im and Alina Mason and their three children, Lydia, Liam, and Theo, joined the Yucatan Family Mission Trip during Spring Break of 2024. They enthusiastically recommend the experience to other families and individuals who might be considering a mission trip. Alina was hesitant at first to take her three young children to a foreign country. After prayerfully considering the obstacles, God led Jim and Alina to Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Their desire to follow Jesus’ Great Commission, along with HIS promise and reassurance that He would be with them always, prompted the Masons to dive in!
“Really getting to know the Cuna Maya families and feeling such a connection with them was our favorite part. The language barrier was not a barrier at all – the love, warmth and hospitality of the people and families broke through our uncertainty and hesitation. It is easy to share the love and hope of Christ in these family settings.” Liam, age 8, said, “It was a great trip and so fun. I can make friends even though we don’t speak the same language.” Theo, 6 years old, said that he loved sharing food with the families, helping people, and learning how to build things. He is looking forward to going back to see his friends and make some more! Lydia, age 10, shared this insight: “We are all the same, even though we speak different languages.” All three of the children wish for more time to spend with the kids and families in Cuna Maya. Alina was especially touched by her experience with the grandmother of one of the Kingdom Academy students named Joshua. Joshua needs a walker to get around, and so his grandmother brings him to school everyday in an adapted bicycle with a large basket. The roads are so bumpy and hard to maneuver, but she faithfully brings him and picks him up everyday. Though she has very little, she gave Alina a small plant and taught her how to make tortillas in her home. “She will always be part of my heart.”
Cuna Maya is a village in the state of Quintana Roo, in the jungle area outside of Cancun, Mexico. Many of the families in the community struggle economically, and many of the children cannot attend school. Our mission partners were led through the prompting of the Lord to transform Cuna Maya through education. With the provision and faithfulness of God, they opened Kingdom Academy in 2019. It is a non-profit Christian school, kindergarten through 12th grade, with the focus on “teaching Biblical truth through education, and discipleship of student and family.” Students complete an education plan with the financial assistance of sponsors who pay for their curriculum. In addition to Kingdom Academy, our mission partners also offer a Saturday school, called Kingdom Kids, to disciple other students who cannot attend Kingdom Academy. Other community outreaches include medical brigades, building roofs and floors in village houses to improve health and safety for families, and food share drives. FBC family mission trip participants will serve alongside our partners in the school, Kingdom Academy, and in the community of Cuna Maya. There is a place for everyone, no matter your age or ability, to serve the Lord and spread His love and gospel to the nations.
Asked if they would consider going on a mission trip again, the Masons gave a resounding “YES!” Jim and Alina have this advice for anyone who is considering a short term mission trip: “Set your fears aside. We are called to be fishers of men. You go expecting to bless others and end up being so blessed yourself.”
