Short Term Outreach

Mexico Caravan Ministries

Next outreach to Mexico will be July 25th - August 1st of 2010

If you wish to make a financial donation to help team members with $1,100 per person cost send your checks to Sun Prairie Baptist 24408 440 Ave. Salem, SD 57058 and note "Mexico" on your check.

What is a Mexico Outreach?

A Mexico Outreach is an educational service project in which American and Canadian teams go to El Florido Mexico to construct or repair buildings used for housing by impoverished Mexican nationals who are trying to make it in the Mexican Frontier. Mexico Caravan Ministries provides the leadership, tools and materials needed to complete these work projects. Team members will also be instructed in the Mexican Culture as well as a Biblical perspective on serving. The purpose is to mobilize American Christians, helping them to grasp how God may be leading them to serve. It is not so much about ministry to the Mexican people, as it is about getting to know their beautiful culture. It is about listening to God's voice as He communicates through your experience with our neighbors to the South.

Who can participate?

Anyone who has completed at least 9^th grade and is able to give testimony that they have a relationship with Jesus Christ may apply for the team. This person should be in good physical condition, as work and conditions can be very demanding at times. This person must also be able to be very flexible and able to "rough it" a little.

Who is in charge?

Mexico Caravan Ministries is a mission agency of the Baptist General Conference (headquarters in Arlington Heights, IL). David Burdette is the current Missionary/Director of this ministry and is the final word in decisions made on this outreach. Paul has a group of college interns that work with him throughout the year to guide small groups that come to the El Florido headquarters. Each church is required to send adult team leaders to provide direction for their group. We will include men and women team leaders for the outreach. This team is under the guidance and support of Sun Prairie Baptist church and therefore, team members must consider the fact that they are representatives of this church

Where do we eat and sleep?

Mexico Caravan Ministries owns a dormitory which houses teams of up to 100 and staff of 12. It is located in the middle of a residential section of El Florido, which is a suburb of Tijuana. Each team purchases food in San Diego and brings it across the border for daily meals. Team members will take turns preparing meals at the dorm. Paul Waterman has selected "safe" eating establishments around the Tijuana area which prepare meals with the needs of Americans in mind. Teams eat out 3-4 times during the week at these restaurants. There may be opportunities when housing recipients will bring a hot lunch to the work site. This is a special, authentic treat for those who have never had "the real stuff."

What is a day like?

6:30 Wake up and get ready

7:00 Personal devotions

7:30 Breakfast

8:00 Group worship and Bible study (led by Caravan staff member)

9:00 Vehicle loading/Lunch preparation

10:00 Leave for building site

1:00 Lunch (approximate time)

5:30 Showers/Supper

7:30 Group debriefing with individual team

8:30 Free Time

10:00 Lights Out in sleeping rooms

11:00 Everyone in bed