I thank my God every time I remember you.In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.(Philippians 1:3-6)

On Wednesday evening, June 5, 2002, members of the Second Baptist Church in La Paz, Principe de Paz (Prince of Peace), and youth from the Cordova Community Baptist Church, Cordova, Alaska, gathered to say goodbye to each other.Fifteen youth and their pastor John Harding had come for 10 days to give of their time and of themselves.One crew painted the entire sanctuary, baptismal area, and entryway of the church, plus a large majority of the outside of the building as well.They also painted the iron grille fence and cement wall outside the church.Another crew put a new roof and poured a cement floor at this church's tiny mission. Below read comments of how this interaction between Mexicans and Americans changed people's lives.

The Bible tells us that we are all one in the body of Christ.You have become my friends.I will miss you.(Pastor Hernando)

We have been blessed by these young people.May God continue to work through their lives. (Maria, church member)

You have encouraged and motivated us by your willingness to come.(Jorge, deacon)

I thank God that you came.I saw God working through you.(Carlos, deacon)

What I learned was that when you try to help other people, you get a lot of help yourself.I think that after experiencing all of this, I am a better and more secure person.I learned that just because you are poor, it doesn't mean that you are spiritually different than those that are rich.And last but not least, I learned to stick with something and God will find a way.(Brian Behrends, age 14)

I learned a lot about love on this trip.The little kids at the church who helped us paint and who at other times just hung out were awesome, and I learned to love each one.Even though we didn't speak the same language they taught important lessons to me about how often I tend to put myself ahead of everyone else who has less money or material things.I imagined I would come here, give them things and money, and that then they would be "richer."But instead they were the ones to give to me, and by their actions, their friendship, and their love I have become richer than ever.The love I have from these people has also encouraged me to be a better person and to give more of myself to those less fortunate.I want to spread God's love to all I meet. (Rene Welty, age 14)

What I learned was that not everybody is middle class.I looked on that handout that the preacher gave us.It had stuff about retired pastors and what they're living like.They aren't even lower class—it's worse.I also learned to put SPC 50 sunblock on every 10 minutes!(Tim Fisher, age 15)

The biggest thing I learned was that I can make a difference or a change in anyone or anywhere if I just set my mind to it.The most amazing thing was how all the little kids came to church just because of us.The hardest thing was accepting myself for who I am and allowing God to take control of my life.I will always remember how much this trip has made me grow and how it strengthened my faith.(Rachel K. age 15)

I learned that God plays such a powerful role in everyone's life.This trip opened my heart to God and I've also learned what he can do in my life when I let him.I think the most amazing thing was the people and how much they appreciated what we did.I know now that we didn't just paint a church.The hardest thing was leaving to go home.But I know this place and what happened here will be in my heart forever.I will always remember the people I have met here.How they were so loving and accepting of us.How I felt so at home in the church and how this trip has changed me.(Kristina Kaye Maxwell)

Life has a way of making things happen that are unexpected.When I first got to Mexico I thought I was going to work.I didn't expect to make so many friends.Because of this, I became very emotional when we had to leave.This trip was very touching to me.(Stephen Fisher, age 16)

What I learned was that even if a culture's people are physically poor, their people are much stronger in their faith.I was amazed at how strong the Mexican people were in their faith.(Caleb Nichols, age 17)

What I will always remember is how we touched the Mexicans and how we also were touched.It was an amazing thing that we did and I will never forget the impact that affected everyone.(Jessica Kelley, age 17)

What I learned on this trip and what I hope I will always remember is that God is a BIG God.That He works in amazing ways through people and for people.He is an awesome God!I will always remember the wonderful people we met on this trip and the lasting friendships we made with the people at the church."Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them."(Sarah Welty, age 17)

I learned some of the ways that the U.S. culture is different than Mexican culture.I also learned that La Paz residents aren't too much different than Cordovans.(Tara Anderson, age 17)

One never truly understands how much one has until one sees the state of others who have less.I learned that I have more to give than I realized.I also have begun to understand that one does not only have material wealth, one has riches beyond compare in relationships with other people and with God.This time spent giving of my time has really benefited me much more than anyone could ever realize.I thank God for giving me this opportunity.(Erika Behrends, age 17)

The most amazing thing is that when I came on this trip something changed about me, and it seems to be a lot better than before.(Jimmy A. Lawler, age 18)

The most amazing thing was our interaction with the Mexican people.It didn't matter that most of us couldn't speak Spanish, our actions were our way of communicating.And that being here in La Paz probably meant more to the church people than the painting we did or the concrete floor we poured.From what I understood, our presence was an inspiration to them. (Carissa Zahler, age 18)

The most amazing thing was watching my sisters grow and change from this experience.All of my prayers—for as long as I can remember—were answered on this trip by watching Jessie and most especially Kristine grow closer to the Lord and find themselves.(Tiffany Kelley, age 20)

The most amazing thing was the members of the church.All of them were wonderfully kind, loving, accepting, and hard working.Through this all, they let shine through the love of Christ.I could see His presence in their lives.I look forward to spending eternity with these wonderful people very much.We will truly worship God, every nation, tribe and tongue.(Katie Kritchen, age 24)

David B. Reed