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Pan de Vida had a special service this past Sunday as we celebrated Resurrection Day! Everyone was up before dawn to attend the 6am Sunrise service. We started with a time of worship and Pastor Justo presenting the message on Jesus' Resurrection and our victory of life eternal for those who believe. We then had a very meaningful time of communion.
The youth group ended the service with a couple of performances. They did a skit on Jesus' saving power and then a cardboard testimony. It was very impacting as each one went up and displayed a piece of cardboard that explained their prior bondage and then flipped it over to reveal how God has worked in their life. It was very emotional and an opportunity to reflect on how God is changing them.
After the service we all shared a traditional Mexican breakfast of tamales, atole, a thick, hot flavored drink and buñelos, which is a flat, sugared, fried bread. It was a true celebration to our Risen Saviour.
Last month the Pan de Vida Youth Group leaders started a new series. It is a mission focused Bible series they call "Transformers of the World". Their motive is to develop a concern for the physical and spiritual needs of others besides themselves. They started the series with an illustration through movie night viewing "The End of the Spear." It is the true story of 5 missionaries killed by the Waodani tribe of Ecuador whom they were trying to reach with the gospel. Their sacrifice has allowed the Word of God to touch the lives of the tribesmen. Missionaries and Pastors have grown forth through it and continue to minister to this day. At the end of the movie, the youth were ministered the Word of The Great Commission and how Jesus has called them to become disciples and proclaim the gospel not only in Mexico but in other countries.
The next part of the series was "Culture Night" where they focused on the daily lives of people in other countries. On this night they studied Afghanistan and Cuba where people live in desperation and little hope of a future. In addition, Paco prepared snacks from each country for the youth to sample. Afghanistan was "dogh" which is a yogurt/cucumber drink and Cuba was "piña asada" when translated is grilled pineapple. Learning about the conditions many live in whether from poverty or government unrest, has really stirred the hearts of the youth to want to have a greater understanding and desire to make a difference.
This past weekend in bringing more recognition to the international focus, the youth had a party for guest from all over the world. This meant that they as the guest had to be creative to dress as someone from another country. Pan de Vida gets donations of clothes and sometimes get things you would not wear on a daily basis so it is set aside for potential costumes. They had so much fun going through and developing ideas on their wardrobe for the night. In attendance were people from Japan, China, Laos, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Cuba, Afghanistan, India, Spain Africa and more.
The night was full of fellowship and games. They played the Chinese Dragon tail, had a competition of eating rice with chopsticks, a geographical quiz on countries. locations, and cultural dances. For supper they had "chile atole" which is a very thick green soup that is sipped directly from the bowl instead of using a spoon. It was so fun to see the youth embrace wanting to learn more about other cultures and their spiritual needs. We pray God will continue to open their hearts toward others and that they will learn more and apply The Great Commission to their own lives in ministry.
Recently the kids and volunteers were treated to a full blown picnic by fellow brothers and sisters of a local Christian Church, Our Sovereign God. It is a real blessing to everyone when individuals, teams, organizations and churches come to minister to us through activities. They bring fresh energy and motivation of community fellowship. It has been extremely hot this time of year and we have all found ourselves dragging around just to get through the regular daily activities. The picnic stimulated everyone to get involved and participate in the games, fellowship and meal. Pan de Vida had an abundance of limes so some of the girls made fresh squeezed lemondae while others cooked hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages and they were served with the works. It was God's Love demonstrated through the hearts of others to serve and give joy and encourage each of our hearts.
