At this time I am in the city of Fortin, which is on the road from Puebla to Veracruz. The hotel is surrounded by mountains, including Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Mexico. In this beautiful setting I have been learning so much about God's grace and about myself. I have also had the opportunity to meet many of the missionaries that serve in Mexico. Each one has been an encouragement to me as they have shared their triumphs and struggles.
The main theme of this conference concerns biblical relationships. Yesterday we split into our teams and examined and discussed passages from I Samuel concerning the friendship between David and Jonathan. In I Samuel 18:4, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, gives his royal robe, armor, and sword to David, a shepherd. Jonathan gave up much by this action. First, he gave up his right to the throne. Second, he risked his father's disfavor. As we read further in I Samuel, we see the depths of the friendship between David and Jonathan. They protected each other. Jonathan "stuck out his neck" several times to protect David. Jonathan even appealed to his father Saul to spare David's life. David and Jonathan constantly spoke well of each other. We need friendships like this in our lives. Are we willing to "stick out our necks" to protect those we love? Do we speak well of our friends or do we take our friends for granted?
These last few days have been a blessing and I'm excited about what the next 24 hours will bring. May God bless you in all you do. I hope to use this blog on a more regular basis , so "keep tuned."
In Christ,
Dave
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Puebla Flooding - My First Adventure
What an experience today! We've had a ton of rain in Puebla the last three day along with hail. This afternoon I was riding with a missionary couple when we encountered about a foot of water on the highway. Being in an SUV, we thought we could make it across. We made it until the very end when the vehicle stalled. After pushing the SUV off the highway, my friend hailed a tow truck and got a tow back to his house. Eventually I made it back to my house. So much for my first big "adventure" in Puebla. I'm sure there will be more to come.
Y'all take care.
In Christ,
Dave
Friday, August 19, 2011
First 48 Hours
I made it to Mexico! Praise God for how smoothly things went on Wednesday with travel. Both flights landed on time and the bus ride from Mexico City to Puebla was fun.
The house I am renting is real nice. The owners are on home leave, and they are renting the house for a very reasonable price. Their dogs are still here, so I get to take care of them. They are golden retrievers and we have already bonded.
The photograph was taken from the roof of the house. The two snow-capped volcanoes are Popo and Izta.
Praises
1. Was able to sell my car with positive equity
2. Much cooler weather in Mexico
Prayer Requests
1. For someone to lease my old apartment
2. Health and safety in Mexico
3. Beginning of the school year at Puebla Christian School
4. Support-raising
Have a great weekend!
In Christ,
Dave
The house I am renting is real nice. The owners are on home leave, and they are renting the house for a very reasonable price. Their dogs are still here, so I get to take care of them. They are golden retrievers and we have already bonded.
Praises
1. Was able to sell my car with positive equity
2. Much cooler weather in Mexico
Prayer Requests
1. For someone to lease my old apartment
2. Health and safety in Mexico
3. Beginning of the school year at Puebla Christian School
4. Support-raising
Have a great weekend!
In Christ,
Dave
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Bittersweet Day
This was a day of mixed emotions as I tendered my resignation after twelve years teaching at Granite Falls Middle school. The wonderful memories are too many to mention here. The teachers and students blessed me so many times over the years.
I moved to North Carolina in 1999 and did not know anybody. The staff at GFMS made me feel so welcome. Students made me laugh so many times and certainly kept me on my toes (and gave me my first gray hairs). I will certainly miss everyone at GFMS.
I ask for prayer for the following:
1) Health insurance in Mexico
2) Someone to buy my car
3) Someone to lease my apartment
4) Safety in Mexico
Take care and God bless,
Dave
I moved to North Carolina in 1999 and did not know anybody. The staff at GFMS made me feel so welcome. Students made me laugh so many times and certainly kept me on my toes (and gave me my first gray hairs). I will certainly miss everyone at GFMS.
I ask for prayer for the following:
1) Health insurance in Mexico
2) Someone to buy my car
3) Someone to lease my apartment
4) Safety in Mexico
Take care and God bless,
Dave
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Five Weeks
Hola! The last few days have been a time of rest and relaxation here in Pennsylvania. I drove up here Friday and will be here until July 25th. On Sunday I visited a wonderful church in Hanover where I ran into some old friends after the morning service. I especially enjoyed the evening service where the pastor spoke on the book of Ruth. Ruth's faith was quite inspiring since she was going into an unknown land.
It's only five short weeks before I head to Mexico for ten months. I've reached a point where I'm trusting God to supply all my needs while in Mexico. Many people have asked me about how much Spanish I know. First of all, English is used at Puebla Christian School, but knowing Spanish has its advantages. I consider myself a novice in Spanish, but I learn best when exposed to something. Obviously there will much exposure to the Spanish language while in Mexico.
Please continue to pray for things to work out so I can leave for Mexico in time to begin the school year.
Until next time, take care.
Dios te bendiga.
Dave
It's only five short weeks before I head to Mexico for ten months. I've reached a point where I'm trusting God to supply all my needs while in Mexico. Many people have asked me about how much Spanish I know. First of all, English is used at Puebla Christian School, but knowing Spanish has its advantages. I consider myself a novice in Spanish, but I learn best when exposed to something. Obviously there will much exposure to the Spanish language while in Mexico.
Please continue to pray for things to work out so I can leave for Mexico in time to begin the school year.
Until next time, take care.
Dios te bendiga.
Dave
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Fundraising Update - Help Needed
Happy 4th everyone!
A former student of mine wrote that to me when she found out that I plan on moving to Mexico to teach. This note came at a time when I had some serious doubt that the money would come in. This encouraged me NOT to give up because of the lives of young people I will impact in Mexico.
In an earlier post, I said that I still need to raise $300 per month, but I was wrong. The total is actually $600 per month. This mission is for a term of ten months with an option to go for another ten months. This $600 per month MUST be raised by August 17th or I will not be able to go Mexico and impact the lives of young people. Many wonderful people have already provided financial support - PRAISE THE LORD! Now I need to go outside my comfort zone and appeal for the rest of the support I need - $600 per month. Donations can be a one-time gift (to be divided by ten months) or a monthly gift. If God leads you to send a donation, please mail your gift to CAM International; 8625 La Prada Drive; Dallas, TX 75228.
A verse came to my mind as I was going through my struggles this week - Isaiah 55:8. "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD." This verse is a constant reminder that God is the one in control, not us.
I'm not sure what my July 4th plans are (I'm such a spontaneous person), but I hope yours bring you a good and safe time. Take care.
In Christ,
Dave
"You are doing a wonderful thing and those children will enjoy you as a teacher just as much as I did."
A former student of mine wrote that to me when she found out that I plan on moving to Mexico to teach. This note came at a time when I had some serious doubt that the money would come in. This encouraged me NOT to give up because of the lives of young people I will impact in Mexico.
In an earlier post, I said that I still need to raise $300 per month, but I was wrong. The total is actually $600 per month. This mission is for a term of ten months with an option to go for another ten months. This $600 per month MUST be raised by August 17th or I will not be able to go Mexico and impact the lives of young people. Many wonderful people have already provided financial support - PRAISE THE LORD! Now I need to go outside my comfort zone and appeal for the rest of the support I need - $600 per month. Donations can be a one-time gift (to be divided by ten months) or a monthly gift. If God leads you to send a donation, please mail your gift to CAM International; 8625 La Prada Drive; Dallas, TX 75228.
A verse came to my mind as I was going through my struggles this week - Isaiah 55:8. "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD." This verse is a constant reminder that God is the one in control, not us.
I'm not sure what my July 4th plans are (I'm such a spontaneous person), but I hope yours bring you a good and safe time. Take care.
In Christ,
Dave
Monday, June 27, 2011
Into the Unknown
Hola!
Earlier today I returned from a ten day trip to visit friends and share about my upcoming mission work in Mexico. My travels took me to Tennessee, Nebraska, and Ohio. Along the way I got to see many great sites including the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Creation Museum near Cincinnati. Each place left an impression on me, but the Gateway Arch was my favorite. The Arch symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. When Lewis and Clark explored the American West in 1803-1806, they did not know what they were going to encounter. The explorers faced many dangers, including freezing weather, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and disease. It would have been easy for them to stay behind in comfort, but the Lewis and Clark expedition went forward. Well, God wants us to go forward into the unknown. Yes, we will face dangers as we go. Paul faced imprisonment, shipwrecks, and beatings as he went forward. He left his life of comfort to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we go forward into the unknown, Jesus promises that He will be with us, however (Matthew 28:20).
Support-raising continues to go well. As of now, I still need to raise $250 per month for ten months before July 31st. If God leads you to support my ministry at Puebla Christian School financially, it can be done as a one-time gift or in monthly installments. Please send your financial gift to CAM International: 8625 La Prada Drive: Dallas, TX 75228 and include "David Keech - #084810" on the memo line. The check needs to be made out to "CAM International."
I ask for your prayers as August 17th nears. Please pray for someone to pick up the lease to my apartment. That will save me over $500. Also pray for someone to buy my car. Pray for those in Puebla who will be impacted through my ministry, especially students at PCS.
Until next time, have a great week and take care.
In Christ,
Dave
Earlier today I returned from a ten day trip to visit friends and share about my upcoming mission work in Mexico. My travels took me to Tennessee, Nebraska, and Ohio. Along the way I got to see many great sites including the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Creation Museum near Cincinnati. Each place left an impression on me, but the Gateway Arch was my favorite. The Arch symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. When Lewis and Clark explored the American West in 1803-1806, they did not know what they were going to encounter. The explorers faced many dangers, including freezing weather, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and disease. It would have been easy for them to stay behind in comfort, but the Lewis and Clark expedition went forward. Well, God wants us to go forward into the unknown. Yes, we will face dangers as we go. Paul faced imprisonment, shipwrecks, and beatings as he went forward. He left his life of comfort to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we go forward into the unknown, Jesus promises that He will be with us, however (Matthew 28:20).
Support-raising continues to go well. As of now, I still need to raise $250 per month for ten months before July 31st. If God leads you to support my ministry at Puebla Christian School financially, it can be done as a one-time gift or in monthly installments. Please send your financial gift to CAM International: 8625 La Prada Drive: Dallas, TX 75228 and include "David Keech - #084810" on the memo line. The check needs to be made out to "CAM International."
I ask for your prayers as August 17th nears. Please pray for someone to pick up the lease to my apartment. That will save me over $500. Also pray for someone to buy my car. Pray for those in Puebla who will be impacted through my ministry, especially students at PCS.
Until next time, have a great week and take care.
In Christ,
Dave
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Upcoming Trip
Greetings!
Summer is here! For me, it means that I can spend all my energy raising prayer and financial support. The financial situation is looking good with only $300 more in monthly support to raise. That means twelve families supporting my ministry at $25 per month.
On Saturday, I leave for a ten-day trip to visit friends in Tennessee, Nebraska, and Ohio. I will be speaking at a church in Tennessee on Sunday. Please pray for travel mercies and for the words to say on Sunday.
It would be great to have all my support raised by the end of July. August 17th is my planned departure date. If you feel led to give financially to my ministry, please make checks out to "CAM International" and write "David Keech #084810" on the memo line. Please mail to CAM International; 8625 La Prada Drive; Dallas, TX 75228.
I know many people are unable to give financially, but everyone can pray for my ministry, the children I will teach, and any disciples I can mentor in Mexico. Please also pray that I can learn more Spanish while in Mexico.
Have a great rest of the week and I look forward to sharing my experiences on my upcoming trip. Take care.
In Christ,
Dave
Summer is here! For me, it means that I can spend all my energy raising prayer and financial support. The financial situation is looking good with only $300 more in monthly support to raise. That means twelve families supporting my ministry at $25 per month.
On Saturday, I leave for a ten-day trip to visit friends in Tennessee, Nebraska, and Ohio. I will be speaking at a church in Tennessee on Sunday. Please pray for travel mercies and for the words to say on Sunday.
It would be great to have all my support raised by the end of July. August 17th is my planned departure date. If you feel led to give financially to my ministry, please make checks out to "CAM International" and write "David Keech #084810" on the memo line. Please mail to CAM International; 8625 La Prada Drive; Dallas, TX 75228.
I know many people are unable to give financially, but everyone can pray for my ministry, the children I will teach, and any disciples I can mentor in Mexico. Please also pray that I can learn more Spanish while in Mexico.
Have a great rest of the week and I look forward to sharing my experiences on my upcoming trip. Take care.
In Christ,
Dave
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog, Keechy's Mexico Blog. This blog will chronicle my adventures in Mexico as I teach at Puebla Christian School and make disciples in the city of Puebla. My target date to move to Mexico is August 17th. Much preparation is necessary before then.
I will be teaching 5th through 9th grade science at Puebla Christian School (PCS). PCS is a school for missionary children although there are Mexican nationals who attend. As I become more fluent in Spanish, there will be opportunities to impact the lives of more young people. The length of service in Mexico will be ten months with the option to serve another year or two.
To keep tuition costs at a minimum, PCS does not provide a salary to its teachers. Therefore I have to raise support. At this time, God has provided about a third of the monthly support I need. Over the next two months, over $700 must be raised. Next weekend, I will be heading on a support-raising trip to Tennessee and other places. Much of July will be spent in Pennsylvania working on support-raising.
I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has called me to serve in Puebla, but it will not happen without financial support. The financial support is not about me, but it's about the students at PCS and the young people in Mexico. What will your financial support ensure? First, missionary children will receive an education based on Biblical principles (Proverbs 22:6). Second, the lives of teenagers in Mexico will be impacted. I'm asking people to support my ministry in Mexico as God leads them. If you feel led to support my ministry financially, it can be done on a monthly basis or as a one-time gift. If 35 families give an average of $20 a month, the lives of young people in Mexico will be impacted for Jesus Christ. Please send financial gifts to CAM International; 8625 La Prada Drive; Dallas, TX 75228. Include "David Keech 084810" on the memo line and indicate whether it's a one-time gift or a monthly contribution.
More important than financial gifts, however, is prayer. Please pray for a willing heart to serve others, knowledge for the right things to say, safety, and a discerning heart for missions. Pray for travel mercies as I visit friends and families this summer.
I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences on this blog. May God use this blog to impact lives in a positive manner.
In Christ,
Dave
I will be teaching 5th through 9th grade science at Puebla Christian School (PCS). PCS is a school for missionary children although there are Mexican nationals who attend. As I become more fluent in Spanish, there will be opportunities to impact the lives of more young people. The length of service in Mexico will be ten months with the option to serve another year or two.
To keep tuition costs at a minimum, PCS does not provide a salary to its teachers. Therefore I have to raise support. At this time, God has provided about a third of the monthly support I need. Over the next two months, over $700 must be raised. Next weekend, I will be heading on a support-raising trip to Tennessee and other places. Much of July will be spent in Pennsylvania working on support-raising.
I know without a shadow of a doubt that God has called me to serve in Puebla, but it will not happen without financial support. The financial support is not about me, but it's about the students at PCS and the young people in Mexico. What will your financial support ensure? First, missionary children will receive an education based on Biblical principles (Proverbs 22:6). Second, the lives of teenagers in Mexico will be impacted. I'm asking people to support my ministry in Mexico as God leads them. If you feel led to support my ministry financially, it can be done on a monthly basis or as a one-time gift. If 35 families give an average of $20 a month, the lives of young people in Mexico will be impacted for Jesus Christ. Please send financial gifts to CAM International; 8625 La Prada Drive; Dallas, TX 75228. Include "David Keech 084810" on the memo line and indicate whether it's a one-time gift or a monthly contribution.
More important than financial gifts, however, is prayer. Please pray for a willing heart to serve others, knowledge for the right things to say, safety, and a discerning heart for missions. Pray for travel mercies as I visit friends and families this summer.
I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences on this blog. May God use this blog to impact lives in a positive manner.
In Christ,
Dave
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