Richmond Mexico Trip - Summer 09

Posted by Eric Ens on 1 October 2009 | 0 Comments

We set out on the three-day drive to Rancho El Milagro in Ensanada ready for whatever service projects lay ahead of us.  We've been doing these trips since 1987 and arriving at the orphanage just feels like home for me.  The work we did was much like past years including craft and activity time with the children; painting and tiling; chapel each night followed by fireside with our own kids and the teenagers from the Ranch.  It was fantastic to see our team come together and help out in all the things we did.  The highlight for me was when two of the teens talked with me about how this trip has changed their lives.

The first was a boy who started attending our programs one year ago.  He has grown in his walk with God over the year as he came to a couple of our retreats and also began to attend church on Sundays.  One evening after a Mexico campfire, he came to me and said "I've started praying to God and I feel that I'm getting closer to Him since doing this.  I really feel He is listening to me."  He went on to tell me that he had enjoyed a super phone call with his mom since he was praying for a better relationship with her.  His growth during the trip was so evident.  Pray that this will continue for him as he continues to pray and listen for God's response.

The second was a girl who I first met four years ago when she came to my mini volleyball program.  Then I met her again when I helped my teacher friend coach a basketball team at his school last year and she was on the team. We presented the Mexico trip opportunity to the team members and a number of them came to an organization meeting.  Although she didn't originally realize it was a Christian trip, this girl wanted to come.  On the trip she was fantastic and was so open to everything that was happening.  She especially love the singing and talks we had at the campfire.  One night we presented 'how to say yes to Jesus' and she was moved.  On the way  home she had so many questions and she spent time reading a bible to learn more about all she was experiencing. 

While I hope that the stories of these two teens is inspiring for you, they are only a representation of how the hearts of our team members were moved as they opened themselves to hear God's message. 

Thanks so much for standing with us as we seek to serve teens and their families in Richmond!

- Eric Ens