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Joy-Full

“What great love the Father has given us, that we should be called His children! What great love.”

As I looked around at the students, some participating and some stubbornly sitting in their seats, it hit me that this is what we are standing for. Those very words we were singing, signs we were making with our hands, they were not just a group activity. They were narrating the greatest story of history to a room full of boys and girls in Puerto Escondido, thousands of miles away from where that story took place approximately two thousand years ago.

At that moment, as I stood singing with the children, I stopped focusing so much on getting the hand motions correct and realized the power of the words being sung. And suddenly, I wasn’t just singing, I was worshipping in the midst of the children, singing the very words which are the reason for our every breath. They are why I came to Mexico in the first place and they are why the Manantial staff pours into their students every day. They are why all of our stories are being interwoven in a tapestry of His grace as we live in the joy of that truth.

During my time at Manantial, I have been reminded of how God relatesd to us as a father to His children. As it says in Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” I think of this verse as I picture the students joyfully running through the school gate greeting teachers along the way. Part of our role as teachers is not only welcoming them in but ushering them into the embrace of their True Teacher and Father.

Ironically, as I reflect on our work here, I realize that the above verse is one from a song I memorized during my own childhood! I am struck by the importance which this stage of life bears on each individual student. These years are the springboard for adulthood and we have the privilege of equipping them with and caring for their mental and spiritual state. Manantial is not just a place where these students will learn to read or write, it is a place they will learn to forgive and be reconciled with their friends; a place where they will regularly be reminded of a God who chose to come into the world as a child. They will learn that this child, Jesus, grew into a man and forever changed the world by His sacrifice and great love. And for THAT reason, we can have joy like a child’s joy, with confidence in our Father’s love for us.
So sing with joy my friends! We have every reason to.

Mallory Beckett, GEM Volunteer

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Jenna’s Call to Mexico

Growing up, I have listened to many missionaries speak at my church, and throughout different church events that I attended. My eyes and heart were always filled with wonder and awe as I listened to these missionaries speak and share their love for Jesus and what they did overseas. In the depths of my heart, I prayed many times that the Lord would allow me to be a missionary overseas. I wanted to experience what these missionaries were doing, and I wanted to make an impact for Christ.

As I got older, I became very complacent in my walk with the Lord. I did not grasp the Gospel for myself, but I was trying to live a life that was striving for perfection, not satisfaction in Christ. I still dreamed of becoming a missionary, but in the back of my mind, I never thought that it would happen.

In 2014, at the age of seventeen, I went to the Word of Life Bible Institute. That year, the Lord radically changed my life, my heart, and the way that I saw the Gospel and people. The Gospel became real to me, I took hold of my relationship with Jesus as my own. As I did that, by His grace, I saw missions in a new light. After my two years at the Word of Life Bible Institute, I see missions as not just an overseas thing, but an everyday life mission. I see that wherever I am, I am a missionary. Wherever I am, I want the love and grace of Jesus to pour out of me, and that is only through His strength!

Recently, I had the privilege to go to Portugal on a two-month  missions trip. I loved every minute of it and saw the hand of Jesus through everything. It was there that I prayed for the Lord to guide me where He wants me to be next. I want to use the gifts that God has given me to honor Him, and I prayed that God would use my gifts in any way He wants. The Lord reminded me of the passion that He has given me for kids! I absolutely love kids. I think each one of them is incredible, special, and uniquely made by the Lord for His purpose and glory. I knew about Global Education Ministries, and when I looked into it more, I saw what an awesome opportunity it would be to be able to pour into little lives every day, and to show these children how special they are and what an amazing purpose Jesus has for their lives!! After praying more, and seeking what Jesus wants me to do, I have started to pursue going to Mexico, and asking the Lord to provide for everything if this is truly where He wants me to be.

So, now I am here, by the Lord’s sweet, sweet grace. It is true that He gives us the desires of our hearts. He knows my heart, my gifts, and where my passions lie. I feel so undeserving to have this opportunity to serve Him in Mexico as I have the privilege to teach and love on the children I get to see each day! I praise the Lord for all this, because all these blessings are from Him, and it’s a privilege to serve my Savior!!

Jenna Osimo, GEM Missionary

 

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Angela to Mexico

In many ways, God has been preparing me for this season in my life for many years.

In 2014, I chose to pursue a different career path. I have always loved working with children. I spent much of my life volunteering with kids and was a dedicated member of my church’s Children’s Ministry team. I chose to work in the local school district and pursue a degree in elementary education. This crossroad led to some major lifestyle changes. I went from working a well-paid job and spending extravagantly, to working a minimum wage job. Despite the hardships, I loved the job and loved my students. I knew this was right where God wanted me.

My home church has a strategic partnership with an organization in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. I had the opportunity to drive down with a team and provide support a couple of times. I loved being with the children there and experiencing a different culture. These experiences provided me with an appreciation of Mexican culture.

This past year, I finished my BS and began working on my MAT. I knew I had to find a position that would allow me to student teach in my own classroom and satisfy my university’s requirements. This meant pursuing a new position. My university had a job search available on the website. On the site, I stumbled upon the opportunity to teach in Puerto.

When I began talking with the staff, I had not yet officially applied. I gathered some information about the position and began the application process, unsure I would go any further. As I got further into the process, I spent time in prayer and sought the counsel of trusted people. There were concerns about finances, but I determined if I was called, God would provide. Confirmation came through my time spent with God. Lyrics from songs, confirmation from those closest to me, and a general assurance this was what I was supposed to do. God had been preparing me through interactions with the culture, change of career, downsizing of my lifestyle, and a desire to live more simply. I was at peace with my decision to move, knowing this was where God wanted me for this season.

Angela Fontanelli, GEM missionary