As I sit here at the 24 hour Jim's Restaurant over a 1:00 am Texas sized breakfast with 13 other men I can't help but reflect the past two weeks that have flown by. The men that have come and gone and the lives that have changed and even the lives that have yet to change. The faces around the table are tired and energized all at the same moment. The camaraderie between each pair of figures is strong as each head swings back and forth discussing the events of the day to the guy on the left and the right. A few bibles are open around the 5 tables that have been pressed up against each other as we attempt to be as close as possible. A few digital copies on iPhones are also alive as Janice, our waitress, takes our orders.
Why is this such a significant point to the trip? It's the point that we start to cling on to the moment. Told hold tight to what we have experienced thru the week. We have given so much and exhausted our bodies, minds and patience. Yet we take these wee hours in the morning to force ourselves to connect one last time to the men that we have grown with over the past week, or for the few of us two weeks.
Why is this such a significant point to the trip? It's the point that we start to cling on to the moment. Told hold tight to what we have experienced thru the week. We have given so much and exhausted our bodies, minds and patience. Yet we take these wee hours in the morning to force ourselves to connect one last time to the men that we have grown with over the past week, or for the few of us two weeks.
We talk about the events of the day and things that have transpired. One of which is us visiting Magdel the Bible college in Matamoros. Such an impactful day for first timers and veterans alike. The Holy spirit is very apparent as the students shout out prayers of protection over us, our travels, our children and wives and our relationship with our Creator. They desire for us to just be faithful to The calling before us.
This week we took sometime to spend time with them as we learn about their lives and to know where they will be headed after they graduate the school. To help them in their journey we provided them with shoes. To keep them warm on cold nights we give them bedding. To help them make it to the end of the year we give them encouragement and lots of prayers. Yes this is probably the single most emotional day of the trip with hugging and crying involved. Over a course of 3 years, which is the students full program, we will have spend 3 days together possibly totally 15 hours or 30 hours if you include both week's men. Yet the students tell us that they look forward to our visit each year as we leave such a lasting impression on them.
It's a great ending to a long trip. And likewise it a great cap as we end our late nights together and share with other men our favorite bible verses.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This is my favorite verse. Every year I am reminded of this as I leave my home, wife and my cares at home and am shuttled across the country and forced to trust that God has everything the way He wants it. He wants my full undivided attention. No distractions and not to be second place. I love my God and I want what He wants because it is good and perfect.
This week we took sometime to spend time with them as we learn about their lives and to know where they will be headed after they graduate the school. To help them in their journey we provided them with shoes. To keep them warm on cold nights we give them bedding. To help them make it to the end of the year we give them encouragement and lots of prayers. Yes this is probably the single most emotional day of the trip with hugging and crying involved. Over a course of 3 years, which is the students full program, we will have spend 3 days together possibly totally 15 hours or 30 hours if you include both week's men. Yet the students tell us that they look forward to our visit each year as we leave such a lasting impression on them.
It's a great ending to a long trip. And likewise it a great cap as we end our late nights together and share with other men our favorite bible verses.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This is my favorite verse. Every year I am reminded of this as I leave my home, wife and my cares at home and am shuttled across the country and forced to trust that God has everything the way He wants it. He wants my full undivided attention. No distractions and not to be second place. I love my God and I want what He wants because it is good and perfect.
Men will come home today changed for the better. This is possible thru God alone. It's a once a year trip for all of us men but as tired as we are we are so energized and excited for the year ahead.
Daniel Balboa
Daniel Balboa
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