Off to Oaxaca

[Monte Alban, ancient site of the Zapotecs, Oaxaca, Mexico] Tomorrow, like George Clooney in his most recent film, I'll be up in the air. I am headed for Oaxaca, Mexico. Later in the week I will be knee deep in mud learning the ins and outs of corn planting, irrigation, and seed quality. Not bad for a city boy. In early February I'll be visiting some good friends in Querétaro before a quick trip to reconnect with Pastors Raul and Melesio in Guadalajara. A few years back our ministry served in Guadalajara every year, facilitating a fantastic US/Mexico church partnership. Guadalajara remains one of my favorite cities in which to spend time. I have some great friends there, it is cosmopolitan, and the climate is wonderful. No wonder thousands of Americans have retired to the area. But even though I love Guadalajara, and Querétaro too, my hopes, thoughts, and prayers in Mexico will be centered on Oaxaca and our ongoing ministry there. On February 13th, a group of almost 20 people will arrive to serve with us. One of the ministries we are providing is a small traveling woman's health clinic. For people with little or no access to any health care, these clinics can be a Godsend. Our group is also covering a patio area at a small local church in the village of San Baltazar. The people of this church will use the new patio to give classes, and more importantly, prepare hot meals for the senior citizens of their village who find themselves alone and unable to care for themselves. Alongside these other ministries we are offering a series of training classes for pastors and leaders in the Tlacolula Valley. These classes, led by Mexican professors, have become one of the only avenues of Christian higher education available for the Zapotec people of this area. Each year our attendance grows and this year we hope and pray that the trend continues. Finally, our style of incarnational ministry, where you come as learner servants instead of conquering heroes, can be exhausting. Putting aside your wants and desires to live and experience life alongside your fellow man, can wear you out. So pray for me while I am gone. And for our ministry, Adventures in Life. And know that through it all, we hold firm these truths... He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it, and... God is good. All the time! I will post as I am able over the month or so. Blessings.