A Pelican's View: Mexico

Matt Pfingsten, founder and president of Praying Pelican Missions, loaded up his three dogs and drove from Duluth, Minnesota to Telchac Puerto, Mexico. Here are the updates of what he and his family are experiencing while living there:

Hi everyone,
The whole family has arrived safe and sound here in Telchac Puerto, Mexico.  After a 5 day road trip from Minnesota all the way through the heart of Mexico with our 3 pups, it was good to see my family arrive at the Merida airport.  We're really looking forward to having some quality family time and getting some new projects going that involve life at PPM.  I'm personally excited to be here, but am a little sad that the first drive through Mexico is already finished.  Driving over the border in Texas and then through the cities of Saltillo, San Luis Potosi, Mexico City, Puebla, Villahermosa, and finally through Merida made for a wonderful adventure.  I've always enjoyed the warmth of the Mexican people and knew the country was beautiful, but my journey with the dogs really emphasized it all the way through.  What a beautiful place to live!  The next few weeks here are going to be a special opportunity to live in an authentic fishing town and just "do life" with a Mexican community.  I'm excited to work, play, and spend time quieting myself to hear God's voice of direction for our lives and what He is up to in and around PPM.

Hasta pronto, amigos.
Matt and Gina Pfingsten (and family!)

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

  Matt, Gina & Elijah

  On the way to Saltillo

  Dogs making friends at the gas station

Perspective of a Missionary in Haiti

 I asked Jim, our country coordinator of missions in Haiti, to answer questions many seem to have about the country:

We have heard all about the struggles facing Haiti today. The earthquake, cholera outbreak, difficulties in the elections. What are some other conflicts that Haiti faces that aren't portrayed in the media?

2010 was especially hard for Haiti and the media picked up on that.  What is difficult to grasp for many is that the country of Haiti was in dire need of assistance even before the events of 2010 happened.  What happened this past year has only added another mountain to the enormous struggles that Haitians faces on a day to day bases.   Curruption, unsanitary living conditions, and low wages are just a few of the obstacles standing in the way. 

 

What about the negative attention that some NGOs are getting? What is the reason for the negative attention? What can be done about this?

With 10,000 NGO's operating in Haiti, it is easy to see why some Haitians may be frustrated that their situation has not changed.  Undoubtedly, some organizations or groups have gone about things the wrong way with good intentions.  However, there are many organizations that are doing great work in Haiti and are being received with open arms by the local people.  It is important for an organization to develop partnerships with Haitians, giving them authority and coming under their guidance.  As much as we can think we know Haiti, we will never know it like a Haitian does.  To try and step in and do "our thing" will only further the tension between the Haitian people and the people that are trying to help. 

 

What is your strategy for doing work in a country like Haiti that has seemingly insurmountable problems?

If you come on a mission trip to Haiti with Praying Pelican Missions you will see that everything is done under the authority of the local pastor and the local church.  I believe it is essential to create a lasting and trustworthy partnership with local pastors who can then guide the ministry of PPM.  What I always tell my teams is that it's not our ministry, it's the local churches ministry.  We are best used when we come under their ministry to assist and encourage them in what they are already doing.  They will be there long after we are gone and they are the future of Haiti. 

 

How has the organization been received in Haiti?

Praying Pelican Missions has been received with open arms and amazing hospitality. We are blessed to have partnerships with pastors such as Pastor Sampson who has guided our ministry in the community of Carrefour.  We look forward to developing additional partnerships with pastors and can't wait to see where God leads. 

Can one individual make a difference in a place like Haiti?

Absolutely.  I heard multiple "this is why I'm here" stories this past year talking about how God used them in ways they couldn't imagine. The question isn't "can God use me?," it's "did God call me?"  If the answer is yes, then you better go. 

 

How today’s economy is affecting the church and missions

Over the past few years our economy has seen some tough times. Car dealerships, realtors, restaurants, stores, and banks are going under. The downturn in our economy is affecting nearly everyone to some degree. The importance and reliance on the American dollar in our culture makes this a struggle for some and an emergency for others. It can be expected then, that the American church is not exempt from the wave of recession flooding our culture.
 
A George Barna study was published in January and February of 2010 covering the implications that our economic struggle has on the church. Take a look a the numbers:

• Three out of four adults say that they have personally affected by this economy
• 48% of adults have reduced their giving to non-profits (excluding churches)
• 29% of adults have reduced their giving to churches
• 1/4 of those who reduced their giving to churches, reduced it by 20% or more

The church is not exempt from the hard financial situation in America. Many pastors and leaders are being laid off or asked to find other jobs simply because the church cannot pay their employees. With less giving comes less money for operations, payroll and ministries. It should be recognized that money does not drive the church, love does. With that said, most churches rely on tithes and giving to support their leaders, pay off church buildings, pay bills, and fund effective and much needed ministries, such as mission trips. Many churches are using new and fresh ways of fundraising to support the life impacting mission trips that they send their members on.
 
The study offers this advise, already learned by many churches out of necessity and experience:
“The implication is that church and non-profit leaders should prepare for another lean year. Response to this reality suggests avoiding high-risk and untested fundraising efforts and communicating effectively with constituents. In addition, consider proactive financial management, including adjusting income expectations. Avoid using traditional financial projections as reluctant donors are likely to cut back on the number of organizations and frequency of their support. One of the fundamentals is relentlessly addressing six donor motivations including: operating efficiently, featuring the compelling cause at the core of your work, communicating the urgency of the need, nurturing personal relationships with donors, demonstrating transformational impact, and helping contributors feel a sense of personal benefit from giving. These appear to be as important as ever as donors scale back their giving.”

Information gathered from:
www.barna.org

Unity on the Missions Field

It’s not like we don’t want unity of the missions field. It’s definitely something everyone strives for. But....when it’s 95 degrees out and there’s lots of work to accomplish and kids running around everywhere and the soccer balls are nowhere to be found and suddenly coconuts are being used as water balloons...
Being unified and patient with one another may start to take a backseat.

It’s easy to get distracted and lose focus during a trip. God gives us all unique talents and passions. It’s a great thing! But as we come together as a body, sometimes those differences begin to get in the way of what God wants us to accomplish.

What does scripture say about this?

Ephesians 4:4-6
The Message Translation
“You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.”

Even in the midst of a crazy day, when remaining unified with others seems like it can just wait for the nightly meeting, remember why you are on the missions field. Our heart is to lift up and encourage the local churches. Part of this mission means being an example. As we practice unity within our own missions team, we are loving one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.