The IMPACT Team returned early this morning from an exhausting and exhilerating time in Mexico. Jesus was present in so many ways. Our expectations for projects was exceeded:

• The team built two houses and presented them to grateful families.  One lived in an area without any electricity or water.
• The team ministered to more children than expected. Around 200 kids in all five villages were eager to learn about God and to interact with the team. 
• The team experienced prayer in new ways - visiting hurting families in homes, prayer walks, intercessory prayer for specific villages, daily devotions, spontaneous prayer for needs, injuries, sicknesses, etc....

Moreover, the team experienced unity and community beyond what any expected. The Holy Spirit knit hearts together and deepened relationships as we laughed together, cried together, ate together, served together, and shared together.

After a light morning shopping in a small tourist market along the Pacific, the team worked on two houses today. The work on our current house was progressing so rapidly that the missionaries sent some of our workers to another village to start on another house; that crew quickly put up the four exterior walls. Meanwhile, work on the first house continued - dry wall was finished, trim was put on, & the roof was prepared for tar & shingles.  we'll be done by Friday and will present the hus to the three boys who will live in it. We'll pool some money, also, and the pastor will take them shopping afer we leave to buy some furniture.

The weather has been beautiful, but dangerous. Though the heat has not been overbearing, the sun and desert climate has made it crucial to stay hydrated. Earlier in the week one of our members collapsed from heat exhaustion & dehydration; after prayer, rest, & water, God quickly restored her to health.

Tonight we celebrated Ed & Terry Sabin's anniversary. As is the tradition here we sang and then presented them with a large cake ... which ended up in their faces!  

After prayer & worship with the other two groups here, some enjoy an early night while others play card games.

24-7 enjoying & sering God and His people!

The IMPACT team spent Monday & Tuesday building a house and running a children's program for children in two churches. Some visited in local homes to pray with needy families. God has been faithful!

Check out photos at http://impact2009.ning.com

      NOTE: This site should be open for anyone to view.

Sunday, August 9

The IMPACT Team visited two sister churches in Ensenada, Mexico today.

One church was located in a large flat desert area near the Pacific Ocean. Here a small church ministered to two small villages. It was considered a "middles class" area but they had far less than any American middle class. We joined 30 or so adults and children in a lively time of worship & preaching. Though nothing was in English the presence of Jesus was sensed! The team was greatly encouraged on the way to the church by squeezing into our van a family we saw walking 2 miles to it - the dad was carrying a young child and a guitar, while mom was 8 mos pregnant and holding a little girls hand; it was inspring and surprising to be used by God.

The other church was in a impoverished area. They invited two of us to share testimonies (Phil Jacob & Judy Siatkowski) and Wanda Martinez translated for them. The pastor was moved by the stories and put them into the sermon right away. Afterward he had Wanda join him in anointing & praying for those who came forward.Tonight we will enjoy a concert put on by the local pastors and hear their own testimonies. It is quite evident that the missionaries and their team here really have a deep love for the Mexicans; we are excited to partner with them!

Our team spent Saturday flying across the country and then driving across the border. We are thankful for only a few minor delays; everything went well! God was faithful getting us through the border checkpoints without any problems.

On Sunday we will worship with our churches in Ensenada then share in a concert at night. Construction, prayer, & children's ministry begin Monday. Keep on praying!

Here are excerpts from those being baptized at Hope Chapel this week...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0DYWoJrtxc

and the slide show from IMPACT Camden when we helped "Tent City"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C44QMydBzsE

and IMPACT Philly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhhzUNzfvk&feature=channel_page

EAGLES vs. CARDINALS

On Hope Chapel's big screen this Sunday, 3 PM.

Food, fun, friends!

Bring a few $$$ to buy pizza and wings.

POST-MORTEM: In typical Eagles fashion we are brought to the brink of victory only to find defeat.  Frankly when it comes to sports I should've stayed in NY!

A team of adults, teens, and children will be reaching out to help needy people in our community, in Camden, in Philadelphia, and in Mexico throughout 2009. 

The Mexico trip will be working with local churches in villages south of Ensenada. Being in involved in such a short-term Missions Trip will not only IMPACT those there, but also change your life. Take a look at these testimonies;

Who Can Go? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8xjiUaKPLE

What Will You Learn? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-msQQpdkTBE

How Will You Change? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrPThjNzCR0

What Obstacles Will You Face? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAZO74b2s4o

My daughter wrote this song a few years ago for me. She and a couple friends then shared it with our church...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYxsqkrUZKs

You can get a glimpse of our drama & music at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW7AujB3Ius