Overview:

Since 2005, FBCP has sent teams of over fifty persons to the Rio Grande Valley (near Mission,TX) for a week of service and ministry in a Colonia.  We've partnered with Buckner Border Ministries and the Baptist General Convention of Texas River Ministry who have helped us have a great journey each year.

Our most recent journey was July 22-28, 2007.  Our focus location was the Tierra Hermosa Colonia, north of Mission, TX.  This developing neighborhood has a new church start that meets in the front of pastor Ignacio Santana's home.  Our plan was to complete construction on the small (20' X 30') church building, conduct a VBS for the children, teach craft/sewing classes, and reach out with medical and dental ministry.

Trip Summary:

50 persons from FBC Palestine on Five Teams (medical, dental, construction, VBS, and sewing/crafts.)

7 days spent with little sleep, hard work, and lots of fun.

$12,000 (approx. cost) for travel, lodging, VBS, construction, medical, dental, and craft team supplies.

19 persons added to the Kingdom who received Jesus Christ as Savior.

Beyond priceless.  Worth every moment and every penny!

Trip Detail:

God did more than we could've imagined.  The construction team completed the church building in four days! The VBS team saw 13 chidren receive Christ as Lord.  The Sewing/Crafts team reached out to young ladies and retirees.  The Medical team tended to ailments on dozens of patients.  And, the dental team (with the help of mobile dental clinic) treated scores of patients who otherwise would not receive dental care.

The greatest blessing of the week as getting to know the Santana family.  Pastor Santana is a church planter with a vision for the church to change the community around his home.  He, his wife, and seven children were a blessing to us.  Their generosity (even out of their poverty) touched us, and we were able to be generous back to them!  Pastor Santana conducted and evangelistic meeting on Tuesday evening and six adults received Jesus as Savior.  One man, Thomas, was the first adult male convert in the short history of the church - that's big news.

We thank God that the fifty representatives of FBC Palestine had a safe journey to and from the Valley.  But, even more we are grateful God let us see Him working in powerful way!  We can hardly wait to go back in 2008!

If you are interested in being a part of the next trip, let us know. You can also contribute to the cost of the trip by making your contribution to our "Partnership Missions - Rio Grande Trip"  account.

Pastor Santana with Pastor Jay before the work begins.

The Vacation Bible School attracted hundreds of children.

Pastor Santana and his family in front of their home.

Pastor Santana and Thomas (right after he was saved!)

The Crafts/Sewing team worked with children and adults.

The Construction team puts the final touches on the exterior of the church building.