Immediately following Anaheim 2007, the US Mennonite Brethren Youth Convention, MBMS International sponsored a five day mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Fresno based short term mission coordinator Andi Goetz, along with Joan Godard, MBMSI missionary stationed in Guadalajara, Mexico and Craig Jost, MBMSI regional mobilizer based out of Wichita, KS, led the inter-generational team of young adults, parents and pastors. The churches involved were Reedley MB in CA, Heritage Bible also from CA, Harvey MB in ND, Kingsburg MB in CA and Good News Fellowship in WA. The group participating in the Ensenada mission totaled over 100 people.

Pastor Joe Brown, who led a team from Heritage Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA. felt that Ensenada was a practical follow up to the conference in Anaheim. “The conference provided tremendous information and fellowship. We were encouraged to love God and each other and our time in Mexico provided us with many opportunities to put this into practice. Orientation was a crash course in cross-cultural mission work”.

The group was divided into six teams and connected with a local church where they slept, ate and served. This was a valuable set up because the youth were partnered with local believers and able to see first hand how they lived and did mission on a regular basis. The Ensenada pastors were touched by the teams’ desire to follow their lead and engage in outreach for their city. VBS, sports ministries, youth discipleship and other church tailored ministry events were some of the activities the youth used in outreach over the week. Sarah Schale, a youth participant reflects, “Preparing for crafts and games was tedious but we were so glad we took the time to do it when we saw how much fun the kids were having.”

For many participants, the Ensenada trip was a time to refocus on what it practically looks like to serve others and live in mission. “When I first came here [Ensenada] I didn’t see the people through God’s eyes,” shared Jarred Zeek, another participant. “Now things are different,” He continued, “I can finally see what God sees. The people here have a special place in my heart and I will pray for them each and every day.”

Not just the mission participants were changed; on the third day of ministry 21 kids accepted Jesus during VBS. “It was truly amazing!” an exuberant youth exclaimed. “The kids gave their total attention during the skits and songs. We all formed close relationships with the kids; it was a shame to leave so soon.”

Near the end of the week, Andi Goetz challenged the young adults to commit to global missions. “We all have been given the command by Jesus to go into the world,” explained Andi, “Being mobilized isn’t just about going. It is also praying, giving and supporting others. Mission is truly a mindset and lifestyle. When God’s love for others fills you – it’s hard not to move!”

Katy Michelle, a youth from Heritage Bible Church, responded to Goetz challenge, “When we met together and she [Goetz] wanted us to go out on mission trips all over the world, I was thinking that would be something I’d really love to do!”

Pastor Joe Brown reflects on the overall experience, “I’m thrilled with the spiritual maturity our kids displayed. They worked hard and stayed focused on the task at hand. I’m not saying they’re perfect, just that they really love Jesus and the children that God placed in front of them. It was good to watch God work in and through our kids.”