The Mexico City Missive ~ spring 2017

An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:46-48

This little one having a little fun at vacation Bible school hosted by Luz a las Naciones.

In Luke 9, Jesus sends out the twelve for a season of ministry, feeds the five thousand, affirms Peter's confession of Christ, is gloriously transfigured on the mountain, heals a boy tormented by an evil spirit, and cautions his disciples about his own betrayal. But in the middle of all that's going on, the disciples, masters of impeccable timing, decide to argue about who among them would be the greatest.

Jesus being Jesus, the master of teachable moments, redirects his disciples' attention toward a child and tells them that to welcome a child like this one – vulnerable, dependent, needy – is to welcome Jesus and the one who sent him. In other words, neither brute strength, social privilege, nor political power determines greatness. On the contrary, in God's upside kingdom the one who is least is greatest.

In a world where it was socially acceptable to only extend hospitality to those of equal or greater status, Jesus instructs his disciples to resist the merely acceptable and embrace the most vulnerable. Honor the least significant, he implores them. Welcome the least welcomed. Because true greatness is not achieved through might nor show of power, but by extending Christlike hospitality to the least of these.

This bigger one having a little fun at our Superbowl themed English class at Reto a la Juventud (Teen Challenge Mexico).

Each week, the young men of Teen Challenge Mexico enthusiastically welcome Stuart and I into their lives. Whether I am teaching English, Stuart is playing soccer, or we are celebrating a Teen Challenge graduation we are truly honored by their gracious hospitality toward us.

Likewise, these next few months, Teen Challenge has kindly invited us to preach and Stuart will be ministering at Luz a las Naciones. I will share at a couple of leadership gatherings here in Mexico City as well as in Oaxaca when we visit friends and missionary colleagues, Ilona and Mike Hadinger.

Lastly, I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend one of the Indiana District Women's Ministries Regional Encounters on April 29. Personally, I'll be attending the Central West location in Greencastle, Indiana at The StoreHouse since I happily accepted the invitation to preach there that day! Find all the information you need on their website. Hope to see you there.

Stuart & Wendy Brown

serving in mexico city

Printable PDF

View in your browser

Subscribe here to receive newsletter directly.

The Mexico City Missive ~ summer 2016

Stuart and I enjoyed the outstanding Olympic coverage in Mexico and the wonderful athletes who competed these last few weeks. I couldn't help but celebrate with the victors and hurt with the fallen. Like many missionaries, Stuart and I joyfully cheered on athletes from our home country as well as athletes from countries where we have served. Such extraordinary talent!

Stuart and I competed in our own Olympic event of sorts this week and are also celebrating a win. We both received a three – year residency visa from the good people of Mexico! Our experience may not seem medal worthy to some, but to us it is golden.

Although technically not an Olympic sport, applying for a residency visa seemed, at times, no less physically grueling or mentally exhausting. First, we meticulously deciphered the linguistic code on the government website for the correct way to apply (or, in our case, renew) a visa. Second, we laboriously gathered numerous (sometimes superfluous) documents to cover all possible contingencies. Lastly, after a quick photo shoot, quite a bit of $$, and lots of copies of everything we headed out.

In the span of two weeks, Stuart and I traveled to the immigration office in Mexico City five times. Five times we drove to the metro station; took three, sometimes very congested, trains (seriously, packed in like marshmallows at a chubby bunny contest); and then hailed a taxi for the final leg of the two – hour journey. Five times we waited for our number to be called to talk to a nice immigration officer. Thankfully, this week we stood victorious on the medal podium and received the coveted award.

Ministry at Teen challenge continues to expand. My Saturday morning English class has morphed into two as more young men join the program. I also began private lessons with one of the directors who wants to improve her conversational skills before a big meeting in November. Stuart has preached at Teen Challenge and we teamed together to teach in the youth class on a recent Sunday. And just for fun, Stuart usually joins the guys on Tuesday mornings to play a little b-ball and soccer.

Ministry opportunities beyond Teen Challenge include preparing the sanctuary at Luz a las Naciones for a fresh coat of paint. Stuart spent the better part of the week (when we weren't at immigration) to scrape down water – damaged and mold – infested walls. On Saturday, he joined a large group of motivated workers to complete the beautification process. It'll look great for when he preaches there next month.

Our nest is empty, but our hearts are full. Our daughter Olivia recently moved from Indiana to North Carolina to begin graduate studies at Duke Divinity. Wesley currently enjoys life and ministry in Spain as an intern with International Media Ministries. And Sophia, after a stint as chief to missionary kids at missionary training and renewal in Springfield, prepares for her junior year at Evangel University.

Printable PDF (Summer 2016)

View newsletter in your browser

Subscribe to receive newsletter directly