Fellowship in the Gospel International 2011 (Mexico City)

The day began for me with Justyn & Gretchen coming to the house for coffee and a quick bite before a time of prayer. Mike & Tom picked us up and took us to Metro Airport. Everyone was on-time and got through security with no problems. I went to the bathroom while the rest of the gang boarded. There is nothing worse than being in the restroom and hearing on the loud speaker: "Last call for passenger Jeff McKeever to board Delta Flight..." After an uneventful and half-empty flight, we arrived in one of the biggest cities in the world this afternoon...Mexico City. Chuck, who lived here for 3 years, gave us the birds' eye tour of the city as the plane came in for its landing. We all pushed the red button that randomly lets you know if your bags will be searched...and everyone was sent through with the "green light."

A few steps out into the concourse and we were greeted by Rene & Ofelia and their daughter, Michelle, as well as Freddy. On the way from the airport, Freddy stopped (Don, Chuck, Justyn & I were in his car) and showed us two different pyramids. After we arrived at Hornbrooks' house, Freddy's wife, Grisel, also came over to greet us after we arrived. The highlight of the day for me was Michelle's answer when I asked her if she was a Christian. She explained that the tragedy of her nephew (her brother's son) being diagnosed with leukemia caused her and her family to realize the hopelessness of their ritualistic religion. It was during this time that Nathaniel (Sam & Jamie's son) invited Michelle to a youth event at Iglesa Nueva Vida Bautista (Hornbrook's church) where she heard the good news of Jesus Christ and believed...followed by her family! I told her that her story was worth coming to Mexico City for. She demonstrated oe of the things we will teach at the men's retreat: that just like Joseph's troubles (in Genesis 37ff) our troubles are to be seen from the viewpoint that God employs trials and tragedies for the purpose of saving His people.

We have not yet seen the Hornbrooks as they are several hours away for the funeral of Sam's mom, Ellen, which is tomorrow. Most of us are staying in their house, while Scott & Gary are staying at "the cold house" (Rene & Ofelia's) and Justyn & Tom are staying across the street at Carlos' house (a neighbor).

Another really awesome thing I witnessed of our men was the rich biblical fellowship that was occurring throughout our time together. Men were talking about difficulties, praying together, studying Scripture for devotionals they would share, men talking about theology and various Scripture passages, other men simply rereading the story of Joseph.

It's been a good trip already, because God is good. Please pray that we will used well and that the conference will change men's lives, Mexican and American alike.