Tijuana Day 7

    A full day with the people of Deborah's house. Just quality time together, some fun planned activities, lots of laughs, and a party in the wee hours where we shared some tears as gifts were given and we prepared to say goodbye to the people we had grown to love. I thank God so much for his impeccable timing and decision making. This was my first missions trip but I can already tell it was different than most. God's love is certainly here and working persistently in the people to build trust in Him. I want to thank everyone for your prayers. 

-Ross

Tijuana Day 6

 

    Some of these pictures are from earlier this week*

    We had a lovely outing with the women and children from Deborah's house as we took two vans to Ensenada; a cute beach town. We stopped at the beach on the way there and did a photoshoot with the families which we will print off for them tomorrow. A few of us swam in the freezing cold water and we had a blast sharing laughs and enjoying the views of this magical place. 

    Next, we had a boat ride which was SO FUN. Danny played music for us and it was a really special moment for everyone. We then ate tacos for dinner, walked around the shops, had churros, then headed back to the house, exhausted but happier than ever. Of course we played soccer and tag when we got back and finished with duck duck goose which was totally chaotic. We ate and said goodnight to our beautiful friends, me personally a little bit sad knowing that our time here is coming to a close.

    We have really grown close with the people here and I will be sad to leave but it brings me comfort knowing that our time here could not have been more perfect and that God is doing good work here in the lives of these women and kids, healing the hurt and pain that only he can fully comprehend.

- Ross McNeel

So today we had a great breakfast that was burritos and I must say that every single day the food is just amazing at Deborah’s house and we are so blessed that they are taking such good care of us. But it definitely was an early one today as we had breakfast at 7:30 and left for Ensenada at 9. Halfway to Ensenada we stopped at the beach and we took lots of photos the kids had a blast playing in the pacific ocean and so did I. I bodysurfed and did all the fun things I tried to get others to join me but no one joined me sadly. And then after the beach we were back on the road to Ensenada. When we finally got to Ensenada we made a b line straight to the boats. We had a blast on the boat we were blasting reggae music and we also saw lots of seals. For me personally that was my first time seeing a seal in person so that was pretty cool. and then after the boat we went and got some tacos from this restaurant and they were really good everyone seemed to like them. Then we went and got some churros from this churro stand place and they were filled with Nutella and man that was really tasty. And finally we went back home played duck duck goose with the kids for a little and then had tamales for dinner, they were really good. But yeah that was how the day went, I want to thank God for giving us the opportunity to bless these children and have a great time with them.

- Danny

Tijuana Day 5

 Wed. August 13, 2025

          Today we had the privilege to meet the director overseeing a church Jesus Cristo Vive converted into a Haitian refugee shelter and met some of the refugees. They have served over 1,500 refugees and helped them integrate into the Mexican society with language, jobs and housing. Many of the refugees come from Haiti but many are those who were given legal entry by the U.S. and were deported into Mexico. They have plans to expand to help more refugees. We also visited and met 2 of the Haitian pastors running Espacio Migrante homeless shelter for all refugees from many nations and will establish the Community Baptist church, which any refugee from any nation and locals can come and worship. Enjoyed Haitian cuisine.  Enjoyed going  to  “border  church” where many worship on Sundays with their families divided by the wall, large Haitian population and other refugees. This made the most impact to me because we saw the border wall and they wrote a pinch of names of Mexican American veterans that were deported.

Here I am, send me

Debora Gutierrez                                                                                                                                                                                           Faith Temple C.O.G                                                                                                                                                                        Bishop T.D Lockett founding Pastor                                                                                                                             Kalamazoo, Mi

When Jesus told His disciples not to hinder the children from coming to Him, I often find myself wondering—what was it really like when those little ones finally reached Him? Did they sit politely at His feet, waiting in perfect single-file silence for their turn to speak? It’s possible, but let’s be honest—it’s not probable. Children will be children. That’s one of the unchanging laws of life.

Still, there is one exception to that law—children who have experienced trauma. The little ones at Deborah’s House have faced tsunamis of trauma in their short lives. Yet today, through the healing power of Jesus Christ, they played and laughed with the same joyful abandon as any other child—giggling, squealing, and running around in delightful chaos while we waited to leave for a visit to a nearby refuge site.

As I sat in a chair, four or five children surrounded me, playing their own uncoordinated version of “attack the jungle gym.” They launched themselves into my arms one after another—no strategy, no order—just pure, unfiltered joy. Their little voices rang out, telling the whole world without words that, in that moment, they felt safe, they felt loved, and they felt wanted.

In those minutes, I caught a glimpse of what it must have been like for Jesus when the children came to Him—coming just as they were: silly, energetic, and wonderfully unorganized. And He welcomed them. I loved every second of being the “human jungle gym” they climbed onto.

Looking into their big brown eyes, I saw both the beauty of their innocence and the deep sorrow of knowing how that innocence had been stolen through unspeakable acts committed around them and against them. Were Jesus not a Redeemer, our time here might feel hollow. But because He is the Redeemer, our visit is filled with meaning. We come to partner with Him in the restoration of these women and children, trusting His promise to make all things new.

What we offer here is just a small deposit into that new life Jesus has for them. Yet, when I see the children’s laughter and hear the mothers speak of hope, I see evidence of redemption in motion. This trip is more than a weeklong mission—it is a partnership with Almighty God, who always gets the final word on the destiny of these beloved ones.

Peace,
Pastor Brian :)

Photos from yesterday and today:

:)

Tijuana Day 4

Today was a day of pouring ourselves out—body, mind, and heart—for the women and children we came to serve. It took many forms, but in each one, I could see the hands and feet of Jesus being extended to these beloved souls.

One of the most moving moments came during what we called a spa day—something so simple, yet so profound for women whose lives have been marked by abuse, rejection, and the unrelenting weight of shame. For many, it was the first time anyone had ever washed their feet, massaged them, or painted their toenails.

I watched one young mother in particular. She laughed the entire time, her hands covering her face. On the surface, maybe she was simply ticklish. But I sensed something deeper. Her laughter, mixed with the instinct to hide, spoke of the quiet battle inside—a lifetime of shame whispering that she didn’t deserve even the smallest acts of kindness. Shame says, “You are not worth seeing. You are not worth loving.” But as the morning went on, I saw her and the others slowly relax, letting themselves receive what was meant as a blessing. By the end, they were holding up their feet, smiling as they admired the nail colors they had chosen for themselves.

The children, of course, had their own share of joy—immersed in coloring books, sketching, and crafts that kept the room buzzing with creativity. And apparently, my role as “child-holder” wasn’t limited to Sunday morning. A young boy hopped on my back for what turned into a twenty-minute piggyback ride. He laughed, he held on, and I realized my shoulders had become for him a place of safety and rest—something that can’t be taken for granted.

That’s the miracle of Deborah’s House. It’s not just a shelter—it’s a place where shame begins to lose its grip, where fear slowly gives way to trust, and where healing becomes possible. Letting go of shame, moving beyond the wounds of the past, and daring to trust again is a journey so difficult that many never make it past the first few steps.

But here, these women and children are making that journey. They are surrounded by people willing to walk beside them—for as long as it takes and wherever it takes them. They are loved because God loves them, and because He has placed them in the path of this remarkable ministry.

Today, I witnessed not just pampering and playtime, but holy ground—moments where the tenderness of Christ broke through barriers of pain, and the first rays of restoration shone into hearts that have long lived in the shadows.

Peace,

Pastor Brian :)

Day 3  (yesterday) was interesting and challenging and beautiful all at the same time. I was to work with the three very little children and one boy who is what you would call the odd man out. He’s 11 I think and not old enough for the adult activities and too old for the activities of the littles. He is kind and very sensitive, found crying inside yesterday because there was no good and obvious age group for him to fit into. Then there is the little man, 3-4 years old who was difficult to deal with during activities, disrespectful at times, but with the right person (Brian), this little boy is sweet, joyful and clings like glue. It was a great day at Debora just being with the women and children.

Day 4 (mid-day right now). What a beautiful morning. Ross, Danny and Miracle took charge of the littles and the older boy and they did a great job with activities to keep them occupied while their moms had their first ever spa experience. My friend Dawn Finney did not have any idea how significant

Lynne Punnett

FBC Ypsilanti

This was a beautiful day. Definitely our most eventful day with activities going on nonstop (the best). I was helping Danny and Miracle with the kids and with such littles, it was sort of trial and error with which activities they could/wanted to do. We tried to do some dr. Seuss flash cards but it ended up being a more adult game with the English level so we switched to coloring books which suited their fancy a bit more and they spent a solid hour coloring until we decided to introduce the next thing which was easily the favorite amongst all ages. Thanks to Dawn Finney, the grand hit were these black scratch paper bookmarks with a rainbow design when you scratched it with a wooden stick. We had so much fun writing, drawing, and scribbling on around 200 of these bookmarks, while the women received a full spa day complete with pedicures, facials, and more which was also thanks to Dawn for sending along these items. We of course ended the day with volleyball, soccer, board games, and finally chasing the kids around in a game of freeze tag- just to make sure we used every last ounce of energy before dinner and devotion. We also had a former Deborah resident come and share her story with us- the perfect ending to the most remarkable day. We are continuously being poured into as we share our love and gifts that God has given us and our team is feeling ultra blessed after this day. 

- Ross McNeel

Today me Ross and Miracle all played with the children and we had a really good time with them. We started off by just trying to play with these flash cards and teach the kids a little bit of english but that didn't last very long because the kids kind of got bored quick. So then after That we decided to do arts and crafts with the kids for mostly the rest of the day. We starting on doing some coloring with the kids they seemed to have a really good time with that. And the after that the most fun for the kids in my opinion was when We drew on these bookmark scratch off things. Ross drew a bunch of pictures for all of the kids and I attempted to draw a couple as well but didn't do too well. And then to finish the day off we played some volleyball with the mothers and then we played some soccer with the kids and then to wrap everything up we ended up playing some freeze tag which the kids absolutely loved. I must say though it really tired us out but it was really fun for us and I think it was really fun for the kids as well. And the breakfast lunch and dinner were all very good today I must say I really enjoy the food here it is very very good and definitely a change. But all glory to God as he has made all of the fun times for us and the kids/parents possible.

-Danny

Tijuana Day 3

     This is mission day 3, Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at Deborah's House. I am happy to serve the women here. I had the opportunity to work with four women with building trust and raising their self esteem and self worth. 

    Each of the women shared about their future goals in life. They were encouraged to fulfill their dreams that the Lord places in their hearts. They want to return to school and work. We engaged in chain exercises and cognitive exercises to promote positive thinking and to build their confidence. We assigned homework for the next time and closed out with prayer. Some had prayer requests. We had an opportunity to laugh and feel loved. I thank our interpreter for joining us.

- Dr. Ruby J. Bowens

    Thankful to God for our teams safe arrival. We arrived at our work site to a warm and welcoming host. We are looking forward to our week here and sharing with our host in our purpose for coming. We are sure that their needs will be a blessing not only to them but to our team as well. Please continue to lift us in your prayer for a more blessed week. 

- Josie Howard-Wyne

More photos coming tomorrow!! 

    

Tijuana day 2

Today was one of those days you wish you could bottle up and revisit whenever you need a reminder of God’s goodness.

We began the morning gathered around the table at Deborah’s House, sharing a hearty and traditional Mexican breakfast—fluffy eggs, savory beans, fresh salsa, and warm tortillas. The flavors were wonderful, but what made it special was the company: our new friends here who welcomed us with open arms.

The highlight of the morning came next. Just steps away from Deborah’s House is a small church, and we joined our friends there for worship. From the very first song, the joy in the room was unmistakable. Smiles, hugs, and heartfelt singing flowed as naturally as the ocean breeze. For many of us, it was the first time worshiping with these brothers and sisters in Christ, and yet, it felt like we had known them for years.

One of the most touching moments was hearing a young woman—mentored by the pastor—deliver her very first sermon. She spoke with sincerity and courage, a beautiful picture of God raising up the next generation of leaders. Midway through the service, the pastor’s baby toddled over to me, arms outstretched, wanting to be held. It’s been years since I’ve had the joy of holding a little one in my arms during worship, and it was a tender reminder of the innocence and hope we have in Christ.

After church, our team traveled to Rosarito, a nearby coastal community. There, overlooking the sparkling ocean, we enjoyed a lunch that could only be described as spectacular—fresh lobster, deep-fried to golden perfection, at a fraction of the cost we’d expect back home. Needless to say, not a scrap was left on my plate.

When we returned to Deborah’s House, the celebrations continued. One of our team members had a birthday, and the residents had gone out of their way to make it special—decorations, a cake, and the kind of heartfelt singing that makes you realize you are truly among friends. It was a living example of what Deborah’s House represents: a place where beautiful people serve beautiful people as they discover the fullness of what it means to be a child of God.

We ended the evening with cake, ice cream, and the kind of fellowship that fills your heart as much as your stomach. Yes, we are tired. But more than that, we are deeply fulfilled. The connections being formed—both within our team and with the residents—are a powerful testimony to the work of Jesus Christ among us.

We came here to serve. Yet, as is so often the case on mission trips, we are discovering that we are the ones being served, taught, and blessed in ways we never expected. Please continue to pray for us—that we will be willing to be poured out for the sake of those we have come to serve, and that we will recognize the beauty of God’s work in every shared meal, every act of kindness, and every moment of worship.

Peace,
Pastor Brian :)

Lynne:

We started with morning devotions because we were so tired last night we just couldn’t do it. Breakfast of scrambled eggs and ham, beans, tortillas, coffee and hot tea for me thanks to Brian Johnson (since there is no diet coke) then off to church and WOW, what a service. The music was outstanding and so was the preaching with an great interpreter. I don’t know what I expected but it wasn’t a full house. It’s this little mountain top church that was full of kids and at the end they sang happy birthday with a receiving type line for Chalita and another boy from the congregation who was celebrating. It was the sweetest thing. It was 2 hours and went long so we were not able to go to the border church where people on one side of the wall worship in English and on the other side in Spanish with shared music – at least as I understand what it is like. But no time so we went straight to Puerto Neuvo, a city adjacent to Tijuana where there were blocks and blocks of souvenir shops but the real gem was the restaurant overlooking the ocean where many at the table ordered 3 lobster tails – yes 3! Every meal came with rice and beans and salad and tortilla soup and by far the best flour tortillas I’ve ever eaten and YES!!! THEY HAD DIET COKE. Continuing to celebrate Chalita’s birthday, Deliris and Moise hired a mariachi band to serenade us and everyone sang along and it was incredible to say the least. The meal, the company, the environment, the band, every single thing was perfect and we all just gave thanks and praise to God for the day. But it did not end, we got back to “Debora” as they say and the women had decorated the whole place for Chalita’s birthday and had the most excellent cake and choice of vanilla or rocky road ice cream. They showed us the tradition they have of dancing with the birthday celebrant by lining up, bowing to her and then one by one doing a sort of waltz. It was absolutely amazing. A birthday Chalita will never forget I know for sure, nor will the rest of us. We are about to gather for devotions on the evening of night 2 and prepare for tomorrow which will be spent at Debora enjoying time with the kids and doing some kind of teaching or project with the women also, which we will decide on later this evening. God is in this place. He is so good.

 Day 1  - Your 2025 Michigan Servants for Christ team had a successful travel day, all flights on time, all bags made connection in Denver, Moise and Deliris arrived right on time, all 9 of us, our 13 large check bags and multiple carry-ons all fit in the van and although we did get pulled aside at the border crossing over into Mexico, the agent simply opened the doors of the van, Moise answered a few questions and on we went into Tijuana. Absolutely no issues and everyone is well.

Before our lunch of thinly-filleted, pan-fried chicken, rice, steamed carrots and broccoli, SUPER spicy salsa with corn tortillas, we met the four women and their children. We won’t be posting any photos of them or sharing their names for their safety. Most of us took a nap (completely crashed) after lunch but at least two of our team pushed through and played with the kids all afternoon.

After “dinner” (sweet milk with rice, like rice pudding but thinner), we had our orientation and we reminded of the most important rules if you will. The situation for most of them is serious with extreme levels of domestic violence and trauma in their past, causing them to be here. Unfortunately, the children have also experienced violence and abuse and we thank God for Debora’s House – a safe place for them. Some stay here 6-9 months, some stay here more than a year. Healing is a process, a journey, and this is where it begins for them. Two moms with their children left last week so they could get jobs and enroll their kids in school before it starts in the coming weeks.