Vineyard Cincinnati Missions

July 3, 2011

MONTERREY, MEXICO BACK2BACK MINISTRIES

We arrived safely and are well into our second day here! The trip was smooth, as we just missed a large storm front moving through Dayton at the time of our departure. Our small group of 5 joined with Apex Community Church in Dayton and traveled together yesterday.

The theme of this summer's Back2Back Ministry is "Source" focusing on God as our Living Water. Theme verses include Proverbs 14:27 and Jeremiah 2:13. We are encouraged to explore and grow in our understanding of accessing the Holy Spirit as our true source of Living Water. Too often, we access spoiled sources of water that are so beautifully disguised pathways to pleasure or satisfaction but leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied. The spoiled water tastes so appealing at first, which leaves us longing for more, only to keep dipping into the false source of nourishment. We, as a team, are journaling and reflecting on our personal relationships with God, identifying and confessing pathways we often turn to when in need.

Times spent outside of worship and small group time has been devoted to pouring our time and energy into the children of children's home. So far, we have hosted two groups at the Back2Back campus from 2 children's homes in the area. Needless to say, there has been lots of laughter, playing, and dancing! Today, a special cultural event was planned to celebrate the 15th birthday of a young lady who lives in a children's home that Back2Back serves. In Mexico, the 15th birthday is an event that families will save years for to celebrate. Families of the children in the children's home do not typically have the resources to do this, so Back2Back assists in the planning and celebration. The event parallels most American weddings (i.e., presentation of the young lady, a ceremony with gifts including a ring, cutting the cake, food, and lots of dancing!). Tomorrow, we leave campus to serve through work on projects and serving children. Can't wait!