Missions in Mexico

Blessings! 

God has placed in my heart to serve on another missions trip! This time, doors have opened for me to serve in Mexico. Mexico is a country with deep roots in idolatry, witchcraft and so heavily influenced by drugs. Although I have frequented Mexico over the years, the last few visits have been particularly different. Over the last 3 years, I have been given the opportunity to minister at a rehabilitation center where I have met some of the most amazing people. During this time I have also met some incredibly strong, passionate women of God. Through our conversations, a new light has been shed on the need for discipleship and women in leadership. This summer, if the Lord permits, I will be staying in Mexico for 2 months to serve alongside the church and offer a foundational English course for children ages 5-8. 

Why teach English? I have been working at Mendota Elementary for 2 years where I have focused on students who are considered intensive. They come from countries such as El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and many more. I have seen how important it is for students to learn the third most spoken language in the world. In Mexico, if a person speaks English, they have a higher chance of a more stable job and wage. I hope to use these classes in two ways. The first is to jumpstart their English language development at an age where they are able to soak in new information and build their vocabulary so that they have an advantage for their future. The second is to use the classes as a form of evangelizing. My goal is to connect with the parents of the students to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

While English will be a form of my service in Mexico, I also plan to serve the church and rehabilitation center. Although I am not yet certain what this will look like, I am excited to see what God has in store for me. Previously, I have been asked to serve through leading worship, preaching and just being available to hear testimonies and pray over those that need and desire it. I am also excited to reconnect with a few young ladies that I have been able to fellowship with over the years and hear what the Lord has been doing in their lives and churches. I hope to encourage, uplift and empower them to walk in their calling, to say yes to the Jesus and to impact other young women around them. 

My goal is to fundraise $2,800 which covers my flight, rent, food, utilities, teaching materials and transportation fee. I will be flying out to Mexico on June 3, 2021 and will be returning to California on August 5, 2021. I would love for you to consider partnering with me in two ways. Firstly, partner with me in prayer. If you opt in to my newsletter, I will keep you posted on what has taken place throughout the trip and any prayer requests I have. Secondly, I ask you to consider partnering with me financially. You can give a one time gift or do a monthly gift up to the month of June. ($25, $50, $100 or any other amount).

There is so much more to share about how God has been moving in and outside of the local church. I would love to chat over the phone or via ZOOM if you’d like to hear more or have any questions. I eagerly seek for God to continue to move in this city and I would love for you to consider being a partner alongside my mission. Please pray about how God might be calling you to serve alongside me, and in the next few days I'll connect with you about how you might be able to partner with me and how I can pray for you also. I look forward to connecting with you again!

Shalom, 

Vanessa Perez
First missions trip to Costa Rica

Some of the boys and men at the Rehabilitation Center: El Refugio