Written by: Christopher Klotz
 
Each night, someone attempts the impossible task of putting in words all that the Lord allowed this team to experience in a day. Tonight, it's my honor to share a small glimpse of how amazingly incredible God is!
 
Today was the first day that we were able to experience Camp Baja. As the van rolled up to this 12-acre property out in the middle of nowhere, the song blasting out the speakers couldn't have been more fitting. "I will sing of all you've done. I'll remember how far you've carried me. From beginning until the end, you are faithful, faithful to the end." We were realizing as we stepped foot on this sacred ground that today we got to see, feel, and experience years of people's prayers, tears, hard work, dreams, obedience, vision, sacrifice and ultimately the faithfulness of God in allowing Baja Missions to purchase this beautiful land. 
 
The vision of this property is to be used for a church retreat center, sports complex and assisted living facility. They currently have several buildings constructed, a large cross as the centerpiece of the property, and of course the basketball courts are completed. I am grateful we were able to see Camp Baja today in it's beginning stages, and were able to spend time praying over the land, knowing that God is going to use this place to grow His Kingdom! 
 
The team jumped right in and painted one of the fully constructed buildings. The bright blue color on the building could be seen from miles away (which the cross-country girls confirmed as they also got their run in this morning… I see you Coach Polk). Halfway through painting, all of the teens from the local church that we connected with yesterday showed up to help complete the task. They said they were coming to help paint, but really, both groups were just so excited to see each other. It is the kindness of God to allow our team to continue building deep relationships with the teens from church. 
 
One purpose for our team is to paint everything we do with LOVE (this week and always), and wow, is it fun to watch how Nick, Caroline, Logan, Liza, Aly, Spencer, Anna, Panfilo, Grace, Allena, Mackenzie, Pilar and Jessie are living this out! It is beautiful to watch our team connect with people in their own unique ways and see the love of God pouring out of them!
 
After lunch and completing the painting project, the entire group explored the property which created several unforgettable moments including some suspect navigating through the marsh water, Nick Dang physically lifting children from 1 side of the creek to the other, and lots and lots of laughter. Through group games, nail polish, basketball, painting, volleyball, dancing, reading the Bible and intentional conversations, it is truly remarkable to see how The Lord allows people from different countries, and cultures and languages to form relationships in such short time. 
 
This evening we were able to go to church where our new friends attend and being able to worship together was such a gift. As hearts were declaring the goodness of God, many of our team members were drawn to tears at the whole-hearted nature of worship this community was engaged in. It is also extremely powerful to recognize that amidst any differences one could come up with, we were all worshiping the same King! 
 
Logan and I had the privilege of preaching to the congregation, while the rest of the group ran the children's class. Caroline "The Hammer" Stogner delivered a stellar message and the team ran several games and activities. Logan and I weren't able to see the chaos, I mean the glory, but from the looks on the kids faces after the service, it was evident that was the best hour of their week! From the look on our team's faces, I would say the same. 
 
After dinner, we spent the evening processing the day, worshiping, sharing, laughing, speaking words of life into one another, sharing testimony, and the tears could not stop flowing. The ministry of tears is a real thing, and tonight, the Spirit of God did some amazing work! One team member shared their story, and it was incredible! The purposes and power of God were so fun to listen to. God is transforming lives, and there is nothing more amazing than knowing Jesus, and making Jesus known. 
 
We were living into 1 Peter 2:9 that reads, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
 
The way this team has poured themselves out, bonded together, and committed their whole hearts to serving the Lord has been incredibly exhausting, yet exhilarating beyond what words can express. 
 
After hours of reflection and joyful tears late into the night, I gently reminded the group that we left Nashville on Monday, and today is Wednesday… DAY THREE! How is that even possible? 
 
There is truly only one explanation for what we have experienced over the last three days. THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS ALIVE!!!
 
Thank you for your prayers! Thank you for following along with the daily recaps! Thank you for loving, supporting, caring for, and investing in what God is doing in and through this team!  WE LOVE YOU!! Te Amo!!!