I don't know about you guys, but the first 3 months of 2018 have flown by for us. Last year God began speaking to Ronnie and I about building up a team to help with the Mission Adventures ministry during the 'off season'. And of course, God not only speaks, but He also provides. In January we got 2 awesome full time staff dedicated to Mission Adventures! (shout out to Josh & Juliette) The extra help has allowed us to step into some other opportunities along the way. In February we spent a week in Boise, ID speaking in their DTS. It's been cool to learn how to play off of each other's strengths and teach together. (good marriage building) We might of snuck in a quick snowboarding trip while in Boise, which is always good for the soul. These DTS students have just recently landed in Thessaloniki to spend the next couple months working with refugees.

This year's Mission Adventures season is off to a fantastic start. The theme this year is THRIVE, Love Deeply, Live Fully, Jer. 17:8. We obviously don't do this for the numbers, but looking at everything that happens in a short season, you have to recognize that it's God's work and the Holy Spirit is moving. So here are some fun numbers...4 cycles, 28 days straight, 5 teams (Oregon, California, Canada), about 190 participants, 12 AWESOME staff....we built 9 HOUSES (the mayor came out to one of the house builds Ronnie was on), continued ministry at the guys and girls rehab centers, brought fruit, water, prayer, and love to the community living at the Tijuana Dump, taught 14 different children's programs at local churches, demoed 1 playground at the women's safe house (it will be replaced), had at least 15 baptisms in the ocean, and countless lives in the community have been forever impacted by the love and truth that these teams brought with them. The season seems to go by so quickly, but the Holy Spirit continues to work through these experiences, cultivating deeper roots for more fruit in the future.....you could say, He's teaching us to Thrive :)

, continued ministry at the guys and girls rehab centers, brought fruit, water, prayer, and love to the community living at the Tijuana Dump, taught 14 different children's programs at local churches, demoed 1 playground at the women's safe house (it will be replaced), had at least 15 baptisms in the ocean, and countless lives in the community have been forever impacted by the love and truth that these teams brought with them. The season seems to go by so quickly, but the Holy Spirit continues to work through these experiences, cultivating deeper roots for more fruit in the future...you could say, He's teaching us to thrive :)

I leave Friday with 2 friends from the TJ base to meet Ronnie in Oaxaca. We are leading our first MA Plus team to work with earthquake victims in Juchitan. You may have heard in the news about the massive earthquake that hit this town last year devastating it. We are bringing a team of 30 to help meet practical needs and to love on the people there. We really appreciate your prayers during this time, for the logistical side to run smoothly, and for wisdom in ministering to the people.

We love guys so much, and I'm sure we'll have some great stories after this next trip!