11 for 31. Mission Trips.

In the Summer of 2004, I went on my first Mission Trip. Prior to the summer, you have to choose to go on the trip. My church was sponsoring a trip to Brazil. One part of the team would participate in a Medical Mission. The other part would drive up the mountains of Brazil to a small church and do sports camp. Guess which team I decided to go with? A ten-hour drive up the mountain in a school bus was not the most pleasant, but God allowed me to keep my lunch. The trip went exactly as planned, except it was freezing. Each day, a huge group of kids were there to greet us as we walked up to the church. We had a fantastic week of playing basketball, wiffle ball, soccer, and volleyball. They didn't need us to teach soccer or volleyball, they were so much better than us. During the evenings, we would worship at the homes of church members. One of the sweetest times for me was when we knew a song and would sing it in English and they would sing in Portuguese. I cried my eyes out as I got on the bus for home. What an incredible week we had in that little city. Little did I know that God would allow me to come back to Brazil two more times to serve on Mission Teams! (I cannot find pictures from 2004. I'm sure I have them on a cd somewhere!)

Before the next summer, I would begin to work at a church serving with Student Ministries and Missions. I'm so glad my first mission trip wasn't my only one. I have had the privileged of serving in Czech Republic, Honduras, and in a few different place in the US. I hope and pray that my Mission Trip serving is not even close to over, but God grants many more opportunities. I love when God opens the door for believers to assist another body of believers in a place where the Gospel may not be so well known or Missionaries are on their own with trying to reach a huge group of people. A Mission Trip is simply a chance to help build the Kingdom! I'm thankful for those amazing opportunities God has allowed in my life! 


Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face to shine upon us, Selah

that your way may be known on earth,

your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you!

The earth has yielded its increase;

God, our God, shall bless us.

God shall bless us;

let all the ends of the earth fear him