Five Fold Ministry Mexico 2005 Revs. Larry and Jimmie Lu Smallwood In July 2004 while returning from Mexico we were crossing Texas and we felt the Lord speak to us asking us to return with a team to “Build Mexico”. Slowly the Lord started to build our team, we lost a few along the way but the end results were a team that God called and ordained to be on this project. We choose to work with Chris and Deanna Clark of Life Giving Outreach Ministry (LGOM) in Reynosa Mexico. This is a newsletter of the events that happened while we were building a home for Maria Garcia and her son Luis and his wife and 2 children 2yrs and 6 months. Our team members were: Larry and I, Joe Chiaretti, Dwight Reading, Rob and David Mullin, Denim McDemus, Jonathan Moore. Friday April 15, 2005 We woke up early this morning for our drive to Philadelphia, to catch our flight. We were very early and had to spend some time in the Airport terminal. This would be the first time Larry ever flew and I was nervous from not flying in a very long time. It happened that a man named Christian sat next to us in the terminal and we started talking about where we were going and being a little unsure of boarding. It turned out that he helped us through the boarding process and was seated right next to us in the plane. When we got to Dallas Fort Worth he even stayed with us until we were sure what and where we were going and doing. He was sent by God that is for sure. After catching the connecting flight and arriving in Laredo Texas we met up with Danny Cummings for to get the van. Again this was another blessing of God. We started our drive to McAllen, the van had a few problems and we were faced with having to rent a van in McAllen. Saturday April 16, 2005 We had to get the rental van and be at the airport to pick up Joe and await the other team member’s plane for noon. After everyone was landed we went to the nearby mall to get some lunch. Then we went food shopping and we still had time until we met up with the Clarks. So everyone agreed that Fun Zone would be a good thing to do before crossing into Mexico. There everyone enjoyed miniature golf, go karts, and batting cages. At 9pm we met with Chris and Deanna and crossed the boarder. The guard opened the van but choose not to search all of our stuff and we were on our way. After we all got settled into the churches social building we talked some and headed to bed. Sunday April 17, 2005 Woke early this morning and everyone had muffins for breakfast. We decided as a team to not go to the Sunday school but attend church. Pastor David of the “El Camino” church spoke a great message. Later in the day we went into three groups and had a prayer walk. At this time we handed out Bibles, tracks, and many care bags and children’s bags. We also invited many to the revival on Tuesday thru Thursday nights. This was a great experience for the team members to get into the community. Sunday night the ladies in the colonial made us a delicious dinner. Monday April 18, 2005 This is the first day of construction. Larry led morning devotions then Chris and Deanna met us at 8am.Larry and David mixed cement. Joe and Rob were on the saw. Denim, Dwight, and Jonathan were laying block along with some Mexican guys. Me well I was the only girl along and it was my job to paint the ceiling beams and the doors. Realistically we should have laid about 7 rows of block by the end of the day however we laid 10-11 rows and set the windows. Chris talked with the team at the end of the day and said that we worked longer and harder than most large teams. It’s not about the house is what the program is called and we found this out on the first day. Dwight shared with us later that he noticed Mari (Maria’s Daughter-in-law) carrying buckets of water to do the laundry. This moved him very much, and when he shared this the other team members were also moved. I shared how I saw Maria come out of her wood home and bury her face and cry at the site of the new home going up right before her eyes. It is true that no one had to look very hard to see what poverty Maria and her family had been living in. Tuesday April 19, 2005 The second day of construction. Dwight led devotions and we met with the Clarks at 8am. We finished the walls and got most of the forms in place today we are preparing to pour the roof tomorrow. The roof will be the hardest job because we have to lift 5 gallon buckets with cement to the scaffolding and then to the roof. A man named Hector was helping at the site today when we were digging for the sewer. A good neighbor was Hector when he took off his boots and went into the sewer hole filled with “water” to finish digging. Not many of us here in the US can say we would do that for our neighbor. We finished a little early today and got showers, cold showers. Then we went into Reynosa to a super store that is equal to a Super Wal-Mart here. We got a few supplies and really got to experience shopping in a Mexican grocery store. There were rows upon rows of pastries and they do not refrigerate the eggs. No one spoke English and our Spanish was limited. We were even a little surprised to see guards on towers in the parking lot. After dinner Joe asked the group to go together to get some toys for the children. The Pastor has breakfast each morning for the children in the Colonial. This was apparently moving on Joe to do some thing for the children and so we did. After another delicious dinner we had revival services. I was the speaker the first night and spoke about Christ’s love thru the cross. God moved on a dozen hearts for salvation that night and God really showed up for the prayer and alter time. After church everyone was to excited to sleep so we sat and talked about the service a while. Wednesday April 20, 2005 This is the third day of construction. Rob led the morning devotions and we were off at 8am once again to start working. By the end of today the roof will be poured and all we will need to do is pull the forms off tomorrow and dedicate the house. We had a near accident when some scaffolding kicked out from under Rob and Luis. They were hanging from the roof form until the team was able to set the scaffolding again. It could have been a nasty fall but God’s hand was upon them and no one was hurt. I can see they guys are tiring some but they seem to be driven by a higher power giving them energy. I am also noticing their eyes are changing and there hearts and lives as well. I am sure it is happening to me as well because I can feel the difference. I was able to get onto the scaffolding and help Deanna smooth the concrete being poured on the roof. However I slipped a little and panicked some and needed to get down. David stepped right through a ceiling block, again God was with us protecting us and keeping us safe. The roof is poured and the hard part of the construction for us is finished. The ladies once again cooked us a fantastic meal. Tonight at church Larry spoke and God moved on 17 hearts for salvation 12 of those being children. Once again the alter was full of those needing a touch from Christ and they were testifying of receiving just that touch. Jonathan was truly touched in this service and rededicated his life to Christ. After the service the team handed out the toys to the children. The little girls were very excited about the hair bows and the little boys really liked the hand held games. Today was a very tiring but exciting day! Thursday April 21, 2005 Fourth day for construction. Denim led morning devotions. I was particularly surprised at how Denim was showing such love to the Pastor’s dog. His name was Blacky but his nickname was tripod. Someone shot this dog in the leg and his front paw was lame. It sort of became the team mascot. This day will be a light work day consisting of pulling off the forms and washing them. At noon we had the house dedication led by Pastor David. He spoke of how he wished we can come back and build again as there is a great need in the colonial. As I looked around everyone had tears in there eyes. As Maria thanked us for the home we were all moved with compassion. We presented Maria with a loaf of bread, container of salt, bottle of water and a brand new Bible. She also received a house warming basket and a box of supplies. We gave a box to Luis’s 2yr old daughter and one for their new son as well. The Pastor’s wife wanted to cook for us so she made us lunch. After lunch everyone basically napped. For the evening meal we requested the ladies sit and eat with us. This is not their custom so we said that it would be an honor if they joined us and they did. After the meal, we were treated to a huge cake from Luis and ice cream from the Clarks. What a nice treat for all our hard work. This night was the last night of revival. Denim was the speaker. After the Pastor introduced him, the pastor shared that he was looking for a Christian wife. I’m not sure if he got any offers or not. He had a great message of God’s love and dozens of people came to the alter that night. So for us to put a total on how many gave their lives to Christ in a three night period I would have to say 50+. Then the Pastor called the team back up to the alter and the church prayed for us. This was very intense and all the team members were emotional. After prayer the praise team played some songs and everyone was dancing and enjoying the moving of the Holy Spirit. Friday April 22, 2005 This morning we woke and packed up the van. Jimmie Lu led morning devotionals. Then we said good bye to Pastor David and he prayed for us. Then we were off to Progresso Mexico for a little shopping. We would also meet up with Chris and Deanna for lunch. As we were entering Progresso Dwight pointed out that a horse was crossing the road. This is not any sight we would normally see here in the states. The guys were very quiet as we drove over to Progresso, I truly think we were all glad to be heading home to see our children and the guys their wives. We met the Clarks at 11am and enjoyed lunch with them. After eating we enjoyed a duet by 2 Mexican guys with guitars. Larry asked where he could get a strap like theirs and they sent us to a store. Well we never found the store but Larry did get a strap from another guitar player right off the street. One more thing we did before heading to the states, Larry and I renewed our marriage vows with a ring ceremony. Chris led the ceremony while the team all gave us there support. We were off to the airport to get the guys on their flights. Larry and I had flights for Sunday and wanted to change them, as did Joe. Joe was able to change his flight first and Larry and I did the same. We would all be heading home to Pennsylvania in the morning. Joe, Larry and I had a delicious steak dinner before retiring to bed. One thing we can all agree on is the hot shower felt fantastic. Closing Larry and I truly believe this trip was called of God. We had 8 people that barely knew each other and we finished the house in 3 days. What a testimony to the love of Christ. We were asked to return next April and build a home. We have the dates set and the team has increased in size already. As many of you know we have sold our home so we are enclosing our cell phone # for you to reach us at. We would love to come to your church and share what God did in Mexico. Please pray on how you can help Build Mexico next April. Sincerely in Christ, Rev. Larry & Rev. Jimmie Lu Smallwood Five Fold Ministry. We wish to thank the following Churches and supporters for there help in making this Mission trip a success. Good Will Book Store Auburn Church of God Larry & Diane Schwenk Bob Weaver Chevrolet Living Waters Church of God Anchor Christian Fellowship Dudash excavation Christ Community in Tremont Drehrsville Methodist New Ringold Zion United Methodist First Cong. Church Minersville Bethany in Cressona On-line Angels Kathy Zimmerman Hlvaty’s plumbing Zoar House of Prayer West Va. Danny Cummings in Texas Dot Mattern Maureen Vanic Jackie Dorian of Prudential AMVETS Ladies Aux. Post #17 Send Me Ministry Girard Ville New Life Community Joe & Rose Chiaretti Barbra Thompson Carl & Jackie Kneice Ethelyn Moore Bonnie McDonald A special Thank you to Chris and Deanna Clark of LGOM. Visit their web site at www.lgom.net to see photos of our trip. Thank you to the team members and their families for sacrificing a lot to be a part of this trip.
sounds great Sounds like a great God moving trip. I am so glad everything went well for you and the group. Praise God!!!!! Lorna
Glad that you had such a wonderful trip. The Lord really blessed your group. Jimmie Lu if, you don't mind me asking what religion are you?
No I dont mind answering that. We belong to a fellowship that is considered interdenominational. We believe in the entire Bible. It is close to pentecostal only IMHO a little more fired up. I loved it in Mexico the services were awesome the Holy Spirit really moved and some team members received some gifts and it was truely a great trip.
