Stories from Mexico
Jed Sorensen
Took a box of food to the Rehab center one day for the guy’s as we were working with them there, which they gladly received however, before digging into it for themselves they first gave back to our team. The box was nothing more than just a couple loaves of bread, peanut butter & jelly we had left over from previous days, along with some apples, juice boxes and chips. Here was a group of folks that have literally almost nothing other than the shirt on their backs and contradictory to our blindness here in America of our wastefulness in our plenty, they first took a gift and out of that gift gave back to us by making our team sandwiches and asking us to eat with them before they took for themselves. What an AMAZING opportunity to break bread as I believe Christ so urged us to do as a Church, not out of law or tradition, but out of love and unity as a Body of Christ… a true Church, so different than our “American Christian Church” we claim to have in our society today. I will forever be changed by this image and it has become my prayer each day since to live out the “Church” with the same love God has unconditionally showed me.

Mary Dietrich
I don't think I can zero in on one thing on this trip that impacted me, as so many things there do. I am humbled by the women in the park Bible studies. My heart is in the prison ministry. I love the worship and afterglow, how it builds us up and encourages us to do all for His glory. And I am so impressed by our students; how they met the challenge before them, and were ready to do more! I love how I feel when I come home...that we went to minister to the Nationals there, and how they have touched my life forever.

Eldon Dietrich
A lot of great memories as usual but one of my favorite moments was the last day in the park. All the kids had been encouraged to share the Gospel individually with a friend they might have met in the park. When I saw the jean lady - selling the jeans outside the entrance to the park I got to wondering about her. I asked Evelyn if anyone had ever shared with her and she was pretty sure they had, but I asked her to come with me and we would find out. She did not know if she would go to Heaven if she died and was very open to the Gospel. I asked Evelyn if she wanted me to pray and she could translate or if she wanted to lead the prayer with the jean lady (Natalie).
After Evelyn prayed with Natalie, I got her a Bible out of the van and introduced her to Patty V. and asked Patty to follow up on her and get her into her church. On our way out of the park at the end of the day Natalie asked for a Bible for her friend who was selling the snacks at the entrance. I could not find another Bible, but Susan had a New Testament that I guess they had been giving to the women in the park that I gave to her and she thanked me with a roll of mints.
What an exciting end to the week in the park!!!

Dennis Florom
Some of the neatest times in Mexico were the times I got a chance to talk one-on-one with the men at the rehab center. They all had stories of drugs (along with other things) that had taken over their lives. Some of the men had literally lost track of how to find their families, because they had been blinded by their obsession with drugs. You could see the excitement of Christ in their eyes and in their voices. Even though they had very little in worldly possessions, it was obvious that Christ had created a change in them. God had caused a change to occur in their lives and it was exciting to me to see God at work in a way that I don’t normally get to see.

Julianna Meyers
The most memorable thing that happened on the trip for me was being baptized. It was really impacting for me not only to be baptized, but to watch my friends show their love for Christ alongside myself. It was a great way to start off the week. It kept me more focused on my purpose in Mexico, which was to glorify God and serve Him with everything I've got. The trip was life-changing, and I hope to go back next year.

Jesse Schulz
My most memorable moment was on Wednesday night when we went to the church service. For those of you who don't know Church is super fun where everybody is just singing jumping dancing and praising God, its a lot of fun. Anyway while I was in church my friend that I have connected with the last two years Jose was there with me. I was just a blessing to see him jumping with me, with the biggest smile I have ever seen on his face. When church was over I commented that I thought that wasn't just a slice of heaven that was a chunk of heaven. That was just one of the many signs God showed me throughout the trip.

Anita Sorensen
My experience with the Mexico trip was different. I had in my mind all sorts of things and when i got down there and saw it was a completely different thing then what I was thinking. I did lots at the park and had a great time but at first with all that I was doing I figured there was no chance that I was going to be able to have what all the others were calling "little friends". Well I ended up with an older friend. Granted it didn’t happen till a few days into the VBS but I have to say I miss him a lot already but have a way to keep in touch. I had such a blast working on my Spanish also. I am so grateful that I was able to go on the trip and to meet so many new people both from our church and in Mexico and to get to know others better. Thanks so much.

Annie Keeshan
I think one thing that will stay with me would have to be how happy everyone was… even though they had so little. I learned to not only to look past how people look, but to look at their attitude, and not to take for granted what I have. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity. And I hope and pray that from the many experiences I had God will use me for his glory.
Steve Hermann
Carl and I taught four sessions with the Bible college students through the assistance of Catalina our interpreter. The theme of the week was: “Becoming a Man after God’s own Heart”. We looked at the example of King David and why he is called a man after God’s own heart. We looked at many bible references in the Psalms that David wrote. We researched God’s attributes and David’s character that reflected the heart of God. We then challenged the men in daily applications of their life, such as, how a man after God’s own heart should love his wife and children. We also spent one session on how to open up your life to other men to whom you will hold yourself accountable. We had 55 to 60 men each day who were eager to learn and participate. It was a very rewarding experience.

Denise Brown
As we were preparing for the Mexico Outreach, I felt like the week in Ensenada was going to be a little piece of heaven on earth. Except for living in tents, that was true. The week was filled with worship, sharing the gospel, serving, hearing testimonies from our group, and the church and rehab center in Ensenada, developing relationships with great Christian people, and quiet times with God. It was inspiring to serve along side so many people, from E-Free and the church & rehab center in Ensenada, that love the Lord and want to further His kingdom. We saw or heard about a lot of pain that people in Ensenada endure; however, they also displayed an amazing amount of joy and happiness, whether it was the women in the prison, some of the homeless, the children and women at VBS, or those that attend the local church. And wow, when they worship, they let the Lord know how much they love Him! It was definitely a little piece of heaven on earth.

Hunter Boe
On one of the last nights of chapel everyone was given pieces of paper and pencils to write down one sin holding them back from a closer relationship with God. We then walked to the front and nailed them on the cross. It was cool to be a part of the mass of people letting go of obstacles in their life.

Brady Pramberg
When I was in Mexico, I got the privilege of doing construction at the rehab center. While we were there, we built lockers for the men that were in rehab. Previously, these men had nowhere to store their personal belongings. It was very humbling, because the men at the rehab center were so grateful for the work that we were doing and I learned a lot about how selfish we are in America…how selfish I am. These men lived with very little and yet they were content. God showed me that you don’t need all the stuff that the world says you do. These men were living without ipods, cell phones, or television. (They didn’t even get to watch Mexico in the World Cup!) They were grateful for anything that was given to them. It was a very humbling experience.

Hannah Boe
The time that I spent in Mexico changed my life. Before I went on the trip I knew that I would have fun and couldn't wait to go, but I didn't realize how much it would change me. Just being able to see how the people live down there was extremely humbling. It helped show me how much we take for granted.

The kids were a big highlight for me. I got excited everyday to go and see them at the VBS. They would always greet you with a smile and a hug. So obviously on the last day it was hard to leave them. I am not ashamed to say that I cried because I know that anyone who has ever gone on this trip can relate to the feeling that you get as you drive away from the park.

For a few years now I have been set on becoming a missionary when I'm done with college. Going to Mexico helped confirm Gods plan for me. It showed me what it was really like to be a servant. I still am not sure where God is sending me, but I can’t wait to get going.

James Sprouse
I had steeled myself against feeling anything. We were going to the park earlier than usual for Saturday, and so I knew that Cristel probably would not be there. But as I was walking up, the cry rang out, “Hansel's here!” Instantly, everything came flooding back. I knew that if her brother was there, either she was too or he could go get her. Heart throbbing, I waited anxiously as he went. Then, coming into the park, was a little girl with brown hair, a purple shirt with a sequined horse on the front, and pinkish plaid pants. Hardly larger than last year, but a year older, was Cristel. We started walking toward each other, then we were running, I picked her up, and we hugged for a long, long time. Feeling like crying, I realized that I hadn't known just how much I missed her...The impact of last year on her had been tremendous. She had put every picture I sent her into her photo album. Her grandma told me that Cristel prayed every day for me, and that she prayed while I did before the VBS because she could see my prayer spot from her house. Through her grandma's words, I caught a glimpse of the depth of God's work: how He has made my influence so strong, how that has caused her to pray, and how I'm instructing her because she trusts the things I say about Him.

Kinslie Tekolste
One of my most memorable moments from this trip was Jeff Lamb’s bible study. I got a lot out of what he said. He nailed most of the tough points I had in my life and now I understand better about what God really has planned for me. It felt great and it left a feeling of satisfactory every time I did an act of service. Many of us have a hard time serving others. We often think of just ourselves, and I am one of those many people. It was challenging to serve others, but God is awesome, and every time I served someone, he left a warm and pleasing feeling in my heart. I saw God at work many times on this trip. He was working through the hearts of the kids at VBS, the homeless, the people at the prisons, and many people in our group. He also changed me in ways I cannot describe. Since the Mexico trip, I have been in his word much more, reading it every night and often during the day when I feel God is trying to speak to me or show me something. This trip was amazing and God worked in many lives during that week, and now I am looking forward to serving again next year!

Lindsay Key
This was my third trip to Mexico, and it was once again an absolutely amazing experience. The first year I decided to go on this trip, I never knew that it would come to impact my life for as long as it has. Mexico has become like a second home to me. It always has such a great impact on my life, and I really believe this trip has made me who I am today in my faith. I have formed a great relationship with a little girl who I met the first year I went on the trip. She is now six years old, and I have had the privilege to keep in touch with her throughout the past year by sending her letters in the mail. A big reason I went back this year was to see her, and I was praying hard that she would be back. When we were reunited, she handed me an envelope with my name on it. I opened it up and immediately started crying. She had written, in English, “May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May the Lord be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.” It was so amazing to get to spend my week with her, and God humbled my heart in so many ways from playing with all those kids and experiencing the things I did. The testimonies we heard, the poverty we saw, and the changed lives we experienced all reminded me of how big, strong, and mighty our God truly is, and how ultimately all we need to do in life is “let go and let God.”

Allison Key
One morning, we went into the streets of Ensenada to serve food to the homeless and share the gospel with them. There was one man in particular who really stood out, so we grabbed an interpreter and started talking as we sat on the median in the road as cars zoomed past. He explained how he wanted to give his life to the lord, but had some things he needed to take care of first. We prayed with him, and as he started crying, so did we. It was pretty incredible to see the amazing ways God works in every part of the world, including the middle of the street in Ensenada, Mexico.

Heidi Reinke
Mexico in one word is: amazing. I love Mexico, the people there are awesome, they are so strong in their faith and the way they worship God is truly unique and inspiring. The kids are extremely friendly. They take your hand and play with you the whole time. They are stuck to you like glue, they have fun no matter if you are building with blocks or playing on the swing set. They always have the best time ever. The most memorable moments was probably when Mayla (one of my favorite kids there) gave me hugs and kisses. It was so amazing to see how much she loved me and wanted to be my friend even though she had just met me. I just absolutely love the way the people in Mexico love, whether it’s love for Jesus or love for the people who spend time with them. Love is obviously a huge part of Mexico and that is one of the many things they have to be proud of.

Carol Damkroger
Brian and Chris McPike have the gift of taking people out of their comfort zone. When they asked me to share with the women in the prison, God reassured me with 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power . . .” He also brought to mind Philippians 4:13, which reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The women in the prison weren’t at all what I expected. We were greeted with hugs and kisses from each one of them. I was overwhelmed by their tenderness. Patty Hermann and I shared with them that we are loved, forgiven and redeemed by God. The women decorated the bags we brought. One gal had written the names of her children on her bag and told me that one of her children had died. She proceeded to share her story. She was in prison for the murder of her one year old child. We cried, hugged and prayed. Visiting the prison was the hardest thing I did in Mexico, but was by far the most rewarding and memorable. We serve a believable and faithful God!

Jeremy Wagner
One of the experiences I had in Mexico was when we were worshiping in church for the last day. Everyone was giving every ounce of energy they had to jumping, singing, and worshiping God. By the end of the service everyone was drenched in sweat but we had such a great time that it didn't matter. I was able to see God put a passion for worshiping him in the hearts of everyone in the church.

Rachel Brown
My favorite part of Mexico was definitely going to the park! Each day when we would leave from the park I would already be looking forward to the next day to go back there again. Before this trip I always thought that the kids would seem sad and lonely and our job was to go cheer them up. However, the second I walked through the gate I realized that those kids were already happy and were very thankful for all of the things they had even if they didn't have much, and that was very eye opening. Going on the trip helped me learn a lot and coming back home makes me realize how much it really impacted me! I think of Mexico and the people there all of the time and it has definitely changed my life! I definitely hope that i will be able to go back next year!

Elizabeth Tenney
Going to Ensenada four years ago, as high school sophomore was life changing. The trip created a passion for missions and led me to go on a couple of level two trips with church. I was excited to return this year as a leader in hopes that I would be able to help other students have the same experience that I did. Our team always puts on an amazing VBS for the kids in the park. The only problem is that there are always kids hanging around the park, who are too old to relate to the VBS and they usually end up becoming a distraction and causing problems. This problem was addressed at an early leaders meeting and, since I am an education major hoping to one day teach middle school, I felt like God was calling me to try to do something to reach out to these kids. I emailed Brian right away telling him that I needed his permission as soon as possible before I chickened out. I put a lot of time into planning lessons, crafts and activities that would be more applicable to middle school aged kids and had many worries and doubts along the way. After our first day in the park I was close to tears. Only ten rowdy boys and one quiet girl showed up and we were only able to get through a couple minutes of the lesson before they were done listening. I was very discouraged but knew that God had a plan so I spent a lot of time praying. By the last day in the park there were almost forty kids and about half of them were girls. Each day more kids came and every day they became a little more willing to listen and cooperate. It was a total answer to prayer. The Middle School VBS was far from perfect and I have no clue if any lives were changed or if any of those kids accepted Christ, but I do know that God has started a ministry and I am so thankful that he chose me to be a part of that.

Pat Brechbill
Changed lives we had been praying for that for months, not just in who we came in contact with but for our team as well. How great our God is to see that prayer answered all week long. So many times in the park I would see one of our teens praying with someone, our youth and God at work.

Catalina Seitz
On Wednesday night sometime during the service, I began a casual conversation with Manuel, he is one of the leaders at the Bible School. We began sharing some experiences and I don’t know why but I began sharing an incident with one of my neighbors that the Lord has allowed Don and I to minister to. I told him about this dream I had about Jimmy (my neighbor) and how it happened that during that time I had the dream I felt it was from the Lord, Jimmy also had a dream with me in it! In my dream I was telling Jimmy “LET GO OF THE PAST” over and over again. As I shared more about Jimmy’s story I could see tears welling up in Manuel’s eyes and I just thought he was being touched by Jimmy’s story, but when I finished Manuel said to me; “How did you know that was my story also?” I told him I didn’t have a clue but the Holy Spirit did and the Lord is talking to you!
It was one of those God moments, that you know you are doing what you are suppose to in Jesus Name! I thank God for the opportunity brought forth first by the Lord and the Nebraska team to be at the right place at the right time! Touching lives and making a difference!

Arianna Dye
I met a young boy named Jaciel on the 3rd day of VBS, by pushing him (and some other kids) on the swings. But he wouldn't talk to me, or even acknowledge that anything was happening. Afterwards, one of my friends came up to me and told me that for the past two days she had been trying to get any response out of him, without success. After the lesson, I saw him sitting on a seesaw, without a partner. So, I went over to him and started playing with him on the see saws, talking to him in Spanish the best that I could. Eventually, he started smiling, and even nodding or shaking his head in response to things I said. I tried to share the gospel with him, and though I don't think he understood, he clearly enjoyed having a friend. When it was time to leave, he said proudly to me "Yo tengo tres!" (I am three). That sentence, out of an essentially mute mouth, was to me a powerful testament to the power of the Lord when we let Him show his love and kindness through us.