Week #2 Attendance Stats

Debriefing and Travel

This morning is our debriefing. This is where we try to express to one another in words what God has done in our midst and in our hearts. It’s a touching time of hearing men express their love for Jesus and the privilege of serving Him in this way. There are stories of people we met in the Acuna neighborhoods, pastors whose churches were built, families too. And the joy of blessing the children in the orphanage and students who will change the world for Christ.

In addition, commitments will be made public. Friendships new and old will be valued. And the leadership of Power Ministry will again see how vital it is that we do it all again next year, with new men… echoing our cheer of JOY = Jesus, Others and You, POWER!

While POWER is based in Riverside, CA, a look at the Week #2 roster tells a story of diversity:

63 people
21 different churches

(top attendance from Crossroads Community church in Ridgecrest, followed by East Hills in Riverside, CA)

24 cities
7 states

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 7

Magdiel and Matamorros… a big finish to the week two mission trip!

Today we crossed the border from Brownsville to Matamoros on the gulf coast. The tropical weather, warm sun and cool breeze was a perfect backdrop to the day of encouragement and ministry.

We entered Magdiel Bible College that prepares young men and women through an exhaustive 3 year Bible training program to change the world for Christ through prayer, social, worship leading and pastoral ministries. The students have an excitement and seriousness about their studies.

Damon expressed joy and a sense of pride as he talked about seeing Mireya who will graduate in May. He has known her and encouraged her in her schooling the past 3 years of mission trips.

Our group divided and spent a couple hours playing games and getting to know the students personally in their classrooms. Together we shared where we were from (using a giant map), our favorite foods, all about our families and our “suenos” (dreams)! During the time together in the classrooms we read scripture and when we read Romans 10:15 “how beautiful are the feet of them who bring good news”, the students were instructed to take their seats and our men proceeded to present a brand new pair of Sketchers / Converse shoes. They knelt down and fitted them to the “beautiful feet” of each student and laced them up and blessed them. The students were thrilled with the thoughtfulness and recognition that what they are doing (preparing to share the gospel) is the most important job they could ever do! Then the pizzas arrived and the students ran through a cheering Power Ministry gauntlet as they entered the lunch room.

Our afternoon began with worship in both English and Spanish. Then it was time for our annual “schooling” on the soccer field. The Magdiel students ran circles around us and managed to score 9 goals to our 3. Hey, that’s not bad for us! Time seemed to fly by and it was 4PM. Hugs were exchanged, and time for our journey to San Antonio, where I sit writing this summary. Our prayer team just completed a time of praise and prayer and now our pillows await our heads. Thank you for praying for us.

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 6

Border Mission, Hidalgo… is a staging area for distributing Bibles, rice, beans to Reynosa. Our assignment was to “demo” (demolish) a large structure. This can be a lot of fun, since we get the opportunity to swing sledge hammers, and use skill saws and sawsalls to break things.

The job was more difficult than expected. Why? Like ogres and onions, this building was layers upon layers. Just when we got the roof off, another previous roof was exposed. Over and over, then finally pay dirt… we reached the travel trailer inside, that the entire structure was built around.

Kyle and Peter worked ferociously and suffered minor injuiries from nails in their feet. “I am 24% there” says Peter Manley who served God and ended up with a nail in his foot. Jokingly he said “Just three more trips and I will really understand Jesus”.

In the end all hands helped bring the project to the point where the trailer could be removed. Two haul away dumpsters were filled and enough material to fill two more. Wow!

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 5

Sunday, on the Power trip means worship in Reynosa at the “Dome Church”.

What a joy to sing songs in Spanish from the stage and hear testimonies from two of our men. Then, Pastor Willy began to describe how real Christian men are not whimps… but like Power Ministry, they go out and serve, take risks and proclaim the gospel.

Then it happened… imagine hundreds of men from the church streaming forward for prayer and to pray with our Power Ministry men, literally making the commitment to be a Man of God, to share their faith and love their wives and children. Our reaction to this privilege and awesome movement of God is summarized by retired fighter jet pilot, Lance Floyd who said of the experience, “it was difficult holding it together”. We were all blessed and grateful to be part of this great church.

On a side note. 2 weeks will put some real wear on some guys.

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 4

Today we spent the day with Pastor David Burkett and his wife Amy (and their 5 children) of Faith Mission in El Cenizo, Texas. We were continuing projects begun by the week 1 Power Team… primarily building the large Dormitories to be used by visiting groups that will help them in the ministry to Mexican families in Nuevo Laredo.

The family felt so encouraged and thrilled that our teams combined for 200+ man hours and built this structure one day last week and another today!

At the same time, two homes were built for families nearby… Each a very unique and special story and blessing.

What really touched our hearts was when David expressed how proud he was of his oldest son Joshua who was leaving Monday for one year of ministering with a drama group called 99! They will be sharing God’s love by acting out a powerful drama about domestic abuse, suicide, as well as alcohol and drug related deaths among teens. They expect to share and counsel upwards of 10,000 a month.

For me, listening to him praise his older daughter who lives in San Antonia and her ministry, then his joy over Joshua, and then about each of his children and he embraced them before us, and kissed them and spoke about their unique giftedness and heart for God. This is how a man of God blesses his family.

Then we gathered and prayed for them as only Power Ministry can! (followed by our cheer: Jesus, Others, You = JOY POWER!)

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 3

Today we started our morning with the Acuna “Joy Tour” with Pat who leads the Faith Mission outreach work in Acuna. Our first stop was the store to buy 36 dozen fresh tortillas and beans. While my preference is the flour tortillas, the fresh corn ones were delicious. We drove through several poor neigborhoods that are known for drug activity and finally stopped in a place where Pat has just begun to reach out and begin a relationship with the people. We formed teams and went door-to-door and inviting people to receive rice and beans and gifts for their children.

The distribution was fun. Kids received candy and beanies knit by a wonderful group of women from Ridgecrest. The men and women formed a line 25 deep. After a brief testimony, we were invited into homes to pray with people, encouraging them to live for their Christ. We visited a very generous family that served several of us hot chocolate and crackers. The father shared that his name is Noe. We met Ysenia his 16 year old daughter. As Pat asked each about their relationship with Christ, Ysenia didn't know the Lord. After a long conversation about salvation, Pat felt compelled to talk to Ysenia about purity and remaining strong against the temptations of youth. Then during prayer, she confessed that she was already pregnant. We affirmed God's love for her and that she will need the love and forgiveness of her family too. Ysenia received it as she shed tears. We hugged each family member goodbye, and Pat plans to start Bible studies in the homes after such a great reception.

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 2

With so many things that happened the first day I want to focus on an event that happened during our Joy Tour. (Jesus, Others, You- J.O.Y.)

The Acuna “Joy Tour” is our opportunity to drive a special van into the neighborhoods and bless people. We are led by Pat, the director of Faith Mission. Our hope is to open doors for sharing the gospel and future church work.

After “stocking up” with fresh tortillas (some 36 dozen), we visited a neighborhood that is known for drug activity. Going door to door, we invite people to come out and prepare to receive rice and beans and gifts for their children. Two of our men share a testimony, then the fun begins as children are giddy to receive “paletas”… lollipops and also stuffed animals. The men and women line up 20 deep for the food.

After a brief prayer together, our teams are invited into homes to pray with people, speaking a blessing upon them and encouraging them to live for their Christ. We visited a very generous family that served several of us hot chocolate and crackers. The father shared that his name is Noe. Pat used the opportunity to talk about Noah of the Bible. We met Ysenia the 16 year old daughter. As Pat asked each about their relationship with Christ, Ysenia didn't know the Lord. After a long conversation about salvation, Pat felt compelled to talk to Ysenia about purity and remaining strong against the temptations of youth. Then during prayer, she confessed that she was already pregnant. We affirmed God's love for her and that she will need the love and forgiveness of her family too. Ysenia received it as she shed tears. We hugged each family member goodbye, and Pat plans to start Bible studies in the homes after such a great reception.

Power Trip 2011 Group 2 Day 1

Its 9:59PM in Rio Bravo. The Week Two team has arrived from Riverside, Ridgecrest, South Carolina, Idaho, New York, Oregon, and even South Dakota.

Not everyone endures travel with the same level of energy. As seen in this photo, Ezekiel Alejandro hits the rack first. He is probably the smartest man alive, because when the rest start falling asleep, the noises men make, will prevent the late comers from getting any sleep at all. This is real genius at work! Congratulations Ezekiel.

We begin tomorrow from our launching pad at Faith Mission International in Rio Bravo. Our ministry will take us across the border to Cuidad Acuna where we will be building churches for Pastor Hugo and Pastor Juan Guillen. A house will be built for Vicente & Cecilia Casas (no pun intended). As usual, there will also be unexpected surprises and opportunities to love people in Jesus name. Pray for us.

Week #1 Attendance Stats

While POWER is based in Riverside, CA, a look at the Week #1 roster tells a story of diversity:

66 people
31 different churches

(top attendance from First Presbyterian Church of Rome, GA followed by Sandals in Riverside, CA)

20 cities
10 states
2 countries

Power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 7

Today, we left Rio Bravo for the Dome Church in Reynosa. Projects started at the Rio Bravo Ministries orphanage will be completed by the Week 2 POWER team, arriving in Austin and San Antonio Wednesday. But there is still a lot to do today.

The Dome Church is an amazing sight. It can hold upwards of 2,500 people or more for a service. With two services, now on Sunday, we were looking at as many as 1,700 worshippers, when the POWER team arrived to give their testimony and sing (that's right, sing in Spanish) for the church.

Pastor Willy, who has been with us all week, is at home here. This is the same place, where just yesterday, hundreds of kids and their parents and family attended the carnival under the Dome. Now, everything that made it a festival has been packed up and moved out. No more bouncing games, puppet ministry or cotton candy.

But it’s still a lot of fun! The church has a great band. The musicians play contemporary Christian music, and they were having a very good time. The worshippers sang in Spanish of course, but the POWER men recognized several melodies that are also popular back home.

All the POWER men wore collared, red shirts today, and marched onto the stage, filling almost every open space across the back. Doug Wible, trip coordinator, was introduced, and led the congregation and the POWER men in song, praising God. During a break between songs, Doug introduced two of the first-year rookies to share with the congregation how the experience had been this week: Gregg Francabandera of Long Beach, CA and Mark Haverdink of Maurice, IA. Both shared their experiences for the week, and the impact it had on their lives.

Mark shared about how connected he felt with the people of Mexico through his experience at Magdiel this week, and how this experience would help him as a pastor. Gregg talked about his family and his marriage, and how it’s important to be a Christian husband. Later, Pastor Willy asked the men in the congregation to come to the front, and the POWER team to leave the stage to pray with them. It was a powerful moment for the church, and when it was over, one of the men in tears told Gregg that he was about to divorce his wife and leave his children, but God had touched his heart, and changed his mind this day.

Two more songs and two more testimonies from third-year POWER men, Ron Kiefer of Rome, GA and David McKnight of Riverside, CA. David talked about how the experience over the last three years showed him that the POWER men were truly his brothers and that the Dome Church was his family in Christ. Ron brought POWER verse Acts 1:8 home to Reynosa: “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive POWER and will tell people about Me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.” He said that those locations point equally to Reynosa, the colonias and the neighborhoods. He encouraged them to share the Good News with their neighbors.

After services and lunch, the POWER team started the long drive back to San Antonio, to get ready to head home the next day. It had been a great week, and the men began to think about debriefing the next morning. What was the take away value for them? How had God spoken to them? How would they put this experience to work in their lives? A lot to think about…

Others on the construction team headed back to Del Rio to start the cycle again for the Week-2 POWER team arriving Wednesday. Construction Director David McClellan of Riverside, CA, Project Coordinator Brian Albright of Ridgecrest, CA, Project Leader Cody Gibbs of Bellevue, ID and Handyman/Lead Utility David Haefele of Ridgecrest, CA, all looped back to get projects ready for the next team.

Power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 6

Today was split between the orphanage at Rio Bravo and the Dome Church, both hit by light to moderate rain, which made walking around, and picking up mud pretty common. The POWER team met at the hotel in Hidalgo this morning for breakfast, followed by worship and devotions. Buddy Sliva of New Castle, WA shared his testimony and the impact that family health issues have on one's faith. He talked about the importance of family, and shared some examples of how long-time POWER leadership team member Louie Davenport of Gooding, ID was a tremendous support and an example of Christ to Buddy and his wife, Louie's daughter.

By a little after 8:00 AM, and with the box truck being left on the Texas side of the border, everyone held their POWER bags in vans for the trip into Reynosa. First stop was Rio Bravo, where work projects awaited, and where the team would later spend the night.

Teams were split up into roofing, painting and building pews and beds — a lot of activity in a small area, but the projects only lasted until lunchtime, since the second half of the day was devoted to the festival at the Dome Church.

Rain continued steadily through lunch, and there were concerns about turnout for the festival, which was being held entirely under the dome because of the weather. When the puppet team started, the crowd was a little small, but before long, the church was full of kids and families, singing songs, playing games and glorifying God, who made sure everyone who was supposed to be there was.

Dinner was back at Rio Bravo, followed by a discussion of Rio Bravo's history by its founder, Ray Hansen. After that, "court" was in session as Tim Morgan of Rome, GA donned a white wig, and became The Judge. First POWER fine of the night went to... Larry Johnson, also of Rome, who as the bailiff, introduced this as a 2010 session of court. Without even waiting for the judge, he opened his wallet, and added a donation to the POWER bank. There were a LOT of "fines" assessed (along with a large dose of good-natured ribbing), and we'll have to see how this stacks up against prior sessions of court.

In the morning, it's back to the Dome Church with several of the POWER men giving testimony to the congregation during second service, and then it's back across the border and on to San Antonio.

Power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 5

Has this really been five days? So much work being done, and so many early mornings and late nights, the days start blending together. About 9 PM CT, the POWER team rolled into Hidalgo, TX, just across the border from Reynosa, home of Pastor Willy Perez' domed church. While 9 PM may seem like a late arrival, it's actually one of the earlier ones. In every case so far, arriving in a new town happened after 11 PM — with days starting just a few short hours after the last person climbs into bed. More often than not, that last person has been a member of the POWER leadership team, who spend countless hours planning, organizing and coordinating activities in nearly a dozen cities this week.

The POWER men started their morning more than 16 hours earlier with breakfast at Luby's in Brownsville, where the crew opens the restaurant early, just for POWER. After breakfast, Mark Weber of Cedar Creek, TX, Eric Yakura of Westminster, CA and Jim Runyan of San Bernardino, CA added their guitars and pocket trumpet to the singing voices of the POWER men. Then Jim Saiz of Moreno Valley, CA offered his testimony to the team. Jim, an avowed adrenalin junkie, who jumps out of planes for fun (with a parachute), shared how important it is to keep your family a priority. "I've got a lot of money in toys," Jim said, "but I'd trade it all in for a redo on family." You can lose the chance once children are grown and left home. Like these last five days, years will zoom by if you're not keeping an eye on them.

After devotions, vans loaded up, and headed for the border. Next stop: Magdiel Bible Institute in Matamoros. No construction projects on the schedule today, this visit was all about teaching and receiving the word of God. Magdiel will graduate a new generation of church leaders in Mexico. Assignments for today were to classrooms.

POWER men and Magdiel students were paired, and given a chance to learn about one another. Julie, a second year student from Michoacán, was paired with Jim Saiz and David McKnight. Working through the language barrier, they learned about favorite foods and hobbies, and then shared the information with others in the room. Among other things, Julie learned that Jim was a sky diver, and when Larry Johnson came by to introduce his student, all learned that Larry was a pilot. He pointed at himself, and said in Spanish, "piloto." Then he pointed to Jim, and said "loco!"

A highlight for the students was when Pastor Willy (who has been with the POWER team all week, working with them on all the same projects), spoke with them about being constant and diligent in their relationship with God through prayer and reading God's Word, and in the relationship with their future congregations through teaching.

Following lunch, everyone headed into the chapel for music and special presentations. The students put on a skit about giving everything to God, and recreate an encounter with Jesus. "Should I give Him my cell phone?" one of the students in the skit asked aloud. "No, I need it more than God does; I have to call my girlfriend." Instead, the character offers Jesus his tie, representing something of little value. When the last student wants to give up his cell phone, he says it's not enough, and gives Jesus his heart. Point taken.

The students, teachers and administration at Magdiel have a special relationship with POWER, and hugs and handshakes were passed all around, ending with a lively game of soccer. With about 16 men on one side from POWER, and about nine students on the other, it was clear that these unbalanced odds were unfair. Magdiel should have had fewer students on their team.


Tomorrow we head into Reynosa on project work, and also for the annual children's carnival. This should be a blast!

PS - Larry Johnson says hi to everyone, especially his POWER buddies in California, who will be out next week.

Power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 4

Laredo Stepping Stone was a quick overnight stop. The POWER team was back up and on the road early with work projects at Faith Mission in El Cenizo today. David and Amy Burkett have dedicated their lives to serving God through the people in colonias on both sides of the border. Last year, the teams worked in Nuevo Laredo. This year they worked on the US side of the border at the El Cenizo mission center.

The largest project today was building dorms, starting with a base of an existing mobile home that had been donated to the facility. A raised floor was positioned right next to one side of the mobile home. Walls went up, and then roof trusses — right over the top of the old mobile home. This was one building project few on the team had seen before. When next week's team arrives, the trailer will be the foundation of part of the building, but it will no longer look like an old trailer sitting on the lot.

Another transforming project today involved painting the church. It's amazing what a little paint can do. Just ask Sam Hieronymus of Riverside, who ended up himself coated in paint. "They said we were going to paint the church," he said, "and, hey, God's people are the church!" he laughed. Other projects, today, included drywalling a bathroom, and building an interior wall.

After lunch, David Burkett introduced the team to Raul Reyes, mayor of El Cinezo, who along with the City Council proclaimed January 13 POWER Ministry day in the city. Mayor Reyes, the youngest mayor in the state of Texas, told of growing up in a Christian home, and the impact that made on his life. After the proclamation was read, the POWER team prayed over Mayor Reyes, and then the young mayor had his photo taken, flanked by the youngest member of the team at 18, Harrison Freedman of Long Beach and the oldest  member at 92, Vance Luke of Rome, GA.

With projects completed for the day, the POWER team made the long drive south to Brownsville. Tomorrow they make their way across the border to the Magdiel Bible Institute in Matamoras. This will be a day of spending time with the student, who are the future leaders of the Christian Church in Mexico. And if it's not raining, there will be an opportunity for the POWER team to prove itself on the soccer field! More on that in tomorrow's blog.

Tomorrow the team heads across the border.

power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 3

Day three was a challenging day with wind chill starting in the teens, and a lot of the men wishing they had worn their long underwear before heading out in the morning. It didn’t seem to warm up much through the day, but when you’re doing God’s work, you don’t think about the cold much. Building projects wrapping for the day in Acuna – and waiting for the second week crew to complete – included two churches and a house. Actually, not a house. “It’s a home,” explained Doug Wibble of Riverside, POWER Trip Director. The Casas family really appreciate what the men are doing for them. When the second week crew comes in, they’ll put on roofs for the churches, finish the work started, and maybe even begin new projects. David McClellan, also of Riverside, and POWER Construction Coordinator, has been here since early in the month. “Everything is right on schedule,” he said.

Buddy Sliva of New Castle, Washington worked with Martin Foster of Rome, GA this morning, siding Pastor Hugo’s new church building. By the end of the day, all the buildings were enclosed and secured with windows and doors installed.

But it’s not all about hammers and nails, sometimes the building and repair work involves souls. This afternoon’s JOY (Jesus, Others, You) tour of Acuna included a stop at a prison. Gregg “TwoGee” Francabandera of Long Beach shared his faith and his testimony with these forgotten men, standing in a very cold prison yard. Miguel Pascual, also of Long Beach, interpreted in Spanish, and then a few minutes later prayed with one of the guards, who told him he would have be worshipping and praying with the team and the prisoners had he not been on duty. God was really working there.

As we leave Acuna and Del Rio, pray for this prison ministry, and for Faith Mission and its work in Acuna, and keep them in your prayers through the year. Next stop: Laredo Stepping Stone.

Power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 2

6:45 AM Central Time, and 65 men gather in the bunkhouse common room for breakfast, devotions — and project assignments. There are two churches being built, and what the crews this week get started, the crews next week will finish. Pastors Juan Guillen and Hugo and the local worshipers will have two amazing new buildings in which to gather and pray. And in Mexico, there is a tremendous need for prayer.

Close neighbor, America's third largest trading partner, Mexico is described by many as a third world country. Where many US citizens may see pristine resort areas and sandy beaches, the POWER teams see extreme poverty, mixed with a dose of Hope. Gregg Massie of Riverside almost missed the trip this year. But God had other plans. Some of them included a JOY tour of Acuna with Faith Mission Director Pat Schmeling. "It was the best," Gregg explained as he told the men in an after-dinner meeting about his experience.

A stop at an orphanage included a soccer game with the kids. Then the men drove through an area Pat has trouble getting local pastors to visit. Crime and drugs make it an unpopular, but important destination. "Just honk," Pat said as they drove through a neighborhood. Residents gathered and heard testimony from several of the men, including Miguel Pascual, a first-year from Long Beach. Pat located a family he'd been looking for, and the team prayed with them, while offering knit beanies and blankets.The mother was so touched, she covered tears with a beanie pulled over her eyes.

Jeff Camire of Riverside worked the afternoon at one of the church builds, and talked about how they ended the morning behind schedule, but by the end of the day, God had made a way. The church was framed, the building of trusses finished and installed in short order. Many of these little miracles happen throughout the POWER trips. It will be interesting to see how God handles the rest of the week. Wednesday night after dinner, the team heads for Laredo.

Power Trip 2011 Group 1 Day 1

It's January, and from all over the country men have traveled to Del Rio, Texas for the first of two POWER trip weeks, working in neighboring Texas and Mexico communities across some 380 miles of border.There is the contingent from Rome, GA, including Tim Morgan and Larry Johnson, who caught the last flight out of Atlanta before weather closed it down Sunday night. They were waiting for another inbound group traveling west from San Antonio and Austin, catching the BCS championship game, and rooting for Auburn. There were the men from Southern California, flying out of Long Beach into Austin, making the four hour trek in light rain to meet up in Del Rio.

The kick off point is Faith Mission, and from the highway, you gaze through the border fence and across the Rio Grande toward Acuna, where the real work begins on Tuesday. Rookies like Lincoln Ye of Broadview Heights, OH and Eric Yakura of Westminster, CA hear stories from trip veterans as they clean the vans, getting ready for the next day. Some have trouble getting to sleep. There is tension and excitement and expectation. Tuesday is going to be a very good day.