We were so excited to have The Vine Wesleyan Church back with us this year. Led by their Youth Pastor, Monty Ader, and our CP volunteer, Kaitlyn Armstrong, this team spent a busy week hosting music camp at both Casita Adonai and for kids in the community of Gerona. The team was especially touched by the kids in Gerona as the number grew daily!
Several teachers from the team worked with our teachers at Casita Adonai and we are hearing that it was one of the best received sessions they have ever had. The team also partnered with youth and young adults from Iglesia Adonai to host an evangelistic outreach service for teens in the community. Two people accepted Jesus for the first time!
We hope to share many more testimonies from this team, but in the meantime here are their sentences from their debrief on
"What God taught me"
God taught me that no matter where you are or where you come from
we are all the same, and we are all God’s
children. Music, handshakes, laughter, smiles, hugs, etc. transcends any
language barrier.
God taught me how amazing it feels to put a smile on a kid’s face while being
able to spend time with my best friend. In all, this led me to spend more time
with God.
God taught me that he has a plan for me and it is not always the
plan I had for myself. (Phil. 3:15-16)
I’m
grateful to connect with other Christian adults that I can look up to, learn from,
and laugh with.
In Guatemala, God gave new hope for Gerona.
This week allowed me to see the way God works by building
relationships. He showed me that my life has a purpose. I learned that sometimes
it’s good to step out of your comfort zone to fulfill a greater
calling.
If we make the good of others one of our primary goals, then we
will develop a servant attitude that pleases the Lord.
The Lord reminded me and showed my daughter that I am a good
teacher, that I love to teach, and I do it for Him. He allowed me to have laughter that has been
missing in my life.
Not until now did I have an appreciation for relational based
ministries. It was an encounter with God’s
heart. I feel transformed spiritually, given a strong desire to do more.
God taught me that every single moment counts. He has a purpose
no matter how big or how small the moment may be.
God taught me that He has a plan for each and every person. I
feel that we are all meant to be brothers and sisters, and we should be using
our gifts to help others realize their potential, and that they have been
given gifts by God. Our work is not finished; I have a new mission to continue
at home.
On my trip, I got to experience a different culture and make new
friends while spending time with my best friend. Whether it was playing games,
doing flips, or showing love to this kids, I know everyone experienced God’s love this week.
There are so many things in America that we “need,”
but in Guatemala, they actually need them. They don’t complain about it
and are happy.
We really never understand what part of the planting process we
are a part of until later.
I came on this missions trip to give to others, to share my
talents, and give the joy of music, but God taught me that He is greater. I
received so much more than I could imagine.
It was truly a joy to see each member of the team teaching
children
God taught me that it is my responsibility to serve my community,
far and near, and His promises prevail, regardless the size of my faith.