Each day, students are being challenged to go deeper in the Word and then to go put that Word to practice in evangelism. Awe Star Missions is not a mission organization but a discipleship ministry. As we teach students how to walk out what it means to be in the Word, pray, worship, and talk about the things of God on a daily basis, they see God move in extraordinary ways.

Today, one team had the privilege to go into a women’s state prison. The atmosphere was thick when we arrived. You could literally smell the stench of the prison and feel the darkness that covered the facility. The air outside was cold, but as the students waited to enter, the warmth of anticipation grew.

“We just knew God was going to do something big in our midst.”

At Awe Star, one of our teachings is about being a Willing Witness, and each day, we pray that God would direct us toward Seeking Souls so they can experience a Divine Encounter (WW + SS = DE).

Our schedule had shifted earlier in the week, and a refugee center we were supposed to be going to cancelled. On the same day, we were asked if we would like to come to the women’s side of the prison. We knew this was not happenstance but that God was ordering our steps. So even though it was so cold and dark, we just knew God was going to move.

We began by singing "Reckless Love" in English and Spanish. Halfway through the song, our translator slowed the words down and explained to the women that this was God’s love for them. Women began weeping. But it didn’t stop there. We had three students get up and share heartfelt testimonies about how the gospel had changed their lives. Even more women began watching intently, and more and more began weeping. The Awe Star team then presented the "Freedom" drama (18-minute pantomime performed to a track in the local language that is a chronological story from creation to the resurrection). When the drama finished, a team member shared the gospel and gave an invitation for women to come to Christ.

Women covered in tattoos with calloused skin and hopeless eyes flooded the front to give their lives to Christ. The weeping began from the first song and continued until a time of rejoicing when 25-30 women accepted Christ.

Even more came forward to be prayed over, asking for prayers for their marriages, children, and addictions.

It was a powerful moment.
A God moment.
A moment we and those women will never forget.

Thank you for praying with us. For covering our teams in prayers. For being a part of the mighty works God is doing here in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

At Awe Star, we do a teaching based on Acts 2:41-43 (ESV), “So those who received his word were baptized, and they were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. And AWE came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.”

If we devote ourselves to the Word of God, talking about the things of God, worship, and prayer, we will experience AWE. What is AWE? AWE is when you see God move in such a way that you are amazed, excited and left speechless.

#TeamMexico has been experiencing the AWE of God.

While #TeamDos was at church this morning during worship, you could feel the Spirit of God in the place. During the service, the team prayed over the people of the church, and God broke hearts and changed lives. Soon, the people of the church prayed for our team. God continued to break our team. He answered prayer. He reminded us of truth and reminded us that He is enough. When we walked out of the church service, we looked at each other and said, "That's the AWE!" 

The teams presented the drama in the streets today. This evening, #TeamUNO was worshipping, #TeamDOS happened to walk up and join, and then #TeamTRES came along too. As we worshipped together, God drew people to the team. Someone began to share the gospel with them. One group of people were believers, but there was a man in his sixties who repented and accepted Christ to be the Lord of His life. He immediately said, "Where is a church? I want to go!" We asked him if he had a Bible. He responded, "No, can I have one?" 

This is the AWE!

Would you join us in praying for the transformation that is happening in each life on the teams and those we are encountering? God is raising this generation as an army to usher in His return. We are seeing it. We are experiencing it. We believe we will witness it!

For ministry tomorrow (Monday, Dec. 30), will you pray for us: 

DAY 5 Ministry /Discipleship.
Begin by praying for Strength and Perseverance
Missionaries can often feel as though they’ve sown much with a little harvest. Pray for their strength and endurance to run the race—that the Lord would remind them He is working deep in hearts even when it seems like nothing is happening.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will
walk and not be faint" (Isa. 40:31, NIV).

• Translators would be provided (Phil. 4:19).
• Barriers would be broken; strongholds would be exposed and crushed (2 Cor. 10:4). 
• Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17).
• Vulnerability in discipleship groups (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
• Stand firm against the opposition of the enemy (Eph. 6:11).
• Darkness would be pushed back.
​
Missionaries walk boldly into some of the darkest areas of the earth. They confront spiritual and physical oppression that we can’t imagine. Pray that the light of God would shine through them, pushing back darkness and oppression as they share the gospel.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners" (Isa. 61:1). 

For His glory,

#TeamMexico Leadership

The Bible states clearly that "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Today, our teams witnessed freedom from inside prison walls. One inmate came and began sharing how he had been sentenced to 60 years, but today, he felt freedom for the first time. He shared how he could feel the presence of God and hope, that many people had been to the prison and given physical things to meet their needs but none of those things met their needs the way they experienced today. Today they felt true freedom. This man felt free.

After an extended time of bilingual worship in Spanish and English, the teams offered testimonies of hope and then presented the "Freedom" drama. When the drama was over, a team member preached the gospel and extended an invitation for salvation. Over 50 men, weeping and broken, came forward to give their lives to Jesus. The Awe Star team surrounded the men, laying hands on them and praying over each of them freedom, hope, and for the shame of their sins to be broken. It was a powerful moment, and even students began weeping in the presence of God.

Each team left the prison changed. Not because they had been with criminals, but because they saw firsthand the God who redeems criminals, murderers, rapists, thieves, and the students themselves. The gospel is shameless in the presence of darkness. It triumphs over the worst of sinners and conquers the hardest of hearts. Today, each team not only saw prison walls fall, but they also saw the passionate pursuit of a God who is relentless in saving the lost.

Would you continue to pray for teams as they share the gospel in markets, parks, children's homes, and many other places? Would you pray for darkness to be exposed by the light and for the power of the gospel to lift the veil of darkness over hearts? Would you pray for the Lord to order our steps and for any distraction of the enemy to be stopped? We are grateful for all these prayers and for your partnership with us in the furtherance of the gospel!

For His Glory,

Team Mexico Leadership 

If I were going to define today, I would use the word "intense."  Each team member began their day at 7:30 am. Breakfast, quiet time, worship, teaching,  and lots of hours of drama training.

Drama training probably isn’t what you think of when you hear the word "drama." The drama Awe Star uses is an 18-minute pantomime, "Freedom" that we present using a track in the local language of the people. Team members, young and old, learn counts to music that enable them to physically act out a chronology of the gospel from creation to the resurrection. The drama includes a Gentle Ruler, Good Prince, good knights, evil knights, people of the land, and even a scary dragon. As the drama unfolds, people see that the Good Prince beats the dragon and brings the people freedom through his death and resurrection. The team has done a great job of learning their parts and preparing to start ministry tomorrow.

As the students are getting ready for bed, please be praying for them to get amazing rest and wake up tomorrow ready for a full day of being light in the darkness. Pray for the Holy Spirit to go before us, with us, and behind us. Pray for strength to endure as they are challenged outside their comfort zones and stretched to become more like Jesus.

We believe that as our students are pouring themselves out, Piedras Negras will not only be changed, but so will each one of these students.

For His Glory,

Team Mexico Leadership

As we prepare for our upcoming Christmas Break trip, we thought you might want to catch some of the true Awe Star spirit with our very own version of a favorite Christmas song. If there are parts you don't understand, feel free to ask any Awe Star staffer or alum to explain. And don't forget to pray for us as we prepare for the upcoming trip! 

Please be sure to sing this to the familiar "12 Days of Christmas" tune, dramatic phrasing and all!

On the first day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
A chance to be a missionary.
 
On the second day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the third day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the fourth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the fifth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Five PBJs
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the sixth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Six knights a-swaying
Five PBJs
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the seventh day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Seven swords a-clashing
Six knights a-swaying
Five PBJs
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the eighth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Eight streamers flying
Seven swords a-clashing
Six knights a-swaying
Five PBJs
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the ninth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Nine POLs prancing
Eight streamers flying
Seven swords a-clashing
Six knights a-swaying
Five PBJs.
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
 On the tenth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Ten hammocks swinging
Nine POLs prancing
Eight streamers flying
Seven swords a-clashing
Six knights a-swaying,
Five PBJs.
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Eleven Barneys blasting
Ten hammocks swinging
Nine POLs prancing
Eight streamers flying
Seven swords a-clashing
Six knights a-swaying,
Five PBJs.
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.
 
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Awe Star gave to me,
Twelve ministry packs.
Eleven Barneys blasting
Ten hammocks swinging
Nine POLs prancing
Eight streamers flying
Seven swords a-clashing
Six knights a-swaying,
Five PBJs.
Four water bottles
Three T-shirts
Two hiking backpacks
And a chance to be a missionary.

Day 1 Travel
Your missionary will begin early (4am early) and be in a van for 12 hours before crossing the border and entering into Mexico.
• Rest from all the holidays and for energy to serve hard the coming days.
• Focus on the mission ahead and not distractions from home.
• Fearlessness from stepping into the unknown and boldly proclaiming the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:7
• Favor crossing the border into Mexico
• Protection from any travelling issues with vans, other vehicles, weather, etc.
• Connection with new team members as they travel.

Day 2 Training
Your missionary will spend countless hours on this day learning counts, expressions, sword fights, and everything related to the 18- minute pantomime he or she will do on the streets, in market places, schools, prisons, children’s homes, and other areas of Mexico.
• Attentiveness to leadership as they teach and train the drama and other ministry skills.
• Heart ready to worship and learn as the group gathers for discipleship and training.
• Stamina for the long hours of training and change of atmosphere and culture.
• Focus in learning the drama, memorizing new scriptures, having a quiet time, and intense teaching.
• Ears to Hear and receive teaching that will challenge their comfort, culture, and half-truths.
• Teachability to God’s Word as they are immersed in it.
• Desire for the Truth would increase in their heart and that their eyes would be opened to the need for more Truth in their
lives.

DAY 3 Ministry /Discipleship
Begin by praying for Divine Appointments.
Ask God to set up divine appointments and open doors for ministry that only He can make possible.
“Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” – Colossians 4:3-4
• Anointing Luke 4:18
• Boldness Acts 28:31
• Release of Control Proverbs 3:5-6
• Discernment Hebrews 5:14
• Filled with Faith Matthew 17:20
• Spirit of Salvation Would Come to Every Site John 6:44
Lastly for Open Hearts Like the seeds that fell on fertile soil in the Parable of the Sower, ask the Lord to make fertile ground and prepare hearts to receive the gospel.
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” – Jeremiah 24:7

DAY 4 Ministry /Discipleship
Begin by praying for a Spirit of Encouragement.
Pray against discouragement, disappointment, fear, and doubt. Ask the Lord to bring people across their path who would encourage and uplift them.
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” – Psalm 112:6-7
• Willing Spirit Psalms 51:12
• Open Doors Colossians 4:3
• Favor with Authorities Proverbs 21:1
• Eyes to See the Unseen 2 Corinthians 4:18
• Words Would Be Given as They Proclaim the Gospel Ephesians 6:19
Lastly, Pray for Provision.
As you venture out to do God’s work, you become increasing aware that your needs out weight your resources. Would you pray for God to supply translators, permits, favor with authorities and other city Gate-Keepers.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

DAY 5 Ministry /Discipleship.
Begin by praying for Strength and Perseverance
Missionaries can often feel as though they’ve sown much with a little harvest. Pray for their strength and endurance to run the race — that the Lord would remind them He is working deep in hearts even when it seems like nothing is happening.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will
walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
• Translators Would Be Provided Philippians 4:19
• Barriers Would Be Broken & Strongholds Would Be Exposed and Crushed 2 Corinthians 10:4
• Sensitivity to The Holy Spirit Acts 2:17
• Vulnerability in Discipleship Groups 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• Stand Firm Against the Opposition of the Enemy Ephesians 6:11
Lastly, Darkness Would Be Pushed Back.
Missionaries walk boldly into some of the darkest areas of the earth. They confront spiritual and physical oppression that we can’t imagine. Pray that the light of God would shine through them, pushing back darkness and oppression as they share the Gospel.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

DAY 6 Ministry /Discipleship.
Begin by Praying for Protection and Safety.
Pray for your missionaries’ safety and protection. Ask the Lord to protect them against illness, injury, distractions, and danger.
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:8
• Satan’s Opposition Would Be Stopped Isaiah 54:17
• Darkness Would Be Pushed Back Psalms 91:1-16
• Each Missionary Would Be Filled with The Holy Spirit and Power Acts 1:8
• Transformation Would Happen in Student’s Lives 2 Corinthians 3:18
• Each Student Would Continue to Embrace Their God Given Purpose Beyond This Mission Ephesians 2:10
Lastly, Pray for Joy in Trials.
The joy of the Lord is our strength! Pray that the joy of the Lord will sustain your missionary in every trial and setback.
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” – Psalm 126:5-6

Day 7 Final Day of Ministry & Debriefing
Begin by Praying for Lasting Fruit.
That your missionary will grow in living the lifestyle of a missionary in every area of their life. Ask the Lord to show them how they can boldly share the gospel in their school, campus, work, friendships, and family members.
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will remain— so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. – John 15:16
• Desire to be intentional & missional in sharing the Gospel at home.
• Eyes to See Divine Encounters in their school, campus, workplace, friendships, & family relationships.
• Their experience would be a Window to the world for other Christians to be challenged to Go.
• Their Spiritual Growth would deepen and widen.
Lastly, Pray for their Return to The Mission Field.
Students have more opportunity than any age group to go and use their time out of school for Gospel Advancement. Pray that God continues to call them to invest their school holiday breaks, summers, vacation and future in the furtherance of the gospel to all nations!
Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
​
Day 8 Travel Home
Your missionary will begin early (4am early) and be in a van for over 12 hours. Early morning hours they will cross the border from Mexico back into the USA.
• Rest from a long week of intense ministry.
• Focus on the Great things God has done.
• Fearlessness to boldly take the Gospel back home and continue living the Missionary Lifestyle. 2 Timothy 1:7
• Favor crossing the border from Mexico back into the United States. As well as favor with Church leaders to begiven
opportunity to share all God has done the last week.
• Protection from any travelling issues with vans, other vehicles, weather, etc.
• Connection would grow into accountability with new Christian friends who have experienced the AWE of God with them.