We first stopped by the Iglesia Evangelica Los Amigos (Evangelical Friends Church) in the city, where Jorge and his wife Mari live downstairs and welcome worshipers into the sanctuary upstairs.
After a trip to Costco to pick up lunch supplies, we headed out to the mission church on the outskirts of town. We were running about an hour behind, which gave all of these nice folks plenty of time to practice being patient.
Our gift to the congregation was a hot dog lunch along with cookies, candy, gum and gifts for the kids. Here are Christine and Abby rushing to help get the hot dogs cooked and the serving area set up in the church's brand new fellowship hall.
In the meantime, worship was underway in the sanctuary next door. Jorge had asked our pastor David D. to participate in a baby dedication ceremony, and Ezekiel's proud parents brought him forward for the big event. Ezekiel thought he might grab the microphone for a quick song or two, but his dad managed to persuade him otherwise.
We also had David B. along for the trip, which meant we also had a translator. First the David on the left spoke in English, then the David on the right spoke in Spanish as Jorge looked on. The room almost (but not quite) got quiet during this time.
Next it was time to sing! Jorge led the crowd in a rousing rendition of a song that is apparently taught all over the world: 
More singing...
Followed by a moving testimony by this lovely young lady, and many many many passionate words from Jorge:
Listening took all sorts of forms, from still and quiet to squirming and ... not so quiet.
Then finally, FOOD!
Here are just a few of the precious faces we were privileged to help smear with ketchup, Cheetos and sticky sugar:
Moms doing what moms do:
New friendships bloomed quickly during our brief visit. Here are the two Pah-tree-cee-ahs, plus Abby and Christine with their new best friend Erica.
Suddenly it was over and time for us to begin the long drive back to Brazoria County. These two young friends found it particularly hard to let us go, and I woke up yesterday morning wishing that we could have stayed at least one more day.
In the meantime, worship was underway in the sanctuary next door. Jorge had asked our pastor David D. to participate in a baby dedication ceremony, and Ezekiel's proud parents brought him forward for the big event. Ezekiel thought he might grab the microphone for a quick song or two, but his dad managed to persuade him otherwise.
We also had David B. along for the trip, which meant we also had a translator. First the David on the left spoke in English, then the David on the right spoke in Spanish as Jorge looked on. The room almost (but not quite) got quiet during this time.
Next it was time to sing! Jorge led the crowd in a rousing rendition of a song that is apparently taught all over the world:
(left side of the room standing) Allelu, allelu, allelu, alleluia!
(right side of the room jumping to their feet) Praise ye the Lord!
More singing...
Followed by a moving testimony by this lovely young lady, and many many many passionate words from Jorge:
Listening took all sorts of forms, from still and quiet to squirming and ... not so quiet.
Then finally, FOOD!
Here are just a few of the precious faces we were privileged to help smear with ketchup, Cheetos and sticky sugar:
Moms doing what moms do:
New friendships bloomed quickly during our brief visit. Here are the two Pah-tree-cee-ahs, plus Abby and Christine with their new best friend Erica.
Suddenly it was over and time for us to begin the long drive back to Brazoria County. These two young friends found it particularly hard to let us go, and I woke up yesterday morning wishing that we could have stayed at least one more day.
Before the trip, I wondered what difference a meal and brief visit could make. I mean, junk food? Two different languages? 3 hours together? How on earth could that help anyone better understand the love of Christ? I don't know how it happened, but I do indeed better understand that love today -- and I think our brothers and sisters in Matamoros may have gotten something out of it as well. Yes, there is need in that community, and yes, I have more than I need. I see now that the gap between "us" and "them" is not at all insurmountable, and I know that even the smallest of gifts does make a difference. Thank You, Lord. All I have is Yours to use as You see fit.
Friends, when life gets really difficult,
don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.
Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced.
This is a spiritual refining process,
with glory just around the corner.
1 Peter 4:12-13 MESSAGE
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