Remember when I said that I would start doing bi-monthly updates? Don’t worry, I didn’t forget! This newsletter will be fabulously long, but luckily, you’re not obligated to read it! I hope that if you do make it through this entire thing, you treat yourself afterward to a coffee or whatever you consider to be a good reward.

 

March

• March started with a work group going to Belize for a week. The second location down there is still in the beginning stages, so we are always looking for help for the Merricks.
• We had our first missionary pick-up with Righteous Rides! The family was very grateful for the car, and I was glad to see just how much partnering with Righteous Rides simplified the process for me. I no longer have to do vehicle scheduling (which was only my responsibility for the past 6 months or so, but even then it was not my strong suit. It takes a certain kind of mind…), handle payments, deal with tolls, or any of the little details; instead, all I do is email the missionaries some basic info about their pickup or return, then have them fill out a form and upload it to the website RR uses to keep track of everything. Super simple, super easy!
• March was mostly prepping for the Mexico mission trip. As it was my first mission trip out of the States (first mission trip ever, really) I was both excited and nervous.
  • At the prep meetings, we discussed the schedule of things we would be doing and once I heard that there would be street evangelism involved, I could feel the panic bubble up. See, earlier in the year, the students took a weeklong course at YWAM Lancaster about evangelism. They came back so fired up and excited. I, on the other hand, hear the words “street evangelism” and am *this* close to vomiting to get out of it. Needless to say, I felt unprepared, unfit, and insecure.
  • Spoiler alert, it all worked out just fine.
• We packed 19 suitcases to take with us to Mexico, not including our own carry-ons/checked bags. The suitcases were full of supplies like Spanish Bibles, shoes, pants, shirts, diapers, bottles, pens, folders, and candy for us to hand out while there. The candy was definitely the more popular of the things packed.
• Before leaving for Mexico, Jen Darnell and I had a coffee date. Her husband, Justin’s brother, John Darnell, has a rapidly progressing cancer, and their family has been having a difficult time. My intention was to take her out for a couple hours to talk and cheer her up. What actually happened was, we started talking and she encouraged and built up me. I guess we’ll just have to do it again, just to make sure I get it right…

 

Mexico

As I said before, going to Monterrey was my first international mission trip. There were a lot of emotions leading up to it, and even more emotions once we were actually there. So much happened, and if you read nothing else, I hope you at least read about this trip! As a warning, my synopsis is VERY long, and I’m sure I overshared about things no one necessarily wants to hear about, but oh well!

 

Day 1

• March 27th, we left at 9:45 AM to drive to Newark for our 3:00 PM flight.
• Our biggest travel concern at the time was customs in Mexico. Joel briefed everyone about how it would go: you take the checked bags of your own stuff and the supplies that are in your name, and you start walking. If they flag you down, try to ignore them, but if they stop you, get Joel.
  • Because I was a last-minute add-on for the trip, I didn’t have any checked bags in my name. Instead, I grabbed one of Grace’s 3 bags to try to help her. Kylie Smith was up ahead of me, trying to “sneak past” without getting pulled aside, so I go over and start pushing the both of us through. When I turned around, everyone else in the group had been pulled aside to have their bags searched… except me and Kylie! Joel had a letter explaining the suitcases, and, blessedly, they looked at him, then us, and said, “Just go.” I think they saw the mass quantity of bags and decided it wasn’t worth it to search them all. That or, you know, God.
• So last year when Nolan went to Mexico with Joel, all they would talk about for 3 months after getting back was chicharones, tacos, and Alfredo. I thought Nolan was going to explode when he finally saw Alfredo again. The two of them were like toddlers seeing their favorite cartoon character come to life at an amusement park. Ridiculous but still adorable. #besties

 

Day 2

• We started off our first morning by meeting the YWAM MTY (Monterrey) team and eating breakfast with them. After that, it was an immediate trip to a coffee shop down the street called Coffee with Aliens. It was pouring rain, and absolutely worth it.
• We unpacked all the suitcases of supplies and organized it by category or gender. Clothes were put in bags to give to families that YWAM MTY visits weekly, Bibles and tracts were prepped to be handed out on the street or as needed, and candy was set aside to be given to the women’s and men’s rehabs we visited.
  • Pastor Adrian who visits and runs the rehabs exchanges candy for Bible memorization, a device we have found also works great with preschoolers at KFJ!
• We went to Walmart to grab a few hygiene supplies like toothbrushes, razors, soap, etc. to add to the bags we handed out.
• In the afternoon, we took sandwiches and Bibles into the city. We split up into groups to walk around and talk to people. I was grouped with Kylie, Nolan, and Alfredo. We met a few street vendors who were Christians; one man was in need of a Bible as his was worn out, so we gladly gave him a new one.
  • Alfredo and Nolan made a great team, introducing themselves to people, talking about Jesus. I was blessed to just watch them interact with everyone. Kylie was shocked that the pigeons were white.
• That night, we went for tacos. They were amazing, as expected.

 

Day 3

• The next morning after breakfast, we walked around the neighborhood in the same groups as before. We handed out Bibles or prayed for anyone who asked/needed it. In Mexico, Catholicism seems to be a big, but divisive religion. If we knocked on the door of a Catholic household, we were promptly turned away.
  • I prayed for a woman who, luckily, spoke English. Praying out loud has always been difficult. I’m not alone in this, I know. Like many others, I tend to rehearse what I should say over and over, but when I actually start speaking, I completely flub it and sound like I don’t know how to construct a simple sentence. BUT, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Praise God for that!
• After lunch, Emi, Grace, Jenny. Nolan, Kylie and I drove with Alma and Karen to a women’s rehab center. I’m not used to how hispanic culture worships, and to be completely honest, I was terrified the whole time (for no reason). Praying out loud as a group (“Korean style, as one person put it”) or laying hands on someone to pray for them was a whole different experience.
• That evening, we visited Pastor Oziel’s church.
  • The students had prepared a gospel presentation- Wordless bracelets and book. We did the bracelet craft with the kids, while Alfredo taught the parents a lesson, then we handed out supper.
  • I had brought my BT21 hoodie with because I’m always cold. One of the little girls, Brisa, saw the characters on my sleeves, recognized them as BTS/BT21, and she and her friend (whose name was Hannah) immediately befriended me. Brisa even gave me a pen with one of the characters on it. Another girl, Azul, also recognized the characters and was so excited to have something in common, that she gave me a BT21 pencil sharpener.
  • Both items are now prized possessions and I plan to keep them as long as possible to remember to pray for these girls.
• That night, we got tacos again. And they were just as good as the night before. Obviously.

 

Day 4

• After a morning trip to Coffee with Aliens, we grabbed suitcases filled with supplies and went to El Barrial. YWAM MTY had built houses for some of the families there and they go back to visit often. We split into groups again, hoping to see 3 different families, but it turned out that 2 families were away that day, and one family who had planned to be away was actually home instead. So we combined two groups and talked with Cecilia, the mother, and her son, Orelio (I totally spelled either one or both of their names wrong…). Some played tag with the little boy, and the rest of us talked with the mother. 
  • Meanwhile, the 3rd group, self-titled “The Introverted Quiet Ones” (David, Emi, Kylie, and Alma), were visiting a different family. When we went back to the van, we expected the quietest group to have been waiting for quite a while. Instead, we ended up waiting for them because they had such a good time talking with the grandmother.
• After lunch, we went to a migrant center.
  • People will walk from Central America to the US border, hoping to enter the country. The migrant center is a place they can stop to rest, grab food, etc. Half the group was in the warehouse sorting- a daunting job that I feel could have greatly benefited from the presence of Justin Darnell, an expert in organizing warehouses. Only, he probably would’ve taken one look at the room, then turned around and walked out. Or cried. It was a formidable job that everyone took on with amazing attitudes. By the time we left, we had made a noticeable difference.
  • While we sorted, Joel & Justin were out cutting some of the migrant’s hair, along with Nitza, a YWAM student, and Giezi, a YWAM staff member. Joel and Giezi cut hair, while Nitza and Justin talked with the people about Christ. At one point, Joel had finished cutting one man’s hair, but Justin was still talking, so he kept “cutting” until Justin was done. Now that’s what I call a captive audience.
  • While they were cutting hair, 2 migrants heard what they were doing, and decided to join them- they had their own set of clippers. With 2 extra people, they were able to double the amount of men reached/helped!
  • Justin got to lead a man to Christ, and I took a picture as he was talking to him. It’s one of the best from the whole trip.
• Back at the YWAM base, we had “Community Night” which consisted of Joel giving a brief message on the importance of evangelism, everyone celebrating March birthdays (much to Emi’s dismay), and whole group of us all worshipping together.

 

Day 5

• If you’re keeping track, this marks number 3 of 5 trips to Coffee with Aliens. Their coffee was VERY good…
• The guys left for the men’s rehab center, while the women stayed behind to make encouragement cards. The goal was to write a verse or a saying and decorate it to be handed out on the street. Karen said they have a few stories of someone receiving exactly what they needed to hear because of the cards.
• In the evening, Alfredo shared a lesson about obedience, then prayed over each person. I thought I could make it through without crying, but when he prayed for Emi and it was too much. Honestly….
• We got tacos once more. They’re almost as addicting as the coffee.

 

Day 6

• We visited a community that was exactly how you might be picturing Mexico. The houses were made from pallets, and the meeting was held in a backyard. A lot of truly amazing things happened there in particular.
• Pastor Adrian showed us the children’s church. As he’s describing it, he says, “They call it ‘Kids for Jesus’.” Now, where have I heard that before?? I was SO excited to see another KFJ and to have this little detail of a name bind us together. What a blessing to still be with the KFJ kids, whether in Mexico or in PA in spirit.
• We returned to El Barrial to meet with all the kids there. Grace and David presented a lesson for the kids while Alfredo interpreted. They then played soccer and Steal the Bacon as a big group.
• This was our last day with Alfredo, and there were many tears all around. Mostly his, Nolan’s, and Jenny’s.

 

Day 7

• Sunday morning had an interesting start. Breakfast was supposed to be at 9:00, but in Mexico they had just abolished Daylight Savings Time. Not everyone’s phones got the memo. Giezi, who was preparing the breakfast, had one of those phones, and had gotten breakfast ready an hour sooner than everyone else. Luckily, we were still on time for church.
• We had church in the park where Pastor Adrian spoke. After he finished, Ramone, Karen’s husband shared something he felt God had laid on his heart: a lesson on reviving hope. After the sermon, we had some AMAZING food, then spent the afternoon hanging out in the park. The students did axe throwing and batting cages. I tried my hand at the batting cages, then wondered why my shoulders were sore the next day.
• We spent a couple hours back at the YWAM base before going to the men’s rehab again for a second church service. Now, when I say men’s rehab, I am sorry to have to say that it was not only men. Some of the people in the rehab were just little boys who had gotten mixed up in drugs. I’ve never heard a group of men praise God so loudly and so heartily before, though.

 

Days 8 & 9

• Our final day in Mexico was spent sightseeing. We visited a “magic town” Santiago, had some delicious ice cream, got souvenirs, met some of Joel’s friends for lunch, and handed out the encouragement cards we made.
• We had decided that since our flight was at 6AM, and we had to leave for the airport at 2AM, we should stay up all night rather than try to sleep for 4 hours.
• The flight home was eventful. Picture Home Alone 2 Lost in New York when the McCallister family is running through the airport, only they got separated and it’s even more chaotic.
  • We landed in Dallas to find that the line for customs was VERY long, and the time of our layover was VERY short. Kai, Grace, and I got through customs, booked it to the baggage claim, grabbed the bags for everyone else that was still in line, threw them at the “Connecting Bags” people, and ran to security. My bag was held aside to be searched, but Grace and Kai’s bags went through. Grace didn’t even have her shoes on yet and I’m yelling the gate number at them and telling them to just go, run. Finally, I got my bag, the flight was boarding but not for much longer; Joel was asking for updates on where we were, Justin had been pulled aside at customs. It was a mess. It was by the skin of our teeth and the grace of God that we made it to the gate right before they closed the door. The others weren’t far behind, but they assumed we were too late. That is, until I found them and started yelling to RUN WE’RE GOING TO MAKE IT IF YOU RUN. It was an exciting trip to say the least.
• We finally made it home around 4pm. It was so good to see Hani.

 

April

• I’ve noticed that when people ask about my trips, they usually ask about just the cruise. I wonder why that is? I feel like I have so much more to say about Mexico. The answer I’ve given most people about the cruise is, “It was long, but good.” Let’s be real, it was amazing, but felt like it was so long because I has just gotten back from Mexico on Tuesday, April 4th, only to leave for Newark on Thursday night, April 6th. That 2 days with my Hani were much too short.
• And now, highlights from the cruise!
  • We stayed in New Orleans for 2 days. NOLA has been on my bucket list for years; specifically, eating a beignet from NOLA has been on my bucket list for years. We got some from Cafe Beignet, and I was not expecting them to be half the size of my face. They were delicious, and did not disappoint. I shouldn’t have worn all black when eating a powdered sugar-covered confection, but it was worth it.
  • Ashley, Kevin, and I did an escape room called “Revenge on the Bayou”. You were only allowed to buy a shirt if you made it out in time, and I’m proud to say that Ashley and I purchased shirts. 20 seconds left! I work well under pressure, if that’s not obvious from the multiple incidents of “just in time”.
  • We boarded the ship on Easter Sunday, and spent all of Monday at sea. Ashley, Kevin, Jackie, Finn, and Rowan spent the day in the pool; I stayed poolside, finished the first of the 5 books I brought with, and got a terrific sunburn on the front AND backs of my legs.
  • Tuesday, we docked in Costa Maya, Mexico, where we had booked a dolphin encounter. I didn’t expect dolphins to feel the way they do; I thought they would be slimy… The best way I can describe it is that they felt like touching wet leather. Don’t worry, we got pictures!
    • Oh! We also saw flamingoes, a creature that I totally forgot actually exists. Mind blowing!
    • That evening, we saw Six, the musical about Henry VIII’s wives. Highly entertaining.
  • Wednesday, we docked in Harvest Caye, Belize. If I had to describe the Belize Mayan ruins in 1 word it would be, “Un-Belize-able”. Yes, I am under contract to say this, send help
    • The Mayan ruins were beautiful, and we learned a lot about the Belizean culture and flora/fauna.
    • There was a ball court that I think the Road to El Dorado creators must have pulled straight from the ruins. I kept looking around for an armadillo to hip bump, but alas there were none.
    • I was super excited to be in Belize, and of course had to rep the brand by wearing my CMTS shirt. I look forward to when we get CMTS Belize shirts.
  • Thursday, we docked in Roatan, Honduras. We walked through a wildlife preserve, held toucans, and had monkeys sit on our heads. I don’t like monkeys (they creep me out), but I figured this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It didn’t rip my face off, so at least there’s that.
  • Friday was our last excursion in Cozumel, Mexico. We rode in a submarine called The Atlantis and dove 100 feet underwater. They took us to the drop off, an experience I will gladly pass on again because that TERRIFIED me. The ocean is a scary place. Best not play around near a giant underwater cliff.
  • Saturday was our last day at sea, and we spent it swimming and reading. There was a thunderstorm at one point, and it was amazing! One thundercrack was so loud, it sounded like a cannon by my ear.
• I was back to work on Monday the 18th. I realized just how much I missed being at the ministry. I missed Grace and Emi in particular.
• That Friday, Joel, Danielle, and I drove to Philly for our flight to St. Louis. Friday night was the Righteous Rides Appreciation Dinner. The RR hub summit was held Saturday, but we unfortunately had to leave partway through. They had gotten 3 vans ready for each of us to drive one back to CMTS, and Joel & Danielle had to be in Pre-K for church Sunday morning.
  • At 12PM, we embarked on our 14 hour drive. We only stopped 3 times for bathroom, food, and coffee breaks (a feat Danielle and I are both VERY proud of). It was 3:30AM when we finally got home, and oh how beautiful the campus looked. 
• CMTS had gotten tickets for a Reading Fighting Phils game, and in spite of the cold, we all had fun!
• On Saturday, the 29th, Grace, Emi, Jan, and I went to Debbie & Ray’s church for their women’s tea. Debbie knew all she had to say was, “I’m making bruschetta” for me to be there in a heartbeat.

 

Where’s God?

Everywhere! But specifically:

• He has been growing me and stretching me to my limits. This past 3 months (since I’m writing htis mid-May) were long, tiring, and rewarding. I missed my dog, my home, and my family, but everything I did was for a good purpose. God got me through!
• He’s continued to provide finances every month. I have been blessed with consistent financial support each month and it would not be possible if not for God’s moving in the hearts of those around me. Seriously, thank you so much for your support. I wish I could express my gratitude through this letter, but it just doesn’t suffice. Just know that I pray that God grows your heavenly treasure pile to ridiculous heights. I want you all to have more crowns to lay at Jesus’ feet. Not that it’s a competition (except it totally is).
• He has protected the ministry. Our septic system is still in the works, but guess what? The sand mound is being mounded slowly but surely. There was also an interesting incident earlier this month, but maybe I’ll save that for next newsletter.
• He’s blessed me with a supportive family. I could not do this without the support of my friends and family, both biological and spiritual. 
• He’s provided food consistently for everyone at the ministry. He’s provided low-cost resources through places like Hornings and Blessings of Hope, or donations of food from churches, etc.
• He’s shown me grace and mercy when I truly don’t deserve it.
• He’s proven His trustworthiness and His steadfast, enduring love over and over. God is good.
• He’s answered my prayer for friends. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing community of people and to have strong friends like Danielle, Jan, Jenny, and the other women on campus. I remember praying for Christian friends for a long time, and these women were worth the wait. 

 

Prayer requests:

1. Continued provision! Working and living at CMTS has given me multiple opportunities to see God’s provision, not just for myself but for those around me. It never hurts to ask God to keep providing!
2. Please continue to pray for me as I seek His will, follow His plan, and surrender my own
3. Pray for strength and wisdom for myself and everyone else at the ministry. Especially for the men and women in leadership. God is bigger than any challenge we’ve faced yet. He is sovereign!
4. Pray for the different projects happening around campus, for the finances to handle all these things, and for wisdom and protection. We have lots of moving parts right now, and I look forward to seeing God’s continued faithfulness.
5. Pray for the Equip program! Please pray that He will guide in their next steps this summer. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to Grace & Emi; they’ve become a big part of my life. I want them to come back and visit, but I also want to see them get established and do the amazing things God has for them. Hopefully, He has me in their plans still, right??
6. Pray for the different aspects of the ministry: the Righteous Rides merge, the Warehouse, the Auto Mechanic Shops, the Maintenance people, the leadership, the administration, the need for help everywhere, the list goes on and on!
7. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send more workers into His field (see Matthew 9:38). We need help. A few of the major areas of need are in:
   • the kitchen (Debbie, our amazing cook, had to step down, and Juanis is having to fill in for her. She’s doing an amazing job, but in June 2023, the McDermott’s will be leaving CMTS for Mexico.)
   • the office (with me!)
   • Equip
   • The Warehouse
   • The Auto Mechanic shops
   • Hospitality

 

The Ministries’ prayer requests are available on the website if you feel called to pray for these too!

 

Thank you again for your support! I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to serve God with my work. I wake up every day excited about my job and excited to see my coworkers! I thank you sincerely, from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to do this and partnering with me. If you have any questions, comments, prayer requests, etc. please email me at noeckerh19@gmail.com (or text me if you have my phone number)!

 

On the right is one of my favorite pictures from Mexico. There will be about a billion more on the website/Instagram, so if you need me to show you pictures, please ask!