From the perspective of a volunteer on Team 17:
Have you ever ignored an invitation because you were afraid? Not that the event would cause fear, but you were afraid you might get hooked? Several years ago God began to tug at my heart and I felt called to go on an international mission trip. Fear caused me to create a multitude of excuses; not enough time, not enough money, what could I offer, I will probably get sick; and on the excuses mounted. Finally, He wore me down and I said yes. However, weeks before my trip, the excuses resurfaced. I prayed for God’s leading, and finally purchased my airfare. That simple act was the end of my fear and the beginning of my story.
 I was a part of Push Team 17 that served in Mazatlan, Mexico March 2010. Riding from the airport to The Hub my husband said “I feel guilty saying that I have been in Mexico”. The Mexico unfolding before us was not the same Mexico we experienced on our cruise vacations. The Mexico I saw and learned to love was fraught with poverty and need; far more than I have ever seen.
Our first stop was Sunday Service at a neighborhood Christian church. Only one person in the congregation spoke English, but the language barrier was not evident as we worshipped our Lord together. We praised the Lord in our own language; what a beautiful sound. The Tower of Babel came to mind as we tried to communicate while we greeted one another. I had far too few Spanish words to express my gratitude for how welcomed I felt.
The first day and a half at The Hub was spent building, repairing and cleaning wheelchairs; as well as getting to know the rest of the team. We were all anxiously awaiting our first Wheelchair Distribution Day. Monday night, the eve of our first Distribution Day came and our leader, Jeff Musgrave, provided instruction and a “pep” talk during dinner. Tuesday morning we eagerly prepared, split into teams and began to greet our guests. The end of distribution came far too soon for me. I loved meeting each person and the family members and/or friends that accompanied them. Each person had a unique need and story. What a blessing it was to try to be Jesus to them; to serve them, help provide for their needs and pray with them as they left; now fully mobile!
 Wednesday we took Wheelchair Distribution “on the road” to Concordia. There we were blessed by 19 more wheelchair recipients. The needs of our guests in Concordia were different than those in Mazatlan. Their need of mobility was the same; however, the recipients in Concordia came from a different culture. Most of the people we worked with in Concordia were young adults that had little social exposure. Due to their illness; many have rarely left their home. Making a connection was a bit more of a challenge but I clearly remember smiles and sounds of joy from each one.
Our third and final distribution of the week took place on Thursday back at The Hub in Mazatlan. Another wonderful day providing hope for several people. There were numerous smiles, tears of joy and prayer as we were blessed by these precious people. In most circumstances a seemingly simple walker or wheelchair provides a whole new life for someone.
 Daily, throughout the week, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of a semi-truck loaded with 100+ wheelchairs, and a mountain of other mobility equipment (walkers, crutches, etc). Shortly after dinner the truck arrived and the neighborhood exploded. Several neighborhood children and adults headed over to help unload the truck. Their manpower was invaluable, but even more priceless was the time together. When the truck was empty, out came “goodies” for the kids; soccer balls, hacky sacks, Frisbees. What made this event even more special was the truck arrived on Wednesday evening; the best birthday gift Jeff Musgrave could receive.
Our team was able to expand Push’s offerings by providing a lift to a young man that has not been out of his bed for 6 months. The lift will allow his mother to help him out of bed and into his wheelchair; allowing him to go outside as well as attend therapy for injuries sustained in a automobile accident. We also designed and built 2 wheelchair ramps, allowing wheelchair-bound individuals to move more easily around their homes.
As in any situation, there are highs and lows. Our trip was fraught with a missing delivery truck, a pick-up truck that came late and was too small for our need, location changes and everyday life stuff. For me, the high’s were the people; serving our guests, getting to know the individuals on our team, the children that attend school and therapy at The Hub, Maggie, Silvia, Rita, and the list goes on. Honestly, the only low of the trip was leaving.
I could go on and on about our trip. There are so many more details and experiences. Instead of me telling you more about my experience, why don’t you join me on a trip and we can make our own experience that you can write about next!
P.S. Moral of the story – don’t hide behind man made excuses when God knocks. No matter your situation,
He will provide what you need. You do not want to miss the blessing that awaits!
Thank you!
Beth Erickson |
