Veracruz | Beginnings

Even though today is technically day 1, we did arrive a day early on Thursday September 30th and got to spend the evening with Pastor George Tuthill, a member of the board here at Cross Culture, as well as the lead pastor of The Church on Congress Avenue here in Austin AND the one who has been organizing this trip.

After a great meal at Kerbey Lane Cafe’ we retired to the hotel last night and had some great conversation before finally getting to sleep.

I (Brad), at this point, had been up since 2:30AM EST so it was REALLY great to finally be able to get in the bed and get some much needed rest. (This bed was really soft - thanks Hampton Inn!!)

We woke up this morning refreshed, headed to the lobby for a hot breakfast (e.g. omelets, waffles shaped like Texas, fruit, sausage, biscuits and gravy...the works!), and we are now getting some rest and study in before we head off to the airport to make our way to Veracruz.

Our flight leaves Austin at 4:15PM CST and we should be arriving in Veracruz by 8:15PM CST.

A COUPLE THINGS TO KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

FOR DALE: We came in faith not knowing what all to expect. We found out last night that I (Dale) will need to be ready to preach every night, so in addition to the other things we’ll be doing, being ready to preach is a major priority for me. 

Please pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and what He is wanting to communicate to the people of Veracruz as well as my ability to find the time in the midst of all that we are doing throughout the days to commit to preparation for these sermons that will be in the evenings.

FOR BRAD: I (Brad) have been on many mission trips over the years, but this is the first I’ve been on where I am potentially looking at preaching as well as doing street ministry where I will be sharing the gospel with strangers via an interpreter. 

I have preached, but never through an interpreter. I have shared the gospel, but never in a “street ministry” kind of environment and definitely not through an interpreter. So, these things are all new territory for me. Please pray that I too will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and what He is wanting to communicate to the people I encounter. But please also pray that I will be bold and find courage as the new territory is a little overwhelming and intimidating to a degree.

We really appreciate all of the prayer and financial support we have received, and we hope you’ll continue to provide prayer cover for us as we venture into Mexico today and return to the US again next week. 

We’ll be sure to update you all once we have arrived at our destination!