Guatemala 2011
When you are on a mission’s trip each day is a new adventure that challenges being positive and flexible, however, today was pure joy.
This was another opportunity to see where our support is so well spent in caring for these needy children and their families. We also used this time to hand out our supply packets as they left for the dWhen you are on a mission’s trip each day is a new adventure that challenges being positive and flexible, however, today was pure joy. Early AM nurse Tina and camera dude Eliseo went with Karen, a missionary from Sumpango, to make a medical visit to a Guatemala parishioner from Sumpango. She questioned Tina as to why she was helping and Tina said that God had given her this gift and she wanted to share it. The experience was so touching. Later the entire team left to meet them in Sumpango, however, we adjusted the sign for the Mana Manor house before leaving – a work in green.
At Sumpango we took a short walking tour and saw how this community lives, and then we had another fun experience feeding children. At 12:30 approximately ninety of the most beautiful children charged into the center and we helped serve and observed as they were fed chicken noodle soup, tortillas, juice and chocolate dipped frozen bananas and mangos.
This was another opportunity to see where our support is so well spent in caring for these needy children and their families. We also used this time to hand out our supply packets as they left for the day. Sheer joy all around.
For some of us Christmas shopping came early this year … we had a great experience working our way through the maze of stalls while shopping in Antigua. The city is ancient, the hand made works were gorgeous and the vendors were very attentive. This city needs a good visit on another Guatemala visit.
So, today we get it … serving children in need; we did it and saw it and got it … and after the discussions and our meeting/service this evening we are all in. Another reminder that to whom much is given … much is required. We all feel we want to do more but understand that we definitely should do for one what we wish we could do for everyone.
Partnering with Missionaries
Here at Bridgepoint Church it has always been a great privelage to partner with our various missionaries throughout the world through prayer and finances. We believe that missions is a vital part of fullfilling Jesus' command to "go into the world and make disciples of all men" As a result we currently support fourty-six different missionaries and or missions organizations.
Through the faithfull giving of our members and attenders we are excited to report that as of Dec 1, 2010 our YTD giving to Missions is $168,107.29
What is it like to go on a missions trip?
"Not many people go on mission trips, and after being on one myself, I can't wait until I get the chance to go back. At first, I was just going for myself, but then when I saw what it was like, and the conditions that they lived under, I understood right away. No words can explain it, not even pictures or videos, you just have to experience it for yourself...
The people down there are so warm, and loving, and when you come back here to the states, you just see how we are so spoiled and we don't have much respect for others... But when you are down there, you just feel loved, and it is something that I can't really explain."
Kamica Sanchez - age 13 (Panama Trip 2009)
"Everything people look for in life – self esteem, purpose, happiness, the need to “matter”, love, joy, happiness, beauty, fulfillment – I’ve found all of those things through mission’s trips. Life is about more than just us. People are out there hurting, lonely, and hungry. Hungry for food, hungry for love, and hungry for God. God called us to go out into the world and minister. What are most of us waiting for?"
Dionna Sanchez (Panama Trip 2009)
"The call to go to Peru, because of its scope and because I had the choice to obey or disobey it, was the hardest, most heart stretching thing God has ever put before me. It scares me to think how close I came to saying no, all that I would have missed had I done so, and how miserable I would be now walking in disobedience to His perfect will. The funny thing about having your heart stretched is the more you are willing to accept the pain of the stretching process, the more room God can make inside for “joy inexpressible and full of glory.” Beloved brother or sister in Christ, if God is calling you to go, the things He will accomplish in your heart and life far outweigh the momentary angst you may experience in preparation. Don't miss out!"
Debby Geer (Peru)
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