Rebuild and Restore Mexico City

One of our WitnessLA members is in Mexico City right now visiting NEO, a Newsong Mexico church plant, as well as helping remodel “El Pozo” (a shelter for former sex trafficked girls).

The air is very thin here. We are 7000 feet above sea level and altitude sickness seems to be an initiation ritual for every foreigner. I woke up almost every night from a nightmare or some stomach pain. Most of the team members had their share of physical ailments. But despite the physical annoyances, we knew that we were supposed to be here.

It was a few months ago when Daniel, our LOL small group leader from Newsong LA, felt that he needed to form a short term mission team to Mexico. Pastor Benny Yu had started a church in Newsong Mexico City 3 years ago, when God has led him and his wife to also begin the plans for “El Pozo,” the shelter that would house girls who have once been sexually trafficked. Currently, there are only 2 other shelters in this whole region. It is incredibly difficult to get through all the red tape in Mexico City. However, God has been gracious to El Pozo. They have received their tax exemption status TODAY!

For the past 3 days, our short team missions team has been working very hard to remodel the “El Pozo” site. In a few weeks, this shelter will be filled with 6-8 girls ranging from several months in age - 18 years old. Our team went in and took an inventory check to see what items needed to be purchased as well as cleaned up.

We used paint thinner and cleaned up all the marks on the windows. Using nails and hammers, the strong men built furniture, as well as fixed light fixtures. The rest of the team went to purchase womens’ basic products such as shampoo, combs and such. It was an interesting experience to say the least. It reminds me of the abundant life that I live, and how even a simple item like shampoo can be taken for granted.

God is so amazing. He wanted to take our team to show us what His heart aches for. After speaking with Pastor Benny, I realized how much more need there is for the shelter. They are in need of even more basic necessities (i.e. mattresses, new bedsheets, etc.). I felt my heart sank at how much the need was. I know that God will provide, but at this time I’m just waiting to see how He will move. Please keep us in prayer.

Follow us on our journey: www.missionlmol2010.wordpress.com

-Bonnie

God Bless U Rice!

Last night I ordered food for my small group from a nice Korean lady who runs a sandwich shop in Santa Monica.  I had told her it was for my church, and when we opened the first container of food tonight, this is what we saw:

It was a total surprise for us, and instantly made our night!  There is nothing like the pure, unexpected kindness of strangers to completely brighten your spirits.  God truly shows His love to us through His people.

Thank you Jennifer at Star Wrap - God Bless You! 

We don’t normally plug like this, but if you were touched by this story, please be a blessing back to Jennifer and her family by stopping by Star Wrap for wraps or Korean food if you’re in Santa Monica for lunch.