That’s a question we are often asked. And we love it because we’re excited that someone is watching our videos and interested in what’s happening next!
THE BACK STORY
Back in January, we went to shoot some videos for Family Missions Company in Louisiana. As we mentioned in the video, we left our house without looking up directions and basically just threw our gear in the car and headed south. As it usually happens on our trips, we arrived to this unfamiliar place in the bayou after dark. Luckily our friend’s sister was down there training for her upcoming full-time mission post, so we at least had a somewhat familiar face to welcome us. It was even colder than it was in St Louis and we actually stayed in a small camper outside because they had so many missionaries training at that time and they ran out of space. Despite all of that, we’re so glad we went down there because we met some of the most genuine and joyful people who dedicate themselves to serving others & spreading the gospel in some of the poorest communities across the globe. We left there inspired and ready to find a mission trip that was right for us.
WE’RE HEADED TO...
We leave in about a month for a medical mission trip in General Cepeda, Mexico! Even though we’ve paid for the mission trip in full, we’re inviting people into our story. If you’d like to give to this wonderful but very poor community, feel free to donate. Your tax-deductible donation will go directly to serve and give hope those in need.
** Scroll down and follow the link below to donate **
WHAT WILL WE BE DOING THERE & Who are we serving?
Theresa is a pharmacist so she will be working on more of the medical side of things and Lucian will be doing work projects (he’s great at building and fixing just about anything). We’ll also be shooting some videos, and visiting and praying with the local community.
Most people in General Cepeda live in small adobe homes comprised of one or two rooms, where immediate and extended family live together. The total population, including the 40+ villages and main city, is about 11,000+. There are also full-time missionaries from FMC permanently living there. The two major disease states in this area are high blood pressure and diabetes. The community does not have access to good, consistent medical care so we will be gathering/purchasing blood glucose monitors, test strips, medical supplies, personal hygiene products, and educational materials. Theresa will be focused mainly on teaching the people in hopes they will be able to manage their conditions despite their limited resources.
Family Missions Company is a Catholic organization, so the mission trip is also very much focused on prayer and spreading the gospel through our service. They take Jesus’ Great Commission seriously, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation.” - Mark 16:15. We will also be buying bibles to bring with us for the full-time missionaries to use and give to the locals.
WHY DONATE? And How do I donate?
One of our training materials for the mission trip taught us, “unity comes in finding the common good.” The heart of the common good is love and service. It is through serving others that we can unite ourselves to one another. And that’s good news, because all of us desire unity. We invite you into this mission trip with us so we can deepen the connections between our shared humanity. In other words, as we serve the poor, you’ll serve them too.
** To DONATE and learn more about FMC Follow These Steps: **
- Follow the link: https://www.familymissionscompany.com/sponsor-a-missionary/
- Select “Make a donation toward someone else's trip.”
- Mission Trip Participant: Lucian & Theresa Matoushek
- Mission Trip: Mexico - General Cepeda 8/11/18 (pick the correct date!!)
- Fill out the rest of your info.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
Alison, one of the full time missionaries in General Cepeda, has started an Etsy shop selling handmade bracelets and purses made by the women of the town. It is providing them with above average pay for their work. They are especially focusing on Kilometer 64 - aka KM64 - a local ejido (an impoverished community off of a town) that is known for prostitution. Some of the women of KM64 have already started to make products for Espero. Learn more and buy something from these beautiful women! Check out the EsperoWomen shop on Etsy and see more on their Instagram.
Of course, we are always especially thankful for your prayers. We’ll keep you posted on the mission trip and we look forward to sharing our experience when we get home.
Peace!
Lucian & Theresa
