Reaching New Heights

Our time in Mexico City is flying by, and it's hard to believe that our first week is nearing an end. It has been a great blessing to us to know that you are partnering with us in our work, through prayer and your encouraging comments on the blog. Here two more team members share their thoughts on another day.

Laura Williamson
Today (Thursday) we took another trip out to see some of the Mexican culture. Around 30 miles northeast of Mexico City are the ancient city ruins of Teotihuacán. Construction of the city probably started in the first two centuries BC, and the civilization reached its high point between 350 and 650 AD. We also learnt from Margaret and Robin that the Aztec people used to drug captives at the temple and then make them walk the mile long path past the pyramid of the moon to be sacrificed at the pyramid of the sun which they believed gave them strength and power.

A few brave souls took up the challenge of climbing the pyramid to the sun (the tallest of the two pyramids). Meanwhile others stayed at the bottom and watched us precariously climb the two and a half football pitches in height parts of which were practically vertical steps (I don't think the Aztecs had heard of an even rise and run!). But it was well worth the effort when we arrived at the top to see the spectacular view.

The Afternoon was spent sharing a prayer time with the local full time missionaries. In the evening Elisa and Juan Ramirez made us tea and we had the privilege of hearing their testimonies through which God richly blessed us. Many of the team are feeling tired but are finding strength in Isaiah 40 v 29 - 31 'He gives strength to the weary and increases power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'

Andrew Black
We headed to English Class, where the students were celebrating the completion of their course. Julia and Margaret were leading the class. We began by playing a game, where we sat on chairs in a circle, with one person standing in the centre. This person had to say something like "Anyone wearing blue jeans", and then anyone who was wearing blue jeans had to get up and find another chair, while the person in the centre had to try and get a chair before they were all taken. Once I was stranded in the middle and couldn't think of anything to say, so I eyed Mr Roycroft's chair and said "Anyone wearing no socks". All I can say is that I feel sorry for his chiropodist!

Maggie gave her testimony, which was translated into Spanish. For me it was a real source of blessing because it was so genuine and Maggie spoke completely from the heart. At the end of the class the students were given the opportunity to talk to us in English. One guy I spoke to has been saved for five years and is the only believer in his family. He said that it was a struggle, but that his faith in the Lord is strong. As we were saying good-bye he said to me "If we never meet again I'll see you up there (heaven)" .

There was a young boy to whom Carolyn gave a Man United top with Eric Cantona on the back of it- talk about leading him astray! His face was brimming with joy- priceless. Since being here I have been overwhelmed by the friendliness and warmth of the people. It really has touched my heart. My one regret is that I didn't learn more Spanish.