No. 488 "Safely Back from Our Short-Term Mission Trip to Chiapas" 2026 06 28

No. 488 "Safely Back from Our Short-Term Mission Trip to Chiapas" 2026 06 28 The Ichthus Education Center (Centro Educativo Ichthus) is nestled in the mountainous highlands of southern Mexico, sitting at an altitude of about 5,100 feet. Located just outside La Trinitaria in the state of Chiapas—only 40 minutes from the Guatemalan border—the air there felt entirely different. It wasn’t just because of the high altitude, but because of the palpable anticipation, the spiritual tension, and the fluttering excitement of wondering who God would place in our path and what He would accomplish through us. Our short-term mission team was comprised of 20 members. The core of our team consisted of Pastors’ Kids (PKs) from various regions across the United States, beautifully supported by four pastors, one senior deaconess (Kwon-sa), and one deacon (Jip-sa). Thanks to this team, the English Camp ran smoothly and seamlessly from start to finish. The thorough preparation and selfless dedication of Chloe (Gaeun) Choi, who oversaw the entire curriculum, served as a bedrock for our ministry, while Ji-sung Choi led by example, serving with actions rather than words. Furthermore, the warm hospitality and steadfast partnership of Missionary Young-sung Lee and Missionary Jung-hoon Jung and his wife—who have long labored in this field—provided immense comfort and strength to us all. Of course, the journey was not without its trials. Faced with an unfamiliar environment, several team members battled fevers, coughs, and physical exhaustion. On our final day, we received the heavy news that one of our team member's paternal grandmother had passed away. Receiving a bereavement notice when one cannot immediately rush back to their family cast a somber shadow over the team. However, one of our pastors shared Psalm 116:15 and opened up about his own experience of suddenly losing his father to cancer around the age of twenty. His testimony deeply reminded us that life and death rest firmly in God’s hands, and that in Christ, we hold the steadfast hope of reunion. We also had the privilege of hearing the vision of the Ichthus community through the testimony of Missionary Young-yong Lee, the founder of the center. Established in 2005 and fully accredited by the Mexican educational authorities, Ichthus has dedicated itself to raising the next generation of leaders rooted in Christian values. Today, it serves over 100 elementary, middle, and high school students, building deep trust within the local community through tailored education and residential boarding care. Equally impressive was their Business as Mission (BAM) initiative, which operates alongside their educational ministry. Their tilapia farming project contributes to the regional food supply and generates sustainable local jobs, while their specialty coffee enterprise connects small-scale local farmers to the global market. It was a beautiful expression of missions—moving beyond mere charity to foster true community self-reliance. "Ichthus" is the Greek word for "fish," serving as an acronym for the early Church’s confession of faith: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. A hidden symbol used in times of severe persecution was vividly alive today in the mountains of Chiapas. For over twenty years, this indigenous mission model—fueled by the self-supporting devotion of laypeople, focused on cultivating local leaders, and empowering nationals to minister to their own people with the Gospel—has quietly yet robustly endured. Through this journey, we were reminded once again that missions is not about us going to achieve something for others. Rather, it is a journey of obedience, where we are graciously invited to join a field where God is already powerfully at work.