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Extreme Weather…37 who guys had never been on a mission trip before and did not know what to expect…less than 3 full days…and all the teams had difficult site locations and/or had to change the house plans.

It is simply unbelievable that we finished. The Lord’s hand is really the only explanation. It nearly brings me to tears to see how these guys came together in such a big way, to give these families homes. It is a testimony to what is possible when we allow God to work in us. I feel blessed to be a witness and to be a part of it. The experience was far more rewarding than I had imagined. Thank you. –Lee Dietz

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It is amazing how God puts 10 men with different spiritual maturity levels together and uses them as a tool to do great things. As we came from diverse backgrounds…we became EQUAL instantaneously without any effort. This is a testament that He can do anything.

This Men’s Life experience was powerful, but it would be MEANINGLESS if we did not follow up. In our thoughts and prayers we MUST revisit the families we built the homes for and the men we worked alongside of.

Organize a small group and fellowship with your team members. IGNITE others to take the leap and do a mission trip. These are my plans which I will EXECUTE.

The only scary thing is how easy it was to assimilate into my cushy and abundant life in Gig Harbor, USA. –Gabor Klade

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The most powerful part of my experience in Mexico was of course the key ceremony and seeing the look of joy on the faces of our family whom received the home. In a close second place though I can't say enough about the band of Christian brothers who went down there and pulled together to make this all happen and I praise the Lord for every one of them. —Mark Berry

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The best part of the whole trip was seeing the expression of gratitude on the faces of the family while we were building the house and then at the key ceremony. Also, it was awesome to see how God was working through our team giving us the strength we needed through the heat and keeping our attitudes positive, never grumbling. It had to be God! It was a great experience and I look forward to the opportunity of helping another family next year. Thanks Mark for your terrific leadership. —Tom Gray

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The Mexico Build offered the men a chance to fellowship and work together on a project to serve those in need. It helped us focus on how others live with much less that we have and yet they can still experience the joy of receiving new living areas. The focus on serving and giving is a testimony of what God wants us to do in Gig Harbor and in all mission areas that we are called to serve. —Evan Steensland

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I’m so very thankful that God opened this door for me through the help of others. I’ve had opportunities to lead worship at Chapel Hill for Sunday worship, for high school, for day camp, and even to the women at the Purdy prison. The thought of leading a group of men was both an honor and, at first a little intimidating. As a worship leader, you never know what to expect with men. But God is good. His spirit moved through our group in powerful ways during our work times, our meal times, our play times, and yes even our worship. I cannot thank those who made it possible for me to go enough. God bless you! —Jason Lillie

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I tried to learn some Spanish before I went to Mexico, but once in Mexico I discovered how little I had actually learned. However, the mother of our family also knew a small amount of English so she was very gracious and we were able to communicate a little bit. She appreciated my attempts as much as I appreciated her attempts at communication. She has a son, Christian that was about 8 who was a little bit of a menace, I enjoyed him because he was always under my feet poking me and teasing which I also returned.

One day Christian was teasing me and his mother thought he was getting a bit too rowdy so she told him to do something. I didn’t understand what, but it was in the “casa” and he replied, “no”. She quickly responded with, “Uno, dos, tres” and that boy hopped up and headed into the house. It was very clear at that point we all knew exactly what she was saying, since our own mothers have probably said the same thing to each of us. It doesn’t matter where we are or what language we speak, we are all pretty much the same inside.
—Dave Wasserburger

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This was my first mission trip. I had a lot of fear and apprehension about whether God was calling me into this role. Along the way, I had a hundred reasons to give up and leave this work to someone else. I had one reason to go, obedience. It was a struggle for me to obey what the Spirit called me to do, but He never gave up on me.

It was a great honor to for me to build this home with the men of Chapel Hill. As I worked with these men and had fellowship with them, I found a several biblical principles at work. The first principle I discovered was as I worked at building a house, God was working on building me. For He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The second principle I discovered was I needed to develop strong relationships with the men at Chapel Hill; as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. All the men who went on this trip worked very hard to build these homes. For me, the trip was highlighted at the key ceremony. I wish I could describe this event in words. I pray that this is just the first Men’s Life mission trip. I am looking forward to next year and working with my team again. I want to continue to build the relationships I made and serve the LORD with this great group of men. —Mark Curneen

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As I reflect on the trip there were several aspects which stick out:

#1 What an odd experience working with a group of men who continually bent over backwards on the job site to make sure they were doing their share of the work. Each of us was trying to "out do" each other in trying to serve others! I never heard anyone "whining" the whole trip. Just a great attitude the whole trip.

#2 I had an odd feeling sweep over me as I ran up our stairs at home the first night we were back. Our stairs were wide, carpeted and clean with nicely painted walls. I then went into our kids bedrooms and saw two large clean rooms with beds and toys all around. It was a little over twenty-four hours since we had seen our [Mexican] families, and I couldn't forget the contrast between our home and the conditions those families live in.

#3 The infrastructure in the US was so different from that of Tijuana, Mexico. The streets here are swept, people don't burn their garbage in their yard and buildings here are finished - not left unfinished so they don't have to pay the taxes.

#4 The Mexicans have a strong sense of family and community. They spend a lot of time together. —Phil Hayden

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Every man should experience this trip. Although the conditions were not what many of us are used to, that didn't matter and paled in contrast to the satisfaction of accomplishment along side of other brothers striving to a common goal. The sweat of our brows from exertion and heat to every sore muscle inventoried at bedtime lessened upon reflection of the days accomplishments and the penetrating scriptures studied during our devotional. This was a complete experience and more. I have seen a side to the character of the men I never could have experienced in the foyer of the church and look forward to building on the new friendships and straining with you toward what is ahead. Philippians 1:3-6 takes on a whole new meaning.
—Steven Tyson

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The joy and trust you see in the children who have so little yet are willing to give so much.
—Jerome Walen

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I have always believed that the house is the byproduct, that the Lord has to give you something to keep your hands busy so he can speak to your heart and teach you more about what life is really all about. The heat was tough but it reminded us to keep checking on team members and gave us a "common enemy". It was great. —Rob Taylor

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I knew my limitations in heat, for every hour I work I need an hour down and that is not in heat like this. The heat was oppressive and it took a toll immediately. Not one guy complained but I could see with the digging ahead we needed help. We had prepared the way with prayer and I knew the warriors at home were sending arrows.

The first man that was hit was hit pretty hard. I laid hands on him and asked for God to restore him. Within a few minutes Rob was working again. That first day was the worst for me. I sat down at around 2:30 and my head was pounding, my heart rate was well over 180. My extreme workouts hit 170 and I never feel it in my head and ears. But god kept healing us.

I could have never recovered at home on my own strength like that within 30 minutes I was carrying 100lbs of concrete and buckets full of sand for hours. We gathered as a group many times and came against the heat. We reminded ourselves that God does not do incomplete work, and to all of our surprise we finished on the third day. Praise God and the men who follow him into battle. I know we went to build a house, but I think all of our faith grew.

I loved the connection I made with my sister in Christ and her family and neighbors. God gave us a chance to see how we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I believe it... —Mike Freimann

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The trip made me closer to new friends, helped me understand families and their importance in all cultures. Clarified that material items and our culture's desire for them, needs to be re-thought and re-evaluated.

Americans (we) seem to be motivated by acquiring more thing, better vacations, status etc. however we need to be motivated to help others and work on our relationships with each other: Friends, family and other cultures. —Dave Fisher

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This was a real eye opener—to see what we think is poverty, waste, dirt, trash ( the waste,dirt and trash is for real). But to see the smiles, appreciation and hope on the faces of the families is a picture that will be instilled in my mind forever. It was tough coming back to the NW and not being negative to people that did not seem appreciative. But you can't put your experience on others. The message that being humble and giving back was instilled even further during this trip,.. I will be signing up for the next, thanks for all of your hard work. —Mike Kuna

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This was my first mission trip. I can’t say it was a life changing experience, because I believe that is an on-going process, although this was an important step along the journey. This build was so compressed, there wasn’t much time to think much beyond how can we get the home built on schedule and make the plane. I really enjoyed the Mexican people I met, the AMOR personnel and getting to know my teammates better. I’d do it again in a heart beat!!! —Myron Banwart

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The most rewarding experiences of this trip was getting to know and working with Christian men of Chapel Hill. The presentation of the house keys to the family receiving the house was most touching. I’m thankful to have had the time to go and to give to the people of this community. This trip really made me feel thankful for my home and family. —Keith Koehn

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I have been an avid hiker/camper over the years. At first camp seemed primitive and crude, until you compare it to what these Mexican families live in day in and day out. Camp all of a sudden became OK.

I have been a carpenter/general contractor for over 30 years. At first it was depressing to see what a simplistic shelter we were building them. However compared to what they have, it was a grand castle. I was humbled how hard physically it was, as well as working with the existing site conditions. Mostly the heat, but the amount of manual labor to produce everything. I missed my power tools, but bonded with my team members from it.

Lastly, the spiritual experience of working, living, studying the Bible with, and praying with this group enlightened and strengthened my spiritual path. Men can be strong, hard working, and tough; but also caring, loving, and strong in faith. I learned so much and realized I have so much to learn.

Thank God He is patient. Thank God for this opportunity. —Tom Metzdorf