Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

Last February, I had the privileged to go on a short term mission trip to Ensenada , Baja California , Mexico . I was glad for the opportunity to be able to serve the Lord in this way. What surprised me the most about this mission trip was not how much I gave but how much I received. From the starting point in which I prayerfully said to the Lord that I wanted to be of help I started to receive the Lord’s confirmation and blessings for this trip. Those blessings started right here at Laurentian. Even before the trip began I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support and love I received from the people of our church. And not just verbal support but support in tangible ways. The people of Laurentian planned, prepared and hosted a fundraiser called, “Mexican Fiesta For Missions.” What an awesome idea and what a wonderful night that was. During the night we enjoyed food, entertainment, there was prayer and many wonderful things expressed for all to hear. I cannot tell you how touched I was by the efforts of all those involved with the Mexican Fiesta For Missions. All I can say is that I will never be able to forget it.

It was also exciting to see many people there that night that I didn’t know. A lot of people invited guests to the dinner who do not consider Laurentian their church home. Some of those who were there that night don’t even attend church on a regular basis. What a wonderful demonstration for those visiting our church the love we have for Christ and for each other.

While in Mexico our time was short and there was much to do. We were able to complete the footing and foundation for an addition on a church work in Todos Santos. The mission team was able to also do work at the church in Ensenada which included tiling, plumbing, painting and drywall patch work. We were able to connect with the people during the many evening services we attended and we were able to share small gifts with them. What an awesome and interesting experience it was to worship the Lord in a language I did not understand.

During our time in Mexico we were able to see the Bibles that Laurentian along with Powassan Wesleyan Church , Northern Lights and Lighthouse Community Church purchased back in 2007. It was a joy to see how precious those Bibles were to our Mexican brothers and sisters.

I was extremely touched by the warmth and love we received from all those we got to know in Mexico . The more I tried to be a blessing the more I was blessed. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this mission trip. Thank you to all of you who supported me in so many ways as I did my best to serve the Lord in this way. You continue to truly be a blessing to me.

God bless, Pastor Chris