Twelve Chicago Central Korean Church members left for Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, on July 8, 2006. Half of the missionaries were first-timers, but all were well-prepared. Stopping only for quick meals and bathroom breaks, we arrived 27 hours later in a packed van.

Throughout the week, we did the finishing work on a church constructed by a previous group from our church three years earlier. We painted inside the church, and later put up stucco and painted the gates and windows of the church.

After work, we spread God's Word at Vacation Bible School (VBS). We taught Bible stories through skits. We acted out Jonah and the whale, Noah’s ark, Daniel and the lion’s den, Jesus calming the sea, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We also prepared songs in Spanish and a craft for each story.

After VBS the first day, we had not accomplished everything we wanted to. We addressed our problems and decided to incorporate more exciting songs with actions, since the vast majority present was less than eleven years old. We prayed for God's aid, and He really came through the next evening.

The following evening we executed our plan to perfection. Kids clapped, saluted, and had fun with the songs. We heard “¡Una vez más!” (Again, again!). Song service was the most popular portion of VBS. Interest in our skits grew each day. By mid-week, both we and the children waited all day for VBS, and we could see God’s presence in the children's eyes.

We visited community families in need. At four households, we gave food and prayed for God’s blessing. One household was composed of a single mother with six young children whose father had recently died. With no income, they were in jeopardy of losing their home. We gave them much-needed food and money and prayed for the family, hoping to raise the mother’s spirits.

The group visited a mother whose daughter had died recently. Her tragic story brought tears to all who heard it. We wanted to help as many people as possible by healing their emotional wounds, and we succeeded in spreading God’s love in the process.

A major reason for the trip's success was the Mexican people's generosity. Fidel, church building coordinator, and his entire family were so gracious and helpful, often inviting us to dinner. The Mexican families brought food every morning while we worked. It was so difficult to say good-bye to them. They gave their best to us, even though it was trivial; they truly followed in Jesus’ footsteps.

We were blessed and strengthened by this mission trip. Each morning and evening we gave time to God. Each high school student led a Bible study in the evening, helping us grow spiritually as leaders. We knew our work was for God’s glory, which greatly took the physical burden off our shoulders. God was with us each day in Mexico, and He was good to us. Thanks to Him, alone, we enlarged our Christian family across the border to Mexico.

Josh Park is a member of the Chicago Central Korean Church.