise for sponsers. Like a person who can not go but has the $$$ can give to someone who needs help paying. Like the 9 of you!! lol

[CrystalB9]

Jimmie Lu we would want the drive as a part of the experience. Why would we have trouble at the border with a rented vehicle? Would it make any difference if it was a rented 15 passenger van?

[Jimmie Lu]

No if you fly and rent a van at the airport you will need extra insurance.(nerves of steel) :lol: There driving is very aggressive there so you will need to explain at the rental place that you are going into Mexico and they will help you with the right paper work.
I am also working on getting some big businesses to donate some finances to help anyone who is serious about going with $$$$
Keep praying!!!!

[CrystalB9]

No flying here. 9 airline tickets?? Ouch on the pocket. :shock:
i just thought if we didnt rent an RV we would a very large van for the trip down.

Still praying... :wink:

[Jimmie Lu]

OHHHHH Yes rent an RV we go the cheep way we try to stay in Wal-Mart often This is legal and ocasionally we do a campground It is very inexpensive that way. OHHHH I hope you and Rod the children go. We can travel together if you want it will be awesome.

[CrystalB9]

Oh Jackie!!!! A month is almost up! I am going to ask in a week or so about the nursing home. Hope you had a chance to make it there. Cant wait to hear. I will send you an e-mail early next week. :wink:

Jimmie Lu - I need to talk to you!

[becky]

Jimmie Lu, I can't help with this mission trip, but I'm curious- what do you mean you stay in Wal-Mart?! Here, we see lots of people use the very end of the Wal-Mart parking lot to park RVs and such. Carpools, etc.

[CrystalB9]

I am pretty sure that is what Jimmie Lu means when she says staying at WallMart. Parking RV's in their parking lot.

[becky]

I was thinking of that movie where the girl stayed in Wal-Mart afyter her boyfriend left her! :lol:
Especially in the Supercenters, you could fit a football field. Many people here place cars for sale there, too.

[Jimmie Lu]

That is exactly what I meant. Sam Walton was an RVer and he left that stipulation that we can park free of charge. We have found that some cities will not allow you to do so esspecially in Oregon. It is inexpensive also you do need to camp once in a while for the laundry etc.. Kids>>.... you know, We always have a great time and you can do alot of street ministry in a parking lot!!! :lol:

[becky]

JimmieLu, I am so glad the Lord brought you into my life, because you have been such a good model for me. I stopped all my work in the church after I had my little girl, and it's good to see someone so busy for the Father!

[Brooke]

We are still up in the air about the trip. We have some things that might change our location or available time so I'll continue to pray.

Forgive me if this has already been covered, but what is the schedule for "downpayments" and such? I need to be reminded of deadlines from time to time. Thanks!

[Jimmie Lu]

Sorry Brooke I have not set up payments and all I am going to require a 10% deposit for the holding of the trip and I also am looking into some resources that we will not have such a $$$$ burden like Crystal has 9 in her family and a few are smaller soooo..... when you know you are going email me and we will work it out!!! Real flexable here!!

[Jackie]

Crystal, the teachers report back to school on Monday. I was kind of waiting until then to call Chris. She's officially a teacher for the local school district, with her "classroom" actually AT the nursing home. My guess is that she doesn't have a "real" classroom, but goes from room to room, working one-on-one with the individual children. The nursing home will also send out children that are physically capable of doing so to the school; I had one of these children in my classroom. They will travel to/from school with a full-time nurse who really does nothing except sit outside the classroom unless they're needed. I'm planning on calling Monday or Tuesday; I may call my old school on Monday and leave a message, because I know Chris will have to check in there for the first-day meetings. So ask me again in about a week!

[CrystalB9]

Great Jackie!! Then I will wait a little longer before I get in contact with you to see how it is going. Sounds like you have it all worked out.
A friend of mine has just asked me to try to organize something with kids of our hs co-op to visit the elderly in a near by nursing home on a regular basis. I would really like to try and get something set up. We'll see.

[CrystalB9]

Ok Jackie fill me in on whats going on with you. :D
My girls started girl scouts homeschool division this year. They just made table decorations yesterday for the dinner tables at a rest home. Made me think of you so I thought I'd see how you were coming with your project.
It can be hard to find the time or make the time to do the things you want to. I have really been wanting to set up a community service project with my hs group but havent gotten it started yet. Maybe you can inspire me!! :wink:

[Jimmie Lu]

Inspiration is my middle name lol!!! This year we are making and donating hats for kids over in Israel and China! 20 hats gets you a patch from the Assemblies of God .
The Vetreans group my mom and I belong to will gladly take your kids as youth volunteers and you get a great certificate for counting hours. We are counting the hat thing plus the kids pull soda tabs for others. Are you good at sewing I have patterens for cancer caps to give to a local(Hershey takes them)hospital. Crocet/knit for premature babies. Hey next Thursday we are going to do a puppet show at the nursing home.
Volunteer at the SPCA!! you really do not have to search far to find a worthy cause!!
ANY TINY NEWS YET???? We are praying for that little situation!!! God Bless!

[CrystalB9]

My husband is a major Pepsi drinker and I am curious why and what you do with soda can tabs??? We have a few hundred here! :shock:
Of the many talents I have (Ha, Ha) sewing is not one of them. I would love to learn to knit, but have not yet. Any other ideas Jimmie Lu? I like to work on things at home with the kids and then take them where needed. We make a lot of meals for families. I am not far from Hershey hospital. What else do they take/need?
No, :cry: "tiny" news yet. Wish I had some to report. All in His timing. I know God knows best and I really need to learn to be more patient. He knows the big picture and I am sure has the perfect time planned for us.

[CrystalB9]

By the way I forgot to thank you for your prayers for the "tiny" situation. I really appreciate your prayers! :D

[Jackie]

Crystal, I called like I told you I would. I left a message at the school, and Chris returned my call later that day. I told her what I wanted, and she said she'd run it by the "powers that be". That was about three weeks ago, and I've not heard back from her yet. So I'm trying to be patient......

Now here's the interesting stuff..... Jimmy Lu, remember I told you I was going to pray about Missions? Well, first of all, we're not interested in your trip unless God works a mriacle about the dates. BUT DH went up to pray last week, and we talked later. He feels that God's called us into missions in about four years. Now, he's talked a little about that in the past, but nothing really definate. More of a "It'd be nice to go sometime". The funniest part is WHERE he feels we need to go. He thinks it's one of three places: South Africa, South America, or Alaska. I burst out laughing when he said Alaska! I've ALWAYS talked about wanting to live there. I spent a summer a few years back in Cordova, Alaska working with a church and loved it! DH is NOT a cold weather OR mountains person. He likes hot oceans beaches. So who says God doesn't have a sense of humor? (And I'm still not willing to rule out Mexico with y'all!)

[CrystalB9]

Hey Jackie, I have a SIL that lives in Fairbanks. She loves it up there. She sends me pictures of the northern lights - soooo beautiful!!!

[Jimmie Lu]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH Crystal! I do not know how to knit either but....... I had a friend teach me to use a knitting loom!! It is soooooo... easy!! even my 10 yr old does it!!!!!! I buy mine from missionaries who use the money for missions however there are alot of people who sell them you can see what they look like at www.loomroom.com
We have made over 50 hats for kids in China and Israel and a dozen just went out to the Ukraine. They have 3 sizes I can get for you pre-me/newborn size,kids size,adult size prices are good $8,10, and 15 I can order one for you if you want from the RV missions in Missouri We are getting a 3rd one and will pick it up in November or you can pay a little extra and have them shipped!!
Now I must be completely honest here dont be mad :evil: I was praying for your tiny treasure but not until the safe point so you and Rod can come with us!!! hehehehe All in Gods time and I feel 100% that you are to be with us in Mexico!! (sorry)

Now Jackie OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!! I love to hear someone say they feel they are being called to missions!!! And I think Mexico is close to South America at least it will get you use to the culture and climate!!! lol Seriously you are a great person and God will use you mightily!! Plus I had friends that did missions in Alaska hope ya like fish they ate alot of it there. Anyhow they would work and save the $$$$ for a pilot and then fly into a remote village do a revival or puppets etc.... lots of unchurched villages in Alaska!! We will be praying for you.
Also when you did what you did for our trip(I wont give it away) it was your part of missions so even though you were not physically there you were spiritually pluged in!!
I watch alot of Dr. Phil he uses plugged in alot and I like it!!!

Back to the hats!!! I am going to start making some very colorful ones (after Christmas) for the kids in Mexico!! :mrgreen: They will love them but I will need a ton of them for they like anything colorful and they will bring out there friends and others to get what we are giving away!!!
Four families have been choosen to get a house. So In October we are going to have a Mission Mexico 2005 meeting You and Rod will need to attend or at least one of you we will talk about fundraising what you need to take along basic stuff!!! And also what we will be taking along to give away!! The family will get there keys on the last day we are planning a big thing for that Ever see Its a wonderful life?? Salt so life never looses flavor bread so you never see hunger, and wine(No alcohol) for some thing I cant remember. Plus we want to add A Bible so they always stay strong in the word of God. We are also giving a laundry basket full of Ttowls-laundry soap-you know house hold stuff!!

Now I am yammering on!!!
See ya :) [/img]

[CrystalB9]

Jimmie Lu - I will check out the website for the looms. Thanks!
I know you are praying for certain timing for my "tiny" situation. We are pretty much at the safe point now I think. When is the trip being planned for? I think you said March or April?? With Rod's work schedule there hasnt been a whole lot of alone time. :? I totally trust in God and His choices for our life. It will be in His timing. For the trip and any "tiny" blessings. :wink:
Do you know when in Oct. the meeting will be?? My Oct. calander is already filling up. Rod only has off two weekends a month and the last weekend we are going to Washington DC.

[Jimmie Lu]

I am thinking Sat. the 9th OK??? or not?? When is good for you? We are flexable and the others live near here! Soo.... you get priority!!! :wink: The date will be determined by the meeting. Late March/Early April???When is Easter? Anybody know??? :confused:

[CrystalB9]

Send me an e-mail and we can talk more about the date issue.
Where will the meeting be?

[Jimmie Lu]

I am not entirely sure where we will have it as we are between churches however we may be able to have it at a church in Auburn who really supports missions and us going to Mexico.
What do you think about making hats on those looms to take with us??? I will finish my commitment to the AOG and start for Mexico children!!

[CrystalB9]

I like the hats idea because that is something my kids can do too. I have to look into getting a loom.
Oct. 9th is fast approaching, any word on the possible meeting?? And a location??

[Jimmie Lu]

Sent you a email!! The 9th is on at 10 am and please stay for lunch at our house!! The directions to the church are in the email!!

[CrystalB9]

Jimmie - sent you an e-mail back!! Had some questions!!!!

[Jimmie Lu]

I have an email into the mission to help with some questions. Don't loose heart!!! God always comes through!!!! You gotta remember the Devil doesn't want you to go so he will through everthing he can to stop this trip we must stand firm on the scripture If God is for us who can be against us. Its normal the questions you have. The $$$ will be there!

[CrystalB9]

Mission to Mexico meeting was great! :D
Our fundraising is under way. My kids have walked the neighborhood twice and hit up everyone we know. :wink:
I have printed off lists of items to collect to take into Mexico to hand out to the people. We will be handing those lists out soon.
Checking out RV rental prices on the web. Finding some companies wont let you take a rental into Mexico. :(
What else should we be doing right now Jimmie Lu?? :?:

[Jimmie Lu]

We can post our needs here but so far you are doing wonderful!!!
Keep up the great work I have only sold 4 tubs of dough so you are doing great there. We sent the deposit so one of our trips are paid. I should have a total for you very soon soooo.................
we shall see !!!
God is good! :D

[Brenda]

How are the plans for the Mission Trip to Mexico going?

Having said this, are there specific things you are looking to take along with you when you go? If you need specific items, please let us know so that we can get them to you.

Brenda

[CrystalB9]

Glad you posted Brenda. Honestly I havent heard from Jimmie Lu in a little while. I hope she checks in.
I am still underway with the plans. We are working on fundraisers to help with the costs. We also sent out lists to family and friends with the items we are collecting. If Jimmie Lu doesnt post in a couple days I will list the items. (It is her list)

[Jimmie Lu]

So sorry I have not been on My mom was very sick in the hospital and I have had meetings and testing at the school for Josh My life is crazy right now. I will be calling you Crystal soon!!! About your exciting email :lol:
Check the post about mission needs!!!