Word of the Lord Matthew 14.23-32. Later, after dismissing the people, Jesus went into the mountain to pray alone. At dusk he was still there alone and the boat was now rather far from land, being tossed about by the waves because contrary winds had risen. At dawn, Jesus drew near to them, walking on the water of the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. – “It’s a ghost!” they cried out in fear. But Jesus answered them quickly: “Calm down, it’s me! Don’t be afraid.” Peter responded, “Lord, if it’s you, command that I come to you on the water.” “Come”, Jesus said to him. Peter left the boat then and walked toward Jesus, but feeling the strong winds he became frightened and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!”. Quickly Jesus put forth his hand, grabbing Peter and he reproached him, “Man of Little faith! Why did you doubt?”
Now, I’ve read this many times, but today the Lord gave me what I’m going to call a vision, a revelation. I didn’t leave my body or go into a trance, but I saw this, His word, in a new way. In other words, I saw much more in this passage then I had ever seen. After this experience, I felt led to write it down, to share the revelation.
In this revelation, I saw all of those, who have from time to time asked to come to Jesus on the water, what I saw as doing those faith-testing tasks that we might want to do: working with Him in Mexico, Honduras, Belize, India, Africa, New Mexico, Arizona, New York City, or Atlanta, to reach the poor and the lost, working with Him in Adairsville to gather enough funds to help those in need, leaving our homes and all that we have amassed in order to follow Him and help to educate children who live on the margins of society – all of those things that require our “walking on the water”, stepping out from our comfort zones, whatever they may be. I saw many leaving the boat and walking to Him, sometimes faltering and crying out, but being helped by Him to continue.
I also saw many who remain in the boat, not daring to ask, but wanting to. They feel in their hearts the desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves, to give to the Lord something in return for the so much that He has given to them, but they’re trapped in their comfort zones, in the boat. To them Jesus says “Come. Dare to walk on the water with me. Dare to leave your comfort zone to do daring, faith-testing things.” He is there, waiting to catch us if we fall, but more than that, He will be there to enable us to walk, to walk in Him and for Him and for his children.
Praise God that we have a Savior that calls us to walk with Him and gives us the faith and the strength to do just that!

Wow, where do I start?! Most people know me as Abraham’s wife or Americo and Maruca’s daughter-in-law.  And most people know the whole (love at first sight) story about how we met, and how Hands and Feet Ministries has played a huge part in our relationship and marriage.  What most people do not know, is how much my experiences with Hands and Feet Ministries have affected my life in an eternal way.      It all started when the pastor of my home church in Andrews, North Carolina, Bo Phillips, invited me to go on a mission trip to Mexico. At the time, I was a freshman in college, majoring in Spanish, minoring in Social Work and eager to learn and use my knowledge.  I assume Bo considered me since he knew of my special interest and talents for the Spanish language, but I know God knew the real reason for the invitation.      During this time of my life I was going through some obvious social changes, starting college and being away from home.  But at the same time, I was struggling with some less obvious emotional and spiritual changes that I did not understand at the time.       I have been in church since before I can remember.  My parents always kept us in church, me and my three siblings.  We had always known and been familiar with God and church.  For me, it had become sort of habitual and not so much an inspiration as it was an expectation.  Yes, I had said “the prayer” when I was just a small child, and then later was baptized.  However, I still did not understand the true meaning of it all.      When Bo invited me on this mission trip my first thoughts were – WOW! A trip to Mexico! I can practice my Spanish! I get to see another country! - Never did it occur to me that I would possibly be changing the lives of the people in Mexico, much less did I ever imagine it would change mine.      The week of June 12th, 2005 I was bound for Piedras Negras, Mexico on my first mission trip.  I had survived my freshman year of college, and was about to embark on what would be the highlight of my summer vacation, and my life here on earth.  It was my first experience flying, first experience in Texas and my first of MANY experiences to come in Mexico.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic, speechless, beyond words, unimaginably excited.  And that is an understatement.      We finally arrive to Priedras Negras, Mexico after a two and a half hour flight, and a two and a half hour hot, sweaty ride, on a fifteen passenger van, with no A/C, in 100 degree weather. The fun had just begun.  After arriving to the Hotel Plaza, where we would be staying for the next week, we unpacked our things and tucked ourselves into bed for a much needed nights sleep.      Morning devotion with my group, the most amazing breakfast ever, and Roy’s encouraging mini-sermon, were all a part of our wake up call to our morning duties.  This week in particular we were scheduled to be at House of Mercy Orphanage in the morning/afternoon and Senor de Senores church in the evening.  Somewhere between meeting all of these amazing orphans, eating the most delicious food you’ve ever had in your mouth, and participating in vacation Bible school with the kids at Senor de Senores, I found what I can only describe as PURE JOY.  This was something I had unconsciously been looking for, and it took this humbling and unexpected experience for me to find.      At this point in my life I was struggling in different areas, and allowing these struggles to control everything about me.  Between my low self-esteem, negative relationships, friends, and family issues I felt hopeless, sad and trapped in a life that I knew somehow was not my destiny.  Then I met Roy Adams.      I remember the first time I ever said anything to him. He was standing in the parking lot of the Plaza Hotel one morning as we were getting ready to head off to the worksite.  Standing there in his overalls and cowboy boots, I ran over and gave him a big hug and told him I loved him.  He had no clue who I was, but he said I love you back.  I knew from the moment I ever saw Roy, there was something very special about him.  Whatever he had that made him so special, I wanted too.      I was learning so much from all of these kids we were helping, the activities and devotionals, Roy’s sermons, worship nights and visits at the tracks that I forgot what it felt like to feel sad, and trapped and hopeless.  I began to reflect on why I was feeling this way and why I was happier than I had ever been, being 1,256 miles away from home, away from my family, away from my church, away from friends and familiar relationships.  The only thoughts that came to mind were God, Love, Joy, Peace, and Salvation at last.  These were all of the things we were supposed to be offering the people of Piedras Negras, Mexico.  I was supposed to already have all of this to share.  It turns out, the official translator of the week, me, had received all of these things as well.  This was the special something I had noticed in Roy, and this was the special something I knew I wanted to have for all eternity.      I returned to Andrews, North Carolina changed and ready to embrace what I had learned during this special week in Mexico.  The following Sunday, after my arrival home, on June 26th, 2005 I made an official, eternal commitment with God, my Savior.  He had pulled and tugged on my heart so much during this short time that I finally realized what it really meant to be a Christian.  I finally understood what all of those songs we sing on Sunday at church are really talking about.  It’s not about going to church, it has nothing to do with whether or not your parents raised you in church, or how nice you may seem, or all the good deeds you do, it is much more personal.  It’s about a loving, devoted relationship with Jesus, and reflecting this through our actions. It’s about being more like Him, and less like us. It’s about sharing love.  It’s being His Hands and Feet.      A little more than five years have gone by since the day I accepted Jesus as personal Savior.  A lot has happened since this special day.  I ended up going back to college for my sophomore year, joining a Christian sorority (SAO), ending bad relationships, praying for the husband God would have for me, meeting him, marrying him, and after almost two years of being married we are expecting our first child.  I have been on 7 mission trips with Hands and Feet Ministries over the past 5 years, including spent one summer as an Intern, and currently live in Piedras Negras, Mexico with my amazing, God fearing husband, and native to Piedras Negras, Mexico, Abraham Montoya.      God has clearly used this ministry to touch my life in so many ways, and I cannot begin to express my gratitude towards Roy and Michelle Adams for their obedience to God in starting this ministry and continuing to be His hands and His feet.  I will be eternally thankful for the opportunity I was given to be changed and change the lives of those around me.  What a blessing it is those that have the opportunity to be in some way a part of this anointed ministry.  I thank you, and may God continue to pour His blessings on Roy and his family and this awesome ministry God has anointed. Hallelujah! Katie Gibson Montoya

Having just returned from Piedras Negras and Nava, where I spent almost three weeks, I’m sitting here in the comfort of my home and remembering the warmth and love of that time. We painted parts of the school at Aleluya, alongside the group from North Dakota, we worked on desks, we presented Bible lessons to the kids at El sendero de la cruz, we talked with the lovely people and we were greatly blessed. Later on, after my group left, I learned how to make chilaquiles (one of my favorite foods), tortillas, and I learned what it was like to take cold showers, which after having spent the day in 95 degree weather, didn’t really seem  so cold after all.

Being honest, some of the time spent there was not totally comfortable. Heat, mosquitos, lack of the comforts of home, all work together to try to get you down, but balanced against the love of your brothers and sisters in Christ working alongside of you, the love of the Mexican people you get to know as you work, and the wonderful food prepared by Maruca and Américo, you always feel that you win. I was actually there this time long enough to have a “smoovie night”, (movie night after which we went for a smoothie ).

I know that God can do His work with or without me. I’m really not important. But, I’m so thankful that I listened to His call and went to spend some time being one of His hands and feet in Mexico. If you have been there, you know what I mean and if you haven’t been, let me encourage you to go. You will go home a changed person.

Jo (aka Josefina) Counts, Lawrenceville, GA

One of my favorite quotes of Mother Teresa’s is, “God doesn’t require that you succeed; He only requires that you try.”

What a great thought. So many American christians are scared to try anything that is different than what we know. We are worried to get out of our comfort zone. We are paralyzed by fear to try something that would cost us our lives or the easiness of our lifestyles.

That’s why, as a pastor, I have challenged everyone in our church to go to Mexico (and help serve along with Hands and Feet) at least once. We have been 3 times, but this was my first time to go to Piedras Negras with our church. There were 5 of us, including my 10 year old son.

It was an incredible experience. It changed all of our lives. We planted trees, moved furniture, played soccer with kids at a school, did chapel services for a school, colored with kids at an orphanage along with other ministry while we were there for 3 full days.

Some might ask…”How will that make a difference?” How could just a few days and just a few projects really make a lasting impact on another culture? What I would say to them is… God is not requiring you to succeed; he only wants you to try.

You probably won’t change the world… actually you WON’T change the world (that’s God’s job). But our job is to try. Just try! Don’t worry about the results. Don’t worry about the success of the mission. That’s not your job. Your job… my job… OUR job as followers of Christ is to TRY!

So, my encouragement to you, is to get down to Mexico and start trying.
Grace and peace to you.

I had so many pictures I gave up and decided to share many of them! Hope you enjoy it!

When I tried to think what all I learned while in Mexico, my mind went round and round. I guess what stood out the most is how much in common I had with the women in Mexico. Before going I really thought that the differences in my life and their lives would be vast! However, women all over the world do the same thing, take care of their families to the best of their abilities.

 

 

Another thing that absolutely stunned me is how children smile, beautiful smiles, regardless of how desperate their situations are. This little one lived in what we would call a shack, with his parents, two brothers, sister and a dog. They were so happy, smiles so big!

 

 

Lastly, I realized that I could make a difference. My presence, means the world to the people of Mexico because that is one of the ways they know we care.  Even if we can’t go, we can help support those who do! Prayer is so needed both for the ones going but also for the ones that call Mexico home.

While I was there I taught a Bible study with the help of Erin (she translated). The day I taught these ladies, they really taught me. See, before I left to come to Mexico, I knew my grandfather would more than likely die while I was gone. He had cancer, and had fully given me his blessing to go. But I knew if I went and he did die, I would miss the funeral. He did die the second day we were there. These ladies when they found out, were so sweet. They asked if they could pray for me and that is when I really got the picture that the body of Christ is every believer not just those who I sit next to in church.

 

 

This is just a collage of some of my favorite pictures from Mexico!

  

 

 I would love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking the comment button below or visiting my website at www.keepinginstride.com.

  I was scared to death about our trip to Mexico back in 2007. I wrote this before I went and it helped me put my fears in perspective. This picture is from the morning we left. I suspect many of you are planning on embarking on a journey to Mexico with some of the same thoughts I had beforehand and I hope this encourages you.  

 Can I share a secret with you?  I am scared to death about our upcoming trip to Mexico. Now before you send me emails with Bible verses with “fear not” in them, believe me, I have already read them but the fear has stayed with me.  This morning I was wrestling with these feelings I’ve been having and what to do with them when I had a brilliant ideal! 

 I would do a little research on the Internet and put my fears to rest! I read several articles when I came across an article titled:

 “Why most mission trips are a: WASTE OF TIME”.  

I was intrigued, and I as I read the article it became very clear to me why I had all this fear. Loss of control! Here in the USA, I like many of you, have a list that keeps me on task most days.  I like the feeling of writing it down, finishing it and then marking it off.  I recently took the girls shopping for some things I think we need for Mexico and you guessed it:  I had a list!  Which we bought, checked off and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment.

 When I read this article by Noel Becchetti she tells of a couple differences between here in the US and Mexico, and the one that stopped me dead in my tracks, was when she points out that our culture is linear, task-oriented and theirs, which is nonlinear, people-oriented. Huge difference, she gave several examples but the one that grabbed my heart, was “Let Go and Let God”.  She talked about how sometimes there isn’t a detailed schedule because it’s about the people there and how their culture operates.

 All my fears were coming from this big unknown, our detailed schedule, I felt like I needed all this information so I could check my list!  Poor Trish.  I know she is thinking ‘I wish she had read the article a week ago’!  Before I asked question after question. After thinking through the article, I started thinking about Jesus, did He have a detailed task list?  I was drawn to John 4:1-42 where He leaves Judea and heads to Galilee.  According to verse 4, it says, “He HAD to go through Samaria”.  Actually He could have gone another way.  In fact normally they would have gone any way but through Samaria.  Could the “had to” be the same pull I think we all are feeling about going to Mexico?

 Yes, He was drawn to Samaria to develop a relationship with a woman who then turned around and changed her village by sharing Jesus with them and bringing them to meet Him.  Isn’t that our goal also? Once I realized that I am afraid to be out of control of the situation. I could see that this is a great chance to increase my faith, which is walking not by sight (my list) but walking in the knowledge that Jesus has the plan I just need to show up and be ready! Thus my fear has vanished!

I would love to hear what your thoughts are about going to Mexico.

You can also contact me at my website, www.keepinginstride.com, or by email at Jenny@keepinginstride.com if you would like!

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