Scouting Report: Clearer Vision and Deeper Connections in Mexico City

Dear Manchaca UMC,

Recently, Pastor John and I set out on an exhilarating scouting trip to Mexico City to lay the groundwork for a potential youth mission trip next summer. Our goal was to explore the city, build relationships, and determine where our students can best serve and grow.

A curious moment happened before our plane even landed in Mexico City. As we looked out the window, the plane well above the clouds, I wondered aloud if we had already crossed the border into Mexico. Pastor John smiled and pointed out that we were actually flying over water — the Gulf of Mexico. That realization, like a physical structure in my mind dissolving, became the first of many moments on this trip when my longstanding assumptions shifted giving way to a deeper and more beautiful clarity.

Once on the ground, I perceived that Mexico City, the most populous city in North America, is a full-on sensory experience. At every turn, the hustle and bustle of traffic and pedestrians, the rich, inviting aroma of the local food, and the detailed character of the historic architecture demanded our attention. We experienced it all like true locals, navigating the city through every mode of transportation we could think of — bus, train, car, and on foot!

Of course, we wanted to ensure our future youth trip includes cultural immersion, so we spent time touring the city’s magnificent museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología and the Museo Nacional De Arte. The stunning exhibits in these museums offered an immersive look into Mexico City’s multifaceted history from early modern Aztec civilization through colonialism and beyond.

Our primary focus, however, was connecting with Iglesia Metodista "El Mesías,” a beautiful, local Methodist church in the heart of the city. We had the privilege and honor of joining them for Thursday night Bible study, Sunday morning worship, and Sunday evening youth group. Because Pastor John speaks Spanish fluently, he was able to immediately foster meaningful connections with the pastoral team, and the congregation made us feel right at home. It was such a huge blessing on this trip.

On Sunday we were particularly blessed by the incredible hospitality of one of the church’s young adults, Samuel. He became our guide and friend for the day, dining out with us for lunch, giving us a tour of the church facilities, and even accompanying us to the vibrant local markets to help me shop for souvenirs for my kids back home!

The pinnacle of our trip was Sunday night during youth group when once again cultural walls melted away. The youth group began singing a worship song, “Que Mi Vida Entera Esté.” Pastor John recognized it immediately, and in a spontaneous moment jumped on the piano and led the group in worship. Later, that energy continued as I went out on the court for a game of basketball with the youth group. Cultural barriers evaporated in favor of fun and friendly competition. I could easily picture our own youth ministry students on that exact court next summer in a beautiful vision of the global church.

We returned home inspired knowing we had made lifetime memories and deeply expectant for what God is going to do next summer. Thank you for your prayers as we traveled, and may the Holy Spirit guide us as we finalize the details of this upcoming mission.

Peace,

Jeff Mills

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Manchaca United Methodist Church