40-year-old Gary undertook the expedition through OMS International and was primarily involved in the organisation's social ministry to 'street children.'

He felt God leading him to Mexico after travelling there as part of a team from The Wash Basin in 2006. Touched by what he saw during that brief visit, Gary was presented with the chance to return for a year and, after much prayerful consideration, he decided to take this opportunity.

Astonishingly, there are around 300,000 children and young people living on the streets of Mexico City. Some have been orphaned, others subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Many are simply discarded by families too poor to look after them.

As a means of coping with life on the streets, alcohol, drug and particularly solvent abuse, is prevalent among virtually every street kid.

Unloved and uncared for their days are spent washing car windscreens, selling sweets (or various things) on the underground metro and buses or simply begging to try and get money. Unfortunately some feel the need to turn to prostitution or petty crime as a means of survival.
Despite this, Gary says that getting to know these youngsters was a highlight of his time there.

He smiles: "I just loved meeting the kids. They are really welcoming and loved you coming to visit them. They are always asking, 'Why do you come and visit us? Why do you bring us food?' We showed them love and they showed us love back."

By going out and meeting their need for food and clothing, the outreach team were then able to tell the street children about the Lord Jesus Christ, the love that He has for them and the certain hope He offers.
The need to experience Jesus' love became all the more apparent to Gary when he came upon one particularly sad situation.

Explaining more, he said: "I went to one group and as I was talking to this guy I noticed something lying on the bench beside him.

It was actually a little kid who was sleeping under a coat. She couldn't have been any more that a year old. She was born on the streets and she will be raised there."

Desperate as things may seem, nothing is impossible with God. At present, OMS are refurbishing their drop in facility in Mexico City.
Once this is up and running again, the young people will be able to come in, wash, have something to eat, receive counselling and even basic education, which will enable them to earn money and get off the streets.

A Doctor's office will also be part of the new set-up, making sure that the children's medical needs shall be met.
More importantly, the children will also have regular Bible study classes at the centre.

Projects like this are having an impact for Christ as Gary saw when he accompanied a youth group from the Church in La Loma on a weekend trip to Acapulco.

Remembering was he describes as another highlight, Gary said: "It was amazing to see the love they had for God and their desire to go and reach out into their own communities."

"They themselves realise what they have been rescued from and are so on fire for God because of this – they are an inspiration."
Although Gary's year in North America was undoubtedly a very positive one, he is the first to admit that he found intensive language study difficult.

For the first two months of his service, Gary had to make a daily four-hour round trip to language school, where he studied Spanish.
Loneliness was also something Gary struggled with at times, although he found that being able to study God's Word in depth and learn more of it's promises has deepened his own relationship with Christ.

Gary also says that he also discovered a lot about himself during his stint in Mexico.
In his own words, he said: "People think the missionary life is all fun and games but it is really hard. You learn how to deal with other people and begin to recognise your own faults and see where you need to change in your life."

For now, Gary is working in The Upper Room in Ahoghill as he prays for guidance about his own future.

He asks that Christians here remember in their prayers the work being done by OMS missionaries in Mexico City, including Jonny and Julie Pollock from Ahoghill as well as Andrew and Carol Agnew, who are also from Northern Ireland.

Remember those who are pastoring churches and others who are working to set up small 'house groups.'

Most importantly, Gary asks that you remember the people of Mexico City itself, adding: "Mexicans are very religious people. Their strong religious beliefs contain elements of ancient pagan beliefs and customs.

They are a people who are proud of their culture. For them to give this up and become a Christian feels like betrayal."

"The most satisfying thing about my year was the opportunity that God gave me to serve Him in Mexico and the wonderful friends I made as I shared Christ's love with both Christian and non-Christian", Gary concludes.