Join us this summer for a church mission trip to Texas and Mexico from Saturday July 24 through Saturday July 31, 2010. We will be visiting the Curling family at Macedonian Christian Academy (MCA) in Donna, Texas. This trip is designed to serve the Lord in several different ways. Both families and individuals are welcome on this trip. The first area of service is working at both the existing and new properties of MCA. The second service area involves working at a Bible school at a church there. Some people may participate on both the work team and the Bible school team, while others may want to serve only in a “work project” capacity. An additional area of service is at the Pillar of Hope Orphanage just outside of Reynoso, Mexico. This opportunity would be on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. There are multiple ways to serve on this trip, and there is something for people of all ages and experience levels.

 

The Work portion of the trip will involve working on construction projects at the new property. It is MCA’s plan to have acquired by the end of 2009 a new piece of land for the school. Some team members would be assisting with various construction projects at the new property. Other team members would be working at the existing property doing summer “refreshing” projects such as cleaning, painting, organizing, and repairs. These projects at the existing property would be great projects for the children on the trip.

 

The Bible school portion of the trip would involve assisting at a Bible school at a local church. The Bible school would take place from approx 3:00-6:30 Monday through Thursday. Members of that church would be responsible for teaching the classes while our role would involve providing snacks/dinner, directing crafts and recreation, and other various supporting roles.

 

We will also have the opportunity to go to Pillar of Hope Orphanage outside of Reynoso, Mexico. Pillar of Hope has approx 45 children living there. In addition to providing food and shelter, the orphanage also has a Christian school modeled in the image of MCA. There are many ways we can serve here, but there are three specific things we have tentatively planned. First, we would like to do a Christmas in July for the kids. We would go to a dollar store and purchase toys and games for the kids and surprise them with these on our Tuesday morning visit. Second, we would grill lunch for them on both Tuesday and Thursday. Third, we would provide them with a love offering.

 

Below is a brief itinerary:

 

Saturday or Sunday: Travel from J.C. to Donna, Texas

 

Sunday (if you arrive Saturday): free day, sight-seeing, etc

 

Monday & Wednesday:

Work at current/new location in morning and early afternoon

Bible school from 3:00-6:30

Go to flea market Wednesday morning for souvenir shopping

Tuesday & Thursday:

Work at current/new location in morning and early afternoon

Christmas in July/Cookout at Pillar of Hope morning/early afternoon

Bible school from 3:00-6:30

 

Friday:

Work at current/new location until late afternoon

Closing banquet at Ponchos restaurant in evening (including personal testimonies)

 

Saturday: Depart for home

 

 

Travel—Most families will probably want to fly. If not, we would have the option of taking a church van/bus if there are enough people that want to do that. Driving will add a couple extra days travel time to your trip. If you drive down, it will not matter when you arrive as long as you are ready on Monday morning.

 

Lodging—There is plenty of lodging available at MCA. There are 5 24x24 rooms and 4 other large rooms. These rooms could be split between men and women or some could be used for entire families, depending on your preference. There are 3 showers on the property, which will not be an issue as long as showers are limited to 5 minutes max. Most people prefer to sleep on air mattresses or cots, which you will have to bring. If needed, we can ship them down ahead of time for those flying. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, that is an option.  There is a nice LaQuinta Inn less than 5 minutes from MCA, and rates are approx $65/night for 4-person occupancy. This option would involve getting up earlier and traveling to the school in the morning.

 

Meals—Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily by MCA. A small team of cooks will be needed to help prepare the meals.

 

Cost—The total cost per person is $850. This includes airfare and a fee that would go toward covering the cost of the food, electricity, building materials, Bible school supplies, etc and a love offering for Juan and Rachel. If airline tickets go up significantly, the overall cost could increase.

 

Passports—Those over the age of 18 will need a passport to go into Mexico. Children under 18 will NOT need a passport; they will just need a letter from a parent and a photo ID; more info to follow on this.

 

Devotionals—There will be an evening devotional every night after showers/dinner.

 

Deadlines—If you have any interest in going, please let me know no later than January 1, 2010. This is very important as we must make sure that a large group (30-40) can be accommodated. The commitment date is April 1, 2010. You will need to have half of the cost turned in by April 1 and the remaining half by July 1, 2010. To let me know you are interested, find me at church on Sunday, call me at 423.741.0609, or email me at me4clemson@comcast.net. There are also sign-up sheets located in the lobby and welcome center.

 

If you are going on the trip or if you would like to contribute toward someone else going, make your check out to HBC and make sure you use an envelope marked “MCA.” Any excess funds collected will be given to the Curlings as a love offering.

 

This is a great opportunity for anyone as there are several different ways you can serve—heavy construction, lighter work, working with children, and preparing meals. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

God Bless,
Carter Payne