Greetings from Bernal, Mexico!
Monday morning, at 3:30 A.M., 36 graduates and nearly as many others gathered in the damp, pre-dawn mist in front of the Fellowship Hall. Suitcases shifted as last-minute baggage checks commenced. Hands patted pockets for the umpteenth time, confirming passports were still in place. Then, a brief prayer—a moment of stillness before the whirlwind—and we piled into four vans bound for the airport.
Monday morning’s departure was only the latest step in a journey that had begun months ago. At the beginning of the year, Brother Nat Adams stood before a crowd of young folks and laid out the vision: every school graduate from the past two years would have the opportunity to serve on a mission trip to our daughter community in Bernal, Mexico. This mission wasn’t just about travel—it was about stepping into responsibility, leading worship, sharing testimonies, and serving in tangible ways.
But there was another purpose just as vital: the fair. For over 36 years, faithful brothers and sisters from our Mexican community had made the long trek to Texas to help us host our annual fair everything Thanksgiving. Now, it was our turn to serve them—by co-hosting a public event in the heart of the town square of Bernal.
But what does it take to send 70+ people to a different country, feed them, keep them occupied, and pull off a public event in a place most of them have never been before?
A lot.
Several nights a week, youth gathered for Spanish lessons with Nat Klingensmith. Since the beginning of January, they have been gathering at Brother Sam’s shop to pray—breaking beyond the self-centered prayers of most teenagers into effective travail for specific roadblocks on this trip: a specific location for the fair, miraculous intervention for those who couldn’t get their passports, to name a few.
Late at night, Fiber Crafts’ looms clattered as Batyah and others wove textiles for the fair. Now in Mexico, they’ll teach fiber arts alongside local women.
Meanwhile, Brother Nat and his team meticulously planned the fair’s details. Two weeks ago, Brothers Sam, Ezra, and Stephen secured logistics in Bernal, and I booked 70 airline tickets—each step falling into place by God’s provision.
The fair aimed to support Bernal’s craft businesses. To fund supplies and equipment, Brother Nat proposed a Mexican dinner fundraiser, which would also help bring young people from our fledgling community in Argentina.
A crew of young volunteers, alongside David Anzaldua, worked tirelessly to create a Mexican-themed feast worthy of the cause.
That Friday night, the Fellowship Hall transformed into a glowing Mexican fiesta. Twinkling lights and bold, fluttering banners welcomed guests. At the door, recent graduates, dressed in crisp white shirts and bright Mexican scarves, greeted everyone with warm smiles.
As dinner ended, the mood shifted as a team of muchachos entered the room, igniting cheers and jubilation with a burst of lively mariachi tunes.
As the final notes faded and dessert arrived, we were thrilled to share that we surpassed our $15,000 goal, raising an astounding $20,324. Many of you contributed your support, and we are deeply grateful!
The day before we left, the graduates stood in a small church gathering, leading God’s people in worship. As His presence moved undeniably, Brother Sam noted, “Interestingly, our team heading to Bernal numbers exactly 72—the same number of disciples Jesus sent out. When they returned, rejoicing that even demons submitted to them, Jesus declared, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven!’ But then He added, ‘However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’”
Brother Sam continued, “This is one of the only times Jesus connected their ability to operate in the Spirit with their names being written in heaven.” Then, looking at the youth, he said, “What God is going to do in your hearts on this trip will transform you. Don’t just look for the miracles He will perform—rejoice that He is writing your names in the Book of Life.”
Next week’s update will chronicle some of the miracles we have already experienced since our arrival. We continue to deeply covet your prayers—that God’s Spirit would work powerfully and that each of us would be transparent vessels, ready to follow His leading.
Thank you for your prayers, your support—without you, the beautiful Body of Christ, we are nothing.
