Death, Grief & Beauty...

Trying to understand God’s timing or why things happen when they do, is a great and at times frustrating mystery.  To be fair, the bible does indicate that we really can’t, in our own strength or ability…

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

When difficult things happen it pushes us to press in closer to the Lord. It challenges us to lean not on our OWN understanding, but to completely trust in the Lord, placing our hope and faith in Him.

This past Sunday, a former student of our school and member of our church passed away.  Alejandro Meza Rivas was just 16 years old.  He battled with a rare heart condition for many years.  After countless doctor’s appointments, tests and long stays in hospitals, Alejandro made the list for a heart transplant.  He was taken to Monterrey to await his turn for a transplant.  Alejandro spoke with his mother, Rosa, one last time Sunday evening before passing away a few hours later.  His little heart just couldn’t take it anymore.  His older brother Dionicio was there with him when he passed.

On Wednesday, we were able to have his memorial service at our church.  What a difficult, emotional and yet special time it was, remembering and celebrating his life.  I had the opportunity to lead worship for the service.  What a powerful time it was to hear the voices of those grieving as they sang and cried out to the Lord for comfort. One of our pastors, Jose Nieves gave the message which was a wonderful reminder that Alejandro is in the presence of the Lord. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more heart condition!

Alejandro Meza Rivas is survived by his parents, Rosa and Ignacio and his siblings, Adrian, Dionicio, Rosita, Carmen, Ignacio Jr and Juan Pablo.  This dear family has been a part of our church for many years and it’s been amazing to see the love and support that has come both from our church, our school and the community.

Please pray for Alejandro’s family as they grieve and begin the new chapter without their son and brother. Please pray for our staff and students at our school who are also grieving his passing.

Thank you so very much….

Jason

Happy Thanksgiving...

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions growing up was the annual Sanchez family (and friends) Turkey Bowl.  A fierce, intense, and at times painful football game at some random park.  Two teams battling it for ultimate victory bragging rights. Afterwards usually included a Starbucks run and then of course, ibuprofen to help with the pain settling in.

The last Turkey bowl we were apart of was in Nashville a few years ago.  What a wonderful time gathering with my 2 brothers, their spouses and our daughters.  No sons, just 8 beautiful, strong and wonderful daughters.

I love Thanksgiving and have definitely missed certain traditions since moving down to Mexico.  Of course, this evening we will feast on turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, etc.  But the day, was business as usual.  Woke up early to drive the school bus and pick up students.  I taught my 5 music classes, the girls were in school, Jackie taught her usual kindergarten students and then it was time to take students home at 2:40.

Today was definitely extra special though.  As I watched our students and teachers working, studying, laughing, learning and playing, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness.  As I listened to my music students continue to practice and learn their Christmas Posada songs, my heart was blessed and encouraged.

What an amazing opportunity our team and staff of 14 have here to invest in the lives of these 95 students, their families and our community.  What a blessing it has been to have so many of you partner with us in prayer, financial contributions and visits.  Because of all the support we receive on a daily, monthly and yearly basis, we are able to continue are mission of caring for children, partnering with families and investing in our community.

So on this very special Thanksgiving Day, thank you to ALL OF YOU.  We love and appreciate you so very very much.  I pray and hope that your day has been special and filled with love, family, friends and gratitude.

Blessings to you all…

Jason

School, Golf, Music & Family...

This past Tuesday I returned from yet another wonderful, blessed and busy trip to the states.  It’s always challenging trying to catch up on all my work, meetings AND teaching my music class, after being gone.

Here at our school I oversee the jr high and high school music classes.  After a little bit of stress and anxiety in preparing for my four classes on Thursday, I was beautifully and emotionally reminded of why we do what we do, and really, why we started the school in the first place.  To see the lives of children and teens impacted, challenged and hopefully stirred to seek out their own faith and relationship with Jesus.

While I was away, my students had 2 assignments.  One was to read through 6 different passages in the bible and write about the theme, what they learned and how the verses spoke about worship.  The other assignment was watching a fantastic documentary (that I highly recommend) called the Jesus Music.  They then had to write a summary of what they learned on the evolution and history of Christian Music.

As I read through their papers and summaries, and reflected on the discussions we had in our coffee shop, I was absolutely blown away.  What a joy and pleasure to read through and listen to their thoughts, views, questions, and even vulnerability on what they learned.  I so appreciate these classes and continue to pray that God uses things like instruments, music, songs, creativity, bible stories, documentaries, etc to stir their hearts all the more.

Our school, wow, all I can say is wow.  I can’t believe we are a month and a half into the new year.  As many of you know this is our 2nd year since we started Centro Educativo Cristiano Bachiniva.  Our enrollment jumped from 53 students last year to an amazing 93 students AND we opened a high school.  That’s 93 kinder-high school students that we have the honor, privilege and responsibility to teach, train, encourage, love on and invest in.  We have an amazing team of teachers, cooks, drivers, cleaners and volunteers that help meet the needs of an ever growing school.

As our school continues to grow, so does the need and opportunity to travel to the states.  A big part of my job is to help spread the word, teach and share stories of all that is happening in Mexico.  That comes through a variety of ways like teaching at churches, speaking at schools, meetings with donors, helping run fundraisers, etc.   

Over the past 3 weeks I was in Seattle, Florida then back in Seattle (for 24 hours).  A huge part of those 2 trips were our annual House of Blessing Golf Tournaments.  We held one in Seattle on September 23rd, and another in Florida just this past weekend.  What a blessing it was to see the tremendous success that came as a result.  Between both tournaments, we had over 125 individuals that played, dozens of businesses and individuals that sponsored, volunteers that helped run smooth events, AND THEN…we raised over $24,000 for the school.  Absolutely Incredible!  A huge thank you to everyone that showed up, prayed for, donated or helped make these events so special. 

Last week while in Florida, I also had the opportunity to share at a few Christian Schoolsl.  I must admit I was pretty nervous as each school had over 350 students at their chapels services.  One of our desires here at our school is for our students to learn about things outside of Mexico. to expand their worldview, etc.  For example, before I left, I shared at our chapel service about my trip and speaking at schools.  Some of our students were amazed to hear that there are other Christian schools, like ours, in the United States and other parts of the word.  I recorded a video of our students saying hello to the schools in the Florida and then, recorded the schools saying hello back to our students.  So thankful for technology and ways to build relationships and friendships that transcend borders and countries. It was so great to share the videos this morning with our students at our chapel service.

Finally, I did briefly mention a 24 hour visit to Seattle.  This was something my siblings and I had been planning for our mom’s 70th birthday.  When you have siblings that live all over the US, and another country, it takes a lot of work to try to gather.  Well we did it, and it was literally for 24 hours.  I took a direct flight from Florida early Sunday morning, got picked up by my brothers and then we drove to meet our sisters and surprise our mom.  What an incredible time that was filled with stories, memories, laughter, tears, italian food and celebrating a most wonderful and beautiful woman!

Well, I think that is enough for now.  Next week, I look forward to sharing more about our school’s building project, mission trips and special ways for you and others to get more involved.

Until next time,