Arrived and Learning in Mexico!!!!

Hello Everyone!

    Today was the first official day of my Chronological School of Biblical Studies(CSBS) here in San Antonio Del Mar, Mexico. I arrived last Thursday along with my fellow CSBS students- 16 total. It was also the arrival of the Discipleship Training School(DTS)-43 students- and The Titus Project(TTP) students-5 students. It was a very busy day! ;)

    Over the weekend we all came together for base orientation, history and tour. I admit this is a very nice base. I actually almost feel like I am in a resort! It is so beautiful, and the everyone on the base is so kind! I have made more friends these past few days than I can remember their names! LOL! I love it when we all have our meals together. Most of the students here are still very young (18-25 average). It amazes me to hear such young people speak of their relationship with the Lord and their hearts for serving Him. They are far more mature and understanding than the world gives them credit for, and it refreshes my spirit to hear their testimonies!

    I had no idea that when I did my DTS last year in England that I would fall in love with the mission bases and ministries set up through Youth With A Mission(YWAM). I was not even certain if I would stay with them as a full-time missionary. Now, it is in my heart for as long as the Lord will allow.

    All the months that I was living back in the USA with family and friends I was very homesick for my YWAM family. It could be argued that I am at a completely different base and in a different country from before. So, I should not have been eager to arrive here so much as return to England. But I've come to realize that my spirit recognizes my kindred. Until I arrived on this base I had never really understood the term 'kindred spirits.' Now, I know.

    This is not a down play on local churches or missions. On the contrary, had I not had places to join with other Christian's in love, worship, and service I could not have survived this past year. I am most grateful for the Pastor's, church members, friends, and family that have encouraged me, guided me, advised me, taught me, served with me, housed me, blessed, and loved me. I am so happy to be here in Mexico studying the Word of God as He is preparing me for the mission field in Africa, Brazil and wherever else He plans to send me. But I know that none of this would be possible without the support of all those who have joined with me in this journey through words of encouragement, prayers and financial support.

    In fact, that is how almost every YWAM member survives. Some may also have a small job or home business or trade to help earn an income, but it mostly through the support of others. All 10 of my CSBS staff leaders and teachers are here volunteering their time and lives to educating others on how to read and study the Bible with the goal of discovering God's Truth and learning to discern His voice. The 16 students in my school have chosen to give up nine months of their lives in order to direct and focus their hearts on the Word of God and to serve.

    There are so many ministries here at the Del Mar base here in Mexico. They work with orphanages, host Mission Adventures(short-term mission trips), children's education and development, street ministries, ministering to people deported from the US and no place to go, youth and adult ministries, and my favorite-Homes of Hope(HOH)!

    HOH provides homes for the impoverished people in various countries including Mexico. Some of the people who receive these homes live in extremely poor houses and others are completely homeless. But HOH not only builds a house but also furnishes it according to the families needs. Often, when able to, HOH will pay their first grocery bill too. And even more important, the families are adopted by the YWAM community. Both the parents and the children are ministered to for the rest of their lives by YWAMer's and HOH. People come from all over the world to serve in the ministries; Both Christian's and non-Christian's. HOH welcomes all who have a heart to serve and provide homes for those who have none. (And I have heard many stories of HOH volunteer's coming to know Christ during their service!)

    All students are not required, but are encouraged, to join one or two ministries if we desire. Our head leader advised that, because our work load in CSBS will be so heavy, that we wait until our second month before getting involved. I knew long before I came here that I would work with HOH. It has been a long-term dream of mine to build homes for those in need, and I believe that the Lord did not give me a mother who loved to work with lumber and tools for no reason. I am not a pro, and most of my experience for yard work. But I know in my heart that the Lord was teaching me and preparing me to work with my hands in the mission field.

    I am also very excited for the DTS students! During our time in CSBS we will get to see three DTS schools come through. It is such an intimate and profound experience with the Lord and others. I am overjoyed to see so many people setting aside their lives for the next five months in order to serve the Lord and grow. Many of them will go into the mission field full-time while others will choose to go back home to college and/or careers. But every single one of them will never be the same again, and what they learn and experience these next few months will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

    It has been a true walk of faith to come here. I still lack all the funds to pay for my CSBS and am still having to put efforts into fundraising. But somehow, the day I arrived here, I was filled with so much peace. Those who know me well know that I stress and panic over the most mundane things. My third day here the enemy tried to shake by peace, but the Lord restored His peace in my heart and in a more lasting way. Somehow, the things that were making me anxious a few days ago do not bother me now.

    I did not come here impulsively nor without prayer and counsel, and the encouragement of the staff leaders from the base. I know in my heart that the Lord will provide the funds needed to pay for CSBS. I believe He is wanting to show me that it is He, and not Karen Johnson, that will provide, not only for this particular school, but for all the work He plans to do through me as I serve Him as a missionary- wherever that will be. And I thank all of you who have joined together with me in prayer and support to help me do this. I know that going into full-time missions is not everyone's calling or ability. I hope that, through my newsletters, blogs, and photos I am able to show you how much a part of this you really are-every day. And though you may not be with me in person I know you are in spirit.

    May 'the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." -Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

                       

Blessings,

                                                                       

Karen      

    P.S. The the building I'm living in is named 'Dallas.' How funny is that? Guess Texas is coming with me wherever I go! LOL!