2011-2012 Trip E-mails

 

January 17, 2012

"Engage" magazine editor Gina Pottenger is wanting a couple more stories written by Commission Unto Mexico participants.

Jessica Honea has written one. It is at: http://engagemagazine.com/Magazine-Content/Stories/January-2012/Those-who-give-something-out-of--nothing-.aspx

Why don't you think about writing something about your experiences in Mexico this year? Get in touch with Gina at: gpottenger@nazarene.org

Howard Culbertson

 

January 14, 2012

Here's a plea from Jesika Moore: "Does anyone have a picture of the puppets that were borrowed that were in the leopard print carry-on actually being used in ministry?

"We would like to give a photo of them being used with the thank you card to our friend...thx!"

If you have photos, send them to: married_2_a_brit@yahoo.com or jesika@love-coffee.com

By the way, if you haven't heard, it looks like next year's trip will be to the Monclova area which is about an hour south of where we were this year. We'll have that nailed down plus the cost figure by early February.

Howard Culbertson

 

January 13, 2012

Just a couple of notes to you about what you paid for the trip.

(1) Local Nazarene churches can get Ten Percent missions giving credit for your expenses on the trip. Be sure and report those to your local NMI.

(2) The out-of-pocket expenses you have -- the trip costs paid to us as well as your transportation to get to Eagle Pass -- are considered by many tax advisors as deductible charitable donations. For more info on that, see the three "tax information" links at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/shortlnk.htm

Howard Culbertson

 

January 5, 2012

TALKING TO OTHERS
Talking to others about your experiences in Mexico is a good way of debriefing yourself. However, don't try to tell all of your stories to anyone in a single setting. Their eyes will just glaze over after the first story or two and they won't really hear anything you're saying. So, spread things out. Let the stories come out one at a time over days and weeks and even months.

If you get a chance to speak in your church this Sunday, pick out two or three good stories and tell them well. Don't give people information overload.

BECOME AN AUTHOR
I think "Engage," the Nazarene online missions magazine, would love to have a story or two on our trip. Last year Richard Wynn wrote a story titled "Call me Abuelo." That story is at: http://engagemagazine.com/Magazine-Content/Stories/February-2011/Call-me-Abuelo.aspx

Why don't you write a story? Get in touch with editor Gina Pottenger if you're interested: gpottenger@nazarene.org

TREATMENT AT BORDER
On the way home a few people mentioned they were going to contact their senator or U.S. representative regarding the way we were treated at the border. I would encourage you to do that. If you would like to complain directly to Customs and Border Patrol officials, that can be done at:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/forms/complaint_travel_1st

 

January 2, 2012

(1) You will need 25 cents to walk across the bridge tomorrow morning. It doesn't need to be a quarter. If you don't have 25 cents in cash, beg or borrow it.
(2) We want to leave as close to 4 a.m. as possible. Load your suitcase on the same bus on which you are riding (same number as the one on which you came from Eagle Pass).
(3) Make sure someone in your room is responsible for turning in room key to the front desk.
(4) Got left-over pesos. Give some (or all!) of them eo Elysha Dyer. We'll give to the hotel as a tip for the maids.
(5) The temptation tomorrow morning will be to yell outside. When you are close to the buildings, use your "inside" voice. Let's not wake up other hotel guests.
(6) Final team meeting tonight. We will have an evaluation form we'd like you to fill out and turn back in.
(7) This trip grew out of Dr. Gresham's vision. It is run through the office of Dr. Terry Toler. For those that might want to drop a brief thank-you to either of them, here are emails:
lgresham@snu.edu
ttoler@snu.edu.

Howard Culbertson

 

December 24, 2011

Last minute notes on this day before Christmas

CANDY TREATS?
Dorothy Whipp from Edmond (Oklahoma) First Church has a couple of family members going on the trip. She has emailed to as: "Can those on the VBS teams take candy to hand out?"

Yes, if you're out running around today, pick up a bag or two of wrapped candy.

EAR PLUGS!
Hotel rooms will be crowded. Ear plugs may help your body think you're back home in your own bedroom by yourself. Pick up some today if you haven't already done so.

WEATHER: LOOKING GOOD
I just checked forecasts for Sabinas for next week. They're predicting high 40s at night and getting up to low 70s during the day. Perfect weather!

EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please have my cell phone number (405-740-4149) with you as you travel. If you are delayed, please call! If you cannot get me, call Gavin Fothergill (913-314-7874).

Howard Culbertson

 

December 23, 2011

ATTIRE FOR CHURCH
Just some more details for you. Shelly Hosier asked about attire for Sunday church. Here's missionary Gavin Fothergill's response: "Almost all Mexican men will be wearing slacks. Some of the younger folks may be wearing jeans. I think it's safe if we go with slacks...and skirts for women."

Thanks, Shelly, for raising the question. We do want to be sensitive to cultural expectations.

TIPS AT MOTEL
Someone asked about tipping at the hotel and restaurant where we're staying. Here's Gavin's response: "We will handle the tip for the restaurant because that is expected. A tip for the maids is nice, but not really an expectation. If people want to tip, it would be between 5 and 10 pesos a day per room."

PLENTY OF PIPE CLEANERS
Chastity Culbertson-Hunt says she's got lots of pipe cleaner she is bringing for VBS.

SOME "DON'Ts" ON THE TRIP
No pairing off within our group or with Mexicans. That can be corrosive and even toxic for the ministry of our group. This is a team event; let's keep it that way. Exchange emails or phone numbers and do the romancing after the trip is over!

No guys in girls' rooms; no girls in guys' rooms.

Howard Culbertson

 

December 21, 2011

PUPPETS, PUPPETS, PUPPETS
Wow. When we ask for puppets, you guys respond. We've got a bunch of them coming. I think there's also several clown suits coming. That's great. That kind of stuff will help us bridge the language and cultural obstacles we'll face.

BOOKLET PAGES ONLINE
When you check in on Tuesday morning in Eagle Pass, you'll get a booklet with schedules, room assignments and other info. The pages for that are online at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/booklet.pdf

They will seem out of order because they are set up to be printed as a booklet. :-)

The "Daily Focus" acrostic on the page 8 has been written by Paul Metcalfe, one of this year's participants!

SNU VANS AT 9; AIRPORT PEOPLE UP BEFORE 5:30
Those of you riding the SNU vans: please be in the parking lot near the SNU religion building (41st and Peniel) by 9 a.m. or before. As soon as those from Miami, OK arrive, we'll be on our way.

I think Gavin Fothergill is going to have those of you staying in San Antonio up by 5:30 Tuesday morning. It's a nearly 3-hour trip from the SA airport to Eagle Pass and we want everyone at the staging area by 9 a.m.

KEEP PASSPORT ON YOU
Do not put your passport in your suitcase! You need to show that to Mexican authorities to enter Mexico and many of the suitcases will be outside in a trailer at that point.

FOUR IN A GROUP; ONE MALE
If you leave the job site or when you go shopping, please always be in a group of four with at least one of them a male. "Foreigners" in any culture (including the U.S.) are an easy target for thieves. Be safe. Remember the "4 and 1" rule. I think it's in the Bible somewhere (maybe the book of Hezekiah).

STAY OUT OF THE GUYS/GIRLS ROOMS!
Standard rule (also in Hezekiah): No guys in girls rooms at the hotel and vice-versa. Not ever. Not for any reason. Mixed groups can, however, use married couples' rooms (if they'll invite you in).

 

December 19, 2011

PUPPETS STILL NEEDED (I think)
I've heard from a couple of you that you are bringing puppets. Missionary Gavin Fothergill would like all 4 VBS sites to have them. Can you see if you church has some you can bring on the trip (and then bring back)?

BRING A TOWEL
We're maxing out the hotel. They don't have enough towels. So, bring one (or you may have to drip dry).

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Missionary Gavin Fothergill was at the hotel this weekend. We now know the number and kind of beds in every room. So, there's a new housing list complete with actual hotel room numbers. Note the number and letter after the room number. That indicates how many beds and of what kind. http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/rooms.pdf

If we got some people separated who want to be together, let us know.

VBS SUPPLIES
I hope you're bringing those VBS supplies which Amanda asked for: popsicle sticks, crayons, glue sticks, construction paper, and maybe some stickers.

WHAT TO WEAR
It's in the high 60s today in Sabinas/Muzquiz but it looks like it's going to cool off to the 50's toward the weekend: http://snu.edu/weather-mexico

I hope it warms up next week. At any rate, be prepared to dress in layers because it will be in the 40s in the evenings and early mornings. Remember, no shorts and no revealing tops. Let's not embarrass our Mexican hosts as we invade their neighborhoods.

 

December 16, 2011

VBS SUPPLIES NEEDED
Here is a note from Amanda Cummings: " We need supplies like popsicle sticks, crayons, glue sticks, construction paper, and maybe some stickers. Anything that people wish to give!"

Can you put out this last-minute plea to your church and family? Tell them you want this stuff rather than a Christmas present. :-)

ROOMS AND TEAM LISTS
We've got revised room and team lists up (except for Caleb Craig who just signed up today!). They're at:
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/rooms.pdf
Teams: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/teams.pdf

Please check carefully to make sure you are with who you want to be with and that you are not on the list twice (we did discover this morning that Chloe Hamilton was on the rooms list twice).

Our hotel ( http://www.posadasantafe.com.mx/ingles.htm ) has 44 rooms. It looks like we'll be using 41 or 42 of them! Our restaurant (breakfast and supper) is also part of the hotel.

PRAYER NEEDS
Missionary Gavin Fothergill and Steve Baker are with the church leaders this weekend in the Sabinas/Muzquiz area. Pray that their discussions and decision-making will be led of the Lord.

We have some participants who are still scrambling to get money in. Pray that these financial needs will be met.

TRIP YOUTUBE VIDEOS
See the trip YouTube videos at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/cumv2.htm

PRESIDENT GRESHAM WITH US!
Dr. Loren Gresham, SNU president, will be with us for a few days of the trip. Yeah!

 

December 15, 2011

Missionaries Gavin Fothergill and Steve Baker will be in the Sabinas/Muzquiz area this weekend going over final details for our trip. So, it's getting close.

Here's a 2-minute YouTube for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Nf6L5KwB8&list=UUYpfMor1B5R6ob-yevjPhwg&index=1&feature=plcp

NEW LISTS TOMORROW
We'll try to get new room / team lists done tomorrow. We've had a couple of people drop out and two or three new people join us!

 

 December 13, 2011

 FROM JESIKA MOORE
"Received a box of beanie babies yesterday, also a huge donation of unopened toiletry samples, now looking forward to God moving in my heart over the next two weeks...."

VBS VIDEO FROM AMANDA
Here's a video from Amanda Cummings who will be helping facilitate the VBS ministries: http://www.youtube.com/user/Commission2Mexico?feature=mhee
Even before we hear from Amanda again, you might start getting some small boxes of crayons, kids scissors, glue (that stuff is mentioned on: http://www.snu.edu/mexico-what-to-bring ).

AIRLINE PEOPLE: LA QUINTA
We just discovered we had incorrect information on the web site concerning where people flyhing in were to say on the evening of December 26. The shuttle for the entire group will be on the morning of December 27. So, you need to stay overnight in San Antonio. We're suggesting the airport La Quinta. Here's a suggested housing list there. We'll see if we can get one of you to be the "supervisor" of this:

Daniel Bennett (12/25)
James Bennett (12/25)
Stephen Bennett (12/25)

Elysha Dyer (12/26)
Ellen Martin (12/26)
Sarah Stocks (12/28)
Patricia Cook (12/26)

Anthony Moore (12/26)
Leyana Moore (12/26)
Jesika Moore (12/26)

Steve Heap (12/26)
Landon Martin (12/26)

Dannie Gann
Carol Dean (12/26)
Deanne Cater (12/26)

SNU VANS
A couple of people have asked about departure time for the SNU vans (we'll have four of them). We are leaving from the east end of the religion building (41s and Peniel). We'll meet at 9 a.m., load as quickly as we can and get on the road. Round-trip seats in the van are $99. Then, we'll have a hotel room to pay for in Eagle Pass. We'll make those reservations for you and divide up the cost. We'll let you know in a day or so how much that will be. Here is a draft of a housing list for that hotel. Please let us know if this will work or if you'd like to be situated differently for that one night.

Brendon Weaver,
Mark Solis,
Trey Polk,
Montana Mann

Barbara Culbertson,
Howard Culbertson

Kaitlyn Culbertson,
Jasmyn Culbertson,
Brittnay Hunt,
Brittany Chilton

Chastity Culbertson,
Ashton Culbertson,
Chris Hunt

Paula Gettys
Liberty Gettys
Mary Johnson

Michael Fuhrmeister,
Paul Fuhrmeister,
Tristan Wood,
Fred Carter

Samantha Johnson,
Shelby Johnson,
Esther Edington,
Maggie Caison

Allen Varghese,
John Beadles,
Lee Atkins,
Finny Koshy

 

 December 12, 2011

 OUR HOTEL IN SABINAS
Want to see what our hotel in Sabinas looks like? Here's its website: http://www.posadasantafe.com.mx/

CLOTHING IN MEXICO
Mexicans generally will show less skin than many Americans. So, ladies, please dress conservatively. Too much skin may give the impression to Mexican guys that you are open to sexual encounters. That's not a message we want to be sending during as we're trying to evangelize. Also, guys: Long pants are the order of the day. Bermuda shorts or similar clothing will mark you as a strange outsider. Let's be sure that the most memorable thing about us is NOT our clothing. Don't we want our Mexican friends to remember that we pointed them toward Jesus?

CLOGGING YOUR INBOX
From here on out, I'll probably be sending you something about every day. Since we cannot get together for orientation and training, this will be our way of doing it.

OUR GOALS
Have you checked out what we really want to accomplish in Mexico: http://snu.edu/mexico-goals

MONEY EXCHANGE?
Last year after we crossed the border and boarded Mexican charter buses, we had them stop at a place where dollars could be exchanged for pesos. We may well do the same thing this year.

SCRIPTURE VERSE
Anyone have a special Scripture verse you feel is very special for us for the trip? Let me know and I'll put it in one of these email updates.

NOT GOING?
By the way, if you are NOT going to be able to go on the trip but are still receiving these emails, please let me know. We need to take you off the housing and team lists.

 

 December 9, 2011

 We've made quite a few changes on the room and team lists. Please check them. Please make sure you are with the people you want to be with and on the kind of team you want to be on. We'll keep refining these list!

Teams: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/teams.pdf
Rooms: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/rooms.pdf

Please let us know if things are messed up in some way.

WEATHER IN SABINAS/MUZUIZ
Check out the weather forecasts for the area where we're going to be: http://snu.edu/weather-mexico

VEHICLE PARKING IN EAGLE PASS
Robbie Keene has asked about parking for vehicles in Eagle Pass. We have a monitored, fenced area where vehicles can be safely left while we are in Mexico. If you are driving, please plan to be at the staging area in Eagle Pass by (or even before) 9 a.m. on December 27.

VBS MATERIAL ON WEBSITE
There's a link to the VBS material on the page: http://snu.edu/mexico-evangelism

 

December 6, 2011

TEAM LISTING
Our first, very rough draft of a team listing is done. Please check and see that you are with people you want to be with. Let us know of needed changes. Two groups are only children's ministry (Muzquiz and Kids Day). Palau, Sabinas and Nuevo Rosita have a construction project AND a VBS type ministry. We could use a few more people on the Kids Day team. That one will go to a different site each day to do basically a one-day VBS. Scott Ramsey might be able to use another experienced soccer player or two on the sports team.

The lists are at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/teams.pdf

VBS SUPPLIES FROM MAGGIE
Here's a note I just received from Maggie Caison: "Just a note to let you know that I am bringing:
*Some VBS supplies -- can be left with churches if we don't use them.
*My clown costume and an extra for another brave soul.
*Lots of balloons (1500-2000) & 3-4 pumps. I had a great time clowning last year & have worked at several parks teaching others to do it as a team."

Note: Maggie is the clown in the purple suit in the photo at: http://snu.edu/mexico-evangelism

I hope some of you either know how to make balloon animals or will learn. There are links to instructions at: http://snu.edu/mexico-evangelism

 

 December 5, 2011

 NUMBERS
At the moment we have 111 officially registered. There is always some last minute "shrinkage," but that's a great group! God is going to use us in some marvelous ways.

CLOWN SUITS
Just got a note from Maureen McClain: "bringing them. One of them doesn't have a hat, as I gave it to one of the young men last year who fell in love with it; one of them is a "Hello Kitty" costume, for a young woman. If I get a chance, I'll get some face paint to put in the bag with them, but I make no promises! :-)"

AIRLINE PEOPLE: HOTEL IN SAN ANTONIO
For those of you are who flying, we'd like to make the LaQuinta at the airport our "official" hotel. The Bennetts say they got a room for $49 plus taxes and fees. Unless you'd like to have your own room there, we can double you up to lower the cost. Let us know if you'd like a roommate. The shuttle for Eagle Pass will leave by 7 or earlier on the morning of December 27. LaQuinta Inns and Suites, San Antonio Airport, 850 Halm Blvd. 1-210-342-3738

PAYMENTS
A couple of people have had trouble finding the page to make online payments on their account. Go to: https://webapps.snu.edu/secure/mexico/registration.asp
Login and you'll see options to check your balance and to make a payment. We'd love to have everything in by December 10. If you need a little more time, let us know.

LISTS POSTED
Rather than send you lists, here are the updated ones. Check them and let us know of needed changes. We'll keep refining this until we get them right (I don't think, for instance, that we have the Obetz, OH group right yet).
SNU van riders: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/van.pdf
Airline people: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/airline.pdf
Room assignments:
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/rooms.pdf

Those of you riding the SNU van, don't forget that the cost for that is $99. In addition there will be a hotel room in Eagle Pass. Last year we were able to put four to a room in Eagle Pass and get that cost down to about $10-$15 per person.

 

 November 30, 2011

 YOUTUBE VIDEO
Here's a video welcome to our trip: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/cumv1.htm

READING GLASSES NEEDED
Clara Johnson, head of our medical team, says we need a bunch of reading glasses for our medical clinics. Do you or your relatives or people in your church have any old one sitting unused? If so, bring them. We need them in a variety of strengths. Or, if you can find them cheap at a Big Lots or Dollar Store or somewhere like that, get a few to bring with you.

VBS
Amanda Cummings and I met today. She's excited about helping pull together the VBS stuff. We will get you a list of things to bring soon and she may even do a brief video for you.

SITES
We've got eight churches/missions with which we'll be working: Muzquiz, Palau, Nuevo Rosia, Sabinas, Sabinas Mission, Barro Teran, Esperanza, and Rancherias. Let's start praying now for those towns by name!

NEW ROOM LIST
Draft #2 of the rooming list is now online. Check it out and give us feedback on it. It's at: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/rooms.pdf

 

 November 28, 2011

 We're at 29 days and counting! Looks like we'll have 100 or so participants.

YOUR ROLE ON THE TEAM
Here's a great article about roles people play when they're a part of a team: http://www.ccl.org/leadership/enewsletter/2011/NOVare.aspx

AIRLINE PEOPLE
It looks like those flying in to San Antonio will stay overnight there and make the trip to Eagle Pass early on December 27. We'll settle on suggested hotels in a few days and try to get suggested roommates together to keep the cost down for you. If you've already reserved hotel space in San Antonio, let us know so we can consider that for a "designated" hotel.

GETTING PAYMENTS IN
We'd like to have all payments in by December 10. That will enable us to get everything deposited and credited to you properly. Some of you may have noticed weird things going on with your account last week. We had some issues in the database but those have been resolved now!

COMING FROM EVERYWHERE
In addition to people from the four-state SNU region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas), we have people coming from places like Colorado, Florida, Maine, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon and South Dakota!

SPECIAL BIBLE VERSE FOR THE TRIP?
Has anyone felt directed to a special Bible verse in regards to the trip? Let me know and I'll share it with everyone.

MISSIONARY GAVIN FOTHERGILL IN MEXICO
Missionary Gavin Fothergill spent some time last week with the pastors and church leaders where we're going. Excitement is building on that end as well.

VBS
Amanda Cummings and her father David Cummings, have agreed to head up the VBS ministries. They'll be letting us know craft materials we need to bring and helping organize things in Mexico.

 

 November 22, 2011

 We're now at 96 registered participants. We always have a little shrinkage at the last, but it does look like we'll top 100. Praise the Lord!

PRAYING IN MONEY
We've asked you to help us pray in funds for construction materials and medical supplies. So far, we've had $9,557 come in. Isn't that reason to give praise to the Lord?

HOUSING / TEAMS
We'll have drafts of housing and teams list after Thanksgiving.

TRANSPORTATION TO EAGLE PASS
How are you getting to Eagle Pass? If you're flying in to San Antonio, do we have your airline info? If you'd like to go on the SNU vans, please email us: mexico@snu.edu

We need to get vans ready and hotel rooms in Eagle Pass reserved. Seats on those vans are $99 round trip.

CLOWN SUITS AND BALLOON ANIMALS
Clowns and balloon animals are great ways to cross cultural/language barriers. If you have or can get ahold of a clown suit, bring it! If you know how to make balloon animals (or can learn), go by WalMart and buy a bunch of the specially-made balloons (they say regular balloons don't work too well).

PUPPETS
Do you have any puppets or can you borrow some? They'll be useful in the VBS ministry.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!

Howard Culbertson

 

 November 14, 2011

 We're down to about 45 days to go to Commission Unto Mexico. There are 82 officially signed up at this point and I know of a few more who are planning on going so we might get to a hundred.

VBS
We'll be doing VBS at four locations and a one-day Kids Day program at three more. We need a person to head up the VBS and another one to head up the mobile Kids Day team.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS / MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Thank you for helping us pray in money for our construction materials / medical supplies fund. On Friday we got a check for $750 from someone who had gone in the trip a few years ago. Sunday morning in church I was handed a check for $5,000. Today in the mail we received a total of $120. Praise the Lord!

INFORMATION, INFORMATION
I hope you're checking out all the pages on the web site. There's information there about what to bring, about making balloon animals, about what to expect . . . and on and on. Please read every single page.

FIRST DRAFT OF HOUSING LIST
We've got a first draft of a housing list done. A few last minute registrants are not on it yet. Please check it out and let us know if there are particular people you'd like to room with -- or even if there is someone you do NOT want to room with ;-) .

The list is at: http://home.snu.edu/dept/missions/rooms.pdf

Here's an alphabetical listing (by last name) of those currently signed up:

Tony Abrego
Levi Ashby
Rev. John Beadles
Daniel Bennett
James Bennett
Stephen Bennett
Donald Block
Jerry Bohn
Jane Bohn
Nathan Bowling
Chesney Burgweger
Margaret Caison
Fred Carter
Gary Chew
Brittany Chilton
Rev. David Craig
Adam Craig
Dawn Craig
Cyndi Crockett
Jeffrey Crockett
Edwin Crouse
Rev. Carol Dean
Elysha Dyer
Esther Edington
Randy Ernst
Towana Ernst
Susan Forest
Kristina Forest
Michele Foster
Brianna Foster
Dr. Paul Fuhrmeister
Michael Fuhrmeister
Dannie Gann
Liberty Gettys
Dr. Paula Gettys
Antonio Gomez
Emily Grenier
Mary Haikin
Chloe Hamilton
John Hanson
Steven Hardyman
Rev. Stephen Heap
Lacy Hosier
Clarence Hosier
Samantha Johnson
Shelby Johnson
Robbie Keene
Robert Keltz
Matthew Kirk
Nicky Knight
Marie Lund
Montana Mann
Landon Martin
Ellen Martin
Yanira Maruffo
Maureen Mcclain
Bethany Meek
Rev. Dan Meek
Earla Meek
Sarah Meek
Kaitlyn Metcalfe
Rev. Paul Metcalfe
Leyana Moore
Anthony Moore
Jesika Moore
Hilary Nolen
Danny Nolen
Trimelle Polk
Rev. Jay Schlenker
Sara Schnichels
Mark Solis
Cristal Sotelo
Sarah Stocks
Sonya Stokes
Makenzie Stokes
Joseph Stoll
Allen Varghese
Debbie Weaver
Richard Weaver
Brendon Weaver
David Whipp
Tristan Wood

 

 November 4, 2011

We have 78 people now enrolled for the trip. We still have room for more! Side note: If you're getting this email and have decided NOT to go, please let us know so we don't make room reservations for you and arrange for bus transportation.

Below is a tentative schedule from missionary Gavin Fothergill. There will be changes in this. As you will note, there are four primary locations where VBS and construction groups will spend all day. There are four secondary locations where a "Kids Day" team, the soccer ministry group and medical teams will be moving from site to site.

Zona Carbonifera - 2011
Primary Locations

Muzquiz - Francisco Lopez
Soccer Ministry, VBS, Medical Clinic

Palau - Ignacio Maldonado
Construction Project, VBS, Medical Clinic

Nuevo Rosita - Federico Vega
Construction Project, VBS, Medical Clinic

Sabinas - Ignacio Hernandez
Construction Project, VBS, Medical Clinic

Secondary Locations
Barro Terran -
Kids Day, Soccer Ministry, Medical Clinic

Rancherias - Alejandro Briseno
Kids Day, Soccer Ministry, Medical Clinic

Esperanza - Hermenigildo Torres
Kids Day, Soccer Ministry, Medical Clinic

Sabinas Mission -
Kids Day, Soccer Ministry, Medical Clinic

Daily Team Schedule - 2011

Tuesday 12/27
8:00 AM - meet at Colegio Biblico (264 N Brazos St. Eagle Pass, Texas 78852)
9:00 AM - begin registration, park cars
10:00 AM-orientation
10:45 AM-depart for the border, obtain visas, exchange money
1:30 PM - arrive at hotel
6:00 PM - dinner and introduction with churches at hotel
8:00 PM - team meetings
9:00 PM - VBS training time

Wednesday 12/28 - Friday 12/30, Monday 1/2
7:30 AM - breakfast in hotel
8:30 AM - depart for ministry locations
12:00 PM-lunch on site
4:30 PM - return to hotel
6:00 PM - dinner in hotel
8:00 PM - team meetings
9:00 PM - VBS training time

Saturday 12/31
7:30 AM - breakfast in hotel
8:30 AM - depart for ministry locations
12:00 PM-lunch on site
3:00 PM - return to hotel
7:30 PM - depart for church services, dinner at church

Sunday 1/1
8:30 AM - breakfast in hotel
10:00 AM - depart for combined service
1:00 PM - lunch and fellowship
3:00 PM - depart for shopping in Sabinas
6:00 PM - return to hotel
7:00 PM - dinner in hotel
8:00 PM - team meetings
9:00 PM - VBS training time

Tuesday 1/3
4:00 AM - depart hotel for the border
6:00 AM - cancel visas, cross border
7:00 AM - Arrive at Colegio Biblico in Eagle Pass / airport shuttle leaves for San Antonio

 

 October 27, 2011

 Well, we're now at about 60 days and counting. I do sense excitement in the emails we're getting. It's going to be a great trip. At the moment we have 70 people officially signed up. I'll list them at the bottom of this email so you can make sure everyone in your family or church group is signed up. We have room for lots more people.

GOD WORKING THROUGH US
Ask your prayer partners to join us in prayer that God works through us in Mexico rather than in spite of us. At a short-term mission trip conference a couple of weeks ago one workshop leader reminded us that "there is a lot of potential in the good being done to actually harm the gospel."

RELATIONSHIPS
This trip is about relationships! The tasks that we will do -- medical work, VBS for children, construction, sports -- are only excuses for us to build relationships.

Check out the trip goals: http://snu.edu/mexico-goals

TEAM BUILDING
Michele Foster posted this note on the trip's Facebook page: "I would love to talk to some more of the people going that are hoping or planning to help with the kids and VBS. Becuase that is also what my daughter and I would like to do. Anyway I am bringing some craft items and stuff and thought I could talk with others so we can make sure we are all not bringing a lot of one thing and missing something else." Michele's email is: shellfoster@windstream.net

There is some info on the trip web pages about ministry to kids: http://snu.edu/mexico-evangelism

OUR GROUP SO FAR

Here are those who are officially registered at this point:

Levi Ashby, Daniel Bennett, James Bennett, Stephen Bennett, Donald Block, Jerry Bohn, Jane Bohn, Chesney Burgweger

Margaret Caison, Fred Carter, Gary Chew, Brittany Chilton, Adam Craig, Dawn Craig, David Craig, Cyndi Crockett, Jeffrey Crockett, Edwin Crouse

Carol Dean, Elysha Dyer, Esther Edington, Randy Ernst, Towana Ernst, Kristina Forest, Michele Foster, Brianna Foster, Michael Fuhrmeister, Dr. Paul Fuhrmeister

Dannie Gann, Liberty Gettys, Dr. Paula Gettys, Emily Grenier, Mary Haikin, Chloe Hamilton, Steven Hardyman, Stephen Heap, Clarence Hosier, Lacy Hosier

Samantha Johnson, Robbie Keene, Matthew Kirk, Nicky Knight, Marie Lund, Montana Mann, Yanira Marrufo, Ellen Martin, Maureen Mcclain, Sarah Meek, Earla Meek, Dan Meek, Bethany Meek, Paul Metcalfe, Kaitlyn Metcalfe, Leyana Moore, Jesika Moore, Anthony Moore

Howard Culbertson

 

October 19, 2011

Yesterday, we crossed the "70-days-to-go" mark for Commission Unto Mexico. We now have 65 people registered. We've room for lots more. Still working on some friends? We will take registrations up until about December 1. However, remember that people do have to have a passport or a passport card to return to the U.S.A.

MINISTRIES

We'll be doing construction, VBS style events for children, medical clinics and soccer sports clinics. You will get to do some choosing about which area you work in (although you probably won't get to diagnose patients in the medical clinics if you don't have a medical degree).

HOUSING?

We'll start putting together housing lists in early November based on what you'd said to us about roommate choices. We'll post lists and get your feedback. We'll make changes and post new lists and get more feedback until we get arrangements the way you want them.

Our costs are figured at four to a room (two to a bed) unless you want to pay a little extra for your own bed or pay a little more for your own private room. Info on those costs is at: http://snu.edu/mexico-costs

ROOM FOR A PASSENGER

Maureen McClain is looking for carpool from El Paso, TX. Anyone going to be traveling near there? Let us know. Maureen writes: "I will gladly travel a ways to meet you even if you're not passing directly through El Paso."

Then, we've got a request for a carpool from the northwest corner of Arkansas. Anyone coming from there with extra room in a vehicle?

RAISING MONEY

If you're a young person, think about getting out the word to friends, home church and family that you're going on a mission trip. Lots of people like to help young people have a life-changing, life-orienting experience. There are suggestions on how to get the word out at: http://snu.edu/mexico-fundraising

If you're an SNU student, come see me. We'll help with envelopes and postage and even photo-copying!

GETTING PEOPLE TO PRAY

Please start enlisting your church members as prayer partners. There's a list of prayer requests at: http://snu.edu/mexico-prayer

UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT?

Take a look at words of advice from people who have gone before: http://snu.edu/advice-mexico

Howard Culbertson

 October 11, 2011

 We're now at 49 in terms of people who have officially signed up for the trip. We have rooms for lots more. So, get in touch with those you know are thinking about it and get them on board! We especially need some more RNs and some soccer players with collegiate-level ability.

CAR POOL FROM KANSAS CITY?
Margaret Caison from Overland Park, KS is looking to carpool with someone from that area. Anyone driving down from that area that has an empty seat in their vehicle?

CREATE YOUR CIRCLE OF PRAYER SUPPORTERS
In the midst of getting a passport, finding the money to go, arranging transportation to Eagle Pass (or San Antonio if you're flying), and other details, don't forget one of the most important things: Recruit some prayer partners who will pray for Mexico and for you by name every day!

MORE DETAILS NEXT WEEK
Missionaries Gavin and Jill Fothergill will be here on campus the first part of next week. We'll have some more details on the trip then. I'm going to try to get them to do a brief YouTube video for you.

RAYE, MY "GIRL FRIDAY"
Some of you have already talked with or exchanged emails with Raye Bontrager, an SNU sophomore who is my efficient and loyal office assistant (that's where the phrase "girl Friday" comes in). A bit of trivia: Raye and I first met on Commission Unto Mexico when she was a high school freshman who came on the trip with her parents.

WHAT TO BRING?
Have you already started thinking about what you need to bring? Check out the list at: http://snu.edu/mexico-what-to-bring

Howard Culbertson

 

 October 7, 2011

 We're now at 80 days until Commission Unto Mexico. There are 45 of you on board now . . . and that doesn't include Dr. Gresham or me!

ROOM FOR MORE
Though we have 45 signed up now, we've got room for lots more. We need some more RNs. We need soccer players with collegiate-level ability. We need construction people. We need people with experience in children's ministries. The names of those officially registered are at the bottom of this email.

PASSPORTS!
You will need a passport to get back into the U.S.A. If you don't have one, it's time to apply through your nearest Post Office.

TRANSPORTATION TO BORDER
How are you getting to Eagle Pass? We'll have a van or two going from SNU. Seats on those will be $99 round trip per person. If you'd like to carpool with someone who is driving their own vehicle, let us know and we'll try to match you up.

PRAYING IN FUNDING
Help us pray in the about $10,000 we'll need for medical supplies and construction materials. Consider asking your church to take a special offering for this need.

MORE DETAILS AFTER FOTHERGILL VISIT
Missionaries Gavin and Jill Fothergill will be on the SNU campus Oct. 17-18. We'll have a lot of specific details for you after that visit.

REGISTERED AS OF OCTOBER 7
Daniel Bennett
James Bennett
Stephen Bennett
Donald Block
Jerry Bohn
Jane Bohn
Chesney Burgweger
Margaret Caison
Fred Carter
Gary Chew
Cyndi Crockett
Jeffrey Crockett
Edwin Crouse
Carol Dean
Elysha Dyer
Esther Edington
Towana Ernst
Michele Foster
Brianna Foster
Gregory Fuhrmeister
Dr. Paul Fuhrmeister
Michael Fuhrmeister
Dr. Paula Gettys
Liberty Gettys
Emily Grenier
Mary Haikin
Chloe Hamilton
Steven Hardyman
Stephen Heap
Robbie Keene
Yanira Marrufo
Yanira Maruffo
Maureen Mcclain
Dan Meek
Earla Meek
Kaitlyn Metcalfe
Paul Metcalfe
Paul Metcalfe
Leyana Moore
Anthony Moore
Jesika Moore
Jesika Moore
Sara Schnichels
Cristal Sotelo
Richard Weaver

Howard Culbertson

 

September 27, 2011

 We're off and running: The first 31 people have signed up for this year's edition of Commission Unto Mexico. Below is the list of those who have registered to this point. If you have friends
you know are going, tell them "It's time to get on board!"

Daniel Bennett
James Bennett
Stephen Bennett
Donald Block
Fred Carter
Gary Chew
Edwin Crouse
Towana Ernst
Brianna Foster
Michele Foster
Dr. Paul Fuhrmeister
Michael Fuhrmeister
Gregory Fuhrmeister
Liberty Gettys
Dr. Paula Gettys
Mary Haikin
Chloe Hamilton
Steven Hardyman
Robbie Keene
Yanira Marrufo
Maureen McClain
Dan Meek
Kaitlyn Metcalfe
Paul Metcalfe
Anthony Moore
Jesika Moore
Jesika Moore
Leyana Moore
Sara Schnichels
Cristal Sotelo
Richard Weaver

90-day countdown begins

We're 90 days away from crossing the border into Mexico. Do you have a current passport? If not, it's time to apply for one.

Ministries in Mexico

There will be:
Construction type jobs
VBS ministries to children
Medical clinics (we need more RNs and nursing students!)
Sports ministry soccer clinics

Browse the web site

The information on the trip website is for you. Read through it as though you were going to be tested on it (because in a sense you will be). Start today going systematically through all of
the pages at www.snu.edu/mexico