The building is large. Perfectly rectangular, it appears daunting over the stone sprinkled grass field below. Each of the hand crafted stones aligned to create images of indigenous people, images from a time long since passed. The sun, the moon, fields of corn, spears, bows, temples, all images associated with a cultural identity. The sun is high but the daunting gaze of the library provides shade for the students studying under it's reach. Walking up the stone steps I am anxiously waiting to find the group of about 8 or so people I am expecting. Is there a demonstration going on? What's with the large crowd of people? I finally realize several of the people are my friends, that this is the size of our English Club and a huge smile covers my face.
It's been about a month now. A month of prayer for English club. That God would stir in the hearts of UNAM students a desire to learn English, that he would provide them with opportunity to attend our events and that we may be able to build relationships that would bear fruit. As I approached the crowd of this first english club I was feeling several emotions. The first, awe. I am finally here. This whole process started over a year and a half ago. My first blog post featured a picture of this iconic library that we are now working under. At the time of my frist writing I was only speculating about what my time in Mexico would be like. What did the university look like? What did the students think about English and clubs in general? Would this be a thriving ministry or one that had seen its struggle? And now 6 months later I am here. Looking at the library I had only so recently imagined. My expectations were blown away. Nearly 50 people stood huddled around the leaders waiting to begin and learn what they could. There were people working towards the bachelors degree, some professors from the university, others in the midst of obtaining their Phd. All of these people had the opportunity to be leaders in their community, to set the example, and to help transform Mexico City into a shining city on a hill. The second emotion, thankfulness. My team and I have spent so much time praying over this day. To see God provide and answer our prayers was an amazing feeling. Some of the students were likely Christian, what an opportunity to get to know their stories, and walk along side them in their faith. Some were undoubtedly nonchristians. What an opportunity this would be to show them the love of Christ in a new way, and for some, for the very first time. That is exactly what we are here for, to disciple the believers and spread the Glory of God to those who had not yet heard. And finally, excitement. My two years in this city are just beginning and the journey will be long. As I approached this group of students I was reminded that the harvest is plentiful. And looking around to my friends I saw able and willing workers. The club began and I introduced mysef, "Hi, my name is Zack. I am from Texas and I have never ridden a horse to school".