The Next Generation
A story from Yucatán, Mexico: June Dental, VBS, and July High School/Young Adult Team
Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak."
Jeremiah 1:6-7
God showed up. From the Yucatan Dental team that flew out in June, to our VBS in July, and our High School/ Young Adult team that flew out in July, God used each person to serve His purpose. The dental team filled their week with appointments for those in need. They treated those who needed care due to a lack of accessible healthcare. The team prayed over them and exhibited the love of Christ. And in between these appointments, the rest of the team was busy. They made bracelets and took photos of over 65 children residing in the villages— spreading God’s Living Word. Here is our journey with God in the next generation.
These bracelets might not seem like much. A few beads with a name. But to these children in Mexico, they are a symbol of God’s love— of His reach across the world— of the power of prayer. These bracelets, 2 of each, intricately made, are designed with a purpose. When the matching bracelet came home with our team, its purpose became clear.
Incorporating missions into a VBS might not be the first thought when planning. How do you explain the vastness of the world to children? Give them a piece of the world to hold— the matching bracelet. As VBS went on, they learned more about the kids in Mexico. Videos sent by our July team showed that the children in Mexico are full of energy and joy, no different from them. Each child who came to our VBS left knowing that they could be a part of something bigger.
I watched as each child received a bracelet and a picture of the child they are connected to. Curious and excited, these kids spent the next few minutes showing their friends, laughing, and putting on their bracelets. They now had a tangible reminder to pray for these far-away friends. And with the “firefly” moment, teaching them how to pray, they have everything they need to make a difference in the world. 2,905 miles apart, two children are connected by a bracelet. But more than that, they are connected by an even bigger God.
As the Young Adult team continued sending updates to our VBS here, they were running a VBS of their own. With With this team comprised of high school students and young adults, God was making big moves. Locals who haven’t attended church in a while showed up as the team led worship— joining voices in English and Spanish. Alongside the young translators, they taught English and led games. Our team loved hard, and showed up, and God used them. Their enthusiasm, joy, and energy was unmatchable and created opportunities for God’s word. He lifted them above fear and gave them a heart for Evangelism.
This is God moving— This is His story in the next generation.
Written in collaboration with the teams; all photos are taken by them!