Serving Alongside Martha & Jaime Amaro
During their time in Oaxaca, our team will be partnering with Martha and Jaime Amaro, who serve through evangelism, church planting, and leadership development.
The Amaros are passionate about helping children know and love Jesus. Through the Children and Worship program, they equip churches with engaging, hands-on Bible lessons that use storytelling, music, and creative activities to help children experience God's Word in meaningful ways.
In Mexico and Cuba, there is a lack of trained leadership and resources to guide young children into a strong relationship with God. Martha and Jaime Amaro partner with Culto Infantil Mexico to train leaders wherever there is a need. They also serve with the Indigenous Education Center, which provides education and nutritious meals to children who are at risk, sharing Christ's love in both practical and life-changing ways.
The Amaros are passionate about helping children know and love Jesus. Through the Children and Worship program, they equip churches with engaging, hands-on Bible lessons that use storytelling, music, and creative activities to help children experience God's Word in meaningful ways.
In Mexico and Cuba, there is a lack of trained leadership and resources to guide young children into a strong relationship with God. Martha and Jaime Amaro partner with Culto Infantil Mexico to train leaders wherever there is a need. They also serve with the Indigenous Education Center, which provides education and nutritious meals to children who are at risk, sharing Christ's love in both practical and life-changing ways.
Updates
Oaxaca Mission Trip:
Day One — On Our Way
Our day began early this morning as our team gathered at First Reformed Church in the quiet hours before sunrise. We pulled out of the church parking lot at 4:25 am, grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and support that have surrounded this trip from the very beginning.
By God’s grace, the trip to SeaTac went smoothly, and we arrived at the airport at 6:40 am. Security was easy to get through, which was a gift on a long travel day. From here, our first flight will take us to Mexico City, where we will catch our connecting flight to Oaxaca. We expect to arrive there around 10:30 pm local time, where Jaimie and Martha will be picking us up at the airport.
As we travel, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation. We are thankful for the opportunity to come alongside the work God is already doing in Oaxaca, and we are praying that every part of this trip — our words, our attitudes, our service, and our relationships — would bring glory to God.
Please continue to pray for safe travels, smooth connections, and open hearts. Pray especially that our team would be attentive to the Spirit, humble in our service, and faithful in representing the love of Christ wherever we go.
Thank you for walking with us in prayer. We are excited to share more as the journey unfolds.
~ Pastor Matthew Erikson
By God’s grace, the trip to SeaTac went smoothly, and we arrived at the airport at 6:40 am. Security was easy to get through, which was a gift on a long travel day. From here, our first flight will take us to Mexico City, where we will catch our connecting flight to Oaxaca. We expect to arrive there around 10:30 pm local time, where Jaimie and Martha will be picking us up at the airport.
As we travel, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation. We are thankful for the opportunity to come alongside the work God is already doing in Oaxaca, and we are praying that every part of this trip — our words, our attitudes, our service, and our relationships — would bring glory to God.
Please continue to pray for safe travels, smooth connections, and open hearts. Pray especially that our team would be attentive to the Spirit, humble in our service, and faithful in representing the love of Christ wherever we go.
Thank you for walking with us in prayer. We are excited to share more as the journey unfolds.
~ Pastor Matthew Erikson
Day Two :
Our team awoke in the heart of Oaxaca at the wonderful Hostel Central, greeted by a bountiful breakfast of authentic local cuisine. The locally sourced, handmade touch made all the difference — tortillas, cheese, legumes, fruits, and a variety of quality beverages set our day off right.
After breakfast, Mr. Jaime took us to the school, and work commenced following warm greetings. The students and faculty assisted us throughout the day with prepping, plastering, sanding, and cleaning. Martha and Jaime were loving guides and mentors during this time, bringing an amazing, calming presence to the work and community.
Our day one’s productivity concluded in the mid-afternoon, so we decided to stop by a familiar hardware store for some supplies. We felt right at home as we spotted a Home Depot. In case our congregation was wondering, in Mexico, the layout is the same as it is in America, and they, too, have birds in the rafters. After picking up what we needed, we decided to refresh and head out for an early evening stroll and dinner at Zocalo de Oaxaca. Our friend and guide, Mrs. Martha Amaro, took us to the heart of Oaxaca city center to see the capital building's architecture and culture. The rain came in, but it did not keep the community from being very lively. Any store that had a TV was playing the World Cup, Switzerland versus Colombia; street musicians were playing around every other corner, and the wonderful fragrances of everybody’s kitchen on full application were appreciated.
Just when the day couldn’t have felt more rewarding, Ms. Crystel (one of the hostel’s hostesses) led our team in a class on how to make memelas. Gathering around the community table, we were each assigned to different teams to help prep the meal — whether prepping and cooking cactus or tending to the tomatoes, radishes, and more. It was a delightful culinary experience, and we had the pleasure of meeting the rest of the hostel’s guests. We all dined together with laughter and revelry, sharing stories of our travels and spreading the word of God.
~ Jeremiah Jones
After breakfast, Mr. Jaime took us to the school, and work commenced following warm greetings. The students and faculty assisted us throughout the day with prepping, plastering, sanding, and cleaning. Martha and Jaime were loving guides and mentors during this time, bringing an amazing, calming presence to the work and community.
Our day one’s productivity concluded in the mid-afternoon, so we decided to stop by a familiar hardware store for some supplies. We felt right at home as we spotted a Home Depot. In case our congregation was wondering, in Mexico, the layout is the same as it is in America, and they, too, have birds in the rafters. After picking up what we needed, we decided to refresh and head out for an early evening stroll and dinner at Zocalo de Oaxaca. Our friend and guide, Mrs. Martha Amaro, took us to the heart of Oaxaca city center to see the capital building's architecture and culture. The rain came in, but it did not keep the community from being very lively. Any store that had a TV was playing the World Cup, Switzerland versus Colombia; street musicians were playing around every other corner, and the wonderful fragrances of everybody’s kitchen on full application were appreciated.
Just when the day couldn’t have felt more rewarding, Ms. Crystel (one of the hostel’s hostesses) led our team in a class on how to make memelas. Gathering around the community table, we were each assigned to different teams to help prep the meal — whether prepping and cooking cactus or tending to the tomatoes, radishes, and more. It was a delightful culinary experience, and we had the pleasure of meeting the rest of the hostel’s guests. We all dined together with laughter and revelry, sharing stories of our travels and spreading the word of God.
~ Jeremiah Jones
Day 3: Start of painting / Exploring the city
Another delicious, authentic Mexican breakfast to begin our day of service with the Amaros. Jaime picked us up at 9:15 am at the hostel for about a ½ hour ride through the city to the countryside. We are always greeted with joyful smiles and handshakes from the children and teachers.
Work today was to finish the job started yesterday. Today, we would sand and clean up all the repair work done with ready-mix mud, having let it dry overnight. We had some of the boy students and some volunteer parents helping for a bit.
The lunch break was family-style for all to gather and have interesting conversations with the Amaro’s about the school, the culture and possibilities for the students.
It was a wonderful day. Our goal of painting the entire inside of the large facility was mostly accomplished. There will be a small area to finish tomorrow morning.
The end of the work day was at about 3:30 pm, and we drove back to the hostel for showers and rest. Martha met us at 6:00 pm for a guided walking tour of some of Oaxaca’s colorful streets, buildings, churches and parks. She has such love and wonderful knowledge of her city. Dinner included food at a fun taco restaurant. No surprise…it was delicious.
~ Karen Pinnick
Work today was to finish the job started yesterday. Today, we would sand and clean up all the repair work done with ready-mix mud, having let it dry overnight. We had some of the boy students and some volunteer parents helping for a bit.
The lunch break was family-style for all to gather and have interesting conversations with the Amaro’s about the school, the culture and possibilities for the students.
It was a wonderful day. Our goal of painting the entire inside of the large facility was mostly accomplished. There will be a small area to finish tomorrow morning.
The end of the work day was at about 3:30 pm, and we drove back to the hostel for showers and rest. Martha met us at 6:00 pm for a guided walking tour of some of Oaxaca’s colorful streets, buildings, churches and parks. She has such love and wonderful knowledge of her city. Dinner included food at a fun taco restaurant. No surprise…it was delicious.
~ Karen Pinnick
Day 4: Final Preparations and a Parade
Today is Thursday, and we started the day with another beautifully prepared breakfast. We have been enjoying a variety of foods; some have been more adventurous than I am and are trying things like crickets!
We were then off to the school to finish our painting job and set up for tomorrow's graduation. The boy graduating from high school is the first in his family to do so. The school is looking bright and fresh with its new coat of white paint. It was a very festive mood, with some of the Amaro’s family coming to help make decorations (they don’t even know the kids), and two students coming even though they didn’t need to be there. There was a lot of black-and-gold decorating happening inside, and some friendly games of soccer going on outside.
The weather was much muggier today, so we were very happy to take a break and have a variety of Mexican dishes made by some of the moms for lunch. After everything was cleaned up and ready for the graduation, we went back to our Hostel.
In July, they celebrate a holiday called Guelaguetza (the month of giving). This evening, the first Convites (a nighttime street parade with brass instruments and dancers) started for the weekend. The first parade involved graduates and then families with children with special needs. We ended up joining in a couple of times. They passed out candy and also threw random items, like homemade bread (wrapped), balls, and bowls. We were unsure what that meant, but it was entertaining to see plastic bowls thrown at the onlookers.
The warmth of the people, the beautiful old architectural buildings in bright colors, and lively music all around have made this a very inviting city.
-Stephanie
We were then off to the school to finish our painting job and set up for tomorrow's graduation. The boy graduating from high school is the first in his family to do so. The school is looking bright and fresh with its new coat of white paint. It was a very festive mood, with some of the Amaro’s family coming to help make decorations (they don’t even know the kids), and two students coming even though they didn’t need to be there. There was a lot of black-and-gold decorating happening inside, and some friendly games of soccer going on outside.
The weather was much muggier today, so we were very happy to take a break and have a variety of Mexican dishes made by some of the moms for lunch. After everything was cleaned up and ready for the graduation, we went back to our Hostel.
In July, they celebrate a holiday called Guelaguetza (the month of giving). This evening, the first Convites (a nighttime street parade with brass instruments and dancers) started for the weekend. The first parade involved graduates and then families with children with special needs. We ended up joining in a couple of times. They passed out candy and also threw random items, like homemade bread (wrapped), balls, and bowls. We were unsure what that meant, but it was entertaining to see plastic bowls thrown at the onlookers.
The warmth of the people, the beautiful old architectural buildings in bright colors, and lively music all around have made this a very inviting city.
-Stephanie
Day 5: Graduation Day
Truly the word for today was Joy, followed by Hope, and Gratitude.
Today, we witnessed the first High School graduate of CIMAC. There was so much pride and joy on each child's and parent’s face as students passed from one grade to the next, and then came the graduation of Ramon Osmari Lopez, who was not only the first graduate of CIMAC, but the first High School graduate in his family. He now has accreditation to attend University, if he so desires.
The Hope shared by everyone in the room, led by Pastor Sandoval, was that each child remembers that growth comes through knowledge, but above all, knowledge of Christ. Each person is a special creation, and their success is measured not only by their academic achievements but, more importantly, by the people they become… honesty was stressed. Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ears of the of discerning seek it out.”
Our prayer for the children and ourselves is that God grants us wisdom to make sound decisions and keeps our ears always open to knowledge.
After the ceremony, all 60 or more of us shared lunch with sandwiches and food brought by the children's parents. We sat among the parents, some of us using our poor Spanish, but mostly using our Google translator… so much gratitude filled our hearts today as we again experienced being part of the universal body of Christ.
We concluded our day with a walk through the festive crowds of Oaxaca. July is the month of “Giving,” and this week there are three days of parades celebrating the indigenous peoples, their trades, and the barrios they come from. The costumes, dancing, and music are a feast for the eyes, if not a little overload for the ears. We also enjoyed local cuisine again along with each other’s company. It truly was a day of joy, hope, and gratitude.
Grateful,
Jan
Today, we witnessed the first High School graduate of CIMAC. There was so much pride and joy on each child's and parent’s face as students passed from one grade to the next, and then came the graduation of Ramon Osmari Lopez, who was not only the first graduate of CIMAC, but the first High School graduate in his family. He now has accreditation to attend University, if he so desires.
The Hope shared by everyone in the room, led by Pastor Sandoval, was that each child remembers that growth comes through knowledge, but above all, knowledge of Christ. Each person is a special creation, and their success is measured not only by their academic achievements but, more importantly, by the people they become… honesty was stressed. Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ears of the of discerning seek it out.”
Our prayer for the children and ourselves is that God grants us wisdom to make sound decisions and keeps our ears always open to knowledge.
After the ceremony, all 60 or more of us shared lunch with sandwiches and food brought by the children's parents. We sat among the parents, some of us using our poor Spanish, but mostly using our Google translator… so much gratitude filled our hearts today as we again experienced being part of the universal body of Christ.
We concluded our day with a walk through the festive crowds of Oaxaca. July is the month of “Giving,” and this week there are three days of parades celebrating the indigenous peoples, their trades, and the barrios they come from. The costumes, dancing, and music are a feast for the eyes, if not a little overload for the ears. We also enjoyed local cuisine again along with each other’s company. It truly was a day of joy, hope, and gratitude.
Grateful,
Jan
Day 6 - Seeing God's Creation
Martha has been a gracious and wonderful host. She has welcomed us so warmly into her extended school family and planned events for us daily.
This morning our devotion by Pastor Matthew was on Luke 10:21-24. He challenged us to see the things God sees today.
Martha had planned a day of sightseeing for us to visit Monte Albán. It was a beautiful historic sight that had begun being built around 500BC. I marveled at God’s creation. He created the stones and things like the cactus that grows there, which helps bind the stones, then created man to discover these things. Going through the day thinking about how God sees things helped me be more than just a tourist, truly appreciate His creation and gifts, and be in awe that we get to enjoy these beautiful things.
Our tour guide, Javi, also took us off-roading at times to a little village called Arrozola, where many of the alebrijes (brightly painted carved animals) are created. There is some amazing talent in that area, with generations of carvers and painters.
After a long drive back into town due to very slow traffic, we were happy to eat a late lunch, relax, and reflect on our time here this week.
-Stephanie
This morning our devotion by Pastor Matthew was on Luke 10:21-24. He challenged us to see the things God sees today.
Martha had planned a day of sightseeing for us to visit Monte Albán. It was a beautiful historic sight that had begun being built around 500BC. I marveled at God’s creation. He created the stones and things like the cactus that grows there, which helps bind the stones, then created man to discover these things. Going through the day thinking about how God sees things helped me be more than just a tourist, truly appreciate His creation and gifts, and be in awe that we get to enjoy these beautiful things.
Our tour guide, Javi, also took us off-roading at times to a little village called Arrozola, where many of the alebrijes (brightly painted carved animals) are created. There is some amazing talent in that area, with generations of carvers and painters.
After a long drive back into town due to very slow traffic, we were happy to eat a late lunch, relax, and reflect on our time here this week.
-Stephanie
Day 7 - Our Last Full Day in Oaxaca
Today was our last full day here in Oaxaca. Since it was Sunday, the pace slowed down, and we were grateful for a day of rest, reflection, and worship.
We began with our team devotions at 8:00 a.m., followed by breakfast with Martha at 8:30. After breakfast, we made our way to the Central Market, where we had the opportunity to experience a different side of life in Oaxaca. We walked through the places where everyday families shop and saw firsthand the items, food, and prices that are part of daily life here.
It was honestly a little jarring.
Over the last several days, we have experienced the music, dancing, parades, and celebrations surrounding Guelaguetza. The streets have been filled with color and energy. Yet, today, we were reminded of the very real poverty that also exists here.
And still, we saw joy.
The people we encountered seemed genuinely happy. We watched families working side by side, preparing food, selling goods, and creating the everyday items needed by the people who truly make Oaxaca “go.” There was dignity in the work, community among families, and a joy that challenged some of our assumptions about what it means to have enough.
After returning to the hostel, we enjoyed some time to rest before another wonderful lunch prepared by Martha and her family. Their hospitality throughout this week has been extraordinary. Again and again, they have welcomed us, fed us, guided us, and invited us into their lives.
At 4:00 p.m., Jaime picked us up and took us back to the school for worship.
This was the same room we had spent the week patching, painting, and cleaning. It was the same room where, just two days earlier, families gathered to celebrate students moving up a grade and one young man becoming the first person in his family to graduate from high school.
Today, that room became a sanctuary.
As we reflected in our devotion this morning, **“Surely the Lord is in this place.”**
The worship service began at 5:00 p.m.—and so did the rain!
It rained so hard that, at times, you could barely hear the person next to you. The sound of the rain pounding on the roof was incredible. Thankfully, the rain quieted in time for the message.
A seminarian named Kevin Rodriguez preached and did an excellent job. His message was a powerful call to pick up our cross and follow the way of Jesus. His theme was simple: “Y sí, sí.”
“And yes, yes.”
Yes to Jesus.
Yes to His way.
Yes to following Him wherever He leads.
It was a fitting message for our final Sunday in Oaxaca.
After worship, we went out for dinner one final time. We shared good food and good conversation as we began processing everything we have experienced this week. Then we returned to the hostel to pack, get some sleep, and prepare for our journey back to Whidbey Island tomorrow.
This has truly been an incredible experience for all five of us.
We came to Oaxaca hoping to serve. We patched walls, painted rooms, cleaned, carried, and prepared. But somewhere along the way, we realized that God was also doing a work in us.
We learned to serve.
We were invited to celebrate.
We were reminded: **Don't just look. See.**
And today, we were able to say together: **Surely the Lord is in this place.**
We are looking forward to coming home and sharing the stories of the people we have met, the things we have experienced, and the ways we have seen God at work with our brothers and sisters at First Reformed Church.
Oaxaca, thank you for your hospitality.
Jaime and Martha, thank you for allowing us into your lives and ministry.
And God, thank You for allowing us to see.
Tomorrow, we head home.
But we will not return the same.
~ Pastor Matthew Erikson
We began with our team devotions at 8:00 a.m., followed by breakfast with Martha at 8:30. After breakfast, we made our way to the Central Market, where we had the opportunity to experience a different side of life in Oaxaca. We walked through the places where everyday families shop and saw firsthand the items, food, and prices that are part of daily life here.
It was honestly a little jarring.
Over the last several days, we have experienced the music, dancing, parades, and celebrations surrounding Guelaguetza. The streets have been filled with color and energy. Yet, today, we were reminded of the very real poverty that also exists here.
And still, we saw joy.
The people we encountered seemed genuinely happy. We watched families working side by side, preparing food, selling goods, and creating the everyday items needed by the people who truly make Oaxaca “go.” There was dignity in the work, community among families, and a joy that challenged some of our assumptions about what it means to have enough.
After returning to the hostel, we enjoyed some time to rest before another wonderful lunch prepared by Martha and her family. Their hospitality throughout this week has been extraordinary. Again and again, they have welcomed us, fed us, guided us, and invited us into their lives.
At 4:00 p.m., Jaime picked us up and took us back to the school for worship.
This was the same room we had spent the week patching, painting, and cleaning. It was the same room where, just two days earlier, families gathered to celebrate students moving up a grade and one young man becoming the first person in his family to graduate from high school.
Today, that room became a sanctuary.
As we reflected in our devotion this morning, **“Surely the Lord is in this place.”**
The worship service began at 5:00 p.m.—and so did the rain!
It rained so hard that, at times, you could barely hear the person next to you. The sound of the rain pounding on the roof was incredible. Thankfully, the rain quieted in time for the message.
A seminarian named Kevin Rodriguez preached and did an excellent job. His message was a powerful call to pick up our cross and follow the way of Jesus. His theme was simple: “Y sí, sí.”
“And yes, yes.”
Yes to Jesus.
Yes to His way.
Yes to following Him wherever He leads.
It was a fitting message for our final Sunday in Oaxaca.
After worship, we went out for dinner one final time. We shared good food and good conversation as we began processing everything we have experienced this week. Then we returned to the hostel to pack, get some sleep, and prepare for our journey back to Whidbey Island tomorrow.
This has truly been an incredible experience for all five of us.
We came to Oaxaca hoping to serve. We patched walls, painted rooms, cleaned, carried, and prepared. But somewhere along the way, we realized that God was also doing a work in us.
We learned to serve.
We were invited to celebrate.
We were reminded: **Don't just look. See.**
And today, we were able to say together: **Surely the Lord is in this place.**
We are looking forward to coming home and sharing the stories of the people we have met, the things we have experienced, and the ways we have seen God at work with our brothers and sisters at First Reformed Church.
Oaxaca, thank you for your hospitality.
Jaime and Martha, thank you for allowing us into your lives and ministry.
And God, thank You for allowing us to see.
Tomorrow, we head home.
But we will not return the same.
~ Pastor Matthew Erikson
