Border to Border Missions

Testimonials

Four years ago, when my parents first told me that we would be going on a missions trip to Juarez, Mexico, I had mixed feelings about the idea. At first, I dreaded going because I was afraid of the bugs, the heat, and the dirt. But the day we got in the car and headed for Mexico, I never had a bad thought about it again. Every single moment of the trip left a memory in my mind that I will never forget. One

of the things that impacted me the most was seeing the poverty that the people of Juarez were living in. I had never even imagined living without water, food, or even a bed. I really didn't realize that people actually lived with so little. It shocked me that people lived in houses with so little room and the fact that they had to live in the heat of the summer with no air conditioning. One of the greatest things it made me realize was how blessed I am to be able to get an education. The people have very little hope to ever get a better life because they can't afford to get a good education. The cost of education per month past about sixth grade is higher than a general income per month making it nearly impossible for children to further their education. The first trip ignited a passion inside of me and the mission trip was all I could think about for weeks. I told my parents that we had to go again the following year because I loved it so much. We have now worked on five different houses and every trip has left me wanting to do more and more. The mission trips have really strengthened my relationship with God and now every summer the one thing that I look forward to is going on the mission trip. God has truly given me a passion for working with the people and helping build the houses in the area. I know that in my life, the mission trips have been the greatest impact for me and have strengthened my relationship with God more than anything.

Written by Amanda, a Colorado high schooler

Well, I've been on 3 different trips to Mexico and I've loved every single one of them! I, personally, enjoyed every minute of it. I wish it could go longer!

I was surprised with how much I enjoyed getting dirty. There is a certain satisfaction in a hard day's work, helping to better the lives of people and in the end, getting blessed yourself. The

people there are just so generous! They share, even when they don't have a lot. They have such a great attitude about everything. Even though they are living in poverty, they are more content than I am. The joy that surrounds them is incredible. They are just so happy to have you there, to see you giving up of yourselves to help them. And they are so very grateful.

I know that it may sound strange, but even getting dirty and bouncing around in a bus on a busy street I found enjoyable! It was just so different from what I am used to, that I found it fun! I thought it was funny how after spending a day in the dirt, literally being covered in dirt, that I would come back to get clean and be sad that another day was over! And while it brought me a great sense of thankfulness to be born an American, I wish that I had the contentment that they have. They live in a dump, and they don't know any different. But I didn't see them complaining or whining, instead they were laughing and playing with their kids and making us feel very welcome. They are very friendly!

I didn't really have any disappointments from my short stay there. The trip on the whole is an awesome experience that I wish could go on longer. The missions work that is going on out there is a great ministry, and I loved every minute of my trip!

Written by Bethany, a Ft. Collins, CO high school Sr.

Yolanda's House

In November last year, the youth in our Church (Vista del Sol Baptist) approached the members of the congregation, "We want to build a house in Juarez, MX, for a lady named Yolanda. Please help us. It will cost about $5,000.00, (12x24) and we must also furnish the labor. Jim and Barbara Hetzel's Mission organization, Border to Border Missions, will help us. They know how to do it."

Many of us were incredulous. Can a house be built for $5,000,00? How long will it take to build? Can our Youth raise that kind of money?

When Jim said that it would take two days to build the house, Chung Hi said "I'll believe it when I see it." So we stretched our faith and donated some money, as did a lot of other people, and MORE than enough funds came in. Then we volunteered to go with the group to help put the house together.

Upon arriving at the site we discovered that the slab foundation had already been poured, and that the other building materials were not only on site, they had been pre-framed and cut and marked showing which pieces were to be nailed to which. Jim had three Mexican workers there, who knew what they were doing, and it was amazing to see how quickly the house went up. Most the work was done the first day and the project was complete at the end of the second day.

Although the weather was chilly and drizzly, and it rained all over El Paso and Juarez, we did not get very wet. It only rained a few drops where we were and then stopped. That in itself was a miracle to us.

Yolanda and her family and all the neighbors were thrilled beyond words. There is no way to describe their Joy in what the LORD had done for them.

Jesus said, Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find. A year prior to this construction, Yolanda had been present when some Churches in El Paso had gone over to Juarez at Thanksgiving time to pass out food. She had the boldness to ask someone (our Youth Director, John David Delgado) if they could build a house for her. John David thought about it and prayed about it, remembering the words of Christ, "Ask and it will be given to you." Then he shared this with the youth group, and the rest is history.

And now Chung Hi (and all of us who were involved) can say "Now I believe that a house can be built in two days!"

Sincerely, Paul & Chung Hi Fleshman