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Puerto Penasco Mexico Come Build Hope 2023 “to glorify GOD & enjoy Him forever”
Mexico 2023
Come Build HOPE
“ to glorify GOD & enjoy Him forever”
3 The Vision
4 Quick reference sheets
5 Important dates
6 Trip itinerary part 1
7 Trip itinerary part 2
8 Commonly asked questions
9 Packing list
10 Who we Partner with = (Ocean View Ministry)
11 Ocean View’s Mission and Vision
12 Mexico Don’ts
13 The Worksite
14 Trip Leader list and contact info
15 Safety Procedures
16 Check List, To Do’s and Timeline
17 Fundraising Scenarios
2
Come Build HOPE 2023
The VISION
“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the
brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against
him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in
deed and truth.” 1 John 3:16-18
Little children, let us not love with words but in deeds and in truth.
The true demonstration of our love for God is not found in idle words about our good intentions. God
teaches that a true love for Him is found in our willingness to love Him through serving others in real ways that
accomplish real things in people’s lives.
This is the essence of our trip to Mexico. Banding together with a group of people, giving of our
time, our treasures and ourselves to build homes for those less fortunate is one way we can obey God. It
honors God through loving those who have basic needs that aren’t being met.
It also gives us an opportunity to leave our comfort zones and enter into an environment where God
can speak into our hearts. For most people who go on the trip it is a “life changing” event. A time they
remember forever. Most people feel it is truly a time, which they have done something that will make a
difference in someone’s life. On mission trips like this, God usually takes an opportunity to address things in
our lives, which may be blocking our relationship with Him. He may use mission trips to jump start our prayer
life or to compel us to think about attitudes we may hold deep within. In short, we are called in God’s sacred
word to be like Jesus. Jesus told us “I came to serve and not be served.” In three short years, He lived out the
example He is calling us to emulate.
So, join us – a ragamuffin band of saintly sinners who want to grow in our faith through
serving God and others.
3
Quick Reference Sheet
Dates
Check-in: Friday March 24th - 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Important meeting following check-in: 7 – 8:30 p.m. (This will be the last time we
meet before departing. Your attendance is extremely important.)
Travel Dates: Saturday, March 25th – Sunday, March 26th
Co s t
Adults, Preteens, Teens (11 and older) $700
10 years and younger $400
• These costs cover transportation, meals while in Mexico, two nights of accommodations
at a hotel and pay for materials to build the homes.
• You will need travel money for about 4-6 meals, spending cash for the beach and other misc.
needs. It is good to have some dollar bills for local stores.
• You may need some money as a donation to accommodate the family’s desire for an
additional door or window
• Due to inflation in many materials markets, these prices may vary somewhat
Money due dates
February 5th $350 per person (non-refundable) - due at sign up meeting
March 5th $ Remaining balance DUE
Who can go?
• Any age can go
• You don’t have to be able to do construction like a pro
• You do have to be physically strong enough to endure four days of hard work
How will I get there and back?
Passenger vans and a few private vehicles
What will I do when I’m there?
Build a house in four days for people less fortunate.
Assist with campsite duties (cooking, dish washing, etc.)
Interact with the family for whom you are building the house through playing games, playing
soccer, jumping rope, playing with their children, and sharing your life with them.
4
2023 Spring Break Mission Trip – Puerto Penasco, Mexico
Trip Calendar “The GOOD LORD Willing”
Trip Publicity
Sunday, January 15th & 22nd - Information meetings, 11:30 a.m., at BVCC
Pre-Events, Meetings and Payments
# February 5th Sign up Meeting Sunday, 11:30am @BVCC
# Deposit money due $350 per person
(All Documents / Forms are due at the sign-up meeting)
(Forms available at Church info table or www.BVChristian.org/Mexico)
Feb 27th Final payment due
Contact donpilkington@msn.com for final payment amount
You will receive email reminders working up to this week
Actual TRIP
Fri., March 24th Packing & check in (5:30-6:45 p.m.) & Mandatory meeting (7-8 p.m.)
Sat., March 25th Advance Team leaves BVCC Saturday at 4 a.m.
Sun., March 26th All arrive and set up home, settle in, and fireside meeting
Mon.-Thur. 27th – 30th Build houses
Thur., March 30th Finish houses and present home
Fri., March 31st Depart back to Boulder
Fri., March 31st Stay the night in Motel
Sat., April 1st All to leave for Boulder (at roughly 6 a.m.)
Sun., April 16th Debrief – 11:30 @ BVCC (All trip participants should attend)
5
2023 Trip Itinerary
Now until leaving
ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE VIA EMAIL == CHECK YOUR EMAIL FREQUENTLY
You will be responsible to make your payments on time, attend meetings, go through the checklist and
pack necessary items for trip. Most importantly, prepare spiritually for trip through prayer, memorizing
trip verses and spending time with GOD daily. I truly believe the folks who DAILY seek HIM, read the
Word, and pray daily will be the ones who will get the most out of the trip.
Friday March 24th – CHECK IN NIGHT 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Bring all your gear: luggage, 1 gallon of water per person used for supplementing group water
supply
o Soft sided luggage works best for transport (i.e., large duffle)
o Families may want to consider using large trash bags to transport multiple sleeping bags,
bedding, etc. (Pack several items in a trash bag, wrap a few times w/ duct tape and then
label with your name.)
• Check in time will be from 5:30 – 6:45 pm = Everyone Should have check in completed by 6:45
• Your PASSPORTS will be due at check in. You will be asked to go home and get them in case you
forgot them
• Be sure to label your belongings clearly
CHECK IN MEETING: This will be the last time we meet before departing. Your attendance is extremely
important.
• At the meeting we will be introducing leaders
• You will be assigned a work team (be sure to remember your team assignment)
• Teams will gather for an introduction
Saturday, March 25th & Sunday, March 26th
• Saturday a.m. - All will leave for destination hotel around 6:00 a.m.
• We will be stopping for lunch on the road, and an occasional stop for drivers, etc.
• Everyone should be on your best behavior crossing the border - NO FOOLING AROUND, NO BAD JOKES
NO RADIOS, NO Sunglasses, ETC.
• Once we cross the border we will finish driving to Puerto and our place to stay.
• A meal will be served Sunday evening.
• Finally, we will have Worship and Praise time and prepare our hearts for what GOD will bring
forth during the week.
6
Monday, March 27th to Thursday, March 30th == Work days
Each morning we will wake up early, eat breakfast; take care of personal business, have a short prayer time,
and head to the worksite. The worksites will most likely be a 20–30-minute drive from where we stay.
• The first day, we will meet the family we are building a home for, level the ground, and pour
a concrete foundation, which is hand mixed. Lay out the walls, build walls, etc.
• The second day, we will build and put-up walls and work on the roof.
• The third day involves prepping the walls for stucco, finishing the roof and hopefully starting the
first layer of stucco.
• The fourth and final day involves finishing the second coat of stucco, buckling up the final details and
presenting the home to the family.
• A subtle warning, the week goes fast, make the most of it. Be sure to take time to connect with the
family and their neighbors.
Thursday, March 30th
• After the workday is finished, in the late afternoon, we will say our last goodbyes to the families and
spend our last night at where we stay. Goodbyes usually take a bit of time so prepare yourself for it.
Friday, March 31st
• Depart for our Motel
• We will spend Friday night at a motel
Saturday April 1st
• We will wake up early and leave the motel around 6 a.m. A sack breakfast will be ready as you load the
bus. We’ll stop 2 -3 times for meals on the road and hopefully arrive in Boulder between 10-12 p.m.
• Upon arrival, everyone will help unload buses, grab your gear and head home.
Sunday April 16th = Debrief at church 11:30 a.m.
7
Common Questions
Q: What documentation do I need for the border?
A: A Valid Passport
Q. Will I be able to make phone calls?
A: Only in the case of an emergency.
Q: Is Mexico a safe place? What are the risks?
A: The risks are no more/no less than what could be expected in heart of an American city. We will be on a
construction site, but every possible precaution will be taken, and a medical person will be available at each
worksite.
Q: Do we need shots?
A: If you have had an updated tetanus shot you should be OK.
Q: What if I need to go to the hospital?
A: Depending on the situation, we will arrange transport to USA medical facilities.
Q: Can we switch buses, worksites or motel rooms?
A: Not unless an adult leader asks you to switch.
Q: How much money do I need to bring?
A: Enough for about 7 meals on the road. Also, some extra funds for the possibility of fundraising for your
family.
Q: Will I be on the same team with my friends?
A: Maybe, but no guarantees. Teams will be divided to create fellowship and necessary manpower.
Q: I don’t have any construction experience ... can I still go?
A: Sure. Most of us don’t have any construction experience, but we get ‘er done.
Q: Do I need to know Spanish?
A: No, we will have interpreters to help with communication.
Q: Who is in Charge?
A: Don Pilkington is our trip leader. At the worksites, your Pastor is in charge.
Q: Can we explore the neighborhoods?
A: No. You can go to local stores, but only in groups of 3 or more (girls must have at least one adult male).
Q: Can I wear shorts and / or sleeveless shirts?
A: You cannot wear shorts or sleeveless shirts on the worksite, but you can at the campsite. Shoes are to be
worn at ALL times. A good rule of thumb is wear modest clothes at all times.
8
Mexico Packing List
Camp Site Toiletries On site Travel Bag (2x) Documentation
Backpack
*Sleeping Bag Shampoo Raincoat (optional) Depart trip Forms
Soap Shoes Travel Clothes DL License
Toothpaste Baseball hat Travel toiletries Money
*Pillow(s) Toilet Paper Brim Hat Paperwork / Forms
*Blanket Deodorant Hammer Snacks for trip
*Mattress Pad Soap (Liquid) Jacket Cell Phone
*Cot Imodium Knee Pads Cell phone charger Bible
(optional)
Dirty Clothes bag Purell Goggles PASSPORT
Towels Q Tips Backpack Copy of Passport
Water Bottle Skin Lotion Water Bottle
Sunscreen
Baby Wipes Lip balm Return trip
Shorts Purell TravelClothes
Travel Clothes
Shoes Toilet Paper TravelToiletries
Travel toiletries
Sweats Bandana
Sandals (shower) Baby Wipes
Swimsuit & coverup Work gloves (2x)
Snacks Sunglasses
Underwear
Socks
Shirts Long Sleeve
Shirts Short Sleeve
Flashlight
Headlight
Extra batteries
Kleenex
Gum
Snacks
Snacks
Jeans
Hot Drink Cup
** BRING MARKED ITEMS ONLY IF REQUESTED BY LEADERSHIP OR YOU DON’T WANT TO SHARE
A ROOM
9
Who we partner with
Over the past 20 some years we have partnered with AMOR ministries. We have had a
strong and fruitful relationship with their ministry. Covid brought about some changes in the
way they handle their groups and the local community. These changes were made with a
heart to protect their workers and the local communities they serve.
Through the years we have fostered many relationships and friendships in Puerto
Penasco community. With the new Amor stipulations, it would have stifled our connection in
the community. Thus, we have made a short-term decision to shift our partnership to
Oceanview Ministries.
Oceanview is a local ministry that serves whole-heartedly within Puerto. Ocean view
ministry is an energetic, free-spirited and compassionate ministry driven by GOD’s faith. They
have a passion to serve alongside others to help those in need, while sharing GOD’s word both
locally and internationally.
How Ocean View Started
In January 2015, Conrad (President of Ocean View) completed 4 years serving as a full
time volunteer with Weekend Missions, another missions group in Puerto. While serving
alongside Weekend Missions, Conrad was led in a different direction.
With no idea where he was going, Conrad prayed and asked GOD for guidance and
direction. GOD said, “Why don’t you take all I have given you, start a ministry, and keep doing
what you love to do most … serving ME and MY people?” At that time, Conrad had no money,
no place to live, but he did have faith, hope, and a love for all people.
In February 2015, Ocean View Ministries was born in the heart of Puerto Penasco
Sonora, Mexico overlooking the beautiful Sea of Cortez for all of GOD’s people.
With faith in GOD and the generous support of many people, we have established a
Mexican non-profit and have been hosting large and small groups. We have been serving
alongside the Puerto Community ever since.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you brethren, in view of GOD’s mercy to offer your bodies as a
living and holy sacrifice. This is your spiritual, (reasonable), service of worship.
V2 Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. So that you can test the will of God. His good, pleasing and perfect
will.Ocean View’s Mission & Vision
Ocean View ministry provides outreach and serving opportunities in the community of
Puerto Penasco Sonora, Mexico. Working with large and small Mission groups as well as
scheduled Mission trips throughout the year.
Our vision is that we are determined and committed to succeed in developing life long
relationships with local churches, community centers, rehab centers, schools, and athletic
team sports in the community of Puerto Penasco Sonora, Mexico.
To learn more about Ocean View Ministries go to:
Oc3an View Ministry | Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.
“One small step of obedience is worth 5 years of theological study”
“How can we ask such small things from a GOD who can do ALL things”
Our dependence on THE LORD is reflected in our DAILY walk:
• How we seek HIM daily
• How we thirst for GOD’s Word daily
• How we earnestly pray to HIM daily
“to glorify GOD & enjoy Him forever” 11Mexico Don’ts To be culturally sensitive in the communities where AMOR MINISTRIES works, the following is a list of DON’TS to keep in mind. Some or most of the suggestions may not be offensive to the family you build for, but these are safe limitations to set for a group. Don’t use Spanish phrases or words if you don’t understand what they mean A professional contractor was a part of a group that built a home for a family. He decided to use the Spanish that his Mexican foremen used when they spoke to their workers. He believed he was encouraging the family when he was speaking to them. A bilingual youth in his group finally pulled him aside on the last day and asked the contractor if he knew he was yelling obscenities at the family every time he spoke to them. Embarrassed, the contractor apologized profusely, via interpreter, to the family for most of the last work day. Don’t use the word “Estupido” It only means “Stupid” when translated into English, but it is considered profanity in the Mexican culture. Don’t play with animals in Mexico or “adopt” them and try to bring them home Registration and immunization is not required for animals in Mexico. No, this doesn’t mean that every animal has the Ebola virus or rabies. AMOR just wants groups to be aware of their surroundings. Don’t hand out candy, money, or toys in the communities, and please don’t throw any of these items from a moving vehicle The mission of AMOR MINISTRIES is to strengthen the local church in Mexico, and the local church only becomes stronger through the participation of their community. A Mission Trip group that hands out toys and candy in a community takes the focus off the local church. We also ask that groups don’t throw candy from their windows as they drive through the communities, because it is dangerous and demeaning. There are incidents of children coming too close to the cars and almost being run over just to get candy that has been thrown from car windows. There are two solutions to this distribution problem. Either the group can hold an outreach and hand these items out as part of a fun pack that can be taken home or they can give everything to an AMOR representative and it will be given to the Ministry Planning Board. This will put the focus back on the church, because the church has the resources, and distributes them according to need. Don’t pick up hitchhikers or even locals you have met during the week Mexican law states that the driver of the vehicle must pay for their passengers’ injuries if they are harmed in an auto accident. Don’t allow group members to ride in the back of pickups, trailers, or moving vans “Don’t drive an inch until everyone has a seatbelt on” is a good safety policy. Don’t knock on someone’s door to the tune “Shave-and-a-haircut-two-bits” It is extremely offensive, because the sequence says something derogatory about that person’s mother. We have a few rules which everyone is expected to follow. If someone chooses to disobey these guidelines they will be escorted to the airport and flown home at their expense. 12
The Worksite
Dress Code
•The worksite dress code is clothing that is culturally appropriate and will promote health and safety.
•A t-shirt, long pants, and a pair of shoes is the minimum dress code requirement for the worksite.
•For safety and cultural reasons, shorts, capris, sandals, short t-shirts and going shirtless are never allowed
on worksites. Shorts and going shirtless can be culturally unacceptable in the communities we work in and
often cast a negative image of the Church.
•Our pastors have specifically requested these requirements.
Supervision
•An adult leader needs to be at each worksite to make decisions, motivate, and discipline the group
when necessary.
Working at the site
•Each worksite can use approximately 15-22 workers, depending on the phase of the project.
•We strive to have groups with multiple worksites near each other, but this consideration is secondary to
the needs of the Mexican communities we serve.
•Encourage the family to work with your group.
•The goal of building, unfortunately, often surpasses the goal of ministry and service. Ministry to the people
of Mexico is much more than building!
•An average work schedule is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•The work day may begin no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and must conclude 1 hour before sunset or no later than
6 p.m. during summer months.
•The families we build for sometimes make personal requests for adjustments in the building plans.
•Materials
•Inventory all materials at the worksite. Ask the family where materials are stored.
•The quality of materials may vary. Sand may have dirt or big rocks in it. The lumber may be warped. Don’t
be alarmed ... be flexible. FLEXICO BABY!!
Final Tip: Please remind your group not to play with the animals in Mexico. Animals are not required to
be registered or immunized there, so the safest bet is to steer clear.
13Trip Leader List & Contact Info
Responsibility Person Contact Information
Trip Leader Don Pilkington donpilkington@msn.com
303-263-8233 (mobile)
Trip Administrator === Marguerite 720-635-5148
General Information
In Case of Emergency
Please contact Don Pilkington 303-263-8233 or Marguerite Mote 720-635-5148
Your patience is appreciated.
Non-emergency calls such as birthdays and announcements will not be delivered.
Discipline
Everyone participating in the Mexico trip is responsible for his/her actions. Discipline will
be handled by Trip leader, Don Pilkington.
In extreme cases of discipline, the participant will be sent home immediately. The parent(s) or
caretaker of the participant will be responsible for transportation and ALL expenses related to
the disciplinary action.
1
14Safety Procedure Update for Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico
These changes apply in only in Puerto Peñasco – NOT Tijuana, Baja California
We want you to know that Amor has always been proactive about safety matters.
For the past 34 years, Amor has worked hard to provide the best security and safety for all
individuals involved in our ministry. Amor considers the safety of our groups and team
members its first priority.
Everything we do regarding security and safety is preventative and proactive.
Amor has built a strong presence in Mexico over these past 34 years through excellent relations
with the local government, the police and the communities we serve. Because of these
relationships we are equipped to deal with any and all safety issues that might arise.
Guidelines for Increased Safety in Puerto Peñasco
We seek to provide groups with an Amor Mission Trip that supports the work of the local
church while allowing groups to have a rich, meaningful, and effective experience uniquely
designed by you.
In order to limit exposure to known risks, we ask that groups work within our outlined
recommendations to travel safely while in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.
Arrival & Going into Mexico:
Groups must arrive at the check-in prepared (i.e., fully fueled, possessing Mexican
insurance, and with completed paper work) to cross the border with enough time to get
from the meeting location to camp by dusk or 6 p.m., whichever is sooner.
Amor is recommending that groups travel to Puerto Peñasco in caravans or arrange an
escort to camp with their Mission Trip Coordinator at agreed upon times.
Changes in border procedures have increased wait times at Customs at the border.
Please off-load all donations and prohibited items at check-in to prevent delays or being
turned back. Clearance can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours before travel time to
camp. Please plan accordingly.
Returning to the U.S.:
Groups may request an Amor Representative to escort the group from camp/work site to
the border line.
Groups must leave camp/work site in order to arrive at the border line by 6 p.m. or dusk,
whichever is sooner.
In the event of an emergency requiring a trip to the U.S., an Amor representative will be
assigned to escort your vehicle(s) to the border
15Spring Break Mexico Trip
Participant Checklist & Timeline with Action Items
To stay up to speed with any changes and updates, please check your email regularly
____ All family members should read through info packet at least once
____ Mark calendar for dates
____ Attend Sign up meeting at 11:30 a.m., BVCC, Sunday, February 5th
# Turn in $350 non-refundable deposit at Meeting (do not submit in General
Giving)
# Turn in all forms
# Sign up on the volunteer sheet
____ Spend 15 minutes a day reading GOD’S Word and prayer
____ Work on memorizing Romans 12:1-2 and Mathew 5:16
____ Fast one meal a week at a minimum-
# Step out and fast one day a week
# Step up and fast for a three-day period
(Fasting is a discipline laid out for us in Scripture. It is a way of directing our attention and
dependence on GOD as our provider, our Creator and Redeemer.)
____ If you will be fundraising, you need to start ASAP (Final Payments are Due Feb. 27th)
____ Go through packing list by first week of March
____ Turn in remaining balance due Sunday, March 5th
____ Have Romans 12:1-2 and Matthew 5:16 memorized (You CAN do this!)
____ Check in Friday, March 24, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
____ Attend Check in Meeting, March 24, 7:00 p.m. (As this is the last time we will be together
before taking off for Mexico on Saturday, your attendance is extremely important.)
____ Attend Debrief Sunday, April 16, 11:30 a.m.
“to glorify GOD & enjoy Him forever”
Contact Information
Boulder Valley Christian Church
www.BVChristian.org
(303) 494.7748
Don Pilkington (Trip Leader)
donpilkington@msn.com
(303) 263.8233
16Fund Raising Information
Thank you for your interest in raising funds for the Mexico trip. This document is to help
everyone understand exactly how the funds raised will be handled.
These scenarios only address the deposit amount. Full amount is $700
Scenario one: $350.00 (personal payment due by Feb 5th )
$250.00 (funds raised)
$ 100.00 ( balance due March 5th )
Scenario two: $350.00 (personal payment due by Feb. 5th )
$ 80.00 (funds raised)
$270.00 (due by March 5th )
Scenario three: $350.00 (personal payment due by Feb. 5th)
$300.00 (funds raised)
$50.00 (Due March 5th)
NOTE: All participants will be responsible for their meals on the road to and from Puerto Penasco
regardless of the amount paid and raised.
Payments due will be calculated as of March 1.
The trip leaders feel that this is a vehicle whereby we can allow a blessing to flow to the
donator, when they are not able to make the trip with us.
Also, the shaping of lives takes place when participants take the initiative to reach out to friends and
family in a responsible manner and the donor can see the benefit through growth in the participating
individual.
17You can also read
