Haiti, Chris Rowekamp | Blog 3.

It is so easy to forget that God never told us to stop dreaming.

Looking at the persistence of the structural, political, and human wreckage in Haiti, it is so easy to become discouraged. Thinking on the enormity of the challenges yet to be overcome can be paralyzing. When it seems like the entire neighborhood shows up to fill plastic buckets with water gushing from a broken pipe in the street, it is an understatement to say that they are in need.

Through all this, God says, “Believe.” He does not ask, “Can you believe?” He asks, “Will you believe?” Faith, possible only through the grace of God, is not a passing, whimsical feeling we produce within ourselves. No, it is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV). It is a choice, made in response to and in agreement with the truth God has spoken to us. 

And make no mistake; His Kingdom is advancing.

Faith leads to action. Today a shipment of rice came to Pastor Wilson’s house; a few guys and I unloaded it. Its destination is Lartigue, an isolated town in the mountains of Haiti where Eglise Communion de la Manne Evangelique operates a school. I’ll be traveling there with Pastor on Monday to deliver the rice and many other essential supplies to this town, which was devastated by the recent hurricane. 

Another example, more close to home: the church family at Christian Life Center, in Williamsburg, Virginia, got together, sold Christmas trees and homemade ornaments, hosted an event representing local vendors where community members could do their Christmas shopping, and gave generously, all to raise the $15,000 necessary to provide a generator for the new Children’s Home. To literally provide light to the 21 amazing kids and the volunteers who tirelessly serve them.

We can look at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our path and freeze...or we can choose to do something. Thank you all for believing.

- Chris Rowekamp

Haiti, Chris Rowekamp | Blog 2.

Being in a different country, surrounded by people who speak a different language and come from a completely different cultural and ethnic context, has a way of reminding you that this life really isn’t about you; that God’s Kingdom is much bigger than you had implicitly believed.

Although I had been to Haiti once before this trip, I had no idea what to expect this time around. About two weeks before my departure, I had a “freak-out” moment where I realized, “Wait. I’m leaving for Haiti in two weeks…and I’m not ready. At all.” I hadn’t sent out a fundraising letter; I hadn’t thought or prayed for a specific vision for the trip; I felt completely unprepared. I came very close to cancelling my flight, taking the $150 fee, and trying this trip again later with my transferred plane ticket. I even told my student ministry pastor and our church life director that I needed to cancel the trip…but then decided to give that final decision a few days.

It’s funny how a day off can do amazing things.

I went home for Thanksgiving 48 hours after my moment of panic, and after a day of rest, over-eating, and general good times, I was in my car on the way back to Williamsburg. As I was sitting at the stoplight at the entrance of my parents’ neighborhood, I weighed the pros and cons, and it was pathetic. At the core, I didn’t want to go because I didn’t have a plan for the trip. I couldn’t see the specific purpose I would accomplish, the way in which this would concretely move me forward in my walk with Christ. And then it struck me: the last thing the Haitian church needs is a presumptuous foreigner thinking he can solve all of their problems. God is moving in and through the Haitian church; He doesn’t need me here to do that. 

So why am I here? I’m here to serve Jesus’ church. I’m here to learn. To grow. And to see how God grows His Kingdom in a unique context. 

Really, it’s no different than the perspective I ought to have about my role in Williamsburg. The church doesn’t exist for my consumption; the church, of which I am part, is God’s means for bringing His Kingdom to this Earth. 

And this brings me to one of the foremost purposes of short term missions, in my opinion: to remind the church, as individuals and as a corporate body, that we do not exist as an end in and of ourselves. God is building a Kingdom. And we, as His church, get to be His partners in that work. What a privilege.

-Chris

Haiti, Chris Rowekamp | Blog 1.

You know, the cold showers are quite pleasant when it’s in the low 90s during the day. I actually look forward to the cold plunge after a long day in the heat, especially because I’m never sure if we’ll even have running water…the electricity can be unpredictable.

Whew. Now that I’m done with the obligatory “hardships of serving in a developing country” story, I have to say, I’m having the time of my life. The weather is actually quite nice; it is winter after all, and I get to be in the shade most of the time. And the water isn’t really that cold…more cool than anything. Not unpleasant at all.

I came here in March of last year with an amazing team of mostly college students loaded down with supplies for Wings of Refuge, a Children’s Home run by Eglise Communion de le Manne Evangelique in Petion-Ville, Haiti. We served Pastor and Mommy Pas as best we could, and tried to be helpful, but by far the most rewarding part of our trip was the time we spent with the kids at Wings of Refuge. When I say that it was hard to say goodbye to them, it’s a terrible understatement, and it only got worse when I saw their pictures every time I walked into Christian Life Center, my home church in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

Coming back was something of an emotional anticlimax. I’m not really sure if the kids recognized me, at least not at first. That’s the anticlimax; the rest is emotion. When I stepped into the Home, I was still wearing my suit from my flight, and I was so tired I was afraid I would fall over any minute…but when I saw those kids, I’m pretty sure my heart stopped for a second. Or more likely sped up, I’m not really sure. All I know is that it’s good to be back. I’m trying not to think about the next inevitable goodbye in just over a week.

I miss everyone back home, but even more, I miss the team I came with last time. I have so many amazing memories of that time with them that keep flooding back into my mind every time I step into Pastor’s home…frustrating games, impossible riddles, seagull sandwiches and oh so much more. I remember sitting in the very room I am writing this post in right now, and listening to Nick Lopez and Caleb Elgut take turns driving me crazy with riddles they were finding online. Such good times.

Well, that’s all for now; I’ll send more updates soon. I have much more I could write about, but nobody wants to read long blog posts, so I’ll stop here.

Thank you all for your interest, prayers, and for making this trip practically possible through your generous financial support. I can’t thank you enough.

God bless,

Chris

Haiti, June 26-July 3, 2012 | Blog 3.

David wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (Psalm 24:1-2).

I love serving a God whose heart is bigger than I will ever be able to contain. We get to spend our lives searching the depth of God and will not even begin to tap His sheer magnitude. One of the glorious things about spending time in Haiti (or any other context, for that matter) is that I get to see another side of God through a people very different from me.

We serve a God who is not limited to one culture, one style, one color, one flavor, one method, or one perspective. He can be found in and by all people.

The only necessary ingredient comes in the next verses (Psalm 24:3-4).

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”

I dream of a day when our Church is in partnership with Churches all over the world. Not because this sounds biblical but because it is biblical. The body of Christ is larger than one local Church which means that each brings a necessary part. Imagine the strength that comes when these parts become unified, connected, and partnered. 

There is something for our Church in Williamsburg that can only be found in the Church in Haiti, China, India, and New York City. And the opposite is true as well - there is something we have for those same Churches across the globe. 

Strength will come as a result of partnership. Strength is not a result of ministry being done the same way but because the same Spirit is alive and active in what is being done (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). I am realizing that far less principles exist when it comes to the how compared to the what. I think to ask for God’s heart and then to not expect different could be entirely missing God’s heart. 

Know that you, Church are called to be involved in what God is doing in the whole world and in so doing, the Kingdom of God advances. Fulfilling the mission of God in the earth that is the Lord’s is the purpose that we all live for. 

Much love to you, CLC!

-Holly Aman

Haiti, June 26-July 3, 2012 | Thank you, SoapBox Soaps!

I was hardly in the doors of Wings of Refuge Children’s Home (much less into the country) before I was being asked for soap. Apparently, the kids have been waiting patiently for the soap we collected. Now, don’t worry - I am positive that a substitute was being used but no where near the quality or smell of SoapBox Soaps. 

Last time I brought soap, a few of the kids walked around huffing their hands for an entire day because they smelled so good. 

Our goal was to collect 100 bars of soap for Wings of Refuge Children’s Home. We sold over 163 bars of soap in 2 weeks and brought down over 225 bars of soap. 

Partnering with the Church in Haiti is not for a few who feel especially called or those who are able to travel there tomorrow. Partnering with what God is doing in the world is the call of every believer. 

So, you can’t head to Haiti on the next trip - so what?! Don’t let that keep you from becoming engaged with what God is doing here. Obviously, it goes a long way for the kids at Wings of Refuge Children’s Home. It means soap. It means clean little hands and healthy bodies. 

Thank you, Church for being a generous Church. You are simply glorious.

Thank you, SoapBox Soaps for partnering with us in serving the 21 beautiful kids of Wings of Refuge Children’s Home. They smell so nice, thanks to you.

-Holly Aman

Haiti, June 26-July 3, 2012 | Blog 2.

Mission trips are the best kind of vacations. I am so thankful to be here for a week in Haiti and so thankful to Pastor and Mommy-Pas for having us in their home. I love everything they’re doing down here and am so excited to continue our partnership between church’s. 

I absolutely love the kids at Wings of Refuge Children’s Home, every single one of them. Its amazing to see them act like one big family coming together. The Wings of Refuge children’s home changes lives. It gives the kids support, education, home and most importantly Godly role models. These kids have impacted my life far more than I possibly ever could. 

My athletic ability on the basketball court does not come from a natural ability from birth. It comes from me outworking my opponents. I have been raised to be a hard worker so when I got put up to the job of pouring cement for the construction of the new Wings of Refuge Children’s Home; I was going to try and outwork the people around me. I learned a very valuable lesson that day - you cannot outwork these Haitian men. I was so impressed with the amount of work we did in one day and how hard the men worked. 

Overall this mission trip has been remarkable and I challenge everyone to try and make it a priority to go and see all that God is doing in Haiti. He is up to good things.

-Joshua Aman

Haiti, June 26-July 3, 2012 | Blog 1.

Josh and I arrived on Tuesday it is now Sunday afternoon.  We are about to go back to church for a communion service, we were there this morning from 6 till 10ish for the morning service. We have spent the week partaking Haitian life with Pastors Wilson and Gladys and their family. We have spent time at Wings of Refuge Children’s Home and been loved on by the twenty-one little ones...Darvinsley, Angelina, Erinel, Bedechina, Naelka, Fadelin, Clifford, Adeline, Wilson, Sarah, Jovenesse, Keslourna, Renelson, Jean Widmey, Motha, Guirlene, Migelite, Islande, Adelin, Jaunisse, and Ketina.  Each child is so unique. On Thursday we spent the whole day playing at the beach and traveling to and from. The beach time with the children made the journey so worth it.  Josh and Holly had a work day at the site of the new children’s home....I opted to do beading with the children. On Saturday we had a chance to clean the church with Mommy Pas and then we all went out for dinner in Petion-ville.

That is just a brief overview of the week.....the harder part of writing a blog is to try and share with you, the church, the depth of what we have had the privilege of partaking in.  Last year I read Radical by David Platt.  The book inspired me to go on a missions trip out of my context. Haiti fits that description. The language is different, the climate is different, the city is different, the food is different, the transportation is different....so many things are out of my context. I sat in church this morning and a man shared the scripture that was to be preached. It was the story in Numbers about Balaam being told from the Lord to do something. I know God will send you when He wants, to where He wants, and to do what He wants. The challenging part is....will we go... and will we do as we have been asked to do. 

I have been studying the book of Jonah. Here is another man in the Bible who when asked to do a specific task from the Lord had to wrestle it out. Sometimes we hear form the Lord, we start to walk out what we are being lead to do and then it happens.....it becomes HARD. I love those moments because that is a time where my prayers get specific and God makes the seemingly impossible happen. In this process we stretch. Our context becomes bigger. Our faith becomes deeper. Our thanksgiving becomes fuller and our love becomes richer.   

Our partnership with this church family in Haiti will add to us a beautiful depth that if we stay in only our city we would miss out on. The beauty of this exchange is that we get to bring back that compassion, thankfulness experience to our church. In this Divine exchange we get to be the student and the teacher....the servant and the one served.  The church can operate by it’s New Testament design.  

Thank you church for being a part of this mission trip. And, be open...YOU could be next to go. 

-Juliann Aman

Haiti, June 19-26, 2012 | Blog 4.

After a grueling day of work at the job-site Friday, we woke up Saturday morning and decided the we were just so fatigued that we could not work at the work-site.  We used Saturday as a time to gather a little strength, unfortunately, a few members of the team began feeling a little ill and very, very tired so we slept and read and slept some more.  We woke up Sunday morning excited and a little nervous about going to church in another country.  Needless to say, not only did everything turn out well, it was amazing.  During the first worship song, we began to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit move throughout the entire congregation and continue to flow as the song got stronger and stronger.  Some of us hands held high in worship; others completely in tears ---- WOW!  As we got into the Word, even thought we could only make out a few words and phrases, we all knew that somehow we were being changed.  As the service ended, we were overwhelmed with the sheer number of people that were actually there.  Roughly 300 people on the main level where we were, many more in the basement level watching via video projection and an overflow into the street, again --- WOW!  

Sunday night we decide that on Monday, the entire team would spend our last full day in Haiti visiting the children in the currently rented children’s home.  What a great decision that turned out to be!  It didn’t take long for the children to warm up to the members of the team that they really didn’t know yet.  After a few piggy back rides, some arts & crafts and paper airplanes, it was on!  Hugs & kisses, photos, beach balls and soccer balls, it became a experience that we will never forget.  They are all very sweet and completely innocent of the world outside. What a true sanctuary in a city full of chaos.  Inside those walls you would never know that an earthquake devastated the city not so long ago.

My heart truly goes out to Pastor Wilson and Gladys Charles and the extended family of their household as they not only welcomed us into their home, but shown us love and compassion as if WE were also their family.  Jesus will continue to build His church and in Haiti, He is also building homes for the little ones.  After the new Wings of Refuge home is complete, not only will the 21 children that we spent today with have a home, so will many others.  Children are already on the list.  What a true honor it is to be a part of building a refuge, second chance, and haven in Haiti. God bless Pastor Wilson and Gladys Charles and God bless Wings of Refuge Children’s Home in Petion-ville, Haiti.

-Larry Sanders

Haiti, June 19-26, 2012 | Blog 3.

Since I have been here, I have seen and experienced so much. I cannot even begin to describe what everything looks like around me. I see so much poverty and so much brokenness. Just by looking into people’s eyes you can see and feel their pain and lack of hope. Haiti is a country where the people have been beaten down so much that it has become very difficult for them to dust themselves off and get back up again. But through all of the hurt there is such beauty in the country as a whole. The people here are simply beautiful.

As we drive through the streets I can hear the cars honking, the people speaking, the dogs barking and the music playing. I can see endless shacks (some being homes and some being stores or restaurants), I see many people, many cars, different types of animals, and multiple vendors lining the make-shift streets. But if you look past all of the commotion, if you look in the distance you can see the shadowing of the hills and mountains. It is such a beautiful thing that amidst all of the chaos you can see something that is this peaceful and steadfast. I feel like I could spend forever here,  observing, learning and literally changing from the inside out. 

In my time here so far I have been reminded of the important things in life; I have had the realization that our life truly is but a vapor. That, in the bigger picture we are only here so long. Each of our lives has a beginning and an end. It is up to us to decide what we want to do in between. It is our job to make sure that we make the most of our lives. I am reminded that in order to do this, Jesus is the must-have ingredient. We are incapable of living our lives the right way without God as a part of the picture and we CANNOT do it by ourselves. We can’t live life thinking that we are making a difference by just being a ‘humanitarian’. It is so much bigger than that; motive is everything. That by being a follower of Christ our heart should come in line with His heart and as it does, our actions should come in line with His plan. I am so thankful that it really is that simple; when we make God number one everything else will fall into place. I am so grateful that the weight is not on my shoulders to live life correctly, that really when I am obedient to the Lord I am doing all that I can do. 

I love that as Christians we are not called to simply live life for ourselves, eventually the focus needs to be shifted off of us. It is not about us, we are called to live life for others. We are supposed to live for something BIGGER than ourselves. I am encouraged that really the whole point of my being is to bless the people around me. In being here, I have had the opportunity to do just that; I have had the opportunity to serve day in and day out. But while I am here in Haiti for one week on the missions trip it is very easy to have that mindset. I am reminded that the spirit and heart of serving and missions shouldn’t stop here. I am supposed to carry that same spirit home with me to the United States. As much as I have learned so far and as much as I am sure that I will learn over the next couple of days, it would all be pointless if I didn’t bring anything home with me. I feel like the Lord has just been saying over and over again that my ‘missions field’ is where I live - what I call my home. By leading a selfless life at home I am making more of a difference than I could ever do here in Haiti for only a week. 

-Summer Zacharias

Haiti, June 19-26, 2012 | Blog 2.

When we arrived in Haiti, we did not know what to expect, but we knew God was already here with open arms. The first day of work was good and as the work week progresses, we are becoming better acquainted with the gentlemen on the worksite of the new children’s home that is being built. There truly is one spirit that joins our effort in the building process. To operate as a team is really the fruit of the Spirit in real time operation, yielding to our own leading and working together for one common goal. Even despite the language barrier, hand signals seem to be our best friend in getting direction from the construction foreman. He has become affectionately known as “hey, Bossman”, which is totally OK with him. Lifting up and esteeming others (the Haitian workers) as valuable in their helping give us direction and seems to break down the language barrier. It sort of gives them a higher position over us almost like the main “Bossman”, adding value to their knowledge despite their paid position. We firmly believe that we are uplifting their spirits and giving them a sense of value and worth beyond monetary compensation. Sometimes we often believe we have a better way of doing things to help rather than just coming with a servants heart and the “foot washing” spirit.

Needless to say the conditions the Haitians live in are beyond description or anything the average American can wrap their understanding around. You would have to be absolutely desensitized to not to be on the verge of tears at the sight of the extreme poverty. In our time at the job we have encountered a young boy that has become our friend through hunger. I dare say anyone of us has ever made a new acquaintance because we were hungry and in need of a meal. Sounds like an opportunity to step in and help. Huh? Sort of a no brainer. Breaking bread with a hungry child will definitely humble you and have you survey how blessed you really are.

-Chris Brown, David Scott, and Larry Sanders

Haiti, June 19-26, 2012 | Blog 1.

As soon as we landed in Haiti, it seemed that there was mass chaos. The minute the pilot announced that we could deplane, there was a mass exodus of people, not being pushy but really ready to be off a packed to the gills 3 1/2 hour flight. Then into the airport with our declarations and immigration papers, again packed to the gills with people and all their stuff. While Holly says that it went “the smoothest it ever has”, it was long, hot and stressful to me, not as much so as the gauntlet to get to our vehicle though. Noise, noise and more noise. Horns honking, loud engines, people wanting to carry your bags and not taking no for an answer the first ten times you tell them. Telling you this is really not about shedding bad light on the Haitian people at all, they are just trying to make a living and go about their daily business in the most populated city in the whole country of Haiti. But it is what it is --- extremely loud and hectic. But then!!! When you get to the Wings of Refuge Children’s Home (after a very bumpy, loud ride), you enter a world where the noise is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Children laugh and giggle and run around having fun, giving hugs, giving kisses, sitting on your lap and being kids. Behind the gate to the children’s home - a sanctuary. These children are loved and they are loving to each other - it truly is a family of 21 kids with caretakers like aunties and uncles - people who love them back. They are all equal, no one is preferred over another. They share most of the time and when they don’t, they work it out amongst themselves and keep on going. The baby, Darvensly is the most cared for baby I think I have ever seen, he is the object of everyone’s affection, they hold him, kiss him and touch his head in passing which is such a sweet sight, it speaks of pure love. As we talk about comUnIty at CLC, I look at these children and can’t help but realize that they have only been together for a year. This is what community looks like - they get along and love each other because they have genuine care and concern for each other regardless of any of their differences. Regardless of who and where they were before coming to the home. I think we, as a commUnIty minded church, could all learn a valuable lesson from the children at Wings of Refuge. -Susan Sanders

Atlanta, April 1-7, 2012 | Blog 6.

I think there are a couple of things that distinguish this week from many others I’ve ever seen. I think the first would be the already-formed great bonds of our team. Much of this year’s HS mission team was also last year’s team (plus the great addition of Summer & Nick!). Because of having last year’s New York trip together - not to mention the whole April 2011 to April 2012 - we had a springboard to start off from right away. On that note actually, I’d just want to mention that by being with and looking at the people in this group, I can so clearly see the growth, the fruit, the investment...of Christian Life Center. Of parents. Of GC Group leaders. Of each other. Every single one of us has grown TONS in the past year, and while we’re all on journeys and I know that growth is true of every person every where, this team is just solid proof of the grace of Jesus. I’m so very honored to be in relationship with each person on the team.

And because this springboard of relationship had already been formed, we were just ready for more, for deeper. One aspect of DOOR (the organization we were working through all week) is Reflection. Each night we spent time with our two leaders David and Tim reading Bible and talking about what was going through our heads, but then also each night on our own we had times of worship, Bible, prayer, sharing, talking, or foot-washing. During all these times we got real. As I said, I feel that we were already close as a team... but man. I’m literally sitting here kind of chuckling, amazed at all that happened this past week. Yeah, I’m just so honored. We sang badly together. We shared things that we admitted to have felt unable to share before. We cried with each other. We encouraged one another. I’m telling you - this week was beautiful.

On a slightly different note, another aspect that I saw as important and very cool was that we got to work with a few different parts of the Church than we typically do. (I don’t say this as in, “woah - these people are so different - it’s crazy that we actually worked with them.” Not at all.) We got to know people from Presbyterian church and attend a Last Supper sort of dinner with them. We got to hear from a few Mennonites and work on their church’s community farm/garden. We got to spend the day with Mercy Community Church as they served breakfast, had really fun worship, had prayer in probably the most interesting way I’ve ever seen, did communion, and ate lunch in Atlanta’s streets. All through the week, it was the same Spirit. When it came down to it, it’s Jesus. And what’s beautiful is that we all got to learn from each other. We all got to be the Church together.

I could go on and on about probably thirty-four different trains of thought going through my mind right now. Really, I think this week was glorious. So much has been started in us. I don’t think I’m one who says that all the time, “this was so good!...the best week ever!” but seriously. This has been one of the best weeks ever. And what’s great is that I know it’s not done. It didn’t stop when we pulled into the CLC parking lot tonight. Church, know that you’ve got young people in your midst that are leaders. Sometimes “leader” is a term I struggle with, but this week I witnessed probably nine or ten different people essentially telling our team how peculiar we were. How deep were were. How willing. How unexpected. This team is full of leaders, and this team is solid. But we also need your help. We need your wisdom. We need your accountability. We need your stories. We need each other.

I am so blessed by (I’m sitting here trying to decide who or what to name, because there’s just SO MUCH that I and all of us are blessed by)...you. By David and Tim that led us this week. But Pastor Chad as he really exemplified Jesus. By an amazing, hurt woman named Gunnar that I met at Pastor Chad’s church. By a needs-to-be-a-pastor- guy named Demetrius also at Mercy Community Church. By Holly. By Josh. By Ericken. By Brianna. By Summer. By Nick. By Will.

Man, is it good to be a part of God’s bride, his Church.

- Ashley Loveless

Atlanta, April 1-7, 2012 | Blog 5.

Life-changing, a certain experience that leaves one’s life ultimately different than before. Before each mission trip, we are all taught to build up an expectation for what we want God to perform in us and through us during the trip. I have always looked at myself as a hard worker, but often there is a fine line between simply being a hard worker and truly being a servant. This difference between a hard worker and a servant is that a hard worker looks out for his own profit, which is almost the complete opposite of a servant. A servant is not only a hard worker, but someone who doesn’t work for his own profit; the servant often receives no reward. God really pressed in me the importance of this difference and this is what I expected to find in the mission trip.

Throughout the week God dealt with four main things that make up a servant of Christ (Philippians 1:1). On the first day God showed me, through making food bank gardens in a park, that all servants of Christ must learn to serve in an excellent manner. When one fails to serve by not giving their one hundred percent, they are only limiting themselves from what they can receive from serving. The next day we spent eight hours on a Mennonite farm where we did some of the following tasks: mulched, set up pipes for irrigation, painted a barn, lifted heavy things to an attic, and completely swept an inch-thick of dust out of the barn. That day God reminded me the fact that each person is given certain talents and just because I may be a hard worker in one way doesn’t mean that he created everyone else they same way. God also showed me the attitude that one needs to become a servant of Christ. On Wednesday, we went and worked with Action Ministries, work which included making and handing out lunch bags to women and children. It was there that I learned that there has has to be need in order for one to be able to serve. Without anyone to serve there is no room to being able to be a servant of Christ. On the final day God revealed to me the most important part in being a servant of Christ, he showed me that serving is more than just filling the need that I had learned on the earlier day. He showed me that along with fulfilling the physical needs we are called as Christians to also fulfill the need for relationship.

I was blown away when I saw Pastors Chad and Maggie use their relationship with those in church to glorify God (almost all of their congregation are currently living on the streets). To see his congregation get up one after another and give examples on how they are mistreated and some of the devastations of being “homeless” and are still able to say that God has fulfilled every need they had was breath-taking. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend the day with them and honestly they made a much bigger impact on my life than I ever could.

- Joshua Aman

Atlanta, April 1-7, 2012 | Blog 4.

God is good. In every situation. When the flesh is weak the Spirit is strong. God’s love is everlasting. These statements all applied to the highest extent over this week, and all you can say is God is good. It has become real to me the tangibility of his works and how much truth his light brought to me and his people over the weekend. I am sure my friends have already written of the places we have gone and works we accomplished, so I will leave it to God’s worthiness. All I want to say is that trusting in God is difficult at times, and there’s a real toughness to it. But to know that I’ve never regretted a time where I trusted in the Lord drives me to respond to harder and harder situations and opportunities. All there is to say is God’s everything is beyond sufficient and that his heart for us and the people we met is more than everlasting.

- Ericken Moore

Atlanta, April 1-7, 2012 | Blog 3.

I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this week has been - my walk with the Lord has definitely been brought to a whole new level. I have had so many experiences that have changed my perspective on so many different subjects. I would say the biggest thing that I have gotten out of this trip is just a change in my mindset towards what society calls “outsiders.” I have just really been challenged to be able to throw the stereotypes that I have come to grow comfortable with out the window. I have really learned to be able to put value to each and every person and the story that each one of them has to tell.

On the last day our group got the opportunity to help out at a church called Mercy Community Church. Mercy’s main objective is to reach those who are without a house and to really establish relationship with them. I believe what separates Mercy from other ministries is their ability to see the importance in helping to meet the needs of those who have a difficult time meeting them themselves. But instead of just stopping there, they are constantly taking the time to build relationship with each of their church members. One of the many things that I have learned from the people that I had the opportunity to talk with at Mercy was learning what the real meaning of having faith and trusting in God really means. I was so amazed (as well as challenged) by my own level of faith and trust in God. I am just so blown away by how much I have learned throughout these past few days. My expectations were definitely exceeded.

- Summer Zacharias

Atlanta, April 1-7, 2012 | Blog 2.

The missions trip to Atlanta has been the best week of my life, with so much spiritual growth and doing things beyond what I am comfortable in. I was the shy, quiet one and was very nervous about all the homeless ministry that we were going to do. On Monday night, which was the first day, I was very discouraged and just had to share what I was feeling. I talked to Holly about my pain, thinking that I just could not handle it alone, and she was so encouraging. She spoke to me about trusting in Christ not my own strength and having the power to stop the thoughts of discouragement. David, one of the wonderful leaders from DOOR, noticed my reaction that night during what was called “reflections” and wanted to speak with me the next day. We talked about how to overcome my shyness and told me to share my thoughts with the rest of the group. On Tuesday night in devotions with the group I spoke about what I was dealing with even though it was hard and made me vulnerable. When I was finished speaking, Will mentioned some of his struggles and then the others spoke as well. Through my speaking I grew to understand so much more about my friends. I learned that part of being a Christian means breaking out of your pride and admitting to things and through that others speak up and we grow closer in Christ. We all have issues that we deal with but sometimes we do not want to feel vulnerable or break down our pride. Doing this really prepared me for the rest of the trip.

Thursday was the day when we be talking with the homeless and bringing lunches to the streets. This was the day I was afraid of and I felt very nervous when we went out to talk. I saw others from our team begin to speak and did not know what to do. I saw a man sitting by himself smoking and decided to talk to him. It was weird at first but turned out to be a great conversation. I started talking to other people and realized how strong they were in their faith. The person I talked to first was a very smart man who loved science and reading. I came to understand that we could learn from these people, and that they are not just dumb homeless people on the streets. They are real people and have such strength even when faced with persecution and hopelessness at times. They have passions and brains just like we do. It was so amazing and I was so privileged to speak with the people there. The trip has challenged me to go beyond what I think I can do and trust in Christ because I can not do it in my own selfish ability.

- Nicholas Haufler

Atlanta, April 1-7, 2012 | Blog 1.

Wow, though we’ve only been in Atlanta for five days I have honestly never been so challenged. We went to multiple sites throughout the trip but one that really stuck with me was the last day when we went to Mercy Church. The Mercy Church is all about feeding those without houses, and actually having relationships with them other than just giving them food and praying for them. I had the awesome opportunity to hear from a man named Demetrius as he told a little about his story and how one night when he and his friend were sleeping at the bus stop some random people came and stole his only blanket from him and took off running, he ran after them but couldn’t catch them. He began questioning the situation wondering why they did that, knowing he wasn’t doing anything but sleeping. He had every right to hate those people, yet all he did was continue to love them. He also brought up the topic of people like “us” -people who just go up to him, tell him that God’s good, pray for him and then leave. As he was telling the group these thoughts it really made me realize that that was what I was going to do: tell them God’s good, pray for them and honestly just leave. He continued to say that he was just tired of it, he already knew God was good, now all he really wanted was a friend. Someone who he could talk to that he could share a mutual relationship with. As he was saying that it really made me realize that Demetrius and the rest in the room are people too. He made me realize that even though they’re in this current situation they’re people just like you and me. Attending the service really changed my perspective on “the homeless.” It first made me realize that they’re people who just want friends like we do, and it also made me realize how much joy and life and love they had in them even being in their current situation. It was just so encouraging seeing that they were going to shine no matter what was thrown in their paths. Holly mentioned how saying “the homeless” was just so demeaning and how they’re just people without houses, and that’s how I will forever look at “the homeless.” I won’t see them as people who need food and constant prayer, but as friends who are trying to pick themselves back up.

- Briana Royster

Carrie-Anne Haufler, Uganda, 2012 | Blog #2.

Every Monday afternoon we split into two groups- some of us going to Fountain High School, and a few of us going to Fountain Primary (preschool- 7th grade). I have been going to the primary school, and for the first few weeks, I dreaded it. That sounds strong, but it seemed like we were just some kind of attraction for all the kids to flock to, and we had been having a hard time building relationships or feeling like we were doing anything productive there. The past two weeks, however, have been amazing and has made this school one of my favorite places to go.

When I left Williamsburg and my middle school girls small group I thought I had left all talk of Justin Bieber behind me, but I ended up hanging out with a bunch of middle school girls at the school, and what was one of the first things they asked me? Yes, it was "Do you know Justin Bieber? Do you like him?" Haha. These girls were amazing, and made me really miss my girls back home. Victoria, Miriam, Naomi, Julie, Rachael, Grace, Ruth and I talked for a while about differences and similarities in our cultures, music, movies (they were more pop culture saavy than me, but then again that doesn't take much), school, Bible stories, God and our families. Then it was time for school prayers (prayers here mean lots of singing with random pauses for prayer). These kids know how to seek the Lord, so much so that last week was the deepest I have felt the presence of God since I've gotten here. Sure, not all of them pay attention or care what is going on, but many of them are earnest, joyful, and so desperate for the Lord. I wish I could show you their faces and that you could experience their faith.

After prayers, the girls wanted to sing and dance for me. They were so good! I'll upload the videos when I get home. Many of them have lost one or both parents and have seen more suffering than I will probably experience in my lifetime, and yet they rarely complain, work extremely hard, and are overflowing with joy even in their pain. I've joked that I'm the mail lady of Fountain Primary, because they love to write letters and draw pictures all over them. They are literally the sweetest letters I have ever received- all they want is hope and a friend. I can't wait to spend more time with them. It continues to prove true that people who realize their need and hopelessness without Jesus are the ones who most intimately know Him and are used by him. I am praying that God would give me, and you, that kind of faith.

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 8.

Well, it’s been a couple days since we’ve returned to the United States from Haiti. If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m still processing the events and implications of the week (in a good way). Needless to say, it was such a fruitful and memorable experience. Though I could probably write a lengthy post delving into the specifics of everything I encountered and learned in Haiti, - if given enough time to sort out my thoughts- I’d like to share instead two central ideas that God worked into me throughout the course of the week. I’ll try to convey them as best I can.

First: We serve a Global God. This is both very easy to state and very easy to forget. People talk about the world, and the Kingdom of God for that matter, in an abstract way all the time. Being situated in an Internet-savvy era, also known as the Information Age, we can discuss with great facility, and even great accuracy, the state of a world we have actually never seen or experienced for ourselves. This is beneficial for us since it certainly enhances global awareness, but dangerous because it cannot be a substitute for the real thing. There is nothing more profound than seeing the reality of Jesus Christ operate in a foreign culture. When you are abroad you are first struck with obvious cultural differences that exist between your homeland and the host country. But after some time (I imagine it is different for each person), your foreign experience gives rise to a new depth of insight and all sorts of philosophical musings about life and the world, and you subsequently come to realize that we are all really the same. More than just realizing it, you see it. Literally. Concretely. We laugh at the same things, cry at the same things, and long for the same God. You don’t read about it on the Internet, you are subjected to it, face to face. This is precisely what happened to me the last time I went abroad, it is what happened in Haiti this past week, and it is what will happen the next time. (And it will happen to you, too.) For example, this past week our team relied almost exclusively on Haitians who spoke English to communicate since none of us knew Creole. Though we could barely speak to the kids, there was absolutely no problem relating to anyone, language barrier and all. The more cultural differences there are to observe, the more the sameness and unity reveals itself. This unity consists of things central to all life: Our humanity and our God. In the midst of novelty, truth remains steady. And you find that, just as you’ve read about, heard about, and believed, God is in fact moving on a global scale and His Kingdom is advancing throughout the world. That is what we saw in a very tangible way during our week in Haiti. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to travel abroad to do so.

Second: Life on Earth is a mission. I hope this second idea is not misconstrued as a contradiction to the first. The second impression God developed within me on our trip was the idea of missions. On this trip God showed me that I had a very narrow concept of missions and missionaries. Without even being fully conscious of it, I realized that my idea of a missions trip was restricted to places in dire practical need. (I am certainly not belittling or diminishing the importance of service to a developing nation or impoverished area. Giving is an integral and uncompromising component of the Gospel, and as clearly and famously stated, without works your faith is dead.) However, I failed to recognize that missions is even more than that. We are Christ’s ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom of God. We are not in our Home, we are on foreign territory as long as we are on Earth. Therefore, your life is a missions trip whether you thought it was or not. Not every person will spend his or her life physically traveling the world. But, just because you stay within the boundaries of your own country does not mean you have nothing to do. You are currently occupying a mission field right where you are. You may not be on a trip, but you are always on a mission. In Haiti, the Lord challenged me to keep a missions mindset upon returning the US. I hope you are encouraged to do the same.

- Lorelei French

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 7.

“Orevwa! Bonswa!” We left Wings of Refuge in a tangle of arms and legs and kisses left wet on each other’s faces. As Pepe (who is very likely the most skilled bus driver in the entire world) waited patiently outside, we scrambled for last minute photos and hugs with the kids. “Angelina! Jovaness! (Insert the name of another adorable kid from WOR here)! Souri!” could be heard all around the home seconds before we stepped on the bus (“Souri,” pronounced “sue-wee” is Creole for “smile”) Would you be surprised if I said it was difficult to leave? Somehow I didn’t think it would be as we sat watching Madagascar with the kids moments before. We were all pretty exhausted from two full days with the kids (read Ashley’s blog for details on our epic adventure to the beach) and their limitless excitement and movement only seemed to increase as our energy and stamina faded. But we did leave and even now, two days later, it is difficult not to get emotional thinking about the kids. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not reaching for the tissue box to dry my eyes as I write this haha, but I am saying that it’s hard not to think about them, and even harder not to miss them. To God be the glory though. He made some amazing kids!

So, what are some things I learned from the trip? Holly is right--you haven’t had real mango until you’ve had Haitian mango; never complain that the water running out of the shower head is too hot when you have the option of having a hot shower everyday; don’t expect to pull your sunglasses out in front of a kid in Haiti and not have it reached for, put on by said Haitian child, and for you to capture the funniest picture ever as they wear them upside down. Note: they will expect you to do the same; it is probably immensely difficult to live in a tent with your family for two years, as many people have done since the 2010 earthquake, and yet families living in tent cities still manage to form a loving and hopeful community with kids that love to watch Tom and Jerry and dance with strangers from America who speak hardly any Creole. As a girl who’s never been outside of the country or even on a mission trip before, I could probably fill at least 20 more pages with the things I learned immersed in a different country, culture and language.

But you want to hear something cool? One God. He’s the link, the absolute one true and living link among us all. Because of Him, I can say that nine of us from Williamsburg, Virginia flew hundreds of miles to Petionville, Haiti not to spend time with complete strangers, but our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the same Father. We’ve been adopted into the same family. So I thank God for the blessing and privilege that it was to meet my little brothers in sisters all the way in Haiti, and my wonderful, gifted, talented, anointed, diligent, encouraging, beautiful, Godly, self-less, confident, hilarious, kind, blessed and highly favored older brothers and sisters (aka Pastor Wilson, Mommy Pas, and everyone connected with their church and Wings of Refuge Children home--for real, the kids are cute but I wish you could meet these people! They love God and by His grace are doing a wonderful job showing God’s love in Haiti--WOR is in wonderful and blessed hands!)

Now, forgive me for the pretty abrupt ending but this blog is long past due to Holly. Thank you for reading and GOD BLESS!

- Sarina Adkins

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 6.

Sometimes in the middle of situations I imagine what life would look like if that situation were to last for eternity. And sometimes these imaginings take place during really cool stuff - a concert, a moment of epiphany. However, for the most part, my what-if-this-moment-was-the-rest-of-my-life thoughts revolve around situations that are boring, frustrating, or just bad.

And one of those kinds is what I imagined earlier when we were making a three hour bus trip - a 24 seater - with all the kids from WOR, all the staff from WOR, and all of our team. I had two kids sort of sitting on me over the bumps, the window wide open (a perk, besides the loads of dust flying in my face), and a growing rumbling in my stomach (and not the hunger kind).

It was this whole thing that I was imagining lasting forever. And this is some of the unglorious side of mission trips.

In the midst of all these thoughts, one of those two kids kind of grabbed my hand for a second. I always feel so honored when kids initiate something towards me, and the same was true for this guy. But because of the way he was holding it so loosely I wondered if he’d quickly lose interest and I’d quickly feel dejected.

On both of those accounts I was proven wrong.

Just a few minutes later he grabbed my hand a bit tighter and didn’t let go for a while, despite both of our sweat. While I was reveling in the fact that Widmy was still holding my hand I managed to open my eyes to look out into the dusty landscape and I happened to see a small, young, growing tree inside this cement and dust triangle. In that I just got this picture of hope.

Hope.

As we’ve seen different sites of Haiti - one of the best views is from the roof of Pastor’s house - the theme that keeps running through my heart and mind is hope. Both regarding Haiti and just in general, I’m really beginning to fall in love with hope. In light of brokenness, and all that goes with it, Jesus and his hope is the only thing to counter it. In the midst of the harshness of the concrete, Jesus and his hope stands in stark comparison. Such a beautiful contrast that only he can make so clearly.

The whole rest of the afternoon I’ve had a John Mark McMillan song stuck in my head. Not the whole song applies, but a few of the lines are some prophetic prayers I’ve been making for this beautiful country.

Hope grows between cracks in the asphalt
in the downtown ghetto streets that contour
the government housing intentions of my heart.
No one notices the daisies don't care
about gang related violence
as long as they get enough air and water and sun
they're all just fine.

Who would've thought it but life is finding a way
through this wasteland of cynics, concrete, and pain.
There's a man down here somewhere between
the Saturday cartoons and the dirty magazines.
He's raising the dead in the graveyards
where we've laid down our dreams.
His name is Hope.

Jesus. God help us to love with that same determination as a kid who still wants to hold my hand even when we’re all sweaty. Help us to see with eyes of hope, to look to see more than what meets the eye. God, more you. Less us.

- Ashley Loveless

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 5.

Well, we are in Haiti. I'm not a very good blogger or story teller, forgive me. I keep my thoughts organized in my phone, twitter style. So I'll give you a peak into my mind in Haiti:

No matter our color, our language, our culture, our thoughts, our views, our age, our nationality: there is one God over all. There is one Jesus, one Spirit. Over all. I worship, you worship, different styles, same God. We are all adopted into a new Kingdom. Family of God. All sons and daughters. All unworthy but all saved by the blood of Messiah. #inbreakingkingdom #haiti

Worship can still move you even if you don't understand. It's not all about the words, but it is all about the God. #kingdomculture #haiti

Haiti, God is on mission here. People living life's mission for Him. God's redemption inside of people open them to change the world. God is writing the story of redemption all around the world. #inbreakingkingdom #Gospelisastory #haiti

A life lived on mission is a life lived in love #thechurch #haiti

Culture changes. Truth does not. #readyourbible #haiti

Haitians are classy #suitup #haiti

Selling everything wasn't enough. It says "then come, follow me. We are to follow Jesus is God's story. Walk with Him in life. Live out God's #storyofredemption. #luke18 #devos #haiti

"For the son of man came to seek and save what was lost." WE need to recognize without Jesus we are lost. #redemption #Jesushelpme #haiti

Be like a child. Joy is inside. Forgiveness is easy. Laughter and friends. #wingsofrefuge #community #haiti

There are people everywhere doing the work of God. #jointhefamily #haiti

Community forms around the doing. Whether setting up tables for dinner together, playing together, or cleaning dishes together. #challengedbychildren #antiindividualism #wingsofrefuge #haiti

The Church prays and agrees together. Is reaching forward together. No one does it on their own. All contribute and they move together #haiti

We always have reason to celebrate. Celebrate people. Celebrate freedom. Celebrate that we were once lost but are now found. Celebrate the gospel #walkingintoeternitybygivengrace #haiti

Christianity doesn't work just by watching or just by waiting. It is active. If you aren't moving forwards in the things of God you missed it somewhere. Our God and the life he has for us is one to always be seeking after, running for, sprinting towards. #runtherace #conviction #lifeisastory #haiti

Simply pray for a life completely led by the Spirit. #praybig #haiti

Baptism. The waters are a cemetery; a cemetery for Sin. You are a new creation. You are in Messiah. You stand and live and breathe in the love of a living God. You are given a new identity. #Liveuptoyournewidentity #jointhefamily #storyofredemption #haiti

What we believe about the future shapes how we live here and now. #resurrection #hope #haiti

We are not called to escape from life. Not to have an escapist mindset. We are to live with an engaged mindset. We should not want to escape but to engage. To join in the redemptive work of Jesus, as he puts back together a broken world. #stoprunningaway #standfirm #inbreakingkingdom #haiti

The Kingdom of God is coming, not all at once, but in pieces, not only in my live but in our collective lives, together, and to the world. #inbreakingkingdom #haiti

If you believe in the resurrection. Believe that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Messiah and answer for our deeds, whether good or bad. You will answer for all of it. Not fire and brimstone preaching, but that, in Judgment, God will set the world to right. We should hope in Judgment, Live in light of judgment. It purifies you. Be glad when you live in that hope because God will, piece by piece, place you back to how he intended #knowingthefutureeffectsournow #IwillanswertoGod #notagospelofsinmanagment #waragainstsininyourself #repentanceisalifestyle #devos #haiti

"When are you coming back?" #breakingmyheart #thingsworthfightingfor #haiti

Love requires doing. #conviction #haiti

- Nick Lopez

Haiti, March 3-10, 2012 | Blog 4.

Today was our fourth day in Port au Prince, Haiti. I can hardly believe how fast time has flown by. The day started off much like those before; very peaceful and relaxing. Up to this point, we had been spoiled rotten by the Pastor and his wife, who are essentially serving as our host family. They have been feeding us very well and have gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed. Though we had been helping with cleaning up after meals, I felt guilty for allowing them to do so much for us, when our primary purpose in coming was to serve them. I kept reminding myself that we are not on vacation; however, Pastor Wilson and his wife are so compassionate and other-centered, it seems as though they cannot help but cater to everyone in their company. I appreciate their hard work so much; nevertheless, I couldn’t wait to reciprocate their hospitality. Well, today was the day!

Following breakfast, we cleaned the storage room in Pastor’s house that would store all of the supplies that would be distributed to those in need. The storage room had a significant amount of supplies when we arrived; however, the supplies were not organized, therefore they could not be properly distributed. The lack of organization was initially a little overwhelming and intimidating, but Pastor and Mami Pas (Pastor’s wife) did not hesitate when it came to serving others, so we were determined to do all that we could for them, even if it took us all day. So we started off stripping the shelves of the existing supplies, then we cleaned the shelves, organized the supplies that were already there and stocked the shelves with the supplies that we brought. I was taken back with all of the items that we managed to collect. It was so exciting just to see the myriad of hair products, feminine products, other personal hygiene items, medical supplies, school supplies, candy, linen, clothing and shoes that could potentially make someone’s life a little easier. After stocking the shelves with linen and assisting the rest of the team with cleaning, I had to step back and just observe the abundance of things that we take for granted on a daily basis. GOD deserves praise for everything that HE does for us, but in our world we generally only acknowledge the ‘big blessings’—a new car, a promotion, a raise—but what about the little things? Items such as deodorant, shampoo, and soap are blessings too. However, GOD is so generous with HIS blessings that we pick and choose what is worthy of public acknowledgment. GOD’s love for us is unwavering, but HIS grace is not to be taken for granted. If you are reading this and you have taken the aforementioned items for granted, I pray that you realize the true value of those blessings, as I did this afternoon, and convey your gratitude to GOD.

Needless to say, after we had completed all of the cleaning and stocking, we were exhausted. Notwithstanding our fatigue, we felt so great about giving back to those who deserve it. Mami Pas and Pastor were thrilled with our hard work. Though, it took four hours for the nine of us to make the storage room presentable and functional, we still had more serving to do. We were told that we would meet the children residing in one of the ‘tent cities’ and we were really excited, despite not having a clue about what to expect. When we arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The devastation of the 2010 earthquake was very conspicuous in this part of town. Many of the residents were inhabiting tents donated by the U.S. government. Though I wanted to learn more about the situation that was before me, I began to doubt our purpose in being here; what could we possibly say or do in a few hours that could instill hope in people that had been through so much? Struggles of this magnitude were completely foreign to us and almost even incomprehensible. Once we started to mingle with the children, music started to play and the children went wild, dancing and grabbing hold of us. One of the songs that were played was titled “God is Enough” by Lecrae. That simple repetitious phrase was all that I needed to rid me of my doubt—“God is enough.” Though there is nothing about us alone that would make us capable of conveying hope to the people living in those tent cities, the GOD in us would appeal to their emotions. In 1 Peter 4:11, we are reminded that we should serve with the strength that GOD provides us, and I am confident that if it were not for GOD guiding us, we would not have been received the way we were today. I pray that they could see the GOD in us as clearly as I could see the GOD in them.

As we were handing out toys and toothbrushes, my heart was overjoyed. The children were so complacent with their circumstances that it humbled me tremendously. I then realized that I could serve GOD by serving those who carried GOD in their hearts. I became emotionally attached to so many of the children there, that I want only the best for them. I’m not going to ask GOD to shower them with riches, because I refuse to limit GOD’s blessings to the material world. Instead, I just pray that whatever GOD’s plan for their lives is, that it be fulfilled, and that they reap every single blessing GOD has stored up for them. I also pray that GOD shows favor to every individual living in that tent city that we visited today, and that they be encouraged by the promises that GOD makes in HIS Word. Though we could not communicate much verbally, language was not a barrier. I’m convinced the reason for that is that the Holy Spirit in us was communicating with the Holy Spirit in them, and I am just in awe with the splendor of GOD. This trip has truly been an illustration of GOD’s omnipresence, and I cannot wait to see what other revelations HE has in store for all of us.

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. Peace & Blessings!

- Erika Lloyd

Act 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”