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An Overlooked Purpose of Short Term Mission Trips

Last week we had a group visit from our home church in Florida. In the opinion of most, this group wasn’t that impressive and wasn’t going to make much of a difference for the ministry in Mexico City. Why? Because it was just one couple.

Doug and Debbie had planned on coming with a group from Gulf Coast Fellowship, but for various reasons, the group dwindled each month until it was just them who were willing to come. The size of the group left me, the organizing missionary, with very little options. So the purpose of the trip changed.

Instead of figuring out how much Doug and Debbie could do to minister to Mexican young people or Seminary students, they decided that the main purpose of their trip would be to minister to our family. I’m sure the week they spent here in Mexico made a difference on eternity. Let me explain.

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Kids and Language

Sometimes our kids mix up English and Spanish, especially when they’re learning both languages at the same time. It’s a good problem to have, and it makes for really cute videos.

Gracias from Dennis on Vimeo.

Being a “Third Culture Kid” isn’t easy, and being the parent of a Third Culture Kid isn’t easy, either. But it’s worth it. I’m happy my kids get to experience another culture and language. It’s a challenge, but it’s a privilege.

Special People – Old Friends

We have so many special people in our lives. Our students. New friends. Family members. The list could go on, but it’s always fun to see old friends again.

Steve and Mary Waechter were some of the first missionaries we met when we came to Mexico. We lived in their house while they were in the USA for a year, taking care of their dog, cat, and bird (and killing their plants).

Steve taught at the Seminary, and we spent lots of time talking about ministry, missions, college football, and all sorts of other things.

Their family moved away about 3 years ago, and Steve came back this past week to teach a Master’s class at the Seminary. Besides the fact that he brought us some great stuff from the USA (and 35 pounds of homeschooling books for next year), it was just good to get to hang out with him again.

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A Package from Grandma

Interestingly enough, I read an article today entitled, “What I Want for all Missionaries.”

In it, the author says,

“If I could ask for one thing of a church or small group or a family it would be for them to show some interest in my family and me. Send a small care package of stuff we miss twice a year. Give me a call once every other month. Send my kid an electronic iTunes certificate on her birthday and Christmas so I can be reminded someone other than me cares a little about her. Ask me about my marriage and my spiritual life, because both are probably suffering. Send me an occasional e-mail and tell me you prayed for my family today.”

One of the most fun things for us as missionaries is when we get packages from the USA. We’ve had a few of them this year, and we are very thankful when they get here. Actually, we got one this week from my mom, and the kids enjoyed the candy. I shot some video while we were opening it. Check it out below.

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Anticipation and Friendships


We had some friends over on Sunday to watch the Superbowl on our Slingbox. Our boys were so excited. After church they waited. And waited. And waited some more. Finally, around 5 o’clock our time, they were bursting with anticipation. They started looking out the front window, so I went outside and snapped this picture.

Right when I took the picture our friends were pulling up. I’m so thankful for the friendships that we have here in Mexico. It is especially great for our kids to have some good friends.

Go! What are you waiting for?

Maybe it’s because I’m teaching “Contemporary Youth Missions” this term. Maybe it’s because my class is reading part of “Let the Nations be Glad: the Supremacy of God in Missions” by John Piper (affiliate link). Or maybe it’s just because God has been impressing this on my heart. I’m not sure, but I do know that the Great Commission has been on my mind a lot lately.

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Let the Nations be Glad

Check out all of my instagram photos at http://bit.ly/DPinstagram


One of the textbooks for Contemporary Youth Missions is “Let the Nations be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions,” by John Piper (affiliate link). I love this book, and my students have been very engaged with it.

Our discussion today revolved around the first chapter of the book. Here are some of my favorite sections of the first chapter.

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