I have never felt ready to preach in front of large groups of people; and I’ve even shared with God that He should use someone more mature in the Word than myself – as if I knew better than He.  On the first day of our Reynosa trip, I was given a word from a team member that God had placed words in me and that I was to speak them this week.  And I’ve read many times in the book of Jeremiah where God told him that he was not a child, and not to be afraid – that he should speak the words that God had put in his mouth.  I was encouraged – and my opportunity came!  When I stood in front of the congregation, the Holy Spirit told me what to say; I had no loss of words – all that was in me of God’s Word flowed out of me at the right time.  It was a privilege to speak to God’s children; and I was humbled that they referred to me as a powerful preacher, and that I should come back and speak to the women of the church.  I would never have imagined myself a strong voice – but when I made myself available, God’s voice was heard.  I am blessed that ICE afforded me this opportunity to learn and study, and to show myself worthy.

Stephanie Goode – Graduate Student

This opportunity allowed me to utilize and synthesize the training I have received as a student in the International College of Excellence. I believe every student should be encouraged to participate in missions activities.
 
On a personal level, I believe my understanding of salvation was deepened.  Leaving the United states and experiencing another government, culture, and environment stretched me.  The only way I can describe my thoughts is to say I have heard and heard the scriptures and promises of God, but an experiential knowledge takes you to another level.  I believe the Mexico trip allowed me to experience change and transformation that I could not get any other way.
 
While we had doors opened at the prison, nursing homes, and schools, I was most impacted by the visit to the orphanage.  I was reminded of my childhood, as I too was placed in an environment other than home.  I thought of each child and their destiny.  I thanked God for keeping me all my days and believe He will keep them as well.  After arriving home, I was filled with love, compassion, and forgiveness for my parents in a new way.
 
This being my first mission experience, I did not know what to expect from the group.  Each team member was encouraging, thoughtful and giving whenever support was needed.  How cool!  God gave me His best in this team...I am forever grateful for this experience.

Desiree Rozell – Graduate Student

Ever since I knew I was going to go to Mexico, I knew my life was going to change.  Here are a few ways I've seen change.  I know that I will be preaching the gospel a lot more.  I know now I can do it.  I will be praying in tongues a lot more now.  Before I go to minister, I need to be built up so my seed will go to right soil.  I am so much more confident to preach the gospel to anyone anywhere.  I have seen how effective our testimonies can be.  The greatest part of the missions trip was that we did non-stop ministry.  God is so good!  Thank you for this awesome experience.

Kyle Hauser – FHC Children’s Ministry

To have a united team like this was very unique!  It seemed that EVERY member willingly filled the place that the Holy Spirit called them to fill - with no complaints.  The evangelists evangelized, the teachers taught, the administrators/helps did it with anointed power, those with gifts gave them, those in drama and puppets did it with excellence and everyone was ready to give a testimony!  It then culminated with the joining of the Mexican church members with our team beginning on Saturday - we worked hand in hand: we would do a puppet skit, and they would do a drama, we would do a drama and they would do another, we would preach Salvation, and they would preach healing…we worked together as one Body, with one purpose and one mind - I can only say that the united effort was of God…Anointed for this time.

Tom Case – FHC Children’s Ministry, Reynosa Mission Team Leader

My prayer for any of our mission trips inevitably includes that God would perfect that which concerns us, because when I'm going to a place and a culture that is unfamiliar I can have faith when I know God is perfecting things.

Oh how He "perfected" things, and in such a practical way......God congealed the hearts and abilities of the team so we worked together in harmony; we had all the gifts flowing: Prophecy, helps, leading, mercy, giving, teaching, exhorting.  

The church members from Mexico came alongside us on the 4th day of the trip and ministered with their drama teams in the six remaining outreaches.  We flowed as one large group - this was something only God could have done.  It was glorious to see God perfecting these events for His Glory and Honor. Hallelujah!!
 
Other ways I saw God  perfecting this journey was in timing; we were always in the right place at the right time. Though the schedule was always fluid, there was peace and order. Divine connections were made and outreaches as well as services were anointed and productive. Mistakes or problems were non-existent since anything that we would have categorized in that way turned out to be a blessing or an opportunity for us to use our faith, which we know pleases Him.

May God be pleased with each of our team, Pastor Robb and Linda, Pastor Bob and Donna, the Mexican brothers and sisters, and our church family who sent us.

Elise Case – FHC Children’s Ministry & ICE Student

I have been on several mission trips, and each of them influenced me, but not one of my previous trips left me transformed. Only Reynosa has done that.

I saw how the believers there give their lives to preach the Gospel. Every day they go to the hurting, the outcast, the broken, and the guilty to tell them about Jesus.  I used to think that I was doing an acceptable job preaching the Gospel in my world. In fact, I shared the Gospel in public more than almost anyone I knew personally. I used to think that by doing so and by serving in the church that I was doing enough. I’m ashamed of that now. I realize that I have done so little for the Kingdom of God. I have made the mistake of getting caught up in what I had to do for my life and forgot that Jesus has commanded me to go seek and save those who are lost. I have expected them to come to me. I have been waiting for others to organize an effort or a plan when all the while I have been anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power to preach the Gospel.

On this trip, I experienced how true it is that God has made me an able minister of His new covenant. The gifts that He has placed within me came out and flourished! Were it not for the trip, I may have never known what the Lord is capable of through me. My prayer now is that God would continue to supply me with His grace to carry out His will in the earth and in my life.  

Dan Stinnett – Family Harvest Church