Men's Trip Testimonials
Tony and Friend's thoughts
HeroMakers Day 6 - Jan 9, 2012
Jess Acosta
This morning Curt gave an inspirational devotion which he started with the song “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.” At Angeles Del Dios home guys put up walls in the classroom building and framed to other additions for two other buildings. Big “Grande” Al’s team started tiling showers at the Esperanza Viva home. Tony, not realizing his own strength, hammered holes in the shower walls. Some kids at the home (Jesus, George, and Luis) eagerly worked all day with us tearing old tile out and sawing the new tile to fit.
Noche
The night was a blast. We had burgers with the kids from Esperanza Viva. There was Jeff Alton showing the kids how to dance to Mexican Christian Rap music. Tony also broke out some dance moves he said he had been saving since his wedding. Then not to be out done, Tony’s Dad bust a move. Rob, Jarod, and Steve played indoor football with the kids as well. Our friend Armando turned into the Snake King from the movie Courageous. It was hilarious. The humor translated and Armando got the joke which was cool. He could have played that role in the movie. He was spot on.
The kids are incredibly happy kids who like music, dancing, sports, and eating 10 Oreo cookies in a row just like American kids. It was a good day. Everyone is ready for some sleep except The IT Committee (Jeff Park, Steve, and Tony) who don’t sleep.
HeroMakers Day 5 - Jan 8, 2012
It can’t get any better on a Hero Holiday to sleep in as wake is 7:30 this morning and sun is up and the chill in the air on the previous days is gone.
Breakfast was a wonderful hot breakfast of scrambled eggs with sausage and peppers and a heartfelt thanks to Carl and the rest of the meal crew.
Pastor Greg had the devotional today on the Sunday day of rest. Greg spoke about our legacy and how generational sins are transferred from our forefathers. Greg asks what generational sins have been past to us and what influence has this had on our lives. Greg spoke about how God has provided us with the opportunity to be rescued for our generational sins just as the Jews as described in Exodus 20.
Today was filled with opportunities for rest and reflection as many Hero Men took an opportunity to connect with others.
The Hero men all came back together for a time to speak as a group about the morning devotional, movie and other aspects of their Spiritual growth through this trip and the close fellowship with others over the past week.
After dinner the Hero men began a meeting that was abruptly halted when U.B Guilty, the presiding Judge, arrived to officially begin court. Several well deserved fines where given for major offences included insubordination, improper t-shirts and inappropriate sleep attire. Bob Baucom, my father, was fined for inflammatory and libelous comments made in regard to some type of unsubstantiated maltreatment, I paid the fine as the poor man is one a fixed income!
Beginning of a busy day tomorrow so good night and all my thanks to all the families for giving us this opportunity and a special thanks to my lovely wife Patricia and my kids, Ash, Hannah, Maddie and Amanda for making this time an opportunity to remember my love for them and to never let go of an opportunity to dance with them.
HeroMakers Day 4 - Jan 7, 2012
Today was a strange and busy day. With our expected delivery of concrete for the several additions to the orphanage we are also building the school house for we skipped our normal schedule.
With a quick breakfast the Hero men rushed out to the job site hoping we could beat the cement trucks. Working like a great team the job was finished just in time to wait for two hours for the tardy truck.
Finally cement arrived and the slabs were formed. Soon two homes, a boys home and girls home will have a place for house parents. This was hard work moving the very firm Mexican soil, measuring and rebar bending and tying.
Work was also being done in the school room with the center wall, top plates and electrical outlets being installed. Oh plus a new project to build a shed around a water pipe.
At the end of the work day a bunch of tired Hero men returned for a great BBQ sandwich, bean and potato salad. After dinner we had our normal morning Praise and Worship lead by Jeff Park. Jeff continued in the series with a question on “what is our apple”, meaning what causes us to stumble. Jeff challenged us to find our apple.
Wade Leachner followed with the daily devotional speaking about how though the relationships he has fostered with those at the church real changes have been made within him and his family. These positive changes have driven Wade to reach out to others to bring them to God, Christ, Church and HeroMakers. Great Job Wade and thanks to Andy Buck for bringing Wade to our family!
That should have been it but for the opportunity to watch a great movie at “Hero Movie Night” We were blessed to see an advanced copy of “Courageous” and anyone reading this MUST watch this movie. What a great example of living as Christians and our responsibility as fathers and husbands. All were touched by this great movie.
HeroMakers Day 3 - Jan 6, 2012
The morning has come and we start another day with breakfast, praise and worship and devotional by Wade Wright.
Wade spoke about how we are saved by God’s forgiveness and love. That through our honesty and humility we must first better ourselves to permit us to better serve others. Wade recommended a book, Calvary Road, given to him as a gift from his lovely wife that helps us down the path to where He intends us to be.
Joey Montague
Today was a great day for us all. It’s safe to say that everyone worked hard. We made a lot of progress on the house additions, digging many trenches to get ready to pour the foundations tomorrow. We spent much time building wooden forms for the concrete as well as cutting into and working around those oh so fragrant septic lines!
Many of the guys have also been working on their new school building. They’ve been installing metal siding and roofing while framing the walls on the inside of the structure. The metal building is really starting to look like a finished product on the outside. It’s exciting to see the projects coming together.
This evening we had the opportunity to spend dinner with the children at Living Hope Children’s Home. Despite our tired and achy muscles we all had a great time with the children trying to communicate with them and get to know them better. Every time I see these children’s homes I’m amazed with what God is doing there. I can’t help but feel God’s love and his presence. Just seeing what God has already done only reaffirms me of why we are here. I know that we are here to be a blessing to them, but they have been a tremendous blessing for me personally and I’m sure for all of the men.
I love these trips because they really give me a better perspective of the world and how blessed I am compared to many people.
HeroMakers Day 2 - Jan 5, 2012
Rob Ewing provided the morning testimonial speaking about getting to know God. Rob challenged us to fully understand and live Holy and imitate Christ our Lord and Savior though the Word and that all should read and remember His Word.
Rob spoke about the Holiness of God and living in our unholy world. That we have choice about what we put into our lives and that God’s desire is that we give all of ourselves to him. That through our actions God’s will, will be done.
In conclusion Rob spoke about how far he would go for God and contrasted that with how far God has gone and will go for all of us if only we let him.
The Hero men prepared for the days construction work today at Angels of God children’s home. Several projects include two additions on children’s homes to accommodate house families. The problem is ensuring that well qualified people are able to provide support and fellowship with the children, but having no place for their own children. This project will permit these children to live with their parents! Pastor Greg and his son Joey worked on the prep digging and relocation of some utilities.
Another project is to build a new two room school next to the current small single classroom. The Hero men have assembled a steel building, covered with steel sheets and will put a roof on next. The plan will be build tradition stud and drywall walls in the interior and get this ready for the students. Lots of cutting steel and insulation kept the Hero men busy. The new guys really stepped up today to make a statement that they are ready to contribute and their work was awesome.
Bill More, Carl Scavuzzo and Jess Acosta welcome to our Hero Holiday! It is great to see the Lord working in you and our prayers are that this will become your tradition and you will find others to follow you.
Dinner with the children wrapped up our evening. Great burgers made by our support crew remind me of what a blessing we have in these men who feed us. Not sure if it is the hard work and hearty appetites that make this food taste so good, but even the kids love it so my money is on these folks can really cook!
Again, thanks to our families and our love to all who are praying for us.
HeroMakers Day 1 - Jan 4, 2012
Today begins the trek to do God’s work as the Hero men begin their travels early in the morning with the goal to meet their fellow brothers in McAllen TX. Spirits are high as old friends meet and our first timers begin to hear stories and anticipate what the week will hold in store for them.
God was with us as we crossed over from the United States into Mexico with Bob Baucom providing translation that convinced the Mexican border agents that they had no reason to hold us.
We arrived at AIM missionaries in Matamoras (www.adventures.org) and have a nice large worship/dining facility and large sleeping area with an open plan allowing all the Hero men to share with each other unencumbered by partitions and doors. Earplugs should do the trick for most (except Alton).
HeroMakers gathered late at night to recognize several men who have fulfilled the pillars of being fully engaged in HeroMakers mission.
1. Pray For the Poor – Pray the Bible
2. Sponsoring A Child
3. Raising A Children’s Home or Project
4. Become an Advocate For the Invisible People
5. Go on a HERO Holiday
The following men were recognized and we give a big HERO cheer to them:
Big Al
George Smart
Jeff Park
Paul Hilderbrand
Wade Leachner
The work starts to tomorrow on several projects so more to follow. Thanks for all our spouses and significant others for providing us with the opportunity to mission and our love to all those who are praying for us as well head into our week.
Craig’s Blog 2.01.2011
Work Day #5
I’m excited to write my first ever blog. Just like I never thought I’d have a Facebook page, I never thought I would blog about anything. Having stated this, there are few things more deserving of a first time blog than to blog about our final day working at Regional Bible Institute (RBI). RBI is home to 36 young Mexican girls and women being educated primarily to be missionaries and secondarily to be teachers, nurses, and Christian counselors. As has been revealed in earlier blogs this week, we have been finishing out a four-classroom building with a bathroom that upon completion will become their primary classroom space with the current classroom space being converted to expanded dorms giving the students significantly more personal space. In any event, we accomplished 85-90% of our goals today leaving only two doors to be hung and some exterior trim to be completed. It has been my privilege and honor to work alongside 19 hard working, goal oriented, Godly men this week. Speaking for myself (and possibly some of the other guys) I can easily say this is as hard as I will work all year and each day ends with me collapsing into my bed in almost total exhaustion.
What I really want to try and convey in this blog is much more important than building classrooms. While I don’t want to minimize the significance of what this facility will mean to this fine organization, what matters most is the girls and young women that are receiving a God-focused education with very little exposure to the worldly distractions that most of us endure. For example, there is no television, no cell phones (except for a couple of the older team leaders, but even those cell phones are limited in use to only calling the facility director or his wife), no Facebook and no secular music. There was certainly a time when I would have thought this type of facility was oppressive and overly controlling. But I don’t feel this way now. While all of the things listed above aren’t in and of themselves evil, they can be used improperly and often become the focus of our daily lives and lead us away from what should be our primary focus each day, to think, act, and live in a manner that glorifies our Heavenly Father. These girls and young women spend a significant part of each day in prayer, reading and studying the Word, often times fasting for short periods such as from the time they awake until lunchtime. While it is reasonable to conclude that they think about and perhaps even envy the worldly things they see around them, they don’t appear to be unhappy at all. In fact, I believe they enjoy a type of genuine happiness that eludes most of us.
Tonight we got to have our final dinner with them and they entertained us with piano recitals, pantomime performances, and singing. The most powerful moment occurred during their last song when some of the girls came over to us, laid their hands on our shoulders and began praying earnestly for us. Girls from the age of 6 to 20 lifted each of us up in an authentic act of love and supplication. I simply cannot find the words that can adequately describe these 10 amazing minutes. I can honestly say it was a very profoundly moving experience that I will never forget.
I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all of the guys on this trip. I truly enjoyed our time working and laughing together (never thought I’d spend time talking about the importance of fiber in our daily diet and those wonderful colonoscopy stories……NOT). On a serious note, I really enjoyed the fellowship we had daily and the prayers we lifted up not only for each other but for numerous other people in our lives and world. We always need to remember, that we cannot change or heal what we will not openly acknowledge to someone. Healing starts in that brief moment we step out and say throw me the lifesaver, I’m tired of treading water. If you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to get the same results you have always got. Change requires uncommon courage sometimes and it lies within each of us, we just have to set aside our fears of exposure or insecurity and seize upon it. Pleasing, glorifying and honoring God is our first priority, everything else is secondary to that.
To all the girls and young women at RBI, especially Deborah, Kaila, Elizabeth, Merriam and Perlah, you stole my heart. God bless you all and good night.
Ryan’s Blog 1.31.2011
Work Day #4
Today was quite the day. We started of the usual way with a wakeup call at six and breakfast at six thirty. Except today we had the pleasure of Dave’s speech about the evils of abortion, and how important it is to get involved with ministry’s at home. It was quite the speech and it got me thinking about how the world would be if everyone tried to make it a better place for your fellow man. That’s what we are doing through Heromakers. I heard Eric say today that the only way to eat an elephant was one bite at a time. This directly relates to our mission work down here in southern Texas.
My work for the day consisted primarily of insulating, sheet rocking, and screwing. We all managed to sheet rock just about the entire building top to bottom, and let me tell you it looks great. After a delicious lunch of curry that the girls prepared for us, Eric rounded up all the new guys for a presentation Rocky had to show us. It was about orphans and the way they are treated in other countries. Such as Brazil where the “street children” are considered pests and are killed by teams called death squads (off duty police). The thought of this is simply disgusting, and it makes me want to jump into action and do whatever I can to prevent it. Unfortunately I will have to wait at least another year to get the chance to go over there.
After the presentation the new guys and I began preparing dinner. We made fried potato’s broiled chicken, boiled green beans, corn and bread rolls. The guys loved it! Then for desert there was a multitude of ice cream and pie like you wouldn’t believe. In the words of Bill O’Connell “Heromakers: work like slaves, eat like kings!”. After all that was said and done we ended the day with several songs videos and another powerful messages brought to us by our leader Rocky. However our final task was to open up to each other in a free talk if you will. I myself have never been in such a group activity before and it was very moving to say the least. It really goes to show the brotherhood and bond there is between us Hero’s, and how much it has grown throughout the week. I look forward to what tomorrow brings and what new lesion I will learn about not only myself, but my walk with Christ.
Ken’s Blog 1.27.2001
Reflections on our “day of rest”:
Today started out with some fabulous blueberry pancakes, sausage and a visit from our longtime friend and missionary brother Ray Hansen from the Rio Bravo Children’s home in Reynosa, Mexico. It was a true blessing to have Ray with us today as we all miss staying in the dormitory buildings at his facility as our normal home base. No matter how many times you hear Ray’s testimony it always inspires each of us to not make this a 1 week a year activity and continue to stay engaged in serving others the other 51 weeks of the year.
After Ray departed we loaded the vans and headed to the Palm Valley Church for a message associated with “bridging the GAP between what we believe and how we behave” with a focus on James 4:14, Ephesians 5:3-4, Psalms 112:1, Philippians 3:20, Psalms 97:12, 2 Corinthians 7:1 and our most beloved James 1:27. The message hit home with not only our focus on serving widows and orphans but on how we “walk the walk” vs. “talk the talk” and challenged several of us to fill those GAPs in our lives permanently with the word and with Christ vs. short term “fixes” of what is popular or worldliness that provides temporary pleasures and short term happiness.
Our departure from church brought us back to our home base for lunch and a small break before heading to our afternoon bowling event with Children from the Rio Grande Children’s home – what a great time it was for all! The kids were not only entertaining but engaged with all the men as we interacted with them not only for bowling but also for games, tickle monster and other assorted acrobatic stunts that involved children flying and flinging around with the help of our HERO team. You could tell both the men and the children longed for the event to continue but all fun and games must eventually end which ours did with a group photo and goodbyes.
After bowling commenced a two hour free time period where some men took a much needed nap while others socialized with some of the residents of the RV Park, talked and became better acquainted with each other and Ryan crammed for final exams next week.
Our evening ended with some fantastic steak and chicken fajitas at Taco Palenque and continued fellowship. Off to bed early after a relaxing day in preparation for two more days of hard work to complete our mission at the Regional Bible Institute.
OFFICAL COURT REPORT
FROM JUDGE HAN GIM HIGH
JAUARY 29, 2011
This is the court report from Judge Han Gim High from the Hero Makers Camp in McAllen, TX. My colleague, Judge U. B. Guilty was unavailable this year.
Unfortunately, I must report that this group of reprobates have made little progress in their redemption. In summary:
ALLEN PALMER-Fails to operate a radio, follow the simplest instructions or comprehend the duties of “Shot Gun.” A real slow leaner.
BOB CROVELLA-has been labeled a deserter for leaving the field early.
BOB SNOW-waists all his time taking pictures and producing no meaningful work on the job site and producing no becoming pictures of either Judge on the web site.
BOBBY WEST-is better named Booby West as he tries to cut a board with an electric saw while balancing the board on his leg and bragging he knows someone who almost cut their leg off doing the same thing. He’s the construction leader????
BRIAN GILLILAND-used up most of the available construction funds wasting drywall screws. He’s pathetic.
CORBIN BUSHONG AND GEORGE SMART-caught embezzling funds from the Hero Maker store.
CRAIG CUNNINGHAM-has set a Hero Makers record for excuses to get out of work. Totally lazy and on a “power trip” as Adm. Leader.
CURLY STEVENS-with the head of a cue ball has the gall to call himself Curly. However, he was instrumental in meeting two inspection deadlines.
DAVE HAENSLY-created a TOTAL PANIC, crying like a little girl, that someone stole his back pack. Only to find that he had merely left it in his room. Not a lot of gray matter in that boy.
ERIC ATCHISON-as the trip cook only demonstrated the ability to make hamburgers, and not very good ones at that.
GARY WORNELL-was determined by the court to be “criminally insane.”
HERB LIEN-fanned a sore ankle and limped through the entire week. Where the hell is Blackduck, Minnesota anyway?
JERRY CRISLER-had the gall, along with his other KC cohorts, to fly down in a private jet, while others travelled by car or van.
JOSE AGUILAR-was supposed to be the trip interpreter, but couldn’t speak a lick of German.
KEN JACKSON-was supposed to be organized and in charge of the work trailer. He could find his behind with two hands and a flash light.
ROCKY RHOADES-as the leader of this band of thieves was absent from the job site on repeated occasions. When he did show up he just whined continually about the work product of the team.
RYAN LALLY-as the youngest man on the trip (18) showed some early promise, but was soon swayed by the others to a life of useless and self-pleasing endeavors.
SEAN RILEY-his offenses are too numerous to mention, including, but not limited to—riding down in first class, flaunting his new I-Pad, leading poor Lally astray, and a general poor attitude.
Once again the only member of the team showing any redeeming qualities was BILL O’CONNELL. He was a true example of Grace in Action. I can only imagine he continues to come on these trips to insure something actually gets accomplished and makes a vain effort to reform this group of total misfits.
May Our Lord have mercy on their souls. They need it!!!
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
JUDGE HAN GIM HIGH
Jose’s Blog 1.28.2011
Work Day #2
As I reflect on the activities of today, my muscles ache, my body is saying “what are you doing!!” Nonetheless, my eyes witnessed the Lord Jesus’ handy work in each life, especially that of the Hero Makers. As the day started with Corbin’s devotion when he talked about the prison ministry where the Lord called him, he encouraged everyone to be obedient to the call the Lord has placed in every one of us. On the van ride to RBI where most of us are working, I got a chance to reconnect with my Hero brother Gary Wornell, sharing life stories. We were reflecting and being amazed how God is in full control of every aspect of our life, even when circumstances are not going the way want them to. Once at the work site, assignments were given and we got to work at a faster pace than yesterday. The electrical team had a major accomplishment by passing the inspection. Now they can move on to the next phase of the project, insulating and sheet rocking. I got to work with Bob Snow and Jerry Crisler whom I enjoyed listening to their many stories of life in general. I also got to enjoy time with a team of three brave men on the roof, Bob C., Sean Riley, and the youngest of the group Ryan Lally.
Aside from the work, I was able to observe how God’s plan is always executed and his will is always accomplished. I saw young ladies excited about their new classrooms being built. I heard them talking amongst themselves wondering which would be their favorite classroom, and how soon they would be able to use those classrooms.
As the day came to an end, I saw a different aspect of a children’s ministry which is regulated by the state. The difference in resources and the housing facilities vary greatly, but one thing did not change… the heart of the people that care for the children… people who love God and are an extension of his heart and hands.
Jerry’s Blog 1.27.2011
Today was a blessed day. You couldn’t have asked for a more delightful day 1 of construction. It was like everything we did was right. The only real problem we had at the Ruiz home was we had to work and make the kids wait to play with them. God was so present in our work. Every cut of drywall we made was right. Things went together like a good puzzle. All the Ruiz girls helped out any way they could. They kept the area swept as we made messes. They were so well mannered when we had lunch. We had some awesome cookies that Dave Haensly made and the girls wouldn’t even get in to them after we said help your selfs. We had to ask if they wanted some cookies before they would take some and unlike most kids I know they only took one. So Gary Wornell and I hurried up and finished what we could do today so we could go play soccer with the girls.
Then we went to have dinner with the girls of the Regional Bible Institute. That was another great time. After dinner the girls were so enamored with how tall I am. They all wanted to take pictures with me. Every time I would go to bend down to be face to face with them and they were like no we want you to stand up. I haven’t had my picture taken so many times since I used to be a super model.
Over the last year I have had some tuff trials. Wouldn’t you know the first day I was here God set me down with the right person to answer my questions I had been asking Him. It always amazes me that he knows when to answer our questions. Though I would have liked the answers about a year ago but this was the perfect time to tell me why He let me go thru the trials and tribulations I did.
Well for me this was the best first day of construction I have had. What better way to end tonight’s blog then to say Glory Be to God. May it be your way and not mine. I love you Lord with all my heart and may I always remember what my daughter says when you ask her where God is, she will put her hand on her heart and says God is here. God please always let us remember you are in our HEART.
Jerry Crisler
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Tony Baucom
Day 7 – January 11, 2011 (Ruiz New Home Construction and Regional Bible Institute)
This morning all the men seemed to be in good spirits and I believe that many were thinking of their families and our impending return. The devotional was all about the challenge of taking this week and extending into our lives outside the HERO ministry. The challenge given by Jarrod was to get an accountability partner and join groups that help improve and expand our walk with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
We watched a video of Francis Chan about the Middle Road (available on YouTube.com) where as Christians we can select the high narrow road or the larger middle road. Our selection of which direction to take determines our salvation and the salvation of our family.
The vans headed out to our work assignments. In order for the Regional Bible Institute crew to see the Ruiz House they dropped in for a visit and walk around before going to their worksite. We prayed with the family and the Institute team left for their day’s work. All the drywall and outside trim work recommenced and within a short period of time the team was up and running.
Lunch came and with it the team was reduced by the loss of the first timers who had a meeting with Rocky. It was truly a loss as the people on our team who were on their first HERO trip provided substantial contributions to the construction of this home. As Joey, Gary, Bob, Mike and Big Al left the job site the power of our team reduced more than just the loss of these fine men. We are blessed with them listening to the word of God and coming down, getting out of their comfort zone and doing God’s work.
As the Ruiz children came home from school they ran up to their new home yelling our names. The children also called out the names of our missing first timers and we explained that they were not here and were very concerned that we express that they will miss them. We had plenty of hugs to give them for the first timers and as we cleaned up the site some of the kids cried as well as some of the HERO men. Our farewell was with a promise from the Ruiz girls to pray at 3:00 pm everyday and our promise to the Ruiz family to come back and visit them in their new home. Farewell and Bless this family.
We departed the home and made our way to the Regional Bible Institute. Many of the HERO men on the van ride to the Institute fell asleep and by all appearances it seemed that a quick dinner and trip back home was in order.
This is one of those times that I was gladly way wrong. This is also one of those times there is no way that I can express the incredible presence of the Holy Spirit in the room we shared with the Institute’s staff and children. Over the evening we shared a meal, listened to the musical, performing arts and ministry and prayer talents of these awesome young women and girls.
For me, this was one of the best spiritual experiences and a gem out of the blue. All the men enjoyed their time with the children and we left with joyfulness and sadness. I will say that many of the men asked if we could come back to this place and see these wonderful children again next year.
Speaking of next year I challenge our HERO men to spread the work of this ministry. I have some men at Southwoods in mind who need to come as well as some others. This year my father joined me in what has turned out to be a very special time and I hope that others will ask their family men to join.
Thank you all at home for taking over the responsibilities and challenges of the week. We all miss you very much and will be happy to be back in the arms of our loved ones shortly. See you tomorrow!!! God Bless.
Tony Baucom
Day 6 – January 10, 2011 (Ruiz New Home Construction)
Hello all! We do have a gap in dates as yesterday we had a day off of work and enjoyed two services and some bowling with the children from the Buckner Border Ministries Children’s Home.
Ironically we stayed north of the border due to safety concerns and had a break in of one of the vehicles and some personal items where stolen. Following a brief attempt at CSI investigators we had a great dinner as the day ended.
The day today started with many HERO Makers getting text messages saying that school was canceled due to inclement weather. Having warm sunny days in the 80’s we all feel bad about the snow and cold and hope that everyone is doing alright.
We set off to the Ruiz’s new home and began the process of converting the stud walls to finished walls. Prior to doing this many HERO men wrote some verses on the stud walls knowing that these words will last for as long as the home stands. I wrote over the entry door “Bless all who enter this home” just as I had done at another project at the Pillar Children’s Orphanage.
God has blessed us with many talented men on this trip. One of the first things that needed to be done was to install the insulation between the studs on the ceiling and walls. This job is dirty and taxing as fiberglass particles fly around causing itching and coughing. My dad, Bob Baucom and Gary took to doing a fair amount of this work and I am sure that most were very thankful! I had very pressing work getting tools prepared for the tasks ahead and was very unhappy to skip this part.
Next was drywall and on the outside of the house finishing up on the trim work. Boxing in the fascias made a great and attractive touch to the home but was a lot of work. The first piece of drywall was installed in the youngest girl’s room and this began the process seeing this home begin to take shape. Each piece of drywall forms the inside of this home and creates an individual place, beginning the story of what will be the home for this wonderful family.
Work is fast and furious and the HERO men are tired as the day ends with most of the drywall up and much of the tape as well. Good work for the crew as they head home for a great BBQ dinner. God Bless as we end this day and I begin to start thinking about my return home and back to my own wonderful wife and family. Thank you Patricia, Ash, Hannah and Maddie for supporting me as we all listen and follow God’s will.
Wade Leachner
Day 4 – January 8, 2011 (Regional Bible Institute)
Andy and I have a few more grey hairs, but we finally got the forms set, squared, and level and ready to install the final bracing, and I must admit it was nice having a personal gopher(aka my dad) fetching all my tools I left all over the site. Jeff P, Jeff A and Steve were outstanding at cleaning out the trenches and tying over 240’ of rebar so we could hopefully have the project ready for concrete Tuesday.
Once again, the girls at the school we are working at prepared us a wonderful lunch of chicken tamales, potatoes, and rice. The way the girls treat us makes me feel as though the Lord is working through them to touch my heart and make the time away from my family a lot more easy to deal with.
On a personal note, a special thank you to all the men here on this trip who have been praying for my family at home and me as my wife is having to deal with the loss of her grandmother while I am away and preparing for the long trip to Lyons for the funeral. A special thanks to Greg, who knew I was having a hard time with this, and pulled me aside and prayed for me and my family and brought peace to me and eased my heart.
That’s all for now and I hope all is well at home
PS It was sunny and 80
Tony Baucom
Day 3 – January 7, 2011
Sore body’s role out of bed ready for the day’s events. By now the HERO Maker men have had several opportunities to work on projects and spend time with children. For me, something about children creates an instant bond and connection that helps with my connection with God.
As I begin to reflect on the power of God and how it is showing up in each man I recall my feelings of doubt about coming down this year and staying just on this side of the border. For me I was very disappointed that the violence prevents us to help those children and orphanages we had established great connections with.
As I had secured a commitment from my father to come with me this year I felt compelled to make the trip down. Wow has God shown me that I am exactly where I need to be and the needs just north of the border as just as pressing and that the kids here have the same grip on my heart as just to the south.
Our team of men working on the Ruiz house building project worked hard again today to literally raise the roof on the new home. Something this HERO mission can do is put up a home and each man is working hard to make a concrete pad a home for this family of twelve.
While there are many who are making a difference to this family some men have touched me as they begin to tap the power of Jesus Christ. Mike Gross and Gary Brockus have impressed with their combination of hard work, great attitude and desire to make a difference above and beyond what we are doing. The Ruiz family, who lost their home in a fire have 10 children and are living in a old trailer and small shed have stolen our hearts and have excitedly watched and helped in the rebuilding of the home. Mike and Gary will have a tough day leaving this family I predict.
God has commanded that we connect with others in a true and healthy way. The connection with these families is a connection that opens our heart to God and from that connection we are changed. I pray that we can take this to our homes, neighbors and towns and begin to grow from the power of the Holy Spirit. I give thanks to the families who are missing their HERO men and to my wife, Patricia, for taking on tasks of our home while I am away and glory to God to have my father with me this week. Praise God and good night.
Andy Buck
Day 2 – January 6, 2011
After much emotional abuse by Tony I have agreed to blog. Seriously, what a first day on the Texas side for Hero Makers. So much progress by such willing hands and hearts. Apparently my mentioning that I cooked everyday last years was rewarded this year by getting the business end of a shovel most of the day at the Regional Bible institute. What an amazing place, Pastor David and his wife are truly blessing. The 38 or so young ladies there are wonderfully well mannered, friendly and love the Lord. Our morning began with cleaning out some the trench which was previously dug. Right before lunch we began searching for the elusive beast know as the sewer main. After and exhaustive search we were blessed by the ladies at the institute with a lunch of fried chicken, Spanish rice and potatoes, needless to say it was delicious. We were at a point that we need the services of a plumber. We had just sat down for lunch when Pastor David’s wife came in and said the plumber was there. She had the most curious look on her face. She went on to explain that usually it was at least 3 days for the plumber to show up not 15 MINUTES, truly this was a God thing. He was able to locate the line, get us a plan lined up and ordered a track hoe excavator which was delivered within an hour and a half. The fun truly began as Wade and I took turns running this big boy toy! And just when it couldn’t get much better we enjoyed a wonderful meal with the ladies. They were so sweet and understanding of our broken Spanish. Quick with a smile and happy to make room next to them at the dinner table it was wonderful to learn about them and their schooling and future goals which I have doubt they will achieve. They even blessed us with two songs that nearly brought tears to my eyes. They sang with such love for the Lord and the gladness in their souls shined brightly thru their eyes. And an encore to this was a piano solo by one of the girls, that too was very impressive. My aching muscles are calling for some rest so I sign off. God Bless everyone.
Tony Baucom
Day 1 – January 5, 2011
HERO men began the trek from their homes to begin this years first Men’s mission trip to the Mexican border. We hope that this written account of our week doing God’s work will show just how powerful and wonderful our God is.
As the men begin to arrive at airports many rekindle friendships and some new HERO Makers begin the process of meeting and asking questions about what to expect. This collection of men all who have made sacrifices to spread the word of God and Jesus Christ along the border will soon experience the awesome power of God. His power will be multiplied many times more than this group of men.
Lives are changed through the Holy Spirit. We pray that He gives us the words to convey how He is working in us this week in our lives and in the lives of those we touch. We pray to feel his power and share with our friends and families as we expand our love for God beyond our week here.
Our work this week consists of four projects:
- Regional Bible Institute Project
- Buckner Border Ministries Project
- Rio Grande Children’s Home Project
- Ruiz New Home Project
Over the next week we will blog about each of these projects and post pictures (go to
http://heromakers.org and select PICTURES on the top and click on the picture to view this trip’s collection of photos)
Our mission this year is north along the Mexican border due to safety concerns in Mexico. Many HERO Makers have established relationships with children in Mexico and this year they will be missed. God has a plan for us here and we are ready to get out of our comfort zones to do God’s work and His will.
Our living arrangements this year are truly wonderful and a blessing. We are staying in Melody Lane Christian Renewal Center @ Texas Rose (
http://melodylane.org). Each of the 5 buildings has comfortable accommodations with a bathroom so we should be well taken care of.
by Rocky Rhoades
New Trip Testimonials will appear here: January 2011, Week 1
posted on : 01-08-07 12:22
Sunday 1/7 - Bob Crovella
Today was a great day. In the morning at Rio Bravo, Pastor Greg gave a very convicting message about our short-sighted focus on the issues of the moment, rather than the eternal home God has prepared for us.
The previous evening we had also heard a message in the form of Ray Hansen's story and life testimony about how he came to run the Rio Bravo orphanage. He pointed out that fear was the enemy of faith, and how he overcame fear in his walk with God. I think it will be one of the special messages in the whole trip for me.
Then we all took off for our various projects. In the morning, I went to Casa Refugio to help "finish" the project there. Actually, what we accomplished was the framing for a large building there. I really enjoy working on projects like this, because you get to see what a group of dedicated men can accomplish in just a few days. Also, it's a real privilege to work under the direction of experts like Curt Coglizer and Dave McLellan, guys who are inspiring in many ways. And after seeing Dave climbing around at the top of the trusses, I understand why some call him the “monkey man”.
In the afternoon, we went to Pilar de Esperanza, another orphanage near Reynosa. This place has plenty of needs and we barely made a dent, but the thing I enjoyed the most was playing with the kids. I started out playing hackysack, then throwing the hackysack like a baseball, then finding a length of plastic pipe to use as a bat and playing something approximating a game of baseball, then after that some time throwing a football. Finally we got together and prayed for the orphanage and the directors Alma and Sara (sisters), and they prayed for us. Then we said our goodbyes, and I think each of us hugged every kid.
We got a late start on the road to Laredo Stepping Stone, and it was a real blessing that Rick and Kim at Laredo had dinner waiting for us. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow! -- Bob
Saturday 1/6 – Bob Leedham
As with past trips, you see God's hand in everything we do. We come on these trips to be the servant God designed us for. As we are designed in his image, it's only right that we try and do His will, not ours.
This year's group of men are the closest of any group I have participated with over the last four years. This group not only genuinely cares about each other, but working together we have accomplished projects only possible by working as a TEAM -- a TEAM that is God-honoring.
This trip offers a time when you become better equipped to understand it's about the relationships you build and the kids. The kids, the children in the orphanages we work at, melt your heart. To look into their eyes, to see the happiness and excitement we generate by our presence. All these kids want is to be seen and loved! If we can make a difference in just one of these children we have begun to accomplish a goal. But it cannot stop with just one.
God, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate with this outreach. Thank for for emphasizing the fact that these children are no different than my own grandchildren. They have the same needs and wants. But at the top of this list is the need to be loved.
And to emphasize this further, while taking Polaroid pictures of children, a little girl poked once on my back, her way of saying, Can I have my picture taken? When I turned around, there was my granddaughter Bella, but not Bella. To give this little on a little time, hold her hand and take her picture is why I am here. I will make a difference, I will continue with this outreach. -- Bob
Friday 1/5 - Josh Adkins
Today I stepped into a very different situation. Our first work day found me at Refugio, an orphanage, building a new dining hall. I was assigned to build trusses for the roof – I guess I never thought that people do this every day. We had been working for a while and making lots of progress, when we took a break. I assumed it was lunch time because it seemed like we had been working for a while and we had made so much progress. It was only 11 AM! I was shocked, this was obviously a God thing, because we had completed so much so fast. Just the fact that all these people from various walks of life all came together to build something of this scale, a dining hall that in the future will feed these kids and groups like us that come down to help – well it must be a God thing! -- Josh
Thursday 1/4 - Steve Kleinschmidt
Day one of our Hero Makers trip was a great day - though every day is a great day - if you don't believe it, try skipping one! Our guys from Kansas City flew into Texas and met up with a bunch of guy mainly from Texas. It was great seeing all the returning faces and all the new ones. We got to Rio Bravo orphanage without incident, had an organizational meeting and went to bed.(Well eventually) Today was about travel, fellowship and organization. Tomorrow the physical stuff begins - but it's what we did today that is what we'll do everyday - give our day to the Lord - and that makes it a great day! -- Steve