Shelly Williams went to Malawi in July of 2009
Our first week was spent hosting a VBS at the African Bible College for the children of missionaries and the kids that live in the city (as opposed to the villages). These kids were educated, well fed and have families…not the sort of kids you generally think of serving in Africa. But when teams come only to work with orphans, these kids are often overlooked. It was great to see how much they enjoyed the week and hear many of the parents express how much it means for them to have someone come and do something for their children too.
We also worked with Save Orphans Ministries and spent some time loving on kids at an HIV/AIDS clinic. There were about fifty children spending the weekend at the clinic where they received food and medicine, as well as learning about the love of Jesus. All of the children have tested positive for HIV, but they were just as happy as can be singing, playing and laughing. We gave out lots of hugs and were able to encourage them by reminding them that they are loved!
Because of the connection made on this trip, several members of Calvary have formed Save Orphans Ministries U.S. in order to support and raise money for the organization. To find out more information about SOM, visit www.saveorphansministries.com.
Kim Bradley went to Honduras in March of 2010
HI, My name is Kim Bradley and this was my second trip to Honduras. My husband Allen and I went in 2006. Each trip has its own amazing quality and each have changed my life. I truly feel that the gift I receive in going is greater than the gift I leave behind. I am amazed by the people of Honduras. They are truly happy and loving. It is so easy to fall in love with them all. We worked on a school for Project Manuelito and the work was so much fun. I can't wait to go back and see it in use. What a difference Pastor Jorge is making in these children's lives. I was able to go to the streets on this trip and see those living there. To see them sniffing the glue that keeps them from feeling their hunger pains and how that affects them broke my heart and shows just how important this project really is. I am so blessed to have some small part in all of this. Please keep Project Manuelito in your prayers as the work they are doing is changing lives for the Kingdom of God!!
Dominic Custodio went to Altenburg Germany in August of 2009
There were many wonderful experiences on the trip, but the following three stood out the most for me:
The first one was a conversation with a woman who was watching us interview people in a local church. She was very interested in Jesus, but was having trouble processing all the complexity of what is happening in the world vs. how God has a plan and that nothing happens without His say so. We had a good discussion concerning God’s plan for our individual lives vs. what happens in the world. I got the chance to witness to her about how God works in each of our lives uniquely and that we don’t need to know the big plan if we know the One who does. I didn’t get to finish the conversation with her, so I trust that God has someone else in mind to finish the deal. What a blessing to be able to witness to her (in German!).
The second one was working with two youths – one was 14 and from Kazakhstan – his name is Alexei, and the other is 16 and from the Ukraine, Vitaly. Alexei is seriously headed down the wrong road – he’s looking for trouble in all the right places. He was drunk most days I saw him. He’s already been kicked out of 2 schools. Please pray for Alexei! Vitaly hung out with him, but you could tell his heart was different. He put on an act, but you could tell he was looking for companionship and acceptance from us. He kept coming around and engaging. The last day I was there, we had church at the usual place, the train station. Vitaly came around after the service was over saying he was looking for Alexei, but you could tell he was interested in what we were doing. I mentioned to the pastor that he was looking and thought that God was really reaching out to him. After I got home, I got an e-mail from the pastor saying that Vitaly came to the youth group and said he had been praying to Jesus since the tent event. Pray that Vitaly comes to know Jesus!
The last one was with the church leaders themselves. The first couple of days were lightly attended, and the leaders got a bit discouraged. I believe God gave me a message of encouragement for them – the victory wasn’t in the number of people attending, it was the fact that they were obedient in holding the tent meeting! It’s God’s job to bring the people… They were encouraged! At the church service on the last day, I told them that it was my privilege to serve with them – in the US, it’s so easy to live among believers while so many are around. In their locale, all they have are each other – they are a true minority. Please pray for the e-free church in Altenburg that they stay strong and that God graciously blesses the work they are striving for.
Vickie Seivers traveled to San Pedro, Mexico in April 2010
Throughout the last few years God has been showing me a great deal about my American values. As a result of God’s many blessings in my life, I recognize the value I have put upon my material possessions. I realize that He has provided me with many things beyond my need. Yet, I take it a step further and begin to define myself by what I own and find happiness in the things I have and discontent in the things that I don’t. As I grow closer to God I am learning how very significantly different are God’s values. I have been drawn to simplify my life and seek His perspective. A few months ago Steve Todd came to the Connection’s Campus and shared with us information on the upcoming mission trips. Immediately after the service I went back and spoke with Steve and grabbed a few fliers. The San Pedro flier kept coming to the top of my options as they were working with an orphanage in Mexico. I knew this would expose me to a different value system and provide an amazing opportunity of service to a hurting, poverty-stricken community. God drew my heart to serve at the House of Joy orphanage.
When we arrived at the airport in Mexico, Terry and about 10 children were there to greet us and welcome us with hugs. My eyes were immediately stung with tears as these children opened their hearts and arms so freely and willingly to me, a complete stranger. I sensed an immediate love and acceptance that was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Upon the arrival at the House of Joy, we began sweeping up the rooms in which we were staying. A few children came right over and began helping us in the first clean-up process. Throughout the week they were eager to help and engage even with the obvious language barrier. One night we had an egg hunt for the kids. Although the hunt was enjoyable, the thing that hit me the most was their ˝ hour process of looking and playing with the items inside the eggs. We had placed simple little toys, stickers and candy inside and the kids found such joy in what for us American’s was simple and almost invaluable.
God is truly at work in the House of Joy, it was amazing to see His presence in such a hurtful environment. The kids were arguing over whom was going to pray. They sang and prayed with such fervor. It was also striking to see a few of the newer children adjust to their new environment. It was such a joy to see their hearts soften and guards let down a bit as they experienced the presence of God perhaps for the first time. Elmer came to the orphanage for the first time while we were there. Early in the week he was peeking around during the prayer time and would run away from cameras. Later in the week we received good night hugs before bed, smiles for our cameras and a helper in pushing the wheelbarrow full of rocks.
A couple things really stuck out to me during the week. We had the privilege of bringing the new playground material into the yard. Watching their little eyes brighten up as each new item arrived is beyond description. The next day we got the joy of simply watching them enjoy the swings, monkey bars, slide and teeter totter. I continue to recall that sweet squeak of the swings! The other amazing moment was late in the week. The new rooms we were preparing for them were finally ready and it was “moving day.” We moved their bunk beds into the newly painted rooms. The joy came in observing them organize themselves into the new environment. They were ever so precise as they hung up their 2-4 small bags onto the bed posts and situated stuffed animals onto the beds. I could sense that they valued their few possessions but their true joy came elsewhere.