Melonie’s Message

My son, Dillon and I are having a wonderful experience here in Calunasan Sur.  It seems almost bitter sweet.  It’s difficult to see people who do not have enough food for their family or who cannot afford medical services.  Yet the people here in the barrio that we have met have welcomed us with open arms and showed God’s love.  Today, during our second day of painting at the school, we were able to spend two hours during recesses with the children.  We had so much fun but were so exhausted that we needed to go back to work painting just to catch our breath!

I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with Inday Bernaldez.  Her two oldest children are the same age as mine.  We’ve enjoyed talking about the similarities and differences between our children and our cultures.  She has become a good friend!  She has also been a valuable interpreter when I needed to go to the hospital for a tetanus shot after cutting my foot while painting Saturday.  She even looked out for me getting through town on foot through all this crazy traffic!  She is a blessing.  The school is lucky to have her as one of their teachers.  We have talked about the school and how it is expensive to provide the most basic supplies for the children.  Montana on a Mission is such a wonderful resource for the school and the children here in the barrio.  How important it will be for MOM to continue to grow the services here.

I was talking on Facebook with a young friend earlier today about coming on this mission trip.  When he was excited to ask about our experiences I asked him whether he had ever gone on a mission trip.  He said no because he didn’t think he would be the best person to minister to people yet.  He wasn’t "ready".  I think many people have that reservation about missions assuming that you have to be able to perform like a Pastor.  But so many in our missions group are just "serving" by taking the leap outside their comfort zone into a country so different then their own with the simple, but oh so important, goal to spread God’s love.

Sincerely,
Melonie J. Beeler
Glendive Evangelical Church member