Episode 63: Teresa Moen & Staci Thompson - Kingdom Work in Cuna Maya: Where Children Smile Despite Having Little

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What happens when 33 people—from military pilots to business professionals to fifth graders—trade their spring break vacation for a mission trip to Cancun, Mexico? The answer lies not in resort experiences, but in the transformative power of serving others together.

In this heartwarming episode, Children's Minister Teresa and Associate Minister Staci share their experiences leading FBC's second annual family mission trip to Kingdom Academy, a school serving 37 children in the impoverished community of Cuna Maya. From building desks and teaching English to conducting a Vacation Bible School that drew over 100 neighborhood children, these families discovered the joy of stepping outside their comfort zones to make a tangible difference.

The most powerful moments came during home visits, where team members delivered food and necessities to families living in single-room homes. One grandmother, battling cancer and raising her granddaughter alone, received not only groceries but also found Jesus that day—a divine appointment orchestrated before anyone arrived. Another student named Joshua, unable to attend school because his specialized bicycle had broken, received a new bike and leg braces thanks to the spontaneous generosity of team members.

Perhaps most beautiful was watching children from different cultures connect without sharing a language, playing soccer and volleyball together while forming bonds that transcended words. Parents marveled as their sometimes introverted children blossomed in this new environment, exhibiting confidence and compassion previously unseen.

"Our kids love the song 'The Battle Belongs,'" Teresa shares, describing how American and Mexican children worshipped together despite language barriers. "They actually had a really fun time learning that song and then learning all the actions."

Whether you're curious about international missions, considering how your family might serve together, or simply need a reminder that God works in unexpected ways, this episode will inspire you to ask: How might God use my family to bless others? How could stepping outside my comfort zone change not just someone else's life, but my own perspective on what truly matters?