Guadalajara: Day 5 | September 24

Pastor Joel sent us a great message this morning: 

“A good word for you guys today, tomorrow....  from 2 Cor 2- God uses those of his followers who are willing to “go” to spread the aroma of Jesus everywhere in the world. Remember today as you serve, as you wait, as you eat, as you walk, as you paint...- YOU are the aroma of Jesus to those who are being saved, and to those who are perishing. Have a great day and be smelly in the Lord :)”

We kept that idea in mind as we went to the school to minister and paint today. The school is in one of the poorest areas of Guadalajara, in a neighborhood that was built by squatters on top of what was basically a junkyard. This school was built by a pastor and his wife. The pastor passed away 10 years ago, and his wife and children have carried on the vision for the school. It was very humbling but also so inspiring to see the beauty that they saw in this place before the first wall had even been built. 

When we got there, they lined up all the students in the courtyard and let us share the Gospel with the kids. I used an iodine and vitamin C solution to show the kids how Jesus cleanses our hearts and frees us from sin. Michelle brought face painting crayons and we used them to mark the kids arms or faces with small drawings and the words ‘gozo’ or ‘joy’ in bold letters. We had so much fun with everyone! 

When the team started painting, I got to tour the area where the school started, and where they plan to put an expanded daycare center that will give more single moms the opportunity to work and provide for their kids. On the tour I learned that some of the kids attending the school are part of a local group home. They had been rescued from the streets but are now living as orphans. We were able to give some extra love to those kids while we stopped for lunch and on breaks from painting throughout the afternoon. 

It was a busy day, and a smelly one too! The paint we used for the railing around the courtyard at the school was some stuff! By evening we were ready for some rest. 

On the way back to the hotel, we got the world’s best tacos and followed it up with the world’s greatest ice cream. Then we stopped by Home Depot to restock on candy and paint supplies for our work at the school tomorrow.