“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9
The details had been discussed and the schedule had been made. The money was raised, the plane tickets purchased and training was in full force. But God had something different in mind.
After spending months preparing to go and minister to college students in Mexico City, the swine flu happened. We had less than two weeks to find another place to serve and put together a new trip.
After many phone calls and emails (many thanks to Brenda Sanders with Go Now Missions and her involvement in putting both trips together), it became apparent that God was leading us to Breckenridge to minister to Agape Outpost.
From the moment our planes landed in Colorado, the students were ready to jump in, get their hands dirty and serve. Continually throughout the trip, each student displayed an amazingly flexible attitude, especially when our project list continued to increase and change. Each day was filled with hard work and laughter, and we came home blessed with new friendships.
Our projects consisted of:
· Cleaning & organizing
· Yard work
· Painting inside & staining outside decks and amphitheater
· Replacing ceiling tiles
· Hauling off trash
· Cleaning windows
· Ministering to a church family by repairing their roof, replacing insulation/drywall and cleaning their home.
The provisions God provided for our trip continue to amaze us. The prayers and financial support we received before we left paved the way for us to go and serve. Agape provided us with free lodging, meals and transportation for the week.
The amazing scenery provided one more reminder of God’s love and impact in our lives. While we went to serve, we left refreshed and blessed beyond belief. Our team grew together through serving Jesus alongside one another, and we look forward to how our time together will continue to impact our lives and the campuses where we minister.
Thank you for your involvement, prayers and support!
Quotes from people on the trip...
“God’s attention to detail astounded us. Two weeks before we were supposed to leave, our entire trip was changed. The trip was put together in such a way that only God could receive the glory. He called us to Colorado for lessons of obedience, flexibility and service.” - Stephanie Gates, UNT BSM Associate Director
“Something really important the Lord showed me while we were there was that the He can use us anywhere and the tasks He sets before us are perfect and impactful, even if we may perceive them as small. Serving a church in Colorado was just as important as building relationships and evangelizing in Mexico City. Although it was different than originally planned, it was in His perfect Will and He directed our footsteps.” - Summer, student at Texas State
“What a blessing to be used by the Lord in Colorado at Agape Outpost. Our missions experience was God-lead, God-directed and God-blessed! Even with the uncertainty of where the Lord might place us in May due to the swine flu in Mexico, God accomplished tremendous things for his Glory. The Texas State and University of North Texas students partnered together and while busy serving the Lord and grew close together. I believe the mission trip was a great success for the kingdom of God.” - Abe Jaquez, Texas State BSM Director
“I think the overall trip for me was a perfect definition of God being in complete control. Not only did we have a task before us that ultimately will help further the kingdom of God, but He took care of every detail along the way. All the way down to the personalities of each individual person whom He called to go on the journey!” - Amanda, Texas State Student
“On this trip God just really reiterated to me how much He doesn’t need me, my talents, or my skills and that I am to rely completely and fully on Him. I thought that I would be serving the Lord using my ability to speak Spanish in Mexico City – a strength of mine. But instead He put me in Breckenridge, Colorado at an altitude where I had trouble breathing, struggled with sinus problems, and was completely out of my element as far as the work we were doing. But in my weakness He is strong.” - Jillian, UNT Student
