FBC Missions

Hello all!

I’m sorry for not posting in two days, it has been very difficult to find a time and place to be able to do so. We’ve been very busy.

Wednesday was great. We continued to work hard around the churches doing various work projects and services. The students and leaders of Oaxaca really are doing an incredible job as they are building a church and the house of Colleen and Onesimo. They are greatly appreciated by the neighbors and our fellow missionaries for working so hard without any hindrances. In K-39, students are finishing up touch-up work around the church and an old house that stands next to it. Again, so many students showed incredible maturity in volunteering to work hard and diligently. K-28 has also been busy as they are coming to an end with some siding and painting on the church building in that town. Wes, the town leader, is very pleased with the work that is being done. Victoria has been slower in terms of amount of work to do. Most of the students have been able ride over to Oaxaca and K-39 during the hours for work, to pitch in some labor.

VBS came to a close yesterday. It was a blessing for all of us to be able to love on the children and show them continuous affection. We are all very grateful for those who lead VBS for all of the towns, they did an incredible job in preparation and organization. We went through great stories from the book of Daniel, and showed them the power of God over any tough situation. They enjoyed crafts, games, songs and time with all of the missionaries. We look forward to seeing them all next year and pray that God will continue to reveal Himself to all of His children.

My first blog post mentioned a student named Holly who was willing to give her testimony at the main church service on Sunday night. One of the Mexican women (a teacher in a local school) was in the congregation and was so impacted by Holly’s story that she asked the school’s principal if she would allow Holly to speak to the school. The principal allowed it. Holly did an incredible job sharing the hope she had at a high school. Unfortunately, the school system wouldn’t allow her to talk about God. She managed to talk about a hope that she had and Rudy invited all of the students to the basketball game that night, where they would be able to hear more about this “hope.” About fifteen students showed and five accepted Christ as their Savior! It reminds me that in the midst of scary life situations, God’s plan is bigger than ours and He works all things out for the good of those He has called (Romans 8:28).

We lost the basketball game against the Pistones Wednesday night. It was a close and intense game, but they managed to pull off another victory. Maybe next year…

Last night we were asked to compete in a Soccer game against a local high school team. We were destroyed… 7-2. But again, more importantly, during the half time, three people accepted Christ after hearing the songs, seeing the drama, and hearing about God’s unfailing love for them. One was the soccer coach of the opposing team. God is good.

Today we are finishing up projects and then heading to the Ranchito. It’s a large gathering of all the church members in all of the towns and our missionaries. We’ll enjoy games, carne asada, fellowship and relaxation. We leave early tomorrow morning so please pray for us as we bring our trip to an end. God has been faithful to do great works in many lives. God has been faithful to protect His missionaries. God has been faithful to impact the Mexicali Valley once again.

I hope to give you one more blog post in L.A. I’m not positive that will work out but continue to check in to see. Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts. We ask that those prayers and thoughts will continue as we head back home tomorrow.

Blessings,

Hunter Gray (Hi Mom!)

Hola!

We are on our second day, well into our work-projects and VBS (vacation Bible School).  We kicked off our VBS yesterday as kids came rolling in to meet new friends and see old ones.  We loved on the children and enjoyed being able to give them affection and attention through tag, piggy backs, games, songs, crafts, and stories.  They are a joy for us to be with.

After VBS yesterday we went to our host families where we changed into our evening clothes and met up at Delta for our first competitive game.  We won by 32 points in basketball against some Mexican neighbors.  The highlight wasn’t the win, but instead, during halftime when we were able to share the Gospel through song, words and skits.  Our skit team did great.

This morning a team from Victoria and K-28 went together to the asparagus fields where we met up with laborers.  We shared the Gospel with them as well and loved them by giving them care packages. I’m proud of Taylor VanderKley who stepped up and gave his testimony on how God has been working in his life recently.  He did great.

Please continue to pray for safety, health and our Mexican neighbors who are lost.  Thanks!  Hopefully I’ll be able to post again tomorrow!

God Bless,

Hunter Gray

Hello everyone! I am sorry for such a late post on the blog, the hotel didn’t have free wifi, so I wasn’t able to connect to update you.  Everyone is in Mexico and safe.  There haven’t been any reports of any injuries or illnesses, and please continue to pray that we can stay that way!  We arrived in Mexico last night after a two and a half hour wait at the border.  Every student was required to fill out paperwork for crossing the border.  As we arrived, we immediately entered the church service that was being held, sang some songs, and listened attentively as Holly B. gave her testimony.  She did great!

I will continue to blog as often as I can to update and share with you the good works being done around us.  Please pray for our safety and that the Gospel would be well-received by our Mexican neighbors.  Hope all is well at home!

Here are some pictures from the trip so far– all the way through this morning as we began doing work projects around the church.

Blessings,

Hunter Gray