Week of June 20th

Well, time is flying by. Ministry is almost in full force, our schedule is filling up, and we are loving every second of it. The weather is hot, hot, hot!!! Upwards of 95-100 everyday, and the sun is intense!!! Mark is protecting his noggin with SPF 30 daily.

Ministry-wise, Crossroads began studying the book of John last week, and plan to continue along this route throughout the summer. Mark kicked off John chapter 1 at our weekly Wednesday night Bible study, a smaller, more intimate group yet very diverse. Some of you will recognize the names I mention of who was in attendance for the Bible study: Joyce (David was on his way back to the states with his dad who was visiting this week), Milton & Susu, Basil, Raul from Crossroads, Linda (of Chuck & Linda), Cassandra and Paulette, Dave and Jean from Alaska (owners of the B&B we’re temporarily staying at), and Mark and myself. It was a great introduction to John with great conversations and fellowship.

Today, Sunday, Mark preached at Crossroads on John chapter 2 – Jesus clearing the temple. There’s just something about the Crossroads service that is so refreshing and fulfilling. One thing we’ve really been reminded is that our time of worship is not about what we can “get out of the service”, but what we have to offer to God. What are you offering to God? Are you too distracted by the things that annoy you, or are you concentrating more on what you can give to God as a living sacrifice?

Because Crossroads is made up of boaters, vacationers, and the core group of non-Mexican residents (in addition to some Mexican natives who come to worship in English to improve their language skills), we are always meeting new people as well as saying good-bye to old friends. This week we said good-bye to Steve and Agnes Richards and their 3 children who were here for 1 year experiencing the culture by going to the Mexican schools, traveling, fishing, sightseeing, and just enjoying Mexico. What an incredible year they have had in the Baja. Like so many of us, the vortex of La Paz is already sucking them back in, and they already have plans to return in December. Another family we were introduced to was Pastor Ricky Andrade and his wife Michael, and their children. Tomorrow I will share their story – an incredible testimony and experience of God – I can’t wait to share it with you, but I’m waiting for pictures to go along with my story.

Mark also went fishing this week with David Reed and his father from Arizona. They went out towards Tecelote, but only caught a small mackerel that they threw back. They had a great time out on the boat though. Last week David and his dad went fishing with Milton (owner of Casa Buena B&B), and they caught 4 dorado. I’m sure Mark will have more opportunities to go fishing (of fish and men).

Well, tomorrow is my 1st Mexican Doctors appointment – 9:00am. I’m a bit anxious. I’ll include a picture of my growing belly tomorrow with a full account of the appointment. Tomorrow I also want to share details about our new apartment! We move in tomorrow – the place is perfect with an incredible view of the Bay of La Paz – I’ll have pictures of our new place tomorrow too. God Bless!