Monterrey, Mexico 2008

July 26-August 3

• Why are we going to Monterrey, Mexico?
  • After being prayerful about Mexico-Honduras, we feel like Mexico is a better fit for our teens and their families this summer.  While still getting the third world country experience and long hours of service and selflessness, our teens will be challenged to see God at work in His world as well as His work personally in our lives.  The Mexico trip will be at least half the cost of the Honduras trip (maybe even cheaper).  Eventually, Chris and I would love to see this trip grow in two ways.  First, we want this trip to be a feasible outreach trip.  We want our students comfortable inviting their friends.  Second, we would love for this to grow into a family-oriented mission trip.  There is so much value in having family members alongside each other serving.   Our ministry team continues to be prayerful about this new journey and God’s plans for our youth.     
• What will be doing in Monterrey?
  • We are going to Monterrey to build a cinder-block church.  An added bonus is that there are always relationships that are formed and strengthened, both with each other and with our new friends in Mexico. 
• How are we getting there?
  • We are driving 15-passenger vans.  We will spend our first day driving to Laredo, Texas (14 hour drive).  Then, we will spend the next day going through customs, and driving into Monterrey (4-5 hour drive).  We will use the vans wherever we travel.
• Who are we working with?
  • We will be working under a missionary named Rick Owens.  On the back of the sheet is a biography of him and his family.  He has been involved in Mexico missions for several years.  He is a great guy who has a huge heart for the kingdom of God.  He was also recently featured in the front page of the Christian Chronicle.  Click http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158293~Ministry_of_mortar  to read more about him and his story.
• What is the total cost of the trip?
  • Right now, the cost of the trip stands at $600.  It will not be any more, but has a strong potential to decrease.  The more people that sign up, the cheaper it will be.
• Where will we be staying?
  • On the way to Monterrey, we will stay in a hotel in Laredo, Texas.  While we are in Mexico, we will be staying at the Hotel Ancira.  It is a very nice and safe hotel in Monterrey.  Go to http://www.hotel-ancira.com/  to see pictures and find more information about it.
• What will we be eating?
  • The hotels will provide all of our breakfasts.  In Mexico, lunch and dinner will be provided.  The women of the church will actually make all of our lunches—authentic Mexican food.  We will have purified water at all times.  Dinners will be taken care of.
• What do I need to do in preparation for the trip?
  • Like any other building mission trip, it would be in your best interest to have all of your tetanus shots.  You also need a passport to be able to cross the border.  Go to Walgreens if you don’t have a passport.  Pray!!!!
    

• What is the payment plan?

• April 2^nd:  $100
• April 23^rd:  $100
• May 14^th:  $100
• June 4^th:  $100
• June 25^th:  Remaining Balance
• What are my expectations?
  • Rick Owens wrote this in an email to me: “Every year we experience behavior problems with American kids who don’t know how to act.  Please talk with your groups about this before you come and let’s make this year incident free. We are ambassadors for Christ.” 
  • SW ministry expects complete respect on this mission trip.  It is a privilege, not a right.  We expect our teens and adults to not only represent our church family in a pleasing manner, but of utmost importance—to represent Jesus Christ in that same manner.  Once signed up, there will be a packet you will get of further expectations.  We will have group meetings/team building once a month and we will fast for a weekend in the summer as we begin to prepare ourselves for this trip.  We are constantly in prayer for the group that God is going to form together and the work we will do.  And most importantly:  If you are going, pray, pray, pray.    
• If I have anymore questions, who do I call or contact?
  • Abbey Jackson is leading this trip.  You can call me at work (932-9254).  My email is ajackson@swfamily.org if you want to write a quick email.  Don’t hesitate to call.