What is a mission trip?

---

After I tell people that I've returned from a mission trip, one of the most common questions I get is “What is a mission trip?” After pondering over this question myself, I set out to create this album to answer that question.

---

Photos

One
Let's start with Pastor Chu. Twelve years ago he moved himself, his wife, and his daughter to Guadalajara, Mexico to plant a church.

Two
Our first task was helping with construction at the church. The church has added additional floors and rooms which will ultimately be used as classrooms for a school.

Three
We worked for three day tearing up concrete, laying tile, and painting beams. It was good for the soul.

Four
On the third day, we had a terrible accident.
While moving a ladder I spilled a paint bucket.

Five
This is Javier - el jefe.
"Ten years ago I used to drink and drink. I would come home and fight a lot with my wife."
"Because I could not control myself, I've given up drinking completely."
Javier is now a house church shepherd and serves faithfully as a leader in church.

Six
We also worked alongside Adrian, another house church shepherd.
Working on the roof one day, he shared stories of his life before coming to Christ:
"I used to sell marijuana in the United States, in Norte Carolina."
"Back then, you could ship it via UPS. One day one of the boxes fell in the truck and bust open, and they saw it was marijuana."
“The cops taped it back up and sent it along. When I go pick it up from my sister’s house, Feds pop out of everywhere – the bathroom, the bedroom, everywhere.”

Seven
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Eight
Friday night we had house church, just like back home in New York. We ate, sang, shared, prayed, and had a great time.
I told them I’d share their prayer requests so people could pray for them in America.
Jose – Quit drugs
Maritza – To be able to watch her son grow (her newborn just had surgery); for her
husband (Jose) to quit drugs and be able to take care of their kid
Alma – Health and healing of pain in right leg
Juan (shepherd) – New house church members and good work
Elena – That her son comes to church and does not stray
Maria – That her daughters receive Christ
Armando – Wisdom, straight path
Jason – Wisdom, faithfulness, and self-control upon returning to New York
Allie – Get into nursing school

Nine
After four days, we traveled four hours outside Guadalajara to the village of Juanacatle.
Honestly, serving there was tough.
But there were plenty of laughs...

Ten
Plenty of prayer...

Eleven
And plenty of kids to love and serve.

Twelve
By the end of it we were pretty cashed out.
But what a privilege it was to serve.