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MISSION TRIP “SHINNING IN THE NEED” in APRIL, 2011. LA LAGUNA GUADALUPE, OAXACA, MÉXICO.

Dear brothers and sisters, God be with you.

I am thankful to God for your life and also for being a part of this mission trip to Oaxaca. Let me tell you about it.

Testimony.

When I realized that I wouldn´t go to Nicaragua at the mission trip with OM International, I felt sad about it. Nevertheless I continue praying and looking for other options. Actually, I thought that I will probably go back to Ocosingo, as two years ago, and I was happy about it, but then, I heard about Comimex and its purpose to visit the Triquis. At that moment, I felt the calling.

I don´t know how God set all down and guided me there, but He did. In fact, I was wondering if I will be able to afford the trip but I also repeated in my mind that He will provide, as always, so I accept it.
Besides that, I was trying to collect food or money for the Triquis and I decided to contact my Church “Trinity” and Emanuel as a part of this blessing. Janie’s interest was the first answer for me, then, your donations. I continue praying and Emmanuel Church was generous too. Let me tell you that I was amazed about God’s work though his Body, He broke my heart and confirmed his will through every person who talked to me. That’s why I was sure God wants me in Oaxaca.

A couple of time, some people tried to change my decision but I couldn´t denied this calling in my heart, besides that, I had this verse in my heart all the time Mt.16:25 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it”. This was my promise, comfort and my refuge.
Finally, I do believe that I could attend to this trip just for God’s will and grace.

La Laguna Guadalupe.
It’s the name of the community where we went. Moreover, the people who live in that town belongs to the ethnic group called Triqui. Before going there, it was hard to hear from different sources that it is one of the most difficult ethnic groups in Oaxaca. However, La Laguna Guadalupe is opened to Jesus, we could perceived it every day. Personally, I could see Triquis are needy of Jesus’ love.

La Laguna Guadalupe is a beautiful town which is 1 hour far from Tlaxiaco and 4 hours from the capital of Oaxaca –Oaxaca de Juárez-. Moreover, it’s dry and cold but in this season, the weather is cool. In addition, it is also surrounded by mountains which are climbed every day by the people who live there.
On the other hand, it was great to know there’s an evangelical church in La Laguna, because in Copala (another town which is 1 hour far away) the gospel is not well accepted.

Mission group.
Our leader or coordinator was Paloma Saldaña who was a missionary for a year, in La Laguna Guadalupe, 5 years ago. The mission group was formed by 21 persons from different places. There was just one marriage between us (Margarita and David):

  NAME     CITY AND STATE
1 CECILE VILLATORO ORELLA Tapachula, Chis.
2 ISRAEL CENICEROS ESPARZA Gomez Palacio, Durango
3 MIRIAM VIANEY ACOSTA GTZ. (MILI) Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua.
4 MIRIAM AVILA SANTIVAÑEZ Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua
5 ARMANDO GERARDO FUENTE PERALTA Sabinas, Coahuila.
6 MARIA DEL CARMEN MTZ MEDINA Apodaca, Nvo.León
7 ANA MARIA CENICEROS REYES Chihuahua
8 JUANA MARGARITA BECERRA DELGADO Torreón, Coahuila.
9 JESUS DAVID GLEZ BORJAS Torreón, Coahuila.
10 ALDO AGUILAR MUÑOZ Torreón, Coahuila
11 DAVID CAMACHO AYALA Gómez Palacio, Durango.
12 CORAL HDEZ. ANTUNEZ Petaquillas, Chilpancingo, Guerrero
13 KARLA YUDITH ESPINO GLEZ. Torreón, Coahuila.
14 FRANCISCO JAVIER HERRERA SOLIS Gómez Palacio, Durango
15 LUIS ALFONSO DELGADO ALVAREZ Sabinas, Coahuila.
16 ANAIS SALDAÑA GARCIA Torreón, Coahuila.
17 JANETT SALDAÑA GARCIA Torreón, Coahuila.
18 PALOMA SALDAÑA GARCIA Torreón, Coahuila.
19 MYRNA DE LA ROSA MTZ. Gómez Palacio, Durango.
20 MARCO ANTONIO ORTIZ GUANGORENA Gómez Palacio, Durango
21 LIZZET MTZ. ROMERO México, DF, Delegación Iztapalapa

Journal.
The first day, Monday 25th of April, we arrived at 11:30 pm and all the brothers and sisters were waiting for us. After introducing ourselves, we ate together and we organized our sleeping bags and all things in two different rooms: one for women and other for men. Before sleeping, everybody started to write their journals.

Next day, we started the free service next to the presidential house: as doctor’s office, optometry, drugstore, bags with can food (as beans, rice, sugar, salt, oat, lentils, green beans, toilet paper, toothpaste, pastas, oil, etc), haircuts and bible school for kids. We were serving from 9 am to 4 pm.
Paloma organized our roles for those days and I was giving food to the people from Tuesday to Wednesday. I really enjoyed it, specially when I decided to learn the Triqui language. Brothers Arquelao and Pascual taught me different phrases to start a dialogue with the people, so, it was wonderful to talk to them.

On Thursday, Paloma decided to send me to other area because the haircutters needed help. I didn´t know anything about it but I learned from them.

On Thursday evening we gave thanks to the authorities of La Laguna and we had a last service at church. At the end, brothers and sisters prayed for us which was very special for us. Then, Friday morning, we went back to Tlaxiaco and we stayed 3 hours there…after that, 3 of us separated from the group (Coral, Liz and me) and we traveled at home. The rest of the group traveled to the north of México.

Statistics.
We gave an average of 160 medical consultings, 170-180 bags with food, 104 Optometry patients, and medicines for all the patients. There was bible school for children (80-100 kids approximately) too.

Learning.
During those days I was praying for obedience but also for an opportunity to talk about Jesus to someone. Maybe I was expecting to evangelize house by house, as others mission trips but this one was a little different and I decided to do my best due to I was sure God wanted us there. Suddenly, the last day, God answered my prayers and I could talk with 2 women: Patricia and Sandra. Both of them had different needs and troubles but they were opened to the Word of God.

Sandra told me she believed in Jesus and she wanted to know him closely but her mother-in-law disliked the gospel. Sandra’s husband went to work to other city since time ago and she had to live in her mother-in-law’s house (it is common in many villages in México). Obviously, she can´t do whatever she wants but Sandra was thirsty of God and she asked me to read the Bible. After talking about Jesus, I gave her the information about the church, the Pastor’s name and his wife, etc. Although she didn´t do her decision that day, we prayed together and I do believe God will do His will in her. Keep her in your prayers please.
On the other hand, we met Guillermina who is a Triqui girl that attend to the church in La Laguna. She is 19 years old and she met Paloma 5 years ago when she went to live there as a missionary. Guille (as we called her), told us her testimony: some months ago she went to Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca and a person told her bad things about her ethnic group. It was hard for Guille to know that other persons had a bad concept about the Triquis and she was praying to God that He had mercy of the Triquis, because she knew our Lord could change them. She also asked Him for a sign. Suddenly, Paloma told her about the mission trip and Guille was so excited because she knew God was answering her prayers. Guille was crying when she told us this testimony and it broke our hearts.

When I heard this, I could see the purpose for us there. Jesus wanted us to show His love to the Triquis in a way that He wanted. Maybe they are marginalized by the society but not from God. Believe me, our brothers and sisters Triquis have a charming heart and Triquis also need Jesus love. They also need guidance in the darkness, as many people in the world.

Culture.
About their culture I could learned that women wear “huipiles” but not the men. Huipiles are very beautiful and colorful, indeed, they neck represents “a rainbow” in and the ribbons in their backs represent “the rain”. Women sew it in three different parts ‘cause it’s very long and hard to do it in one step. So far, Triqui moms teach their daughters how to sew the huipiles. Actually, mothers are responsible of making every huipil in their house, that’s why the more women make huipiles, the less work they do.
On the other hand, women usually sit on their knees and they don’t get tired so quickly -as me- because they are used to it. Children, men and young women speak Spanish and Triqui but the old women speak only their ethnic language.

Triqui women make their own tortillas (black and white) and they are very big, as all the tortillas in Oaxaca. In fact, they have a special name: “tlayudas”.
Many Triquis (including children, women and men) also climb the mountain every day for a while to get wood, fruits and vegetables. They like to be in contact with the nature.

Triqui phrases.
God be with you = ña ajá tukumiizo
Good morning for men = man da’ne’
Good morning for women = man ‘lé’
Thank you = kurua-re-lé or kurua-re-yu güe
Your welcome = itaj numi
What´s your name? = nuhuizinuma
Sit down = gandere
Etc, etc.

Coming back at home.
Paloma told us there will be another mission trip next October and we all are invited again. We don´t know God’s plans but He will guide us to the places He wants. However, when I was in Oaxaca I thought in my brothers and sisters Tzeltales from Chiapas and I am praying for the opportunity to visit them again. Meanwhile I am praying for the next mission trip that will be on July in Huatulco, Oaxaca.

I am very thankful for this opportunity that God provided. I am also thankful for your donations (Trinity Presbyterian Church) and the support of Emmanuel Church because God used you all to made this trip possible. I bless you all and I do believe God will give you more.

I am very happy too, because we are a big family and we have brothers and sisters around the world. Indeed, you can be sure that you have a big family in La Laguna Guadalupe, Oaxaca. Keep them in your prayers and be sure that you were a part of this mission trip that we did in La Laguna. Your prayers and cooperation in different ways were a blessing to the Triquis. Actually, when we said good bye, they expressed their feelings in a way that maybe I am not be able to say it with words, and they sent greetings to our churches. They were so thankful and they tears showed us more than simple words.

Receive their greetings and love.
God be with you.
Love, Cécile.

I know all the Church was praying, thank you all for that support which was very special to me. I am also thankful to the donators.

“ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE”

   The Presbyterian Hunger Program’s “Enough for Everyone” is about partnership: partnership among Presbyterians in the United States with sisters and brothers in other countries; partnership among national programs of the PC (USA); partnership among the PC (USA) and other organizations; and partnership in local churches among various committees and calls to mission.
    At the heart of “Enough For Everyone” is deep concern for global economic justice and a commitment to live out our faith in Jesus Christ with integrity. The four projects of “Enough For Everyone” seek to address fair trade, sweatshops, debt and credit, and energy efficiency. These projects are tools by which congregations can respond to global economic realities from the perspective of Christian faith.
    “Enough For Everyone” opens possibilities for multi-dimensional partnerships. For example, Presbyterians who buy Equal Exchange’s blend of Café’ Nica are supporting PRODECOOP, a fair trade coffee cooperative in Nicaragua. Through “Investing in Hope”, Presbyterians support this same cooperative, which holds a loan through Oikocredit.
      If your church is not involved in supporting “Enough for Everyone’s” projects, information is available at the Presbytery office. Call 800-277-7479 or www.pcusa.org/enough/

“ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE” PROJECTS:

1. EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE: Fair trade coffee, cocoa, tea and chocolate bars for sale to churches and/or individuals.

2. SWEAT FREE T’S: Non-sweat shop t-shirts made by a women’s cooperative in Nicaragua for sale.

3. OIKOCREDIT: An investment opportunity in small loans to small businesses in third world counties bringing a return of about 2%.

4. ELECTRIC STEWARDSHIP; Check your church and your home to be sure you are using electricity responsibly.

Don’t forget our Equal Exchange
Coffee Mission project!

We have all types of coffee, including flavored coffee, teas, hot cocoa, and delicious chocolate bars!
These items make great gift baskets for birthdays, anniversaries, welcome gifts, house-warming, or any special occasion. And remember, it’s never too early to plan for Christmas giving! Be sure to stop by and shop at our Equal Exchange table.   Give a gift that gives more than once!
Thank you. Mission Committee

Close to Home

Home Improvement Team - Our home improvement team is waiting for your requests.  The RED box is located next to the coffee display.  This is for ANYONE you know who needs small home maintenance, etc. that they can not access on their own.

Scotland Community Clinic -
Scotland Community Health Clinic serves adult residents of Scotland County who are without medical insurance and who fall at or below 150% of federal poverty level standards. Scotland Community Health Clinic provides routine care and assists in the management of chronic diseases. A special women's clinic is also held monthly to help educate and answer questions regarding family planning, hormone replacement and other concerns. More Info

Church Community Services -  
8:30 - 12:30  Monday - Friday
108 Gill Street   276-8330  Trinity's volunteer week is March 6th-10th.  All non-perishable food and clothing donations are welcome.  We set a collection goal each month at the church for needed items

Habitat For Humanity of Scotland County    
(910) 276-3337 Fax: (910) 276-1397

NEW LOCATION:
Scotland Habitat Home Store
12340 McColl Rd
Laurinburg, NC 28352
Phone: (910) 276-3395 Fax: (910) 277-9967
store@habitatscotlandcounty.org

St. Andrew's Presbyterian College Oscar Blue McCormick Scholarship is supported annually by our church.

International Partners

John & Andrea Anderson
with Wycliffe Bible Translators - www.jaars.org and www.wycliffe.org

Dan and Elizabeth Turk - Madagascar.
           For more information on the Turks mission and ministry, click here. see the PCUSA website. For a photo album of the Turks, click here.

Nita Hanson - God's Hidden Treasures - Ukraine
The Presbyterian missionary Nita reaches into the plight of Ukraine, which has been listed along with Romania, as the two most hopeless and depressed countries in the world.

 In addition to the orphanage and wheelchair enterprises established early in her work, the Lord has enabled GHT to:

• establish Mobile Medical Clinics in 59 villages
• establish a Stroke Rehabilitation Program helping over 150 patients
• provide over 2000 wheelchairs and other mobility aids
• provide summer camps for handicapped children
• bring the Bible message to countless orphans
• offer an annual picnic for more than 350 handicapped people

Nita and God’s Hidden Treasures are seed planters and plant waterers.

Partnership relationship with Ms. Cecile Villatoro-Orella in Chiapas, Mexico is on going.  She was a missionary in residence with our congregation for a few months in 2005-2006.  This partnership is through the PCUSA Reconciliation and Mission Exchange Program.