Matamoros Mission Report
Short -Term Matamoros Mission Trip
March 14th – 18th 2008
Participating Vineyards: Sugar Land, Katy and Brownsville
Post Trip Report
This latest itineration of our oft traveled path from Stafford to Brownsville-Matamoros was among the best in any measureable way. Here are some of the highlights of what the Lord provided over the long weekend:
* Somewhere close to forty five people committed their life to Christ. Including the dramatic conversion of a Mexican border guard! We appreciate the Lord for providing us with Ramona “Mama” Foster and her evangelical leadership on these trips
* Close to forty Christians from the three Vineyards participated in this trip
* Over 400 locals attended our Sunday night outdoor service in the Colonia Infonavit Buenavista
* We fed over 300 people at the service
* Introduced two new very poignant street dramas which were performed at the outdoor service; Sunday morning at the Brownsville Vineyard and for a nearby Christian High School.
* Partially restored a large playground in the Colonia
* Donated and installed a large trampoline for the kids at Esperanza Orphanage in Matamoros. We were also able to provide a large quantity of rice, beans and Tylenol to the Orphanage.
* Ministered to a large number of families including many children who live in the immediate vicinity of the orphanage
* Used arts and crafts to reach many dozens of children at the Colonia as well as the Orphanage
Perhaps one of the more dramatic testimonies to come out of the trip was when a Mexican woman approached us as we were setting up for the outdoor service on Sunday evening. She indicated that during a prior trip we had prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to heal her leg; which was damaged and scheduled for surgery. Evidently we had prayed and she was immediately healed! She further went on to explain that when her physician examined after we prayed, he proclaimed her healed and canceled the surgery! God is good! So when she discovered we were returning, she brought her son so that we might pray for his job situation. May God be with him! None of us remembered praying for her as we always pray for many people on these trips - but she sure remembered us!
Another encouraging aspect of this particular trip related to the fact that we had numerous new people and several families participate. Our desire to see this ministry become more multigenerational is finally being achieved. Although we are still over that 50% youth which keeps things lively all the time! Interestingly, many of the newer people provided gifts that were much needed due to some last minute cancellations by some of our veterans.
Many thanks go to the leaders of the Esperanza Orphanage for leading worship and delivering the message at the outdoor service. They did an excellent job and the Lord used them mightily that evening.
We continue to be in awe of our fine brothers and sisters at the Brownsville Vineyard for their over-the-top generosity and partnership. Pastor Jimmy and Pat; the Garza’s; and the Greens are always willing to facilitate us in every possible way; including arranging to sell the 900 or so pairs of pants in order to raise money for the orphanage. Thanks again to Serhat and Jenny Midyat for generously donating muchos pantolones!
In conclusion, it seems that no matter how unorganized and weak we often feel, the Lord continues to urge us to continue our work in Matamoros and bless us in doing so. I am personally looking forward to just what the Lord will have us do next. It is exciting to see so many new people involved as others move on to bigger and better ministries. I have always felt that continuous new people and some growth are two signs of a healthy ministry.