A Work Day at Matthew Training Center

The other day at MTC we were asked to help out with some work that needed to be done around the place to keep it running well. I had no idea what that would entail, but I agreed, eager to do some useful work. It turned out that a pipe needed replacing under the building because tree roots had grown into it, causing it to plug. At first I understood it to be a water supply pipe, but later found out that was not the case.

The work began with me hammering the concrete with a hammer and chisel to get at the pipe below. When that proved to be pretty slow, the hired workers set to work with a pickaxe. We made good progress, and eventually got down to the pipe all the way that was needed.

Tim and I and our 18 year old Mexican Action member, Victor, eager to be a missionary, helped out by digging out the rubble. Once the pipe was uncovered the fun really began. Because the pipe was made of clay, the plan was to break it apart, remove the rubble and roots, put the new pvc pipe in place, and cover it back up. The breaking was easy, however, removing the roots was a different story.

Matthias, a Brazilian who is currently staying at MTC realized Victor’s zeal for being a missionary, and took advantage of it. ‘Hey Missionaro,” he called to him in Spanish, “you want to be a missionary, here grab these roots and pull them out, it’s all part of the missionary experience.” It was then that I realized the pipe was actually a toilet drain pipe, and from none other than the toilet in Matthias’ room.

As Victor prepared to pull the roots out, Matthias felt the need to explain to him what the contents of the pipe were, and how fresh it was. Victor, wanting the missionary experience, gritted his teeth and pulled to root out, dripping, placing it in a wheelbarrow. I was impressed, but that wasn’t the end; there were more roots to go.

Our biggest challenge came near the end, where we encountered one stubborn root that Victor could not pull out. Three of us tried to no avail. So all five of us, Tim, Victor, Matthias, the hired hand, and I grabbed on and pulled as hard as we could, all squeezed into the small hallway. The root started to slowly give way, and I thought we had it, when SNAP! It broke off and we all went sprawling all over the place. Victor got the worst of it, out the door, tripping over the dog, Hatchi, and rolling onto the ground.

It was quite the commotion, but eventually we had all the roots cleared, the new pipe installed, and new cement on top, leaving the job completed. We had accomplished what we set out to do with a lot of extra laughs along the way.

That is how our time has been going here in Mexico. The three Mexican members who have joined us have added so much to the team, and I really enjoy learning Spanish from Victor, and attempting to teach him some English. But even through the language barrier is there, it doesn’t keep us from laughing often, and having tons of fun. I thank God for how He has brought this team together.

-James