New Hope Youth Mission Trip

Youth from New Hope Church in McAllen, Texas, came to Burgos at the beginning of the month to help with construction and minister to families. The group arrived on the 1st and began their trip with an evening visit to El Becerro, a small ranch of a just a few families. The youth led the 3 children that were home in a lesson and some crafts while the adults visited and prayed with the parents and grandparents of some of the kids. Later, the kids took the group on a short walk to the river for a swim. El Becerro is an out of the way place, seemingly unknown or forgotten, but with beautiful people and a beautiful view.

Mornings were spent working on the dorm floors, leveling and preparing them for cement. Others spent time cleaning the church, painting, and preparing for services. A normal afternoon on a mission trip to Burgos is spent at Los Chorros, the local waterfall and river. The evenings consisted of family events in local communities outside of Burgos proper. In El Charco and Labores de la Paz, the New Hope team taught Bible lessons, did puppet shows, set up jump houses, and gave gifts to the children. These evening events make a great impact on the adults of the communities as well, as they watch their children's smiles and see the love of God displayed through the mission team.

Friday night was different in that the group hosted our third Youth Night of the summer. Youth from New Hope gave testimonies and helped lead the music in the service. The youth nights, called Mi Generacion, have been well received with between 30-40 youth at each meeting.

Saturday morning there is a weekly Children's Program at the church, Cristo es la Roca. The youth led the program and the kids really enjoyed the activities. Last year, New Hope led VBS at the church, so several of the children remember them and were glad to see their "teachers" from last summer.

New Hope Church is the home church of Sister Maria Tellez. They are a great support to us and their youth are a blessing beyond words every time they visit. Photos from the trip are available at the following link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/10022403@N08/sets/72157606237343346/show/