My friend Steve Maas visited us here in La Mision from South Florida. Unfortunately, Kim, his awesome wife, had to stay back with their two kids. Steve and I grew up together going to the same church and were in the same small group all through high school. It was nice to get to show him what we do and then get to watch the Vikings play football together. We don't get chances to hang out with other Minnesota sports fans where we live.
Check out what Steve wrote about his trip:
Greater Things
I have been following Chad and Erin through their newsletters and blog entries. Kim and I have supported them through prayer and whatever little bit we could give over their time in La Mision. Kim and I decided it would be a good idea for me to see the wonderful things that they are doing firsthand. Chad and Erin have found many creative ways to get involved in the community. Chad is busy in the church downstairs playing in the band and welcoming members of the church. He works very hard to communicate primarily in Spanish and seems to be coming along well. They are both trying hard to get to know and care for many members of the community, building relationships and helping out. Chad is doing an excellent job as an assistant coach for a football team in Rosarito. By football, I mean American football, the kind with a quarterback and tackling. He is very committed to teaching the foreign concepts of the game, being upbeat through long practices and creating a positive environment for the kids despite no financial compensation and wretched practice facilities and equipment. Erin is lending her time to the free health clinic at the church. She does whatever she can to help out so people in the community with little means can have a place to go when they are sick. In addition, they help lead children’s church every week at a free day care center, Chad on the guitar and vocals, and Erin on the keys, and maybe a guest padding the drums a bit. They also commit time to the large orphanage down the road. I really enjoyed watching them love so many different people in the community, from the greatest to the least. I admire the way they have made themselves readily available to be the hands and feet for the people of this region without expecting anything in return. It truly is a breath of fresh air and provokes me to think bigger about how I am reaching out to the community around me. I was sad to leave such an inspiring place where I was able to witness Chad and Erin(and their church family) responding to the Holy Spirit. I hope to visit again soon with my whole family in tow. You guys are doing some incredible things and I am so glad I was able to spend some time along for the ride. Kim and I will continue to pray for you both and the people of the La Mision community.
I have been following Chad and Erin through their newsletters and blog entries. Kim and I have supported them through prayer and whatever little bit we could give over their time in La Mision. Kim and I decided it would be a good idea for me to see the wonderful things that they are doing firsthand. Chad and Erin have found many creative ways to get involved in the community. Chad is busy in the church downstairs playing in the band and welcoming members of the church. He works very hard to communicate primarily in Spanish and seems to be coming along well. They are both trying hard to get to know and care for many members of the community, building relationships and helping out. Chad is doing an excellent job as an assistant coach for a football team in Rosarito. By football, I mean American football, the kind with a quarterback and tackling. He is very committed to teaching the foreign concepts of the game, being upbeat through long practices and creating a positive environment for the kids despite no financial compensation and wretched practice facilities and equipment. Erin is lending her time to the free health clinic at the church. She does whatever she can to help out so people in the community with little means can have a place to go when they are sick. In addition, they help lead children’s church every week at a free day care center, Chad on the guitar and vocals, and Erin on the keys, and maybe a guest padding the drums a bit. They also commit time to the large orphanage down the road. I really enjoyed watching them love so many different people in the community, from the greatest to the least. I admire the way they have made themselves readily available to be the hands and feet for the people of this region without expecting anything in return. It truly is a breath of fresh air and provokes me to think bigger about how I am reaching out to the community around me. I was sad to leave such an inspiring place where I was able to witness Chad and Erin(and their church family) responding to the Holy Spirit. I hope to visit again soon with my whole family in tow. You guys are doing some incredible things and I am so glad I was able to spend some time along for the ride. Kim and I will continue to pray for you both and the people of the La Mision community.
