Smith Family Mexico Mission: The Work Begins

Whew……things are moving fast now.  After the emotion is processed and the shock to our family and friends has dimmed a bit, the reality of the decision has set in.  First came a meeting with Pastor Bill Dunning of Olympia Calvary Chapel (missions pastor) to discuss mission guidelines and details involved with setting up accounts, speaking engagements, and printing off information relating to our trip.  We suddenly felt like we had a lot of work to do and not enough time to do it in.  We actually do have plenty of time, but when looking at a large workload, it always feels daunting to me (Aaron).

Then the work began.  I knew there would be a lot to do once things got rolling, but I didn’t know how much there would be.  It has been rewarding though.  One of the coolest parts of the process so far has been speaking at churches and sharing our testimony.  After each time sharing, we are amazed at how what GOD is doing in our life, is touching so many people.  This mission is much bigger than us.  It has been said, “there is what GOD wants to do to you, and what GOD wants to do through you”.  We are experiencing the truth of this statement.  One couple came up to us after sharing at Olympia Calvary Chapel and said that they could not believe how their lives have been so closely parallel to ours.  GOD had been working in their hearts to go into full time ministry which would require downsizing their house and taking a significant cut in pay.  They said our testimony and message about leaving all behind to follow Christ was exactly what they needed to hear.  So cool!  Many others have expressed their willingness to come along side us and partner with us in Mexico.  We are amazed and humbled by what GOD is doing in both our lives and the lives of others.

Isaiah 40:31- but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

As we move through this process we are continually amazed at how GOD is providing for us.  We have had multiple people call us up out of the blue to ask if they can help and what do we need.  People we have not talked to in years have contacted us.  It has been really cool.  On one trip down to Mexico last December, we were driving through the mountain passes in southern Oregon.  After we fueled up in Grants Pass and stretched our legs a bit, we settled into the pickup for the next leg of the trip.  That is when Elli (our 4 year old daughter) decided she now needed to go tinkle.  She did not need to go 15 minutes earlier when we were at the bathroom, but now she HAD TO GO.  It had just began to rain really hard and the wind was picking up.  We were going up a mountain pass and there was nowhere to pull over or get off the freeway.  I tried what most American dads would do.  In my best DAD voice, I warned her, “Don’t you tinkle in that car seat” I said, hoping it would give her the ability to hold it a little longer.  Robbyn calmly quoted Phil 4:19 and says from the front seat, “pray to Jesus sweetheart” in her motherly voice.  With a somewhat cute voice that was very strained Elli cried out, “Jesus, please help me! I need to go tinkle”!  No sooner did she finish praying when there it was, a sign for an off ramp and it read, Heaven on Earth Restaurant.  No kidding.  When we pulled off the freeway in Azalea, Or, there was one building with what looked like an old ranch around it.  They had just opened that moment and turned on the lights when we pulled into the parking lot.  The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls was pouring out the front door.  As it turns out, the owner of the restaurant is a Christian, her dad was a missionary in Rosarito for 35 years and had just recently passed, and she had been on several trips to the area herself.  She was our first financial partner and example of how GOD will be working in our live from now on.  GOD is good and always faithful.  We will never forget how he provides for us and loves us as His children.

Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go.

Phillippians 4:19- and my GOD will supply every need of yours according to His riches in Glory in Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer needs-

• To find a house large enough to accommodate another family for short term missions in a safe, gated area.
• Cleanup and sorting the things we don’t need to take with us (and the wisdom to know the difference)
• Financial Partners

Those who want to become a Financial Partner can go to http://www.calvarychapelolympia.com/smiths-in-Mexico/

Or send check to Olympia Calvary Chapel, 919 Division ST NW Olympia, WA 98502 (please write smith Mexico mission in the memo_