2019 Back2Back Bible Study: Reckless Faith

RE CK LE SS FAITH DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Enjoy these devotionals written by staff who share their own stories and their favorite Biblical examples of faithfulness.

Introduction: Reckless Faith 1 Day 1 Jacob 2 Day 2 Noah 5 Day 3 Rahab 8 Day 4 Abraham 11 Day 5 Daniel 14 Day 6 Joseph 17 Day 7 Ruth 20 Day 8 Enoch 23 Day 9 Esther 26 Day 10 David 29 Journaling pages 32 Social Media Guidelines 38 Back2Back Overview 40

Stories and lessons the staff have learned on African soil, Mexican mountains, Haitian shorelines, and Indian streets fill this book and your heart for what's to come.

We encourage you to continue this devotional after you return home.

introduction

RECKLESS FAITH

by Beth Guckenberger, Back2Back Ministries Co-Executive Director In 1989, my Dad helped me with come and how He will meet you Ask the a clothing drive, and it culminated in the midst of these days. There Lord to in his covering the shipment cost will be moments this week you’ll surprise for someone’s old clothes to go not forget for the rest of your life. I to a refugee camp in Costa Rica. I pray you hear God whisper to you you, and look back today and think how else about the kinds of things He’s been stretch he could have spent those dollars, talking to you about for a while. I you, to now knowing there are smarter, hope you see Him in the lives of increase more strategic ways to invest in those you are now surrounded your missions. He always maintained he by (fellow guests, staff members, faith. was following what God led him children, Haitians, Indians, Mexicans, Ask Him to do and sadly, he passed away Nigerians...) It’s our sincerest hope to reveal these days springboard new growth before any missionary events in my Himself life unfolded. He simply obeyed (at and adventure for you. It’s how to you, great cost!) and never knew why.

God works: what happened before and give The Holy Spirit who prompted brought you here, what happens him was looking at my whole life at you peace. here, impacts what is ahead. one time, and knew capturing my During these days, you’ll have attention and imagination in how chances to connect with others in small He might use me to meet needs around the groups, on buses, in debriefing, over a meal, world would one day pay rich dividends. Turns and on a work project. I encourage you to out the Spirit was right - the clothing drive was ask questions and engage in conversations of one big first step on a journey I am still on. substance. Ask what brought them here and We read all throughout Biblical history, God often led people to do what seemed foolish to those watching (marching around walls blasting trumpets, facing giants with little stones, building a boat to face a flood, stepping out onto water.)

He sees not just what’s happening, but what’s ahead. He understands He’s framing up a story, setting someone’s trajectory, building a faith; it’s why when He leads, it’s best for us to follow.

Adventure, growth, peace, connection, it all awaits. He’s been doing it since the Garden of Eden, and He’s doing it today with you.

You’ve traveled to another country, to live with people for a few days you might not know, to reach out and serve someone who might not speak your language and who you might not ever see again. Crazy and reckless! What were you thinking? I hope you felt literally pulled here. I hope you are anticipating what’s to

what they are thinking about. Ask for their stories of faith and dreams of the future.

Ask the staff, interns, other groups… may this week be a week where you listen and engage in meaningful connection. God built us together as a body and wants to use you in the lives of those with whom you will spend this week. Enjoy these devotionals written by staff who will share their own stories with you and their favorite Biblical examples of faithfulness.

Luke 17:5 says, “The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Ask the Lord to surprise you, and stretch you, to increase your faith.

Ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and give you peace. There’s so much to come, enjoy its anticipation and praise Him for giving you the chance to set aside days with this agenda: to love others and increase your faith. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Reckless Faith

1 JACOB Jacob means "he deceives."”Grandson to Abraham. Son to Isaac and Rebekah. Twin brother to Esau. Father to thirteen. Clever.

Wrestler of divine beings. Amasser of property. Hard worker. Proof God will use us for His Kingdom, no matter where we come from.

LEARN MORE For more on Jacob’s story, check out Genesis 27-35.

We all have the tendencies of Jacob within us. Humanity often begets selfishness, an ongoing fight between fairness and “I want that, so I’ll take it.” We get so caught up in what we want or what others have, we can forget a God who knit us in our mother’s womb. Like Jacob, we will make mistakes, we will change stances, but we are called beloved by a God who does not make mistakes and who will never change.

You will read below how Matt has felt like Jacob in his life. As you read, you may find yourself resonating with Jacob, too. But here’s the good news – no matter how far we go, no matter the envy we allow to build up, no matter the choices we make, our God still chooses to use us. He is willing to fight for us, and sometimes even with us, because His plans will not be thwarted.

He is ever in pursuit of His children.

FIELD STORY

Haiti Matt Ellis, Back2Back Haiti When Sarah and I first felt the call to return to Haiti, I was terrified. I wasn’t fearful for my family’s safety, the lack of conveniences, or of what our family and friends would think; I was terrified God would suddenly remember all my failures, how unworthy I was, and take this opportunity to serve Him away. I would pray, whenever I sinned, not only for God’s forgiveness, but also against Him taking away the chance for our family

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to move to Haiti. I’ve been a Christian my entire life, but this has been a running theme of struggle woven into it.

In the Old Testament, Jacob came from a family of believers. God was called the God of Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham, or the God of Jacob’s father, Isaac, whenever He was referenced in Jacob’s life. Yet Jacob himself was a deceiver; his name literally means “he grasps the heel,” which is another way of saying “he deceives.” He proved his namesake throughout the entirety of his young life, first taking his brother’s birthright for a bowl of soup, then by lying to his father, pretending to be his brother, and receiving a blessing that wasn’t his to receive.

I often wonder how Jacob felt as he matured, as he dreamt of a stairway to Heaven, and as he made a vow to God at the place he named Bethel.

How much did his old way of life affect his current beliefs? Did he find it hard to believe in God’s favor toward him due to his past failures? Shortly before reuniting with his estranged brother, Jacob thanked God for what he had been given and exclaimed, “I am not worthy of all the faithfulness and unfailing love you have shown to me, your servant.” Perhaps his greatest leap of faith was not him believing in God, but believing that God believes in him.

Jacob’s struggle with God that occurs shortly after this prayer resonates deeply with me. How could an angel of God fail to overcome a human being? In my life, I have found that a lack of God’s blessings has more to do with me unwilling to receive, than God’s failing to deliver. It takes a huge amount of faith for me to simply accept the love and delight He has in me. Was this Jacob’s struggle, too? Was he saying, “God, you have given me so much and you have promised me even more, but don’t you know what I’ve done?”

Thankfully, God’s faithfulness is far greater than either myself or Jacob could fathom. Because of Jesus Christ, God forgives my sins, He sees me as clean, and He sees me as worthy of what He has in store for me, as He did for Jacob.With a deep, tear-filled humility, I thank God for allowing a deceiver like me, and like Jacob, to continue to do His work.

Like Jacob, we will make mistakes, we will change stances, but we are called beloved by a God who does not make mistakes and who will never change.

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Reckless Faith

REFLECTION

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Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Jacob?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

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Is there something in your life you have felt was too much”for God to use you? How do you combat these feelings with what you know to be true about God?

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Do you, like Jacob, feel you're unworthy of God’s favor or good things in your life? How do Jacob and Matt’s stories help you see your shortcomings as places where God can work?

Reckless Faith

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NOAH Noah means “"relief and comfort."” Father to Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Righteous. A man of perseverance. Morally pure. Blameless. Walked with God. Ark-builder. An example to look to when God's challenges seem out of our capabilities.

Noah’s story can be a difficult one to swallow. God asks him to build a giant boat, enough to fit his family and two of every animal on the earth, and there was no outside indication of this need. No clouds in the sky, no blustery winds, things looked really clear from where Noah stood. But he went ahead and did as God asked.

Learn more

For more on Noah’s story, check out Genesis 5-10.

What is God asking you to do in this moment of your life that doesn’t make sense? Maybe it was coming on this trip. Perhaps you spent your whole plane ride to this very site thinking, “God, why did I have to fly to here for You to move?” Maybe the decision to travel was easy, but there’s a job offer waiting for you at home, or a relationship you’re being called into or out of, and you can’t figure out why. Our human disposition tells us to ask all the questions and whine for good measure. Below, Matt will invite you into all the reasons why our resistance should be minimal and our yes’s a more natural response to our God. He will have His way, whether we say yes or not, but His invitation is worth the risk.

MATT COOPER, Back2Back Staff

FIELD STORY

MEXICO

We are all familiar with at least part of the story of Noah. He’s pretty famous: the ark, the animals, the flood...sound familiar? God saw something special in Noah. In a time when people were doing some pretty dark and crazy things the Bible says, “Noah found favor with God.” (Genesis 6:8) God asked Noah to build an ark, to grab his family, and to load up the animals, so they could all be saved from the impending flood that would destroy the earth. It says Noah did “everything exactly as God commanded.”

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Seriously? Everything?! No bad attitude, comments, questions, or eye roll?

I guess Noah just headed off to Lowe’s for lumber, with a smile on his face, whistling while he worked. According to the story, Noah said nothing - at least not out loud. Perhaps I’m taking creative liberties, but, if I were in Noah’s shoes, I quickly imagine being overcome with doubt, fear, and a growing list of questions flooding my thoughts. Is God sure? I’m afraid. Won’t I look crazy? What if I’ve heard wrong? Or perhaps that’s just what happens inside my own head when what God’s asking doesn’t make sense.

God is speaking to each of us all the time. He asks us to do things, big and small, that don't always sit quite right in the moment.

The truth is, God is speaking to each of us all the time.

He asks us to do things, big and small, that don’t always sit quite right in the moment. In 2010, my family and I had been living in Monterrey for seven years when we felt called to yet another step of faith. God revealed to my wife and I He wanted us to leave Monterrey to start the Back2Back site in Cancun.

If you only had access to the story the social media reels tell, it probably looked similar to Noah’s story - God called, we moved in obedience, and it was a beautiful picture with a bow on it, the end. Inside my head, however, fear, doubt, and arguments were in abundance. What God was asking seemed quite crazy. I liked my life in Monterrey. It was a sweet season; we loved what we were doing, we were experiencing intimate connection with Jesus, and we were seeing fruit in the ministry where He had us. Packing up our things, uprooting our family, and starting from scratch in a new city felt like a rude interruption. My immediate reaction in my spirit was not to say yes to God, but rather to dig my heels in. If I was going to go, it wasn’t going to be without some fighting, kicking, and screaming. The battle, just as I imagine with Noah, was the storm whirling around in my own head. Had I heard right? Was God crazy? Am I crazy? I’m scared to do what He is asking. God, are you sure?

I wrestled with God about all the reasons this was a terrible idea, but as I began to walk in obedience toward what He was calling us to do, God met me. Over the coming weeks and months, I watched Him slowly, but perfectly, bring order to my mind’s chaos. It did not happen overnight, but peace did come and on the other side, I was once again able to see just how beautiful it is when we say yes to God. I don’t know if Noah dug his heels in and had it out with the Lord before he built the infamous boat, but I know he and I serve the same God – the One who asks big questions, and never leaves our side as we answer them.

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2 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

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Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Noah?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

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Noah was found to be favored by God. He saw something special in Noah, but that same God sees something special in you, too. Ask God to use this week to show you what He f inds special about you. Share with your small group what you're learning.

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Have you ever felt God communicate directly to you?

How did you "hear" Him?

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Reckless Faith

3 RAHAB Rahab means "fierceness." Mother to Boaz.

In the bloodline of Jesus. Former prostitute.

Canaanite woman living in Jericho.

Resourceful. Rule defyer. Quick on her feet.

Part of a bigger plan. Risk taker.

The unlikely one.

LEARN MORE

For more on Rahab's story, check out Joshua 2.

We’ve all been in a position of feeling unworthy due to a life circumstance. Rahab was a prostitute, and while our discretions may be less severe, we can empathize with her, because we were all unqualified, until Jesus did the qualifying. The Holy Spirit nudges in ways we may never understand. Have you ever felt a still, small “voice” calling you to action? Maybe Rahab felt hesitancy, maybe she ping-ponged with God about not being the right woman, before ultimately doing what needed to be done.

Harlot to heroine. Rule defy-er and Israelite hider. Our names do not deceive the coming narratives – she was fierce, in every sense of the word, because she was loved by a God who knew the ripples of change coming.

You will read below about a woman named Katarina who acted before knowing the cost, just like Rahab. As you read, you may think of a time where you, yourself, took action before knowing the outcome. These are the threads of a Kingdom-sized story in the making. It does not matter from where we’ve come – if God wishes to move mountains, make a family, or begin a lineage of royalty through us, His will be done. He will have His way.

FIELD STORY

JOS, NIGERIA

DORI MCCORMICK, Back2Back Nigeria I recently had the privilege of visiting Jericho and seeing the remains of a well fortified city. The city was built with two walls surrounding it, offering protection to those who would’ve lived within the walls. Rahab’s house would have been built between these two walls, a well-guarded area with many a soldier to keep watch. The spies Joshua sent were seen entering Rahab’s house, and the king sent for them. Before the king’s men arrived,

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Rahab had decided to help these people of God by hiding them, and sending those looking for them, in the opposite direction.

Why would she do that? Kings were powerful people, and her house was in a risky location, easy for citizens and soldiers of Jericho alike to catch her helping the spies. Betraying these foreign strangers to the king would have made a lot more sense. But in Joshua 2:10-11, it says, “For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Shion and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed.

No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.”

Rahab, the great, great grandmother of King David, was saved by God because of her demonstration of reckless faith.

Here we have a woman who has only heard about the wonderful things God did for His people, and it was enough to give her reckless faith. She risked it all to protect these spies, because she had faith God was going to destroy the city of Jericho and she put her trust in Him. She didn’t just have faith, she acted according to her faith as mentioned in James 2:25, “Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.” Faith is dead without good works.

In Nigeria, there is a director of a children's home we work with named Katharina, who is German. God gave her a huge heart for Nigeria, and she opened her home to eight orphaned and vulnerable Nigerian children.

Katharina sometimes struggles with living in Nigeria where things are so different from where she grew up, but she has faith in God and His plan for her and the children. God’s grace is available to anyone who opens their hearts to it, a prostitute who needs a heart for strangers, and a children’s home director who needs a heart for orphans.

Rahab, the great, great grandmother of King David, was saved by God because of her demonstration of reckless faith. Who would have guessed years and years later, the Messiah would come from her descendants? Jesus came from a lineage that included Rahab, and He died to save everyone – German, Nigerian, American, Israelite; prostitute, orphan, mission trip guest.

I cannot wait to see what God will do with the lives of the eight children from Rukuba Children’s Home, and the stories to come generations later.

A woman and her husband decide to share their life and forgo convenience and comfort, in order to extend themselves towards children not their own.This inviting in of lost people into a family bears the mark of a reckless faith. It acts before knowing the cost.

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3 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

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Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Rahab?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

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What does Rahab's story teach you about God and His thoughts on taking risks for the right reasons?

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Have you ever, like Rahab and Katharina, said yes before counting the cost? How did you know it was the right decision? What did it teach you about yourself? About God?

Reckless Faith

ABRAHAM 4 Abraham means “father of many.” First of the Hebrew Patriarchs. Father to Isaac and Ishmael.

Husband to Sarah. Repeated Promise-Receiver.

Sojourner. Founder of Canaan. Faithful.

Compassionate. Peace-seeking. Warrior.

Abraham was called to leave his homeland to found and call a new place home. Can you imagine receiving that call? It’s just another day, preparing dinner, checking off your list of chores, calling that friend to see if they’re finally over the cough going around, and you’re called to make the biggest move of your life.

Maybe for you, it’s not a cross-cultural move. Perhaps God’s calling you to make a career change, or asking you to consider moving to a new city. Maybe He wants you to invite someone new for dinner.

What God asks of us differs from person to person.

Learn more For more on Abraham’s story, check out Hebrews 11:8-19.

Hope will share about a big move God asked her family to make and the many reactions she felt before “yes.” Hope, like Abraham, is learning slow and steady just what obedience means for our day-to-day – it’s not always easy, but it is good. God sees the next 50 years, and we only get to know the next step. There’s a chance that’s in our favor, though. He knows we can’t always handle the whole picture, so He feeds us one piece at a time.

HOPE GARCIA, Back2Back Dominican Republic

FIELD STORY

Dominican Republic

“It was as if they rolled out a red carpet for us,” our executive director commented during the staff meeting. Electricity coursed through my body as I listened to those words in Monterrey, Mexico, where I was feeding my 6-month old. Executive director, Todd Guckenberger, had just mentioned God opening doors in the Dominican Republic during his most recent trip there. Unbeknownst to him, he had also mentioned the exact words the Lord had spoken to me three months prior, while I was praying about our family’s next season. “You’ll know the next season, because I will open a door and roll out the red carpet.” God spoke this clearly to my heart, and I had written it down in my journal.

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“What do we do?” I asked my husband after the meeting, partly excited about this God-moment, but mostly afraid. “We have roles and responsibilities in Monterrey,” my pride said. “We just finished renovating and moving into a new apartment. We just bought my dream couch,” my comfort chimed in. “We have always said Monterrey is the perfect place to raise kids, and we just had a baby. We love Mexico. We have family here.

This is home,” my reason argued. “Above all else, we haven’t even been invited to go to the Dominican Republic!” My mind was racing with why this wasn’t God, but my spirit had caught a glimpse of Him, and I knew I was doomed.

My wise husband simply said, “We pray and we wait. If this is God, He will work everything out.” We knelt down that day and gave it all to the Lord - the fears, the impossibilities, the unknowns. We decided not to mention anything to anyone. God didn’t need our help to make His word come to pass. Two and a half months later, we were not at all surprised when Todd knocked on our door wanting to talk to us about Back2Back’s new site in the Dominican Republic.

------------My faith doesn’t compare in the slightest to Abraham’s, but I feel like I can relate to God’s call for him to leave his people and become a stranger in a foreign country (Hebrews 11:8-9.) I’m sure Abraham would agree it’s hard to leave what’s comfortable for what’s completely unknown. However, we trust in a faithful God to whom nothing is unknown. While we may only see the scary step in front of us, He sees the whole picture. Faith is not trying hard to figure out how everything is going to work out. It’s focusing attention on the Person who already wrote the last chapter, Who is kind enough to lovingly guide us there one step at a time, growing our trust in His goodness along the way.

HEBREWS 11: 8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

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I wish I could say once we arrived in the DR everything was magical. Honestly, our first 7 months there were some of the hardest, most faith-requiring months we’ve ever lived through. Saying “yes” to God was just the first step.

Leaving his home was just the first of many huge steps of faith for Abraham. God would eventually ask Abraham to trust Him enough to sacrifice his only son, jeopardizing all the promises God had made him over the span of 50 years. God had grown Abraham’s faith so much that his response was immediate obedience. I’m still on my faith journey, but I pray I can trust in God’s goodness to the extent my response is immediate obedience.

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Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Abraham?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

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How does knowing and trusting God knows the whole picture help you say yes to difficult decisions?

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What is one reason you’re thankful God only gives us a piece of the puzzle at a time? What is one reason you feel frustrated by it?

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Reckless Faith

5 DANIEL Daniel means "God is my judge." Son to David and Abigail. Deportee. Interpreter of dreams. Calm, even in the midst of exteme danger. A man of character. A man of integrity. Obedient to God, even at the risk of a f iery furnace.

Learn more

For more on Daniel’s story, check out the Book of Daniel.

FIELD STORY

MAZATLAN MEXICO

What kinds of things do you pray about? Is it a ritual or anytime a concern comes up? When you can’t decide left or right, do you pray? If Daniel lived today, if you met him on the streets, you would probably find connecting with God was his highest priority.

Below you will hear how Meredith is inspired in her daily life by a man who was known for being guilty of prayer. Whether it is in triumph or trial, Daniel challenges his brothers and sisters to be found lifting it up to the Maker. How will Daniel challenge your prayer life? How will his story push the boundaries of your own?

MEREDITH SHUMAN, Back2Back Mazatlán I roll over and check my watch. 5:10am. “Why am I up so early, again?”

Thoughts are flooding me like a hard Mazatlán rain. “What should we do about the situation with this child? How do we stay connected with family who are far away? How am I going to deal with this difficulty at work? How can I increase my faith and trust God’s got this?”

Daniel’s response to every question was prayer. In the book of Daniel, we see all his co-workers teamed up against him, and he was facing the reality of being killed for praying to God. So, instead of freaking out, this man-offaith went home, opened up his windows, and looking up, prayed.

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Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel's praying was bold, even reckless, as it went against the decree forbidding prayer to God. Did his prayers keep the bad guys away? Nope. However, God’s response gives us one of the best stories in the whole Bible - Daniel is thrown into a cave full of hungry lions, and lives!

Daniel 6:21a “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight.”

This week, you are meeting children, staff, interns, and other mission trip guests with some pretty incredible stories.

When we hear the happy stories, let us praise the Father!

And when we hear the hard stories, let us be like Daniel: let us be found guilty of prayer. Let us pray and live with such faith, knowing that a really big God’s got this.

This year has been a hard one for us, and a call to greater faith and prayer. Raising five teenagers. Sending kids off to college. Two deaths very close to us. We have faced some pretty big obstacles; we have been asked some pretty heavy questions.

What kinds of stories are waiting for us when we are are willing to pray, no matter what?

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus reminds us how powerful faith really is: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Anybody out there have mountains that need moving? What fears are waking you up early (or keeping you up late?) Let’s stand together this week, and choose faith. Choose to pray and ask God how to be the difference for one child today - the one right in front of you. Choose to walk deeply in the trenches of the lives around you, and watch God’s power shut the lions’ mouths. This week, we can catch a glimpse into Daniel’s world of trusting God with the answers to His questions.

Whether you’re in small group, or debriefing, or on a bus, I encourage you to share the circumstances that wake you up in the morning and together, we can challenge each other to a greater measure of faith.

What kinds of stories are waiting for us when we are are willing to pray, no matter what?

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Reckless Faith

REFLECTION

1

Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Daniel?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

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How often do you respond to trial, worry, celebration, with prayer like Daniel? In the times you don'’t respond in prayer, what is your response?

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When has God "shut the mouths of lions" in your life?

What did it teach your about God? About yourself?

Reckless Faith

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JOSEPH Joseph means "may God give increase." Son to Jacob. Most favored son. Most hated brother.

Interpreter of dreams. Wrongly accused.

Forgiving. Steadfast. Trusted God to make right every evil against him.

There is a high probability as you’re reading this, you can recall a season of hardship. Can you pinpoint the moment you felt God move the hurt or pain into something miraculous? This is the very essence of Joseph’s story. The same God who moves on behalf of Joseph, moves on behalf of all His children, turning darkness to light and hurt to hope.

Learn more

For more on Joseph’s story, check out Genesis 37, 39-47.

Below you will read about the God of Joseph – the One who rights wrongs and provides when our human eyes cannot fathom provision. Maybe this is the first time you will be meeting the God who uses hurt, pain, sorrow, and solitude for something remarkable. Maybe you will re-learn why God is unmatched and unhindered. Either way, He’s waiting for you. He’s waiting to set things right.

JED ZAYNER, Back2Back Monterrey

FIELD STORY

Joseph had some very hard times in his life – his brothers disliked and were jealous of him, they plotted murder against him, but actually sold him into slavery. He was then wrongly accused and imprisoned. A lot of the children Back2Back work with go through similar situations of pain and abandonment in their lives. The enemy wants us to continue to feel pain, loss, and drive fear into all of our hearts. Through these experiences, the enemy attempts to take our minds off leaning into the Lord.

MONT ERREY, MEXICO

Paul provides an incredible insight into this struggle of fear in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ending with the age-old truth, “For when I am weak, for then I am strong.”

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To have a “reckless faith” doesn’t mean one lacks fear or feels no pain.

It is actually the opposite. A reckless faith may feel this fear and pain, but presses onward because, knowing in those deep and hard moments, their God is strong. The faith looks reckless to outsiders, but it is founded in, “when I am weak, then I am strong.”

How we perceive hardship impacts what happens next. We can choose to believe God wants what is best for us and that, through our pain and experiences, will make His name great. He does this through a hope which shows us, no matter what we go through, He will work it out for our good.

Joseph lived with this perspective, and if we choose the same, God can help us through the most difficult circumstances.

Joseph, a former slave, became second in command in Egypt and led his family out of famine and poverty. To his brothers, who set Joseph’s incarceration and enslavement into motion, he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20) This is the power of trusting a strong Father.

Adrien, one of the young men I disciple, grew up in difficult situations, oftentimes feeling the need to fight his way out. As he grew, he decided rather than to live in fear, he would believe in God’s promises.

“So I ended school late last night, and there weren’t many buses around.

When I finally found one, I was the only person on the whole bus. I was sitting there and at one of the stops, a woman and two kids got on. I kept thinking I should give money to the woman,” explained A reckless Adrian. “I had this inner dialogue with myself, realizing she faith may looked like she came from hard places. I also knew if I didn’t feel this fear keep my money, I wouldn’t have money for my bus ride to school tomorrow, but I figured this direction from the Lord and pain, had a plan, so as I got off the bus I gave the $150 pesos (8 but presses USD) to the woman and told her ‘God Bless You.’” onward

because, knowing in those deep and hard moments, their God is strong. It is founded in, “when I amweak, then I am strong.

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The next day, when Adrian arrived to work on the Back2Back campus, his boss told him it was payday. Although payday wasn’t officially until the following week, his boss insisted on paying Adrian. He handed him 500 pesos (25 USD,) even though he hadn’t worked that many hours.

I asked Adrian what he felt God taught him, and he said, “God can take care of me way better than I can take care of myself.” Adrien realized, in that moment, that the God who loved and rescued Joseph was the same God who provided a way for him.

6 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

1

Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Joseph?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

2

Have you ever had a moment like Adrian where you followed a prompting from God that did not make sense? What did you learn from that experience?

3

Do you believe the God of Joseph, who takes what is intended for harm and makes it right, also is your God who will do the same for you? Why or why not?

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Reckless Faith

7 RUTH Ruth means "friend." Widow. Daughter-in-law to Naomi. Wife to Boaz. Great-grandmother to King David. A foreign woman who followed her mother-in-law back to her homeland, without question. Loyal. Brave. Humble. Teachable.

In Jesus'’ lineage

LEARN MORE

For more on Ruth's story, check out the Book of Ruth.

Can you imagine leaving everything familiar to you, to follow someone who says she doesn’t need you? Ruth followed her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, even when Naomi said, “I’m good, but no thanks.” Ruth persisted, claiming Naomi’s people as her own. She was willing to leave it all behind, because she felt called to leave her homeland, and she wasn’t looking back. Ruth’s devotion and humility ultimately led her to meet God. Below, you will read about Jordan and the steps she took to go to a new place. You will hear a beautiful story because of her yes, when it would’ve been safer to say no. Where might God take your yes?

FIELD STORY

MONT JORDAN MCNULTY, Back2Back Monterrey ERREY, Ruth 1:16 “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For MEXICO where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Thousands of years after Ruth said this to her mother-in-law, I found courage in these words as I left my own home, pursuing God’s leading to another country, where I would learn to love strangers as family.

Ruth’s choices never fully registered with me until I bought a one-way ticket to Monterrey, Mexico. Ruth identified with Naomi’s people and culture, and exchanged what was expected for the unknown. Her heart belonged with her mother-in-law, and God used it to grow her love for

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the Hebrew people. She packed up her life and moved forever to Israel. It was her first of many all-in moments, a step of reckless faith.

I co-led a mission team to Monterrey, Mexico with Back2Back Ministries in March of 2015. Six months prior, I’d held the photo of a young Mexican boy; I tacked his photo to my wall and prayed for him. Little did I know that as my heart grew for him, so did it grow for Mexico.

As the bus dropped off our team at the children’s home in Monterrey, I initially felt disoriented by all the children swarming the courtyard. Suddenly, I recognized a face out of the corner of my eye, and my heart jumped into my throat. I grabbed my co-leader, Anna, who knew this children’s home well. “You have to introduce me - I think that’s the child in the photo I have been praying for.” Anna introduced us, and I remember the awkward first moments of connection with bad language skills and no common ground.

In broken Spanish, I shared my name and how I had been praying for him.

On the last day of our trip, after we’d spent time at meals and on the soccer field, I didn’t want to leave. My heart broke, but courage rose, and I cried out to Jesus. What does all-in look like for me right here, right now? What step of faith are You requiring?

Four years later, I call Mexico home, and I am a sponsor to that child I'd prayed for so long ago. He has grown taller and I’ve since met many like him. He is in the Hope Education Program, planning for a future through continued study and discipleship with a staff family. When we see each other on campus, we take a moment to chat and laugh, and he is still the child who first captured my heart. He loves soccer and cooking, and can still beat me in penalty kicks.

God will meet any of us wherever He leads.

Sometimes He meets us through a kind motherin-law, or a pre-teen boy who speaks another language.

Ruth knew it would cost her to leave her language and culture behind. However, it would cost her more if she never left her comfort zone. She felt God calling her into a step of reckless faith, into a new place, and He gave her a family. He met her where she was. I understand this because He met me in a new place, and has given me a community that is like family. He will meet any of us wherever He leads. Sometimes He meets us through a kind mother-in-law, or a pre-teen boy who speaks another language.

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7 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

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1

Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Ruth?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

2

Can you, like Jordan, f ind any comfort in Ruth's story? What is one adjective about Ruth you can relate to personally? How can you see God using this similarity to serve others?

3

Jordan learned and grew because she met a young boy in Mexico. Who or what in your life has taught and grown you that was unexpected?

Reckless Faith

8

ENOCH Enoch means "dedicated." Son of Jared. Father to Methuselah. Great-grandfather to Noah. Loyal.

Unashamed. Accountability Partner. Never took a dying breath. A testimony to big moments when you walk with the Father.

Like many men who lived during Enoch’s time, we can get caught up in believing life is easier on our own. If we are not walking in step with God, we are able to do what we choose, be without rules or guidelines – there is no being almighty enough to know our every move. Except, He always knows our steps, whether we’re keeping pace with Him, or not, and restoration and reconciliation can’t really happen without the presence of God. Enoch was known for walking faithfully with God for over 300 years and for voicing the truth, no matter the consequences.

Below, you will read a story about a young man named Julius who, with the help of mentorship and Godly example, is learning it doesn’t matter how big the cracks in a relationship are, God can make anything happen, if you walk beside Him. You just have to trust.

CHRIS COX, Back2Back Cincinnati

Learn more

For more on Enoch's story, check out Genesis 5.

FIELD STORY

CINCINNATI, OHIO, USA

Describe yourself in 240 characters or less: ______________________

______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ It’s become a pretty standard request for anyone with a digital footprint.

Connecting with others digitally is a huge part of how we interact. LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and even your Fantasy Football league require an intentionality around your name and bio. How we set ourselves up to be seen in the world is tied to how we believe God sees us.You have embarked on a journey where you see others the way God sees them, and where God reminds you how He sees you. I want to draw you to a character from the Bible whose bio reminds us of who we can be, and how we can change.

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"When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:22-24 Two thoughts to consider: First, something happened. Isn’t it interesting the writer of Genesis 5 separates the first 65 years of Enoch’s life from the next 300? (I can’t imagine living 365 years.) Something happened that challenged Enoch to keep walking faithfully with God. It’s not to say he didn’t walk with God before the birth of his son, but it is clear this story is about generations, and what one generation decides to do when the next generation arrives.

Enoch’s story is altered with the birth of his son. This simple verse is a small reminder that something can happen. Whether you are 65 or 20, something can happen - leaving you with an invitation to deepen your walk with God. Something can happen for you, for me, for the children, parents, caregivers, and communities you will invest in. God invites us to believe it’s never too late, or too early, for something to happen for us.

Second, Enoch became known for walking faithfully with God. The idea that God walks with us to wherever we are headed is comforting. We are not alone. We get to journey with Him. The original Hebrew for “walked” in this passage alludes to an ongoing intimacy with God. Enoch lived intertwined with God. Each time Enoch appears, he is celebrated for his faithfulness in a world of chaos.

-------------------“There is no way this will work,” the young boy whispered, slumped in an iconic Cincinnati restaurant. Another suspension.This time, he said, it wasn’t his fault, and I believed him.The night before he had been threatened by boys in the neighborhood, who promised to beat him up over conflict between their families. Having gone to school frightened, hungry, and disoriented, the problems escalated, and Julius was sent home. He didn’t go home, however, thinking his grandfather wouldn’t believe his story. Instead, he sought out Back2Back staff, and after a few cheese coney’s, he opened up. Together, we called his grandfather.

“Hello?”

“Granddad, I wanted to say I’m sorry for not coming straight home from school. I should have.”

“Yes, I just want you to be safe.

Are you safe?”

“Ok.We can talk about that when you get here.”

“Ok. We can talk when you get home.”

“I’m sorry, and I know I’ve lied to you a lot, but this time it wasn’t my fault.

I need your help.” (silence) “I’m learning to be different. I’m sorry.

Can I please stay at program longer with my friends, then I’ll come home after?”

“Yeah, Chris will bring me home later.”

“Ok Granddad... I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The call ends, and he leans back against his chair. “I can’t believe apologizing and telling the truth worked. He never tells me he loves me.”

Some things can happen. Change is possible. Walking with God rebuilds and restores.

Doing things God’s way connects us to each other and us to Him. It changes how we see ourselves and others. Answer this question again: Describe yourself in 240 characters or less: _________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Enoch was known for his faithfulness. He trusted, and it was counted for him. His reckless faith allowed him to be changed by God. 24

8 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

1

Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Enoch?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

2

Julius knew who to turn to for help when he was scared to call his grandpa. Who in your life can you turn to when things feel too big to handle? What is it about them that helps you turn to them?

3

How do you think, or how has, walking with God restored a part of your life?

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Reckless Faith

9 ESTHER Esther means "star."” Jewish exile. Adopted daughter to Mordecai. Wife to King Xerxes. Queen of Persia. Mother to Darius the Second. Beautiful.

Courageous. Obedient. A woman of great depth and character. Risked her life to save her people.

LEARN MORE

For more on Esther's story, check out the Book of Esther.

Have you ever experienced being chosen, or not chosen, because of something only people could see on the outside? Esther would empathize with you. As a young woman, among many young women, she was prepared to be marched in front of King Xerxes, who desired a new wife. Esther was ultimately chosen to be queen because of her outward appearance, but she was about to shake up an earthly kingdom, for God’s eternal one.

Esther proved to be much more than just a pretty face – she used her voice and her proximity to power to save an entire people group from death. You may not be royalty in training, but we are all much more than what meets the eye. We are all created for specific purposes. Below you will read about an American father and how his offering to fathers in Cancun, set in motion an afternoon of generational connection and impact. Esther may have lived in different circumstances than us, but we are all children of the Father who can accomplish anything through anyone.

JENN HOLDEN, Back2Back Cancun FIELD STORY

CANCUN, MEXICO

Countless times, I have borne witness to God’s strategy coming alive as people step in where they are needed. It is amazing to watch how God moves mountains and people, as He goes after the one.

In preparation for our summer in Cancun, we dreamt of a Father’s Day celebration - a moment where children and fathers would come together and connect. Fathers have been traditionally hard to involve, and as our team of female coordinators thought about the day, we were at a loss of how to intentionally include each dad.

We sent out a question to the team visiting us that week: Could someone on your team who is a father help provide leadership? We received a reply

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from Ben, a father of four, who was coming with his daughters. They had been making nail and string art to raise funds for their mission trip, and Ben agreed to help us create a father’s day workshop everyone would appreciate.

The day of the event, countless pieces of the story came together, more than we will ever know. But we do know Ben had some great kids, the love of a father, and a skill he could share in a perfectly positioned trip to Cancun over Father’s Day. He said yes, and the basement of the Back2Back team house was filled with fathers that Sunday in June. Fathers and children connected over the new skill of string and nail art they were all learning together. We saw God use a craft to bring healing to Cancun families.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” This is the most cited verse from Esther, words from her wise uncle on the brink of her shining moment. Esther becoming queen to King Xerxes would impact the lives and generations of Jewish people for the rest of time.

Queen Esther waits inside the harem, pampered in preparation for the desires of the king, initially unaware of the turmoil unfolding in the kingdom around her. Outside the king’s gates wanders Mordecai, her protective uncle who sends the news of a plan to destroy the Jewish people in the kingdom.

Esther was not privy to understand every piece God was already moving.

It was her job to obey when asked.

She takes a radical step of faith to speak up before the king,

The whole story unfolds in a wonderfully ironic sequence of events. First, a sleepless night for the king serves as a reminder of the time Mordecai’s advice saved his life. This is timed perfectly with his best man’s plan to destroy Mordecai, ending instead with Haman parading Mordecai around the city, declaring his greatness. Then, a series of banquets thrown by Esther to lead up to her big ask, coincides with Haman’s building of giant gallows, upon which he would be hung when Xerxes discovers his plot.

Looking back on the story, we see an omnipotent God in every detail, fighting to protect His people. Certainly, Esther was not privy to understand every piece God was already moving. It was her job to obey when asked. She takes a radical step of faith to speak up before the king, an action which played a critical role in the saving of an entire people group.

It is freeing to know God clears the path and makes the way - He gives sleepless nights and chronicle readings just in time. As He moves, He invites us in, to boldly trust what He already has in motion. God has brought us each to places and people for such a time as this.

If we do not obey and respond, God will not be stopped. But it’s us who misses the story and the joy of a bold decision falling right into place.

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9 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

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1

Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like Esther?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

2

Have you ever felt like, “now I know why I’m here!” or like God intentionally brought you to a certain place for a certain purpose?

What did this teach you about yourself? About God?

3

What gifts do you think God has given you to serve others in "such a time as this?"”

Reckless Faith

DAVID

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David means "beloved." Son to Jesse. Father to Solomon. Slayer of Goliath. The original underdog. Harpist. Warrior. Loyal friend.

Gifted poet. Author of Psalms. Proof that God's chosen ones are never perfect, but can always be part of something greater.

It would be easy to read about the many accomplishments of men and women in the Bible and think, “I’ll never be holy enough, faithful enough, trusting enough.” But then we meet a man like David. Referred to often as the “one after God’s own heart,” David was anointed as God’s chosen leader, but he also had his downfalls. He ordered a man in his own army to be killed, so he could marry the man’s wife, but God saw much more for David’s story than his indiscretions.

LEARN MORE

For more on David's story, check out the books of 1 Samuel & 2 Samuel.

Maybe when you think of your life, you only see the wrong you’ve done or the lies you’ve spoken. Perhaps, so much is before you and you want to prevent those things from littering your story. What we can learn from David is this – it’s never too late, and you can never do too much that the Lord will refuse to use you. Below, you will read about David’s character and all the ways we can empathize with a man wholly beloved by the Lord.

In this way, we are also beloved by the same Father.

ETHAN DRENT, Back2Back Mazatlán

FIELD STORY

Have you ever sat across from someone with whom you couldn’t verbally communicate? Before I lived in Mexico, my Spanish was not very good. (I still have a long way to go!) I remember flying kites with Alexis, and jumping on the trampoline with Fernando, and playing soccer with Miranda, and thinking, “I wish I knew what you are thinking!” And maybe that has happened as you have spent time on a trip with Back2Back.You may be coloring, jumping rope, or playing with a child and you wonder, “What does this child think of me? What do they think about our group?

What are their hopes and dreams for the future? What do they really want for their life?”

MAZATLAN MEXICO

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It is difficult enough to find out what someone is thinking, but how much more when you cannot ask, and they cannot tell you?

We have access into the mind of King David unlike almost any other person in the Bible. What do we see about David’s hope for the future? In what does he place his faith? Have you ever read the story of David conquering Goliath?

How about David and Bathsheba? David is a well-known character in the Bible for both for the high and low points in his life. I want to let David’s words speak for David, and pull out a couple points for us today.

David is a realist Psalm 69:1-3 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched.

My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. David does not ignore the difficult times in his life. The king of Israel (Saul) literally tries to pin him to a wall with his spear and pursues him as prey. David’s faith will not be shaken even when his own son (Absalom) chases him from the throne and attempts to kill him for the kingdom. His faith and hope is not based on a life free from hardship and peril.

David’s hope is certain But it is in the midst of David’s difficulties that he has hope. Psalm 62:5-8 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory: my mighty rock, my refuge is God.Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

There are two kinds of “hope.” A hope that is uncertain, like our desire for good weather on vacation, and a hope that is certain.Why is David’s hope certain? David views his hope for the future as certain because it is based on his faith.

Psalm 23:5 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Faith in…But faith can be misplaced. If his faith was in his own abilities, his army, his kingdom or his fortress, it would eventually fail him. David’s hope was for something eternal, not temporal, and his faith was based in something that is guaranteed, not something that would wear out and fade.

Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

And you? Scripture tells us this life will bring difficulty. But there is hope for those who have their faith in God, trusting in both the past work of Jesus Christ, and the future glory that will be brought at His return. For what do you hope?

Is your faith in something that will make your hope certain?

In living a life of faith – we cannot fail but to achieve our greatest goal and end.

God will use all of our love for others to be glorifying to Him and He will be perfectly satisfying to us.

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10 REFLECTION Reckless Faith

1

Who in your life have you seen exhibit a reckless faith like David?

How have they inspired or encouraged you in your own reckless faith?

2

What do you have hope in when diff iculties arise?

3

On any given day, what would you say your faith is in? Worldly things? Someone in your life? Jesus? Why is your faith placed there?

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QUESTIONS?

If you would like to know more about the following, give us a call!

CHILD SPONSORSHIP

Tallie Betscher at childsponsorship@back2back.org, 513-754-0300 ext. 1705 Learn more at back2back.org/sponsor

GIVE

Karen Holliday at kholliday@back2back.org, 513-754-0300 ext. 1707 You can make donations online at back2back.org/give

MISSION TRIPS

Chelsie Standeford at missiontrip@back2back.org, 513-754-0300 ext. 1701 Learn more at back2back.org/go

INTERNSHIP

Chris Ramos at cramos@back2back.org, 513-754-0300 ext. 1709 Learn more at back2back.org/internships

TRAUMA COMPETENT CARE

Get access to trauma care tips, free downloadable resources, and view upcoming training opportunities at back2back.org/trauma

STAY CONNECTED

Receive current prayer requests, inspiring stories, and updates via social media and monthly email. Go to: back2back.org/connect For more information, contact the Back2Back U.S. office (513)754-0300 • Back2Back Ministries, P.O. Box 70, Mason, OH 45040 email: info@back2back.org back2back.org 37

Communication & Social Media Guidelines Social media is an undeniable force in our global, and connected society. For those who work with orphaned and vulnerable children, social media presents incredible opportunities, but poses great risks. Back2Back is committed to safeguarding children from harm, exploitation, and abuse. Part of this commitment means following social media guidelines that place the safety, protection, and best interest of the child first and foremost in everything we do and post online.

General Rule of Visibility and Accountability

A basic principle in protecting minors from sexual abuse and exploitation is eliminating opportunities for such abuse to occur. This requires a commitment to the twin goals of visibility and accountability in all interactions with minors and all individuals in Back2Back programs, and the establishment of appropriate boundaries, both physical and situational.

• It is inappropriate to be alone with a minor and/or in a location not visible to others.

• Healthy boundaries limit the times, topics, frequency, and content of all communications between mission guests and minors. These boundaries extend to the use of technology and media.

Guidelines for Social Media & Posting Photos

Back2Back cares deeply about the minors and all individuals in Back2Back programs.

All decisions must be made with their well-being at the center. For this reason, It is prohibited for any mission trip guest to post any video or photo of a minor or any individual in Back2Back programs to any social media site.

You can upload photos of children to shared folders (ex. Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple Photos, Shutterfly etc.) that are not accessible to the public.

Examples of approved ways to post on your personal social media:

Photos of work projects

A favorite view

Your mission team's group photo

Photography Guidelines: • Each Back2Back site, in accordance with local law, will inform guests if they are permitted by local government to take photos of the children for personal use.

• Photos should be taken out in the open, in public spaces, and never in private.

• Make sure to request a child’s permission before taking their photo.

• Best practice recommends only taking photos of groups rather than individual children.

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Opportunity > Please like, share, or repost any social media content from Back2Back Ministries or Staff on your personal social media pages.

Share Back2Back prayer requests

Share Back2Back posts

Communicating with Minors and Hope Program Students

Friend Requests on Social Media • Adults should not send “friend” requests to minors.

• If a Hope Program Student served by Back2Back reaches out and initiates a “friend” request, individuals may choose to accept or deny the request.

Communication with Hope Program Student must include Hope Program House Parents Prior to any communication with a Hope Program Student via social media, mission guests should have the same level of communication/friend status with the Hope Program Student’s House Parent or caregiver. To prevent triangulation and to encourage healthy relationships with house parents, mission guests should close the communication loop and notify Hope Program Student’s House Parent of content of any private communication had with student.

If you accept a Friend Request from a Hope Program Student, you must “friend” their house parent. If you communicate online with a Hope Program Student, please include their house parent in communication. To protect both the adult and the minor or Hope Program Student, communications with young people must: • • • •

Not be excessive (no more than 30 minutes per day) and/or Not occur with improper frequency (no more than twice per week), Not at inappropriate hours (during the daytime only – not after 9pm or before 8am) or Not in private (not on disappearing social media platforms like Snapchat), no matter what medium used.

• If a student texts you after hours and it’s not an emergency (the threat of someone’s life their own or another’s, self-harm threats, clearly illegal activities) wait until morning to reply.

• Video chatting with a Hope Program Student is strongly discouraged.

Model Healthy Boundaries Mission guests must distinguish between “being friendly” and “being friends” with minors. Minors and Hope Program Students are not the peers of adults and should never be allowed to become overly friendly or familiar with mission guests.

In all interactions with minors and Hope Program Students via the internet, mission guests should model and inform healthy relationships between adults and young people.

Establishing and adhering to healthy boundaries provides a model that helps young people more quickly recognize when an adult on the internet engages in behavior that is divergent and report it to their house parent and/or other trusted adults. Therefore, all communications with minors and all individuals in Back2Back Programs must reflect appropriate content and be Christ-centered.

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In 1997, Back2Back followed God’s call to be His hands and feet to serve orphans in Monterrey, Mexico.

We started small by sheltering, nourishing, and teaching children about God’s love.

The children you will meet this week have experienced abandonment, loss, abuse and neglect. This influences how they communicate and behave. Your investment will impact their lives as it will impact your own. 163,000,000 orphans is not a statistic. It is a story.

After years of experience, w importance of investing on level in the lives of children. I the Back2Back 5-Point Development Plan was cr an approach to orphan ministry that addresses crucial areas of child develo (spiritual, physical, educational, and social needs).

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We value healthy Galatia partners and children. Galatia

way you will fulfill the law of Christ” G load.” In Greek, “burden” means so while a “load” refers to the weight o

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communicate God is the hero and He is using us

We value relationships. We believe givin the hope of the Gospel. We are not victims of o are all “orphans” but when we receive Christ, we b

You will demonstrate these values all week through projects and intentional play (what we call play with a purpose). You might be a part of a game or activity that teaches sticking together, taking turns, or showing perseverance. However we engage,we promise to lead you in thoughtful, trauma-informed care.

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ng ourselves is paramount. We want to share our circumstances, but restored in Christ. We become adopted into His Kingdom as co-heirs.

Whether you are engaging in this Mazatlan story in Cancun Haiti Monterrey, Mazatlan, Monterrey Cancun, Haiti, Nigeria or India...

India Nigeria

You are invited to make a difference for one.

Learn more at www.back2back.org

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Want to continuemaking a difference?

This week you've felt a stirring, a joy, a yearning to remain a part of the story started here on this soil. What has happened this week does not have to end today. This could be just the beginning.

connect

give

You are the fuel for deep, holistic care.

Together, we’ll work until every child is known and loved.

The Movement An army of givers, just like you, who've decided a monthly subscription dedicated to helping others can actually change the world. back2back.org/ themovement

go

Receive current prayer requests, inspiring stories, and updates via social media and monthly email. back2back.org/connect

Care fund Every dollar invested goes directly to the holistic care of children. back2back.org/ give

child sponsorship Transform an entire home or be the difference for an individual child.

Learn more at back2back.org/ sponsor

Back2Back has eight sites around the world.

Be a part of the team on another mission trip. back2back.org/go

For more information, P.O. Box 70, Mason, OH 45040, (513) 754-0300 info@back2back.org back2back.org