Informational e-mails sent to Commission Unto Mexico participants

2012-23 trip: Emails to participants

Newest email is at top of page; oldest is at the bottom

January 4, 2013

Well, what a great trip. Here are some post-trip notes:

LOST CANDY?
As we finished going through customs to re-enter the U.S., an officer handed me a shoebox of various kinds of candies that he thought one of our participants might have left. Let me know if it is yours. Some are large decorative sweets wrapped in bubble-wrap.

SAYING THANK YOU
Could I suggest that you drop a thank you email to SNU President Loren Gresham and/or Vice-President Terry Toler? Commission Unto Mexico was Dr. Gresham's baby. His dream gave birth to it and he has been an important part of it through the years. The trip is currently under the supervision of Dr. Toler who is a very strong supporter.

lgresham@snu.edu
ttoler@snu.edu

GETTING IN THE NEWSPAPER
If you live in small city or town with its own newspaper, see if they will do a story on your participation in the trip. Take them a few good photos and either write some of your own experience or be prepared to tell the newspaper enough stories so they can come up with a good human interest story.

Quick stats for you:
Dates: Dec. 27, 2012-Jan. 3, 2013
Paricipants: 160 (including Border Initiative volunteers)
Sponsor/Organizer: Southern Nazarene University
Ministry sites: 6 (3 Nazarene churches, 1 Assembly of God church, 1 nursing home and 1 children's home)
Ministry components: Construction projects, medical clinics (with two mobile medical teams), Vacation Bible School type children's ministries, and sports ministry using soccer.
Age of participants: From young pre-schoolers to retired people

ARTICLE FOR NAZARENE ONLINE MAGAZINE
"Engage," the Nazarene online missions magazine would like to have a couple of stories from our trip. Would you be interested in writing one? Let me know ( hculbert@snu.edu )and I'll put you in touch with the editor.

For examples of what they've published in the past, go to:
http://engagemagazine.com/content/stepping-out-faith-0

http://old.engagemagazine.com/Magazine-Content/Stories/February-2011/Call-me-Abuelo.html

FINANCIAL STUFF
(1) If you are a Nazarene, be sure that your local church counts your trip expenses as part of its global missions giving. There's a form for doing that at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/10credit.pdf

(2) Any expenses you paid personally (including whatever you paid to SNU) may be tax deductible for you because they are expenses incurred in doing volunteer work for a qualified charitable organization.

TELLING YOUR STORY
People want to hear stories about your trip. So, think about two or three of the most impactful moments and use those when people ask you how the trip was. Help people visualize what you experienced.

January 2, 2013

Here are the final announcements (I think) from Monclova:

(1) Get your suitcases to the buses at 4 a.m. Make sure you deliver your suitcase to someone that is loading (we'll need lots of helpers). Do not sit it down somewhere expecting that it will be seen and loaded.

(2) As we leave in the hotel in the morning, please do not talk at all, not even in whispers, in the hallways. Other guests are here. There are a lot of us. Walk silently until you get to the lobby.

(3) Turn in the key cards to the front desk.

(4) Pick up a bottle of water from the counter at the restaurant entrance.

(5) At the border, make sure the van drivers who shuttled people to the border and the airline passengers get to the front of the line.

(6) The bus/van lists as they now stand are at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/busroll.pdf

January 2, 2013

Tips: Don't forget tips for the maids. Give to team leader who will give to Elysha Dyer. The hotel management will disburse it evenly among the housekeeping staff.

Today -- regular schedule with final team meeting tonight.

Visas (that paper document you received at the border): Give those to your team leader who will give them to Roberto Rodriguez.

"Minor ailments" clinic today in room 129 right after we return and then from about 7-9.

Tomorrow
1. No fruit, vegetables or live plants can be taken across the border (that's to protect American agricultural from disease and insects)

2. Lots of people have long drives to make tomorrow after we get to the border. Please allow vehicle drivers to get to bed early this evening. We want them rested and alert.

3. We LEAVE at 4:30 a.m. SUITCASES MUST BE DOWN AT THE BUSES BY 4 a.m.

4. We will use the same bus lists as we did coming down. Those lists will be available for you to re-check at supper this evening.

5. Be sure to have your passport on you. Do NOT put it in your suitcase.

6. If you are taking back a bottle of vanilla, be sure it has plenty of cushioning around it in your suitcase. Those are glass bottles and they will break!

7. When you bring down suitcases, do not just leave them near the hotel door and expect someone to know they go on the buses. Give them personally to someone who is loading the luggage bays.

8. As we unload at the border, each bus needs one person to look in the overhead bins and under every seat. Let's not leave anything on the buses.

9. At the border we need to transfer everything from the bus luggage bays to Juan's trailer (doing much the same thing as we did coming down). That trailer will take luggage to the staging area in Eagle Pass.

10. Each person will need to pay a 25 cent toll to walk across the bridge tomorrow morning. It doesn't need to be a quarter.

11. As we walk across the bridge, van drivers should make their way to the front of the line. You must be the first ones through passport control/customs!

12. Airline riders:

(a) We will have some colored yarn for you to tie to your suitcase. We want to be able to identify those quickly in Eagle Pass and get you on the road to the airport

(b) Also, you need to be on the first van going to the staging area.

January 1, 2013

This morning, beginning at 8:20, we're running shuttles in 20-minute intervals to the one souvenir shop in town.

At 11:30, we will all leave to go to a city park to spend a few hours with our Mexican friends. Roberto is watching the weather to determine how the afternoon will play out.

Because we will not necessarily be traveling as teams today, it will be imperative that you follow the announced schedule closely. We will not to be taking roll, so we will not know if you are not there.

Team meetings tonight.

Thursday morning we will leave for the border at 4:30 a.m. Suitcases need to be brought down to the buses by 4:00 a.m.

Wake-up calls on Thursday? If you need a wake-up phone call, tell the hotel desk what time you need to be awakened.

December 31, 2013

Vanilla? The pastor at Mission Alamo has offered to get bottles of vanilla for us. They are large bottles and will be about $10 each. There's a sign-up sheet for them. He'll pick them up on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Mark Ramsey is blogging about the trip: http://willowwoodchurch.blogspot.mx/2012/12/post-five-commission-unto-mexico-2012-13.html

Is anyone else blogging? If so, let me know the URL ( hculbert@snu.edu )

Tips: Restaurant and bus tips are being taken care of by trip funds. Let's do something for the housekeeping staff! Roberto has suggested about $2 per day per room, or a total of $15 for our time here. Team leaders will collect that money and give it to Elysha Dyer. The hotel management will disburse it evenly among the housekeeping staff.

Today:
i. Pickup at the ministry sites will be at 3:30 instead of 4:30.
ii. We will leave hotel at 5:30 p.m. for a combined service and meal at a rented hall with all the churches participating.
iii. The artisan stands are scheduled to be set up at that hall.

"Minor ailments" clinic today in room 129 right after we return and then from about 7-9.

December 30, 2013

"Minor ailments" clinic each evening in room 129 prior to dinner and then from about 7-9.

Service today: You won't understand everything, so remember that we're here to worship God. When things are going on in Spanish, focus on Jesus. Commune with Him. Enjoy His presence.

Most unique ministry avenue this year: Patty Diaz' hair cutting and styling work at Fuente de Paz.

Tomorrow: We will end an hour early at ministry sites. We will leave hotel at 5:30 p.m. for a combined service and meal at a rented hall with all the churches participating.

Reminders:

1. Use "inside voices" in and around hotel

2. When you leave hotel or ministry site: 4 in a group with at least 1 a male

3. No guys in girls' rooms and vice versa

4. 11 p.m. lights out. Don't get sick from lack of sleep

December 29, 2013

"Minor ailments" clinic each evening in room 129 prior to dinner and then from about 7-9. They're happy to treat you for cuts and bruises and aches and gastro-intestinal issues.

Remember, we're here to do things "with" our Mexican brothers and sisters rather than "for" them. Ben intentional about dissolving us/them groups.

Do you know where your passport and visa is? Do not misplace them. If you think you might, give them to the team leader.

VBS leaders: Don't forget the VBS supply store in Maggie Caison's room, 239.

We have misplace one suitcase marked "VBS." Keep your eye open for it. One trip participant has also misplaced a black stocking cap.

December 28, 2013

Schedule for each day is in the wheat-colored pamphlet

In the hotel restaurant, anything ordered to drink other than what is served at the table must be paid for by the person ordering them (otherwise, the hotel will charge the group and it will have to be paid out of our construction supplies fund).

VBS/Construction teams, find out today:
i. Construction work needed - who is local foreman?
ii. How they will interact with VBS (try to insist they have staff there)
iii. For publicizing VBS, consider doing a parade through the neighborhood

"Minor ailments" clinic room is 129 -- open before supper

VBS supplies room is 239

We're backing up on the passport/visa instructions. Since passports are needed to exchange money, Roberto and Rhesa now asking that everyone be responsible for their own. DO NOT LOSE THEM. The process of replacing them can be lengthy and expensive.

FYI stuff:
i. My cell phone is now indicating that all I have to do to call the U.S. is add a "1" in front of the U.S. area code and number.

ii. Rooms have a "master switch" at the door that cuts power to everything in the room (lights and outlets). That switch must be "on" for anything to work.

December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas to all ... Feliz Navidad!

I'm the only one up around my house at the moment, but things will soon be bustling as we have my daughter and her family here and I've got to go to Wellston and pick up the other three grandkids.

One thing: It occurred to me yesterday that I haven't mentioned bringing musical instruments. If you play a guitar or a ukelele or a trumpet, bring it! Things like trumpets have been great in VBS parades through neighborhoods. And guitars are great in team meetings and with young people at the churches.

See you soon! Have a blessed Christmas Day. Be sure and have my cell ( 405-740-4149 ) on you as you travel tomorrow.

If you're flying, be sure to also have the phone numbers of Elysha Dyer ( 207-522-9737 )and Roberto Rodriguez ( 423-987-9595 )with you.

December 24, 2012

A WHITE CHRISTMAS?
There's a winter storm warning for Christmas Day in central Oklahoma. We may get six inches or so of snow.

Hopefully, travel will not be hampered. We'll just have to play it by ear. We had a big Christmas Day snowstorm a few years ago and everyone managed to make it through. Another year, an ice storm did wreck havoc with travel and only about half of the participants managed to make it to Mexico.

With the weather, of course, one can never be sure . . .

Some travel times and schedules may need to be adjusted to get you to Eagle Pass by the morning of Dec. 27th.

"Safe travel" will be one thing to put as an urgent last-minute requests to your prayer circle.

ORIENTATION IN EAGLE PASS
At 9 a.m. (or thereabouts) on Thursday, we'll have an orientation meeting at our staging area, the Bible college training center at 264 N. Brazos Street in Eagle Pass. The handout we'll be using that morning is at: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/orientation.pdf

We'll have copies of that in Eagle Pass, but I thought some of you might like an advance peek at it.

PRAYING FOR US IN MONCLOVA
The churches in Monclova asked for team lists so they could start praying for us individually. So, know that yesterday in Monclova you were prayed for by name!

December 22, 2012

PASSPORT BUDDIES
I woke up with a start this morning thinking about my passport. I've been mentioning it to you, but hadn't yet put mine with the pile of stuff going to Mexico. Now, that's done.

Here's how we can remember: (1) Vehicle drivers -- before you leave your home town, look every person in your vehicle in the eye and ask if they have their passport on them. (2) Airline passengers -- get someone to commit to asking you on the way to the airport if you have your passport on your (3) SNU bus riders -- we'll get someone to look every one of you in the eye and ask about your passport before we leave Bethany.

TRIP FROM BORDER TO MONCLOVA
We've got a tentative bus/van list for the trip from the border to Monclova. For the most part, it's by teams. We've done a little juggling so that family members on different teams can make this trip (and the one back to the border) together. The list is at: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/buses.pdf

If you see something that you'd like changed, let me know.

MINOR TWEAKS TO OTHER LISTS
There have been a couple of changes on the housing and team lists. Check those out at:http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/lists.pdf

WEATHER IN MONCLOVA
Have you checked out the weather forecasts for Monclova? http://snu.edu/weather-mexico

Looks like it's going to be in the 60s and 70s during the days we're there (with the nights in the 30s and 40s).

MY CELL PHONE
Please take my cell number with you so you can get in touch should your travel to Eagle Pass be disrupted or delayed. It's: 405-740-4149.

GOD AT WORK
Roberto Rodriguez and I have marveled over the past few days how details have come together and some problems have evaporated. We have had a sense that God has already at work preparing the way for our group. Praise be to Him!

KEY WORDS -- FLEXIBLE AND RELATIONSHIPS
Two key words to guide you during our trip: Flexible and relationships. Plans will change. Schedules will change. Things will need to be done differently from what we're used to.

Being flexible will help us stay on top of things as we learn to "put up with" each other and the Mexicans learn to "put up with" us and we learn to "put up with" them!

Then, this trip is not primarily about accomplishing "x" amount of work or even ministry activity. This trip is about creating relationships with people of another culture and even language. Pray for the Lord's help in relationship building!

Believers will be strengthened by those relationships. For unbelievers, relationships can be a bridge across which they can come to faith in Jesus!

SOLICIT PRAYER SUPPORT
In church services tomorrow, solicit prayer support for our trip. Get people to commit to praying specifically for you by name each day.

December 21, 2021

TAG YOUR SUITCASE
Be sure your name is on your suitcase. With our large group (140 people!), we'll do the best job of keeping people with their suitcases if the owner of each suitcase is clearly identified.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Print out the Emergency Numbers page of snu.edu/mexico and leave it with your family. The hotel phone was updated this morning: http://snu.edu/mexico-emergency-numbers

ATM AVAILABLE
Sabine Lewis asked about ATM availability. There is one about a block from our hotel (if you go to use it, remember the 4-in-a-group-with-1-a-male rule. That's a safety rule.

ROOM/TEAM CHANGES
We had three new people come on board yesterday -- John Evans, Arturo Frederico, and Yeeun Lee. We also had four who dropped out. There's been no big shifts in rooms or teams, but the new list is at: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/lists.pdf

The booklet you'll get at orientation had already been printed, so this update will be a separate sheet.

SNACK SHOP AT HOTEL
The hotel does have a little snack shop that sells soft drinks and candy bars.

OUR OWN ARTISAN SHOP AT HOTEL
Some of the church members in Monclova are involved in the making and selling of handcrafted goods. They will have tables set up at the hotel for us to buy stuff. If you're looking for something and don't see it, ask! They might be able to get exactly what you want.

ROOMS OF OPPOSITE SEX OFF LIMITS
Firm rule: No guys in girls' rooms. Ever. No girls in guys' rooms. Ever. Not even inside the doorway. Two reasons: (1) We want no questions hovering around our testimony, and (2) Satanic forces would like nothing better than to derail our mission by having people make some bad decisions.

IT'S A NICE HOTEL
The Fiesta Inn may seem to some like a step or two above a mission trip hotel. It is a nice hotel, and it's giving us a very low price. We look for three things in a hotel on this trip: (1) Enough rooms to care for our entire group, (2) A restaurant that can feed all of us, and (3) Cost that fits our budget. This hotel met all three of those criteria. The hotel is excited about having us because it allows them to keep paying their employees rather than having to lay them off during this slow season.

VOLUNTEERS
When we arrive at the staging area in Eagle Pass, we'll need lots of volunteers. Among other things we'll need some people to do the checking in. We'll need people to watch over luggage and supplies. We may need people to prepare lunches. And on and on . . .

STILL OWE MONEY?
A few of you still owe some money. It's time to get it in!

THE LORD IS IN THIS PLACE
Carol Stevens posted a link on the trip's Facebook page to a YouTube video. It's titled (in Spanish) "The Spirit o the Lord is in this place" --
http://youtu.be/DTtvrIJon7Q

Carol wrote: "It's a song about the Spirit of the Lord and how we want Him in our minds and hearts, to fill us with His love. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will so fill our minds and hearts with His love and we prepare to serve our Hispanic brothers and sisters in Monclova. In just a few days we will be there meeting each other, and my prayer today is that our hearts will be so full of God's love for the people there. Blessings. Can't wait; I am so excited. Carol."

December 19, 2012

WATER BOTTLES
Don't forget to bring an inexpensive water bottle. We will have purified water available in 5-gallon jugs.

Also, don't forget to bring a pen to use in filling our your visa paperwork at the border. Do NOT pack your passport in your suitcase. If you do, you risk not being allowed into Mexico. You must have that passport to show to the border officials.

PEOPLE DRIVING VEHICLES
On Thursday morning, everyone is to meet at the staging area, 264 N. Brazos St. which is a Bible college/leadership training center. While we're checking everyone in, we will help drivers shuttle their vehicles to the parking lot. The keys to those vehicles will be left there to facilitate getting everyone out quickly when we return on January 3.

NURSING LICENSE
If you are an R.N., please bring your license number (a photocopy of your license might even be better).

EAR PLUGS
We're going to be cramped in those hotel rooms. To help you sleep better, consider bringing some ear plugs (you can get them at any drugstore).

MONEY EXCHANGE
We likely will stop for about 30 minutes soon after we cross the border to allow you to exchange some dollars for pesos.

HELPING WITH LUNCH
In a previous email, I suggested that people consider helping out in the kitchen on the ministry sites. In response, Maureen McClain posted this on the trip Facebook page: "I like Dr. Culbertson's comment about helping in the kitchen. I have been doing that for several years, and have found some great benefits from that. First, it helps connect the kitchen workers to the group; they feel noticed and appreciated. Second, since I have a wheat intolerance it lets me know what's in the food and keeps them aware of my problem. And third, I take home some new recipes and memories of new friends! I highly recommend the practice-- try it! Just be aware that they will give you menial tasks till they can assess your cooking abilities, and also that it helps a lot if you can speak some Spanish-- although sign language works wonders."

PRAYER PARTNERS
I hope you are recruiting people to be prayer partners for you during the trip. Don't be content with people saying a perfunctory "I'll be praying for you." Ask them to commit to praying for you by name every day.

December 18, 2012

Tomorrow, I'll give a booklet to the SNU print shop to make copies you will receive at the orientation at 9 a.m., Dec. 27th in Eagle Pass (just before we cross the border).

If you have time this evening, would you look over that booklet to see if there is anything in it that needs changing. Note: The pages are in a weird order because of it being printed as a booklet.

It's at: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/booklet.pdf

Drop me an email if you see something awry: hculbert@snu.edu

DONATIONS
I just heard from Nathaniel Sikes mother that they have received a donation from one individual of six pairs of reading glasses for "Commission to Mexico" as well as socks, crayons, children's vitamins and morereading glasses from other people. Praise the Lord!

December 17, 2012

We've had a few requests for room and team changes. To accommodate those changes, we've juggled a few other people around. Please check and make sure we didn't mess up something.

Teams: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/rooms.pdf

Here are two other lists:

SNU bus passengers: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/SNUbus.pdf
Vehicles to be parked in Eagle Pass: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/vehicles.pdf

Let us know if there need to be changes, additions or deletions from any of these lists.

TEAM LEADERS
The team leader for each site is listed in bold at the top of the team list.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Need to leave hotel info or other emergency contact phone numbers with friends and family. Here's the page with that stuff: http://snu.edu/mexico-emergency-numbers

KEEPING YOU WELL
Our medical team will be conducting a "minor ailments clinic" at the hotel each evening. They'll be able to fix up whatever ails you!

ORANGE HATS
On our first evening we'll give team leaders and pastors an orange baseball cap. That way, you'll be able to identify them quickly.'

WORKING "WITH" PEOPLE RATHER THAN "FOR" THEM
At the ministry sites, make sure you are working "with" our Mexican brothers and sisters rather than thinking in terms of doing things "for" them. Let's be their partners in ministry while we are there.

RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS
While we emphasize "relationships" a lot, that does not mean romantic relationships. No pairing off either within our team or with the Mexicans. None at all. Zero. Striking up romances on mission trips can be toxic to team dynamics. So, don't do it.

One good relationship thing you can do is offer to work in the kitchen as they prepare the noon meal or doing cleanup afterwards. Often, we have team members who learn how to make tortillas or flautas or other good stuff while on the trip! And, along they way, they've struck up a good relationship with some new Mexican friends.

WE'RE AT 140
Numbers-wise we're now at 140 participants plus another 20 Border Initiative staffers. Isn't that exciting?

BALLOON ANIMALS, CLOWN SUITS
Anyone learning how to make balloon animals (you can get supplies at Wal-Mart)? Anyone in addition to Maggie Caison bringing a clown suit? Anyone bringing puppets?

Howard Culbertson

December 15, 2012

We're tying up the little details. Some of you still owe money. Please get that in as quickly as possible.

We will be sending in the trip insurance list on Monday along with a check to get you covered. On Tuesday we'll be sending a housing list to the hotel in Mexico.

A BIBLE PASSAGE FROM CAROL STEVENS
Carol wrote this on the Commission Unto Mexico Facebook page: "Sharing a verse this morning: 'God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you... Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies . Then God will be given glory' (I Peter 4:10-11). We all come with gifts that God has given us, let's use those gifts to bless the people of Monclova, God's love will shine through us and we'll give Him all the glory."

CELL PHONES IN MEXICO
If you plan to use your cell phone in Mexico, be sure that you have an international plan or a Mexico plan enabled. Otherwise, your roaming charges could be huge.

Consider putting your smart phone or iPhone in "airline" mode while you are in Mexico to avoid huge charges from your phone checking in online every few minutes.

DON'T BRING TOO MUCH STUFF
After their first mission trip, many people exclaim that they took too much stuff. This trip is not a time for style show. Our Mexican friends will wear their clothes more than one day. Plan to do the same. Let's not show off the fact that we are able to afford more stuff than they can buy.

Do, however, bring clown suits, puppets, VBS supplies, adult diapers, and hand tools!

PASSPORT ON YOU
Do NOT pack your passport in your suitcase. You will need it on you at the border crossing (when your suitcase will be packed on a trailer or under a bus). Keep your passport on your person at the border (we'll take them up for safekeeping once we get to Monclova).

Make a photocopy of your two pages of your passport with photo and other data on it and keep that photocopy in your suitcase. In case of loss, it's much easier to get a replacement passport if you have a photocopy.

THINGS ARRIVING
Some boxes of medical supplies for us to use in Mexico have arrived from Blessings International. Some large EvangeCubes have also arrived. We'll have one large one for each team as well as some smaller ones.

OVER THE TOP!
Praise be to God. It looks like we've gone over our $10,000 goal for the construction materials / medical supplies fund. With some checks that came in Friday and at least one check I know is still on the way, we will raised close to $11,000! Isn't that wonderful? Thank you, everyone, for helping pray in this money.

NEW TEAM / ROOM / SNU BUS LISTS
New team, room and SNU bus lists have been posted. Please check them. Let me know if we need to make additional changes.

Teams: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/rooms.pdf
SNU bus: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/SNUbus.pdf

December 13, 2012

Lots of details of firming up for our trip. Yeah! It looks like we'll have more than 130 participants going. Yeah!

BRING WATER BOTTLE
Bring a water bottle for use in carrying drinking water with you throughout the day. Don't bring your most-expensive one. Sometimes on a trip like this, things get misplaced.

TEAMS
Several people have asked about the teams and sites. All six of the sites will have some kind of construction project and all six will have some kind of evangelistic outreach. Five of them will have children's ministry and the nursing home will also have a ministry component. Team members can choose whether to work only in construction, only in the ministry activity or in some combination of the two. It'll be your choice!

FOUR TO A ROOM
One reason this trip is so affordable is that our cost is based on four to a room. You can have your own bed by paying $105 extra or even your own private room is you're willing to pay $315. Just let us know if you wish to choose one of these options.

BURIED IN YOUR iPHONE
This trip is about relationships. Don't fall prey to the temptation to spend a lot of time buried in your cell phone screen while the Mexicans look forlornly at you, wishing that you would acknowledge their presence.

Here's a note from veteran trip participant Maureen McClain:

"Last year, with the proliferation of things like Smart Phones and I-Pads, I saw face-to-face relationships being neglected for electronic ones. I could look around at the mission site and see people texting to their friends or family in the United States, and ignoring the Mexicans they were there to minister to. (I guess they were telling them how great it was to be there to help the Mexicans?) I stood in line for breakfast or dinner at the hotel and couldn't talk to the people on either side of me because they were busy with their phones. I also saw the hotel's Internet connection repeatedly crash because it was overloaded. One time I was waiting to use the computer in the lobby when I realized that the girl in front of me was not emailing; she was playing games on the computer!

"I am absolutely not suggesting that we should abandon electronics while we're in Mexico. I am merely saying that perhaps we need to be more aware of the people we are there to build relationships with (both Mexican and American), and be more considerate of them.

"Thank you for letting me share my concern with you. I hesitated to post it on Facebook for fear it would be taken wrong. If you feel it's worth sharing with the others, please do so. I am looking forward with all my heart to our time in Monclova."

LEARNING NAMES
I hope you've taken a look at the "sites" page with photos of the pastors and spouses. I hope you're learning names! In terms of the teams, in Eagle Pass you'll get a colored name tag to wear around your neck. Your fellow team members will have the same color of name tag as you.

BRING A PEN
Bring a ballpoint pen with you to use to fill out your visa form for Mexican passport control officers. Things will go faster if everyone has their own pen!

COUNTING CARS (and vans)
The place that will be guarding our cars in Eagle Pass has asked us for a count. Would the driver of each vehicle drop me ( hculbert@snu.edu ) a note saying, "I'm driving a car (or van) to Eagle Pass." Just one email per vehicle, please.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
Anybody have a Scripture passage that just keeps running through your mind in connection with our upcoming trip? Let me know so I can share it.

Yours in Him,
Howard Culbertson

December 11, 2012

So, a little over two weeks from now we'll be gathering in Eagle Pass, TX. The orientation meeting that morning will begin at 9 a.m.

NOT GOING?
If you are receiving this email and are NOT going on the trip, please let us know immediately so we can release your space in the hotel and your meal reservations.

TATTO0S AND PIERCINGS
Here's a message from Roberto Rodriguez, Work & Witness coordinator for the Border Initiative: "Rhesa and I had the opportunity to assist as translators with a group from the States this July. Several of the young ladies had tattoos that were visible when wearing flip flops.

"We had many questions from our Mexican brothers and sisters that we tried to explain. A tattoo is something that culturally is still not as widely accepted as it is in the states. In the States, it is not uncommon to see young people at church who choose to get tattoos for spiritual reasons.

"In Monclova, tattoos still carry a slightly negative connotation. When Christians see tattoos on someone, they almost expect a story of God's redemption from a past sinful life where tattoos were a part of it. They have a difficult time understanding why a Christian would choose to get tattoos.

"I am not trying to say that anyone with tattoos should not come. Rather those with tattoos should realize that culturally, tattoos are not viewed in a positive light, especially in church. They need to be sensitive to the fact that those same tattoos, while a badge of honor at home, might mean something different in a different culture.

"I would say try to be sensitive and cover up the tattoos when possible. We want our Mexican brothers and sisters to see the heart of our North American brothers and sisters first, not the physical aspect. Unfortunately, many times, because we see with our eyes and not our hearts, we lose out on seeing what God has done or is doing in the lives of his people. With piercings, again be sensitive. Allow the Lord to lead you."

DONATION OF GLUCOMETERS!
Here's a note from Dr. Paul Fuhrmeister in Miami, OK: "I have received a donation of two new glucometers with test strips which the medical teams can use to test people for diabetes during this year's Commission Unto Mexico! Thanks to Osborn Drugs and praise the Lord!"

RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS
This trip is about relationships. Yes, we will do some construction. Yes, we will do some medical work. Yes, we will do some soccer camps. Our primary goal, however, is to be in relationship with Mexican believers and to be a part of their ministry for a week.

Let's not get so caught up in DOING things that we miss the rich fellowship which can come from cross-cultural relationships.

WEATHER IN MONCLOVA
For an idea on what the weather might be in Monclova (so you will know how to dress), check out the links at: http://snu.edu/weather-mexico

Monclova is a desert climate. So, can be quite cool in the evening and early morning even though it usually warms up during the day. Plan to dress in layers which you can take off as it warms up.

JUST SIGNED UP?
If you've just signed up for the trip, read all the previous emails at: http://snu.edu/mexico-emails

Howard Culbertson

December 7, 2012

EXCITEMENT BUILDING
Nick Zoller, who teaches at SNU with me, told me yesterday that as the days pass he's getting more and more excited about the trip.

Carol Stevens posted on the trip Facebook page: "The kids at my school are really getting excited about my trip to Monclova. They are having a contest between each class to bring money so different ones are bringing their dollars and change, one little girl brought a jar of change. After it was counted at the bank, it was $195.41. My prayer is that they will have a missions' heart instead of always thinking about what they can get for themselves."

PHOTOS POSTED
We've posted some photos of pastors and building sites at: http://snu.edu/mexico-sites

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Here's a tentative schedule which has been worked out by Roberto Rodriguez and the Monclova organizing committee. There may be changes to it, of course. On any mission trip, a key word is "flexible." Indeed, at our 9 a.m. orientation meeting on Dec. 27 in Eagle Pass, you will be an orange wrist band with "Commission Unto Mexico" stamped in it. That rubber wrist band is to remind you to stay flexible throughout the trip!

Thursday 12/27

10am-12pm Border Crossing; get Visas; stop to exchange money
4:00pm Arrive at Fiesta Inn Hotel
6:00pm Dinner at hotel

Friday 12//28 Saturday 12/29 Wednesday 1/2

7:30-8:00am Breakfast downstairs at hotel (Artisans stands open upstairs)
8:30 am Depart for ministry locations
12:00 pm Lunch on site
4:30pm Return to Hotel
5-6pm Artisans' stands open at hotel
6pm Dinner at hotel upstairs

Sunday 12/30

7:30-8:00am Breakfast downstairs at hotel
TBA- Service and eat lunch at your site
Retirement Center (Asilo) 10 am
Mission Alamo
Fuente De Paz
Casa Hogar (Orphanage) to Castaños
Fuente de Agua Viva
Primera (Bella Vista)
6pm Dinner at hotel upstairs

Monday 12/31

7:30-8:00am Breakfast downstairs at hotel (Artisans stands open upstairs)
8:30am Depart for ministry locations
12:00pm Lunch on site
3:30pm Return to hotel
5:30pm Depart for combined service
6:00pm Combine service and dinner at hall
10:00pm return to hotel

Tuesday 1/1

7:30-9:00 Anytime breakfast downstairs at hotel
11:30 Depart for day of fellowship and lunch at the park
3pm Return to hotel/ may go to the town square if open

Thursday 1/3

4:30am Depart hotel for the border
8:00am Cancel visas cross the border
10:00am Arrive at Colegio Biblico

Medical Team A

12/28 Fuente De Paz
12/29 Casa Hogar (orphanage) /Castaños (30 min. away)
12/31 & 1/2 Mission Alamo (walk to site)

Medical Team B

12/28 Retirement Center (Asilo)
12/29 Fuente de Agua Viva (30 min. away)
12/31 Primera (Bella Vista)
1/2 Primera cell group house

Soccer Team (Scott Ramsey)

12/28 Primera (Bella Vista)
12/29 Fuente de Paz
12/31 & 1/2 Mission Alamo

12/28-12/

NEW TEAM / ROOM LISTS
We've posted new team and rooming lists. We've shuffled a few things around because some have had to drop out and we've had new people sign up. Let us know of needed changes:

Teams: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/rooms.pdf

WHAT TO BRING
Here's some stuff you can bring:
- Adult diapers (for nursing home)
- Clown suits
- Puppets
- Balloon animal supplies (balloons and pumps)
- VBS supplies (crayons, construction paper, glue, scissors)

Yours in Him,
Howard Culbertson

December 3, 2012

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
1. Why don't you learn how to do balloon animals before the trip? You can get supplies at Wal-Mart or similar stores (you need a special type of balloon and a small pump is a must). There's more info on the page: http://snu.edu/mexico-evangelism

NEW TEAM / ROOM LISTS
We've got corrected team and room lists posted. These are still tentative. Thank you for your patience with us. Let us know of needed changes.

Teams: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/rooms.pdf

Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez are going to Monclova this coming week to nail down some things. After that trip we'll know for sure about the ministry sites and their needs. There will likely be shifts in team assignments at the end of the coming week (we do want, however, to keep family groups and church groups together).

FOUR IN A GROUP WITH ONE BEING A MALE
To keep us safe in Monclova the rule when leaving a ministry site or going outside the hotel is to always be in a group of 4 with at least one of those being a male. This is to keep you safe.

FOOD, WATER SAFETY
The food at the hotel, where we will eat breakfast and dinner, is safe. The food prepared for you at the ministry site will be safe. We cannot guarantee that food sold on the street by vendors is safe. Best to leave it alone.

Do not drink water from a faucet in Mexico. It is not treated to the level where it is safe to drink. You might not get sick if you drink it, but it's best not to take that gamble. You could wind up with all kinds of unhealthy things messing up your insides!

YOUR PRAYER PARTNERS
I hope you're creating a circle of prayer partners. Prayer is the thing we need most on the trip. There is a list of prayer needs at: http://snu.edu/mexico-prayer

Yours in Him,
Howard Culbertson

November 28, 2012

ARE YOU GOING?
If you are not going to be able to go, please let us know immediately so we can take your name out of the database.

NEW TEAM / ROOM LISTS UP
We've posted draft #2 of the team and room assignments. Please check and let us know of needed changes. If you asked for a change previously and it didn't get done, remind us!

Teams: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/rooms.pdf

These are still VERY tentative lists! More changes will be made. . . . and we can even make changes in Mexico if necessary

PREFERRED NAME
Do you use a name other than what we have on the team/room lists? Please let us know. We'd like to be using the name you prefer.

TIME TO PAY UP
December 10 is the deadline for getting funds in. That will allow us to get that money processed and on its way to Mexico to pay hotel and restaurant bills. You can send us a check or pay online through your "account."

SNU BUS
If you'd like to go on the SNU bus, let us know. Cost for that is $99. We need to know right away if you are going so we can get hotel rooms reserved in Eagle Pass for the 1-night stay (cost for that will be $15 or so).

Here's the list of passengers as it now stands:
1. Feby Abraham
2. Hope Bowers
3. Emma Carley
4. Nissy Cherian
5. Hayden Jacobs
6. Jeromy Phillips
7. Nathan Sikes
8. Mark Solis
9. Nick Zoller
10. Amanda Landers
11. Barbara Hiett
12. Kimberly Black
13. George Kilmer
14. Howard Culbertson

That bus will load at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 26th in the parking lot on the southwest corner of College and 42nd Streets (just north of the Commons).

TAKING STUFF
Here's a note from Nicky Knight: "Last year, I packed my luggage full with McDonald's toys that my kids no longer played with. We used them as VBS prizes when kids memorized their memory verses. The kids loved them! Just another idea of what to bring."

Howard Culbertson

November 20, 2012

We're now at 112 officially signed up for the trip. It's going to be a wonderful adventure! If you're receiving this email and are NOT going to be able to go, please let us know.

TEAM / HOUSING LISTS

Edition two of a team list has been posted. Let us know of needed changes: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf

The first tentative housing list is also posted. Take a look and let us know what changes are needed: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams.pdf

Be patient with us. Keep telling us of needed changes. We will keep revising and republishing these lists up until a few days before our departure. Hopefully, we'll have everything set up the way it should be before we arrive in Mexico. If not, we'll make changes there!

EAR PLUGS?
"Flexibility" is a key theme for having a great mission trip. Getting enough sleep is another one.

Are you a light sleeper or thinking that you might be with other people in the same room? Then, invest in a package of ear plugs. That's the advice of veteran mission trip participants.

VBS SUPPLIES NEEDED
Get your church to help with VBS supplies. There's a list of what we need at: http://snu.edu/mexico-what-to-bring

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS / MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Help us pray in the final $3,000 needed for our construction materials / medical supplies fund.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! Make sure every single family member commits to be a prayer partner with you for this trip.

Howard Culbertson

November 16, 2012

Things are starting to jell!

Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez will be going to Monclova soon to nail down some details. Pray that God will give them vision, wisdom and guidance! For a photo of them, go to: http://snu.edu/mexico-missionaries

TENTATIVE LISTS
We've got a first draft of team assignments. These are very tentative. There will be a lot of changes in these before the trip. Please let us know what changes we need to make!

Team list: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/teams%202012.pdf

In addition to the teams listed here, we will have a soccer ministry team. If you have experience playing soccer at the high school or college level, let us know.

We'll have a housing list ready on Monday.

EYEGLASSES COLLECTION IN TISHOMINGO!
Jeromy Phillips from Tishomingo, OK has put up collection boxes around town where people can donate used and new eyeglasses (prescription as well as reading). His local newspaper is publishing a story on his project and it looks as though the Lions' Club is also going to help him collect those eyeglasses.

ADULT DIAPERS NEEDED
The retirement home where we will be working has asked if we could put out a plea for people to bring adult diapers.

SMALL BUS FROM SNU
We thought the group going from the SNU campus would be travelling in vans. We've been upgraded to a small bus (35 passenger). Yeah! Round-trip cost on that is $99. If you'd like to take advantage of that, let us know!

PRAYER PARTNERS
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Be sure to ask the people in your local church to be prayer partners for you. There's a list of prayer requests at: http://snu.edu/mexico-prayer

In terms of our financial need for $10,000 in our construction materials / medical supplies fund, we've now topped $6,000. Praise the Lord!

Yours in Him,
Howard Culbertson

November 13, 2012

ALMOST TO ONE HUNDRED
We now have 98 officially on board. Check the list below. If you have friends or family who are planning on going, make sure they're on the list. Otherwise, we will not have reserved hotel rooms and restaurant meals for them.

In terms of participants, Larry Solis has been planning to go on this trip with his son Mark. A few days ago Larry fell from a roof and is in very serious condition in the hospital. So, he will not be going. Will you join me in prayer for Larry and his family?

ROOM AND TEAM ASSIGNMENTS
We are working on room and team assignments. We'll send a first draft of those to you soon.

SHOTS / DRINKING WATER?
Jakayla Porter asked: "Are there shots I should get? My pastor's wife said I might need to get Hepatitis A or B. Also, will there be enough bottled water available or should I bring some? Everyone I talk to says to never drink the water."

No immunizations are needed for this trip. Regarding the water in Mexico: Do not drink water from a faucet. HOWEVER, we will provide plenty of bottled water at the hotel and at the job site. Do not weigh your suitcase down with bottled water!

RIDES NEEDED
Are you driving to Eagle Pass? Do you have space in your vehicle for extra passengers? We have some people looking for rides.

LEARNING THE SONGS
Dr. Paula Gettys called from Muskogee, OK to say that a musician in their group has already learned a lot of the songs from a YouTube video I mentioned in an earlier email.

By the way, all of those emails can be found at: http://snu.edu/mexico-emails

GETTING TO EAGLE PASS

BY AIR: Here is the updated list of those who have told us they are flying in to San Antonio. Roberto Rodriguez is arranging for a shuttle from there to Eagle Pass.
1. Dan Bennett
2. Stephen Bennett
3. Patricia Cook
4. Elysha Dyer
5. Dannie Gann
6. Sidney Karr
7. Kenneth McKay

BY SNU VEHICLE: Here are those currently in the SNU van list:
1. Feby Abraham
2. Hope Bowers
3. Heather Bryant
4. Emma Carley
5. Nissy Cherian
6. Howard Culbertson
7. Hayden Jacobs
8. Jeromy Phillips
9. Nathan Sikes
10. Mark Solis
11. Nick Zoller
12. Amanda Landers

Please let us know if your name is supposed to be on either of these lists.

COMPLETE LIST OF REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS
Feby Abraham
Tony Abrego
Gloria Abrego
Dina Abrego
Saverio Anfuso
Sherry Baldwin
Daniel Bennett
Stephen Bennett
Kimberley Black
Donald Block
Hope Bowers
Heather Bryant
Serena Burger
Margaret Caison
Emma Carley
Tyrrell Castoe
Nissy Cherian
Heidi Childers
Patricia Cook
Howard Culbertson
Elysha Dyer
Kenneth Ellis
Bethany Ellis
Courtney Erby
Chris Espinoza-Madrid
Nancy Fleetham
Terra Frederick
Dannie Gann
Liberty Gettys
Paula Gettys
Pamela Griffin
Jamie Grubert
Abigail Hands
Jeff Hands
Jeanne Hatesohl
Deanita Henry
Jacob Henry
Joshua Henry
Everett Henry
Clarence Hosier
Lacy Hosier
LeAnna Hughes
Caleb Hughes
Allen Hughes
Benjamin Hughes
Ethan Hughes
Kenneth Ibarra
Hayden Jacobs
Clara Johnson
Sidney Karr
Deadra Kilgore
Nicky Knight
Audrey Landers
Sabine Lewis
Steve Livingston
Nathan Livingston
Sheridan Marugg
Bobbi Marugg
Cheyanne Marugg
Michael Maupin
Maureen McClain
Kenneth McKay
Kristin McPherson
Sean McPherson
Jordyn McPherson
Olivia Mendoza
Kaitlyn Metcalfe
Paul Metcalfe
Jamie Michael
Leyana Moore
Jesika Moore
Sara Nichols
Shelby Nichols
Benjamin Nicholson
Danny Nolen
Jeromy Phillips
Jakayla Porter
Allison Rinard
Annette Rustin
Alejandro Sandoval
Henry Siems
Jonathan Siems
Ami Siems
Nathaniel Sikes
Mark Solis
Carol Stevens
David Stevens
Byron Sullivan
Sara Swartz
Ted Taylor
Joshua True
Reanna Voll
Lori White
Bradley White
Dylan Wilson
Isaiah Wright
Jacob Wright
Jennifer Wright
Nicholas Zoller

Yours in Him,
Howard Culbertson

November 6, 2012

WE'RE AT 96
Our numbers continue to grow. Ninety-six people are now signed up for the trip.

PLANS CHANGED?
If things have changed and you are not going to be able to go, please let us know immediately. We're making room assignments now and shortly will start dividing the group into teams.

CHILDREN ON THE TRIP?
Some parents have asked me for reassurance that the trip will be a profitable one for younger children. My answer is that over the years we've seen a real benefit to having families with children along. Here's a great reflection on that subject: http://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/roundtripmissions/archives/07-25-2012.html?utm_source=roundtripmissions&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=9570541&utm_content=131510163&utm_campaign=2012

TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS
One of our participants asked: "What do we do about our piercings and tattoos? Do we need to cover them up or are piercing and tattoos OK?"

I'll check with Roberto Rodriguez to be sure. However, here was my quick answer: Tattoos are not a huge issue. Hardware in piercings may be distracting to our ministry with Mexican believers. The solution this participant suggested was to use a clear stud in the one piercing that would be visible. I do appreciate that participant's sensitivity to doing ministry cross-culturally!

THINGS TO BRING?
(1) Clown suits are great to help bridge language barriers!
(2) Our medical team can use lots of reading glasses. Last year one of the participants got a store in their town to donate an entire box of inexpensive ones.
(3) VBS materials including candy (for a list of needed items, go to: http://snu.edu/mexico-what-to-bring
(4) Hand-tools (if you plan to work on the construction projects)

EMPTY SEATS IN YOUR VEHICLE?
As you firm up travel plans, let us know if you are driving and have an extra seat or two in your vehicle. We want to facilitate car pools!

LEARN TO MAKE BALLOON ANIMALS
Ballon sculptures (animals, flowers, swords) are great ice-breakers. Why don't you learn how to make them? The balloons and pumps are usually available in the card/party area of WalMart. They can also be purchased from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Qualatex-Balloons-Assorted-Colors-package/dp/B000JCMJCQ

There is additional info on balloon sculptures at: http://snu.edu/mexico-evangelism

PASSPORTS?
You must have a passport or passport card. You will have trouble getting BACK into the U.S.A. if you do not have one. Make a photocopy of the info page of that passport and keep it in a separate pocket or bag or purse (just in case the passport comes up missing).

Howard Culbertson

November 2, 2012

87 ON BOARD
We now have 87 people officially signed up with others part of the way through the process and others assuring me they are going even though they haven't yet fully signed up.

STUFF TO BRING
Need to know what to bring? Here's a note from Clara Johnson, who will be directing our medical teams: "Multiple Vitamins are always needed. Children's, Adult, Pre-natal. The bigger the better. Reading glasses -- new and used -- go over well too."

Carol Stevens (who was actually born in Monclova and lived there until she was 13) asked: "What kind of things could we be gathering up that could be used for the VBS?" There is a list of those items on the page: http://snu.edu/mexico-what-to-bring

ARRIVING AT OUR STAGING AREA
Kenneth McKay, who is flying in, asked about the logistics of getting from the San Antonio airport to Eagle Pass. People flying in will need to arrive on December 26 and get a hotel room. We'll have a shuttle pick up everyone at the hotel early (maybe 5:30 or so) on December 27 and drive the group to Eagle Pass.

Here is the list of those who've said they're flying in:

Bennett, Daniel
Bennett, Stephen
Cook, Patricia
Dyer, Elysha
Karr, Sidney
McPherson, Jordyn

SNU VANS
We will take a van or two from SNU for those living in Central Oklahoma. Round-trip seat on that is $99. Here are the list of people who have told us they'd like to go on the SNU van:

Bowers, Hope
Culbertson, Howard
Landers, Amanda
Phillips, Jeromy
Sikes, Nathaniel
Zoller, Nicholas

WHERE WE DO LEAVE VEHICLES?
Sabine Lewis asked: "If we drive to Eagle Pass, where do we leave our vehicles?" We have a fenced-in, guarded lot where vehicles will be parked. We've used this lot when we've crossed at Eagle Pass the last few years and have had no issues.

THE MONCLOVA CONNECTION
Here's a note from David Stevens about his wife's connection with Monclova:

"The mission 'Mexican Mission Ministries' was independent, but greatly influenced by the philosophy of the Mennonite Brethren Church. My Father-in-law and his wife (life-long members of the Mennonite Brethren) were missionaries in Mexico under the MMM. They lived on a mission compound in Monclova, and my Father-in-Law, Benjamin Wedel, purchased the land for the mission and built many of the original buildings. They had a seminary, dormitories, and housing for the missionaries. They went out, reached people with the gospel and started Churches. They educated Pastors and sent them out to do the work. As time went on, the churches they planted became independent and formed an association. Eventually they moved the seminary to Pachuca, and the mission center became an orphanage. That orphanage is Casa Hogar Galilia (one of the sites where Commission Unto Mexico is going this year). Carol (Wedel) Stevens grew up there. She was born in Monclova before they owned the mission property. The family lived there until she was 13 years old. You can imagine my wife's excitement when she learned this.
As we contacted some friends from the mission (now EMM) we learned this was indeed the same place. And we learned the recent history that led to the current condition of the property. If we understand correctly, the association of Churches (CIEMAR) still owns the property and have the desire for ministry to continue there. What a thrill for Carol and me to think that we will be working to renew the property so that ministry can continue."

Yours,

Howard Culbertson

count 88

userCount 87

November 1, 2012

October 26, 2012

PARTICIPANTS NOW AT 80
We're now at 80 in terms of people officially registered for the trip! Below is the list of those in our database. If you know of someone who is planning on going, but is not on that list, get after them to finish the registration process at: www.snu.edu/mexico

WHAT TO WEAR?
Carol Stevens asked: "How are we to dress?"

I appreciate the willingness to be cultural sensitive. Here's a response from our trip coordinator, Roberto Rodriguez: "Jeans are good for worksites and for walking around Monclova, even for ladies. Church is different where khakis or slacks are fine for both men and women. Dresses and skirts are good also for women. Teens can wear jeans, but they should not be torn up."

Monclova is a high desert climate and has such it can get cold at night (perhaps in the 40s) but then warm up in the daytime to 70 or more. I suggest that people dress in layers which they can take off as the temperature rises.

WHERE IN MONCLOVA?
Carol had two more questions: "Where will we be in Monclova and what will we be doing?"

We will be on several ministtry sites in and around Monclova. For a listing of those which include the activities that are planned for each ministry site, go to: http://snu.edu/mexico-sites

For a look at where we'll be staying (and eating breakfast and supper), go to: http://www.hotels.com/ho169596/fiesta-inn-monclova-monclova-mexico/?gclid=CNKlwMbet7ECFSdgTAodV1UAog

The map there shows our hotel to be in the north central part of the city.

RIDE NEEDED FROM FT. WORTH
Anyone traveling from the Ft. Worth area with an empty seat in the vehicle? Alejandro Sandoval is looking for a ride!

CHECKING YOUR ACCOUNT BALANCE
Did you know that you can see online how much you have paid and how much your owe on your trip account? Just log-in to the account you created when you registered! If you have trouble doing that, let us know.

GOD'S PRESENCE THIS WEEKEND
Be sure you have people at your church praying for our trip. Mention it in your Sunday school class. Get it put in the church bulletin! Ask the pastor or worship leader to mention it in services.

Yours in Him

Howard Culbertson

Feby Abraham
Daniel Bennett
Stephen Bennett
Kimberley Black
Donald Block
Hope Bowers
Heather Bryant
Serena Burger
Emma Carley
nissy cherian
Patricia Cook
Sara Crowder
Elysha Dyer
Bethany Ellis
Kenneth Ellis
Courtney Erby
Chris Espinoza-Madrid
Nancy Fleetham
Paula Gettys
Liberty Gettys
Abigail Hands
Jeff Hands
Jeanne Hatesohl
Everett Henry
Jacob Henry
Joshua Henry
Deanita Henry
Clarence Hosier
Lacy Hosier
LeAnna Hughes
Caleb Hughes
Allen Hughes
Benjamin Hughes
Ethan Hughes
Kenneth Ibarra
Jayce Jackson
Hayden Jacobs
sidney karr
Crissy Keeton
Deadra Kilgore
Nicky Knight
audrey Landers
Hannah LeBeau
Sabine Lewis
Nathan Livingston
Steve Livingston
Bobbi Marugg
Cheyanne Marugg
Sheridan Marugg
Michael Maupin
Maureen McClain
Kenneth McKay
Kristin McPherson
Sean McPherson
Jordyn McPherson
Olivia Mendoza
Paul Metcalfe
Kaitlyn Metcalfe
jamie michael
Jesika Moore
Leyana Moore
Benjamin Nicholson
Jeromy Phillips
Allison Rinard
Alejandro Sandoval
Henry Siems
Jonathan Siems
Ami Siems
Nathaniel Sikes
Larry Solis
Mark Solis
Carol Stevens
David Stevens
Byron Sullivan
Sara Swartz
Joshua True
Summer Tyrrell
Dylan Wilson
Jacob Wright
Nicholas Zoller

October 22, 2012

TODAY'S COUNT IS 79

Today we are at 79 registered participants. We still have room for lots more. So, get those undecided friends to jump off the fence and join us.

LEARN SOME GREAT SONGS

Here's a YouTube video with some classic praise songs from Mexico:
http://youtu.be/A8sloru5edQ

BRING READING GLASSES FOR MEDICAL CLINICS

Ask people in your congregation if they have unused reading glasses sitting in a drawer. Our medical team can use them! Or, go to the Dollar Store or some similar store and buy a bunch of inexpensive reading glasses in varying strengths.

VANS FROM BETHANY

We will have a van or two heading out for Eagle Pass from the SNU campus on December 26th. Cost for a round-trip "ticket" is $99. Let us know if you'd like to ride on that van.

We'll also help facilitate carpools from other areas. Let us know if you have space for additional people or if you'd like to find a ride from your area.

IS FOOD AND WATER SAFE?

Here's another question from the Stillwater group: "What about the food and especially the water?"

Food served to you at the hotel restaurant or at a ministry site is perfectly safe. Water from the faucet is not. Do not drink or even brush your teeth with faucet water. We will provide bottled water for you at the hotel and at the various ministry sites.

Howard Culbertson

October 15, 2012

72 signed up!

We've currently got 72 people officially registered. Check the list below to make sure it contains everyone you know is planning on going! We do, of course, have room for lots more people. So, keep recruiting.

If you are on the list, but are not going to be able to go, let us know right away so we don't include you in the room and team listings.

Question: Electrical current for hair dryers, toothbrushes and tools?

A week ago I spent an hour and half with key people coming with the group from the Stillwater, OK Church of the Nazarene. Here's one question they asked: "Are electrical outlets and voltage different (thinking about chargers)?" Electrical current in Mexico is the same as it is in the U.S. (120 volt, 60 cycle). On top of that, the outlets are exactly the same as the type we use here in the U.S. How great is that?

A verse for this year

Brianna Foster went on the trip last year. Early in the summer she suggested Matthew 7:7-12 as a theme verse for this year's trip. That passage says: "Ask and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you. ---For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? or if he asks for fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...

Need a chuckle?

Here's an article by mission trip leader Paul Borthwick in which he confesses to having badly messed up in Spanish while

in Mexico: http://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/roundtripmissions/archives/06-27-2012.html?utm_source=roundtripmissions&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=9570541&utm_content=129206756&utm_campaign=2012

Nursing scholarship

The Altus Church of the Nazarene is raising money to provide a trip scholarship for a yet-to-be-named nursing student.

Praise the Lord!

List of registered participants.

Make sure all those you know are planning to go on the trip are listed here!

Feby Abraham
Daniel Bennett
Stephen Bennett
Kimberley Black
Donald Block
Heather Bryant
Serena Burger
Nissy Cherian
Patricia Cook
Sara Crowder
Howard Culbertson
Elysha Dyer
Kenneth Ellis
Bethany Ellis
Courtney Erby
Chris Espinoza-Madrid
Michael Falgout
Nancy Fleetham
Michele Foster
Liberty Gettys
Dr. Paula Gettys
Jeff Hands
Abigail Hands
Jeanne Hatesohl
Deanita Henry
Lacy Hosier
Clarence Hosier
Benjamin Hughes
Ethan Hughes
LeAnna Hughes
Caleb Hughes
Allen Hughes
Kenneth Ibarra
Hayden Jacobs
Sidney Karr
Crissy Keeton
Deadra Kilgore
Nicky Knight
Audrey Landers
Hannah LeBeau
Sabine Lewis
Nathan Livingston
Steve Livingston
Bobbi Marugg
Cheyanne Marugg
Sheridan Marugg
Maureen McClain
Kenneth McKay
Sean McPherson
Jordyn McPherson
Kristin McPherson
Olivia Mendoza
Kaitlyn Metcalfe
Paul Metcalfe
Jamie Michael
Jesika Moore
Leyana Moore
Benjamin Nicholson
Jeromy Phillips
Allison Rinard
Alejandro Sandoval
Henry Siems
Larry Solis
Mark Solis
David Stevens
Carol Stevens
Byron Sullivan
Joshua True
Summer Tyrrell
Dylan Wilson
Jacob Wright
Nicholas Zoller

Yours,
Howard Culbertson

October 5, 2012

MONCLOVA MINISTRY SITE INFO
We have information on the work sites and ministry opportunities at:
http://snu.edu/mexico-sites

EVANGE-CUBE DONATION
We've received a gift of about 50 EvangeCubes. We'll be taking
several of them with us to use on this year's trip. For a 45 second
YouTube demonstration video of this unique evangelism tool:
http://youtu.be/-6MKDnzkdj0

PASSPORT IN HAND?
Do you have an up-to-date passport or passport card? You'll need one
to get back into the U.S. Check the expiration date on this important
travel document!

61 SIGNED UP!
We've currently got 61 participants signed up. There's still room for
more. So, recruit friends and family members to join you!

STAGING POINT
Our "staging point" is a Bible school property in Eagle Pass, TX. We
will begin our trip orientation at 9 a.m. on December 27. An early
morning (very early!) shuttle will transport people from San Antonio
who've flown there the day before.

Howard Culbertson

July 26, 2012

WE'LL BE AT THE FIESTA INN HOTEL
We'll be staying at the Fiesta Inn in Monclova. Here's a web site with some photos: http://www.hotels.com/ho169596/fiesta-inn-monclova-monclova-mexico/?gclid=CNKlwMbet7ECFSdgTAodV1UAog

A reminder that our $529 cost is for four to a room (except in the case of married couples or families). You can have a bed all to yourself, but you do need to pay extra for that privilege. :-)

LEARNING SPANISH ONLINE
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) has some excellent Spanish instructional stuff online. I've worked through their "Spanish Steps" program. It's good stuff! Check it out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/lj/

RODRIGUEZ FAMILY PHOTO
The missionary directing our group in Mexico will be Roberto Rodriguez. We've put a photo of him and his family at: http://snu.edu/mexico-missionaries

PAYMENT DEADLINE?
A couple of people have asked when final payments for the trip are due. That deadline is December 1. We've like to have the money sooner though because we have to send a chunk of it to Mexico ahead of time to reserve hotel rooms, set up restaurant reservations, purchase construction materials, buy medical supplies and so on.

NEED PUBLICITY MATERIALS?
We've got plenty of room for more people on the trip. Let me know if you can use printed publicity materials. There's also a brief video promo done by Rev. Dan Meek, one of last year's participants.

Kristen McPherson from Rapid City, SD is helping coordinate a group from her church. Michele Foster says they may have two van loads coming from Glenwood, AR. Deanita Henry and Sabine Lewis say they have seven or so coming from the Stillwater, OK Church of the Nazarene.

July 17, 2012

The list of participants for our trip to Monclova, Mexico over the New Year's holiday continues to grow.

At the bottom of this email you'll find the list as it now stands.

Money for the trip

Are you wondering how you're going to pay for the trip? Why not create a circle of prayer partners and ask them to help you pray in that money (in addition to praying for you during the trip). Make it a big circle. In fact, we encourage SNU students to think of having at least 75 people in their mission trip prayer partner circles.

Leadership change in Mexico

For the last few years missionary Gavin Fothergill has done a lot of the organizational work in Mexico. They are transferring to French-speaking Africa. Taking their place in working with the Mexican churches, making hotel reservations and setting up our trip on the Mexican end will be Roberto Rodriguez (SNU alumnus!). Roberto has already been to Monclova, working with the pastors to start getting things ready. We'll get a photo of him and his family up on the website in a day or two.

Work & Witness conference at SNU

On the last weekend of September, SNU will host a Work & Witness conference. Why don't you consider attending? It might make your participation in Commission Unto Mexico even more profitable! There's more info at: www.snu.edu/wrkwtnss

Those fully signed up (including the $25 registration fee):

Ms. Serena Burger
Ms. Michele Foster
Mr. Jeff Hands
Mrs. LeAnna Hughes
Mr. Caleb Hughes
Rev. Allen Hughes
Mr. Benjamin Hughes
Mr. Ethan Hughes
Dr. Sabine Lewis
Mrs. Bobbi Marugg
Mrs. Maureen McClain
Mrs. Kristin McPherson
Rev. Sean McPherson
Ms. Jordyn McPherson
Ms. Olivia Mendoza
Rev. Paul Metcalfe
Rev. Paul Metcalfe
Mr. Benjamin Nicholson
Ms. Allison Rinard
Rev. Byron Sullivan

Those who have enrolled for the trip but haven't yet paid the registration fee:

Mr. Chris Espinoza-Madrid
Ms. Nancy Fleetham
Ms. Lacy Hosier
Mr. Clarence Hosier
Ms. Deadra Kilgore
Mr. Mark Solis
Rev. David Stevens
Ms. Summer Tyrrell
Mr. Jacob Wright

Those who have "created an account" but have not yet indicated they are going this year:

Emily Aaron
Juanita Freeman
Kenneth Ibarra
Cheyanne Marugg
Sheridan Marugg
Roy Medrano
Carol Stevens

I hope your level of excitement is building. We've still got room for lots more participants. So, tell your friends, it's time to get on board.

Howard Culbertson

July 2, 2012

This is email #1 of a lot that you will receive over the next few months.

Right now we have 20 people signed up for the trip. That's running ahead of our numbers for the last few years on this date. Still, it's hard to guess at this point how many we'll actually have crossing the border on December 26.

To be done now:

(1) Make sure you have a passport or have a passport application in process. Passport cards (which are a little cheaper) will also work. Homeland Security requires that passport or passport card for your re-entry to the U.S.A.

(2) If finances for the trip are a huge question mark, create a circle of prayer supporters who will help you pray in the needed money.

(3) Begin thinking about how you are going to get to Eagle Pass (or San Antonio if you are flying to Texas). Most people will need to arrive on December 26 since our orientation meeting starts at 9 a.m. in Eagle Pass on the morning of December 27.

(4) Are you on Facebook? If so, ask to join the group "Commission Unto Mexico."

(5) Start browsing through the pages at www.snu.edu/mexico

(6) If you do not know any Spanish, begin learning some common words and phrase like: hello, goodbye, thank you and you're welcome.

Help us continue getting the word out about the trip. If you can use printed publicity materials, let us know!

Southern Nazarene University

Informational e-mails sent to Commission Unto Mexico participants

Trip E-mails