Thoughts on the latest mission trip

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

(Psalm 67:5 ESV)

This past Tuesday a group with Psalm 67 Missions Network returned back to the St. Louis area after spending a week ministering to those along the Rio Grande Valley.  We were so blessed by this opportunity as I believe in many ways the Lord, as always, uses these opportunities to bring challenge, encouragement, and clarification to the lives of His people.

What exactly was done in the Valley? Well, this is always a trick question because we are tempted to think "look for the bottom line", which is impossible to do when we consider this type of work.  However, here are some highlights.

• Six people attended this short-term trip.  We were able to drive the entire way without stopping over on the way there.  (We did stay over on the way back).
• Billy Jackson was able to capture some great pics and take some interview video of the area and has been making these available to all of us.  This will help us continue to tell the story. See his page for more information.
• I was able to preach three different times at two different congregations.  One day Rick ministered through music for a group of Winter Texans.  I preached a message on Matthew 13:44 to the same group on another day.
• Visit Sarah's page to see more from her perspective
• Each night, including adults, we had about 70-75 or so people in attendance!  Our study was over "Things Hidden" an evangelistic study of Kingdom Parables, by Children Desiring God.  We had classes for each age group.
• We were able to use previously stored supplies that we keep in Psalm 67's storage unit.  This provided a monetary savings.
• We were able to get caught near a high-speed chase involving helicopters, and multiple police agencies.  
• Books donated by Desiring God ministries were provided to Pastors in Tamaulipas, Mexico.  Books donated by Iglesia Maranata in Granite City, Illinois, were provided to congregations on the United States side of the border.  Some of the books include a large case of "The Pilgrim's Progress" in Spanish.
• We grew in love and unity with our brothers and sisters at Cristo el Rey, and along the US/Mexico border.
• The Lord used humor by our mistakes to bring about closer relationships with some of the people!  This seems to be a common happening!

There is so much more to share.  I am so thankful to all of you who went and to those of you who held the rope!  I'm so thankful for my dear wife and daughter and the fact that they put up with me and love me!  We couldn't have made it without you! May the Lord be glorified in His church.  May His Kingdom come and His will be done!

In all things...Christ preeminent!

Aaron