From February 21st to the 23rd, 2014 in the Mexico Central District, in Mexico City, a Cross-Cultural Orientation (CCO) was held. Twenty four people attended. We must emphasize that the CCO came at a perfect time because in the next two years, the GENESIS project will reach two cities of this district. There is no doubt that the Lord is preparing leaders who will be serving and promoting this project.

Gabriela Lopez, Global Mission Coordinator of the Mexico Central Dpt. shares her testimony and the amazing testimonies of some young people who attended the event:

Gabriela Lopez’s Testimony

Starting with the words: God’s timing… is a very relevant way to describe the CCO held in the Mexico Central District, in Mexico City. For some time, God put in the hearts of several people to bring this camp to the District, but it couldn’t be done before. The needs of our district are large, but involving young people to discover their call to missions is paramount. That is what makes the timing of this event so perfect! God does not make mistakes. The Genesis Project will reach two cities in our district in the next two years, and knowing that God is raising up and paving the way to an awakening to the mission in two major cities, mainly in the big city of Mexico. The experience and the testimony of the young participants (24 in total) is a mobilization of the city, on a mission with their peculiarities and challenges, and although it seemed to be BIG work, Greater is He who is with us, GOD!

God has answered a special prayer: the awakening of young people in my district to extend the work of God in the city. In my heart echoes the words written in Habakkuk 2:3,14: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, it hastens to the end, and not lie: though it tarry, wait, because it will surely come, will soon … Because the earth will be full of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. ” Because we have raised our cry to God for His glory to be manifested, He will do it through their children, each responding to his call with ‘Here I am’.

 

Participant’s testimonies:

Pedro Meré

Definitely this CCO was a time of reflection, especially for those of us who were present and could hear the clear voice of God calling us to serve. This is precisely what impacted my life. Although, I as a human put excuse after excuse to evade His call, in His infinite mercy, He always puts situations in my life that I may set my eyes on Him. In this CCO, all doubts were resolved. God is faithful. Today, I can safely say that what I experienced in the CCO is what I want to experience in a life of service to my Lord, without excuses or conditions, fully trusting Him! The work belongs to Him and I am only an instrument of His love.

Jessica Miranda Ortega

Just a few days after finishing the CCO, I can only thank God for the confirmation of the ministries to which He has called me. I am the leader of the NYI ministry and although there are things I do not know, I find God’s great mercy and patience. I also find young people ready to serve. God is showing me that He is in control of any situation. He drives me to keep going. The experience of the CCO was the means to challenge me to serve God even when I feel I’m not qualified.

Erika Méndez Romero

Thank God for the opportunity to attend this CCO because He taught me many things. Among them, I highlight three: 1) God’s call is irrefutable … even when we forget about it, He doesn’t. That is why He confirms it (as was my case). 2) You do not need anything more than a willing heart to hear His voice and learn. 3) Everything in life is a constant training from our God that we may do His will. Nothing that we live, study, or what we work on is out of His control. Everything has a true purpose.

Néstor Ortiz Yañes

First, I thank God for letting me be a part of the Church of the Nazarene, through which I was able to attend this camp… my idea of this camp was different than what I have now. I did not believe that God could speak to my life as He did these days. Something that moved my heart were the words of God, saying, “If you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” My fear was to leave all that “made me happy” because I believed they were the right things. Then, I heard His words, I opened my heart and for the first time I understood the meaning of saying, “Here I am, send me.” And those were the words I said to God. I accepted the challenge and I gave Him everything, my dreams, my career, my time, my life, EVERYTHING! And now I serve Him from my heart. I am preparing  for the work He has for me. I will be faithful to His calling as He is faithful to me, every second of my life… thank God!

Miriam Ortiz Yañes

Once more I see how God is speaking into my life and puts people at the perfect time. I give thanks to Him for allowing me to attend this CCO where I learned what my gift is and how I can be an instrument. It made it clear that for this I need to: submit to the will of God, because He makes the call. He works perfectly and God transforms lives. The call has to start first in my life: Isaiah 6:8 “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here I am, send me. ”

I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me. ”

Carolina Miranda Ortega

I thank God for the experience that He allowed me to live in the CCO. I know that He was calling me and speaking very clearly to me in those days, I’m in the process where God is working with me and getting me ready for what is to come. I am grateful that He has completely changed my perspective and also because soon I will be the VBS director. Honestly, it is a big challenge for me because it’s the first time I will be in charged of leading such activity. I didn’t know where to start and what to do after the CCO. But, with events like these now more than ever, I feel that He is in control. He has everything ready and is just guiding me in every step I take.

Martita

Going to CCO was a time of great blessing. I realized what God expects from my life and see that the work I’ve done in the church is what God has called me to do and that He placed me there to labor in his work. I was happy to know that what I was doing was the right thing; my desire is to move forward. I could see the love that God has for my family reflected, even though, they are away from the Lord. I know in His time, everything is perfect.  I know that God will restore my family but as He does, I know that I am an instrument to bless others as He has blessed me. I give thanks to God for allowing me to attend the CCO because now I know I am part of God’s plan for his harvest. I am also happy that my pastor is willing to support me in what I need. I conclude with a phrase that marked me: ” May the will of God be done in my life.”

Information provided by: Gabriela López, Global Mission Coordinator of Central Mexico Dpt.