Since finding (or perhaps being led) to BUMC a few years ago, the direction of my path has changed several times. For someone like me, who has always been drawn to situations I felt I could control, many of these changes required that I surrender that feeling of control and trust that God would, as Steve Smith will say, “show up” and remind me who is really in control in every aspect of my life.

Our trip to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico was one of those events where God reminded me time and again that to live in his trust is not only far easier than “my way”, but the only real way for each of us. I think all of us on the team had some expectations (and some trepidations) about leaving the comfort of “our world” for that of a place full of unknowns. My expectations were mostly about the work to be done and my concerns were about the “third world” images of Mexico. Much of what I learned during our week there had nothing to do with either of these.

While the work to be done may be the “reason” to go, it is not the “purpose” for going. I believe the work gave us something to do during the day. We had many opportunities to work with others that we would otherwise likely never have. As a team however, the most meaningful times for me, were during the “red eye” morning devotionals and the time we spent closest to God on the roof of Mario’s Inn. I doubt any of us will ever forget the late evenings under God’s gorgeous night sky.

The biggest blessing for me was to witness people, most of who could not communicate verbally with one another, connect through a common love for Jesus Christ. Every Christian should have an opportunity to experience this first hand. It is the smile on the faces of young children. It is the trust mothers and fathers have in “total strangers” interacting with their children. It is the ability of people whom we might say have “almost nothing”, to worship with such conviction that it is difficult to describe in words. It is a man (who spoke no English) that I met for the first time on Monday, could look me in the eye on Thursday and tell me (in Spanish) that we are brothers in Christ.

For me, this trip was an opportunity to preach the gospel everywhere we went and a few times, we even tried to use words.
Perry Deutsch

This summer’s trip was very meaningful to us for several reasons. Having traveled to Monterrey, Mexico last year, we already knew the experience would be beyond what words could describe, as well as that the people of Mexico would give so much more to us than we could ever give to them. Because we had been on a previous mission trip, we were also curious to see how our new group of Birmingham missionaries would bond as a team. We were so blessed to quickly form meaningful relationships with everyone from BUMC, which greatly enhanced our work in the construction and Bible School areas of the trip.

The most exciting aspect of the trip for us, however, was how we grew more closely as a couple. Though we are active in so many areas of the church’s life, God revealed on this trip how we should be more spiritually in-tune—praying for each other’s walk with Christ, as well as our roles in the church. This new spiritual outlook has strengthened our marriage in so many ways since our return from Mexico.

We urge you to pray about your role in Birmingham UMC’s missions. Whether that takes you to another country or to your next-door neighbor, it will definitely change your life in ways you never imagined. God has called us all to proclaim the good news of Christ throughout His lands. May God truly bless you as you step out on faith and accept His call.
Jarrett and Susan Wallace