March Team Recap

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 

1 Timothy 4:12

The last week in March we had the joy of hosting a team of 9 people~ five girls ranging from 11 to 18 years old, three moms, and a young man named Ryan. The team was great. They were patient, flexible, joyful, and full of love. Just like Kamryn, the 13 year old that came on the trip last August, these young girls blew me away! The love of Jesus was so evident inside of them. Their pure hearts were beautiful. One of my favorite experiences with the team was listening to the younger girls pray. Their soft voices and simple requests reminded me so much of how much our Father loves it when we come to him with our burdens and requests. On Saturday, we went to the city garbage dump and prayed with the families there. Alayna, the youngest in the group, prayed for Stefany, a 10 year old who works at the dump. The care Alayna showed for Stefany was a perfect example of how God wants us to be: full of love and compassion for his children.

This team did a great job loving on the people we love so much here! The energy and joy they brought to the ministries renewed both our spirits and the spirits of the people we minister to. At the special needs school, we had a little party with snacks and piñatas. At the nursing home, we had a time of games, prayer, and worship. At the orphanage, they held babies and played with all the kiddos! At the senior center, they prepared breakfast and played Bingo. At the dump, they prayed with the families and had several activities with the children. They worked hard and touched the hearts of many!

The group also constructed a playground at the special needs school, and these girls did amazing! In five hours, a pile of wood was transformed into a beautiful swing set. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Deppen Family and carpentry skills of a local missionary, Tommy. Not only is the special needs school home to a new playground, but the girls now know how to use all sorts of power tools! We are excited to see the students playing on this for years to come!

Finally, this team helped us start something that has been on our hearts for months: A night ministry on the streets where we build relationships with the homeless. With the help of the missionaries, our church, and members of another church, we went out on the streets giving out sandwiches and juice, talking, and praying with the homeless and those waiting outside the Children’s Hospital. Pastor Roni shared the Gospel and many were moved by the love God has for them. Please pray for these people and for this new ministry.