October 1, 2026
A team of eight from CrossView Baptist Church traveled with the Mell Baptist Association to Ichmul, Mexico, this summer to serve a village of about 100 to 150 people.
The team ministered to a local church, made home visits, held Vacation Bible School, played games with children, and led women’s ministry.
Tonya Irwin said one of her greatest joys was seeing two teenage boys on the team, including her son, talk with a 16-year-old boy in Mexico about the importance of a relationship with Christ.
For Jaimie Whittington, one of the most meaningful parts of the trip was spending time with the children.
“For a village that had very little, they were all extremely happy and grateful for what they had,” Whittington said. “It was incredible and reminds us we do not need much — only God and a love for Him and others.”
The team was also moved by a woman named Rita, whose son struggles with alcoholism.
“Rita tries to be there for her son and her grandchildren,” Whittington said. “I was in awe of her strength and how she kept on coming back to God while caring for her son and her grandchildren.”
To prepare for the mission trip, Tonya Irwin said the team met at the Mell Associational office and had a virtual meeting with their contact, Eli Castillo.
“He told us what he expected to carry out during the week so that we would know how to direct our prayers,” Irwin said. “We knew specifically what our tasks would be, so we could pray for what we would be doing and plan the lessons and activities accordingly.”
Whittington encouraged those who feel led to go on a mission trip not to let fear or feelings of inadequacy hinder them.
“God does not require perfection, just obedience,” Whittington said. “Having time to focus solely on God and helping others find Him is the most important thing in the world.”
Travis Irwin said a typical day on the mission field began with personal quiet time with the Lord before breakfast. The team then divided into three groups: one taught women’s ministry, another played with children so mothers could attend, and a third went door to door for home visits. After lunch and siesta time, the team returned for Vacation Bible School and two church services.
When asked if he would encourage others to go on a mission trip, he said, “Yes, because I have never felt closer to God than while out on missions.”
Tonya Irwin said she saw God working in the missionaries serving in Mexico.
“They have this love for Christ that is inspiring,” she said. “They have a love and desire for sharing their faith and seeing as many hearts saved as possible.”
Travis Irwin asked believers to pray for the people of Ichmul and for the missionaries serving there.
“Pray for God to continue moving, and for the Lord to give the missionaries spiritual energy,” he said. “Pray for lives to be saved by the power of the gospel and pray for their health and protection.”
Whittington said the experience reinforced the importance of being prepared to share a personal testimony and explain the gospel clearly.
“Know it well, practice it with others and be ready to share it with someone at a moment’s notice, even if it is a short, condensed version of it,” she said. “Be ready to help lead someone to the Lord.”
Since coming home from the mission trip, Whittington said she now “looks for more opportunities to minister to people” she meets at home.
“Wherever we go, we should speak of God and all He has done for us,” she said. “I am less worried about things that do not matter, the worldly things. I feel lighter and more grounded in God.”
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