PIEDRAS NEGRAS | JULY 12-18
Estimated Cost: $1,570
Application Deadline: February 23
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WHY THERE?
CrossRoads Missions Mexico intends to transform the city of Piedras Negras, Mexico, with the love and compassion of Christ through working alongside and empowering already-existing ministries by providing encouragement, homeownership opportunities, Christian education, English classes, medical clinics, and youth programming.
In the last several years, CrossRoads has begun to work with The Ranch – a local ministry caring for the immigrant populations passing through their border town. We will partner with them as they minister to and encourage the local people and as they care for displaced people.
WHAT WILL WE DO?
Since worship is the focus of the week, we have times of praise, personal devotions, reflection/debriefing, and teaching to prepare and challenge us throughout the week. You will also spend time in fellowship with the local church by participating in worship services and activities and sharing meals with the congregation.
Together with Crossroads staff, we will run an English Camp. This camp feels like a VBS with different stations of English vocabulary and Bible lessons woven throughout. We are excited to invite local students and students from The Ranch and other local outreach groups. Last year, this ministry was a blessing to Crossroads, to families and churches in Piedras Negras, and to displaced families.
WHO SHOULD COME?
This year, we are focusing on bringing a group that has teaching experience. Because this week is so focussed on teaching, we want to be a blessing to Crossroads by bringing that expertise in our group. We are hopeful for bilingual individuals to accompany us and be able to make connections with adults and students in their language. While it is not a requirement to speak Spanish, it is very helpful as we seek to build relationships.
TRAVEL
A three-hour flight from Chicago to San Antonio, Texas; followed by a three-hour ride in a vehicle from San Antonio across the border to Piedras Negras, Mexico.
LODGING
While in Piedras Negras you will stay in the neighborhood of Piedra Angular. The facilities include dorm rooms, bathrooms, six showers, a kitchen, a community center, meeting areas, a basketball court, and a soccer field.
MEALS
While in Piedras Negras, your meals will be provided by CrossRoads Missions. Each morning breakfast consists of cereal, oatmeal, bagels, toast, fruit, juice and coffee. Lunch includes deli sandwiches, PB&J sandwiches, chips, cookies, and veggies, which are prepared by participants and staff. The evening meal is an authentic Mexican meal prepared by local ladies.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Piedras Negras is at the northern border of the state of Coahuila, Mexico. It sits across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas, and about 150 miles southwest of San Antonio.
wHistory: CrossRoads Missions has been working in Piedras Negras, Mexico (on the Texas Border), since 1993 and is actively involved in community development and ministry in the city. Construction projects include two churches, two schools, an orphanage, and a neighborhood of many single-family homes with a community center. Community development programs include soccer camps, medical clinics, soup kitchens, hospital feeding programs, and other activities depending on ministry needs. Through these projects and programs, our hope and vision is to empower ministries to be the face of Christ in their communities.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
It will be about 110 degrees during our trip. We will limit time outside during the middle of the day. There are air-conditioned spaces where we will spend time together and host events. Lodging accommodations also have air conditioning.
Piedras Negras is a very safe city. The CrossRoads Missions lodging facilities are secure and all ministry opportunities are designed with participants’ safety in mind.
PRAYER POINTS
Please be in prayer for the always-changing immigrant situation and the families it affects in Piedras Negras. Pray that the teaching of English will invite local families to Crossroads so that they may hear the Gospel message.
One of the requirements for joining a short-term mission team is being a covenant member of our church.
If you are not a member, now is the time to take that step!