I stared at my husband in shock."You said we'd do what?!"

He gave me a patient, long-suffering look."I told her we'd host the September 16th party (Mexican Day of Independence; similar to our Fourth of July) for the First Baptist Church."

"But—but—how?" I stuttered.

"Don't worry.It's going to be a covered dish.They'll bring everything.We can set up tables outside in the driveway.Relax."

My eyes glazed over.Relax?"How many people are they anticipating?" I managed to gulp out.

"I have no idea.I doubt the whole church will come."

I did not relax.I'm the kind of person who likes to entertain small groups of people for intimate dinners.Eight to ten people are a nice comfortable number.Although the time we'd had 30 people over (one of the small churches), I'd risen to the occasion and managed to step out of my comfort zone.But to invite the ENTIRE First Baptist Church, a potential of 150+ people?I tried to rationalize it with God.

"Okay, God, yes you've blessed us with the opportunity to rent a large house with lots of space.We use it for the English worship on Sundays, to teach classes in English on Monday nights, for mid-week Bible studies, for baby showers and women's Christmas parties.But 150 people, God?C'mon!"

"Expand your territory, Joyce," God chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered."You won't be cleaning up the mess that's left behind."

I have a very honest relationship with God.No need to plaster on my gracious, smiling missionary face with him.He'd see right past it anyway!

The Saturday morning of the fiesta, the decorating crew showed up at 8:30 a.m.As the party was scheduled for 7 p.m., I thought this a TAD early, but I rolled out of bed and let them in.Interestingly enough, it was comprised mostly of adolescent boys and several men of the church.They strung red, white, and green streamers (Mexico's colors) down my driveway, hung balloons from my front porch, and set up tables and chairs.As an American, I probably would have accomplished this task in one hour because I would have had a whole list of Saturday chores.But they lingered for about four hours, chatting, laughing, enjoying each other's company.For me, it was a lesson about "being" with people.After they left, a light crew arrived.They crawled all over my roof (which is flat not sloped) stringing lights and electrical cords for a sound system.About 6:30 p.m., the decorating crew returned with white and green cloth tablecloths and centerpieces for the tables. This was a big deal!

Of course, few people were here at 7 p.m.This is Mexican Latino time!But by 8 p.m. people were arriving in droves.Soon, all the chairs and tables were full.Some men of the church disappeared to find more.Women were bringing platters of food and leaving them on the tables set up inside the house.There were 3 tables and they were soon overflowing with sumptuous smells: pozole, mole chicken, tostados, re-fried beans, salads, etc.I was going frantic in the kitchen scrounging up every serving spoon I owned.No one brought any!I also was finding anything that could be used as a tray to serve drinks.People don't run up to the drink cooler and help themselves.Everything is served.Not a bad idea as it contains crowd control and beverage consumption.

In our American culture, we would have eaten first, and had the program second.It's the reverse in Mexico.Hilarious, silly games were played.There was a contest to determine the best-tasting covered dish.There was a fashion show of all those in Mexican native dress.And a re-enactment of some of the historical personas this holiday honors.The day is famous for the grita (the yell) of "Viva México!" (Mexico Lives!), but when they as Christians also yelled "Viva Jesús!" (Jesus Lives!), I got tingles down my spine.

We ate about 10 p.m.And, because we now estimated that there was at least 150 people milling around, we gave up on the buffet idea and made up individual plates to serve so that we wouldn't run out of food.Believe it or not, we even had left-overs!By 11 p.m., people were packing up to go home.A crew stayed to help us clean up.Two women even mopped the floor!I was ready to fall at their feet and kiss them.At about 12:30 a.m., David and I collapsed into bed.

And, as I lay there, even though I was thoroughly exhausted, I was content.I was more than content.I felt joy.That deep-abiding joy that comes from a beautiful evening of fellowship and fun that was held together by the love of Christ.God had expanded my territory.And I'd not only survived, I'd flourished."But God," I insisted firmly, "I draw the line at 150 people!You hear me, God?"And I fell asleep smiling.

**Thank you for your support of the World Mission Offering.The First Baptist Church of La Paz is the largest church in the convention of Southern Baja.They have a strong vision for missions and have been very supportive of our ministry among them as your ABC missionaries.

By Joyce Anderson Reed