This year, something truly special happened with the seniors from Turlock Christian School. For years, their end-of-year tradition has been a memorable trip to Disneyland. But this year, a group of eleven high school seniors, accompanied by four dedicated adults (parents and teachers), chose a different kind of adventure – a mission trip to the vibrant island of San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the end of May Kevin, and I had the incredible privilege of leading this team, and what we witnessed was nothing short of miraculous.
Every day was a testament to God’s movement, both in and through our team. We were constantly covered in sweat from the heat and humidity, but we were also drenched in the overwhelming love of the community for us, and for each other. It was a tangible experience of grace that transformed us all.
Our first day began with an exciting task: painting a wall that would eventually become the enclosure for a new vegetable garden at a Head Start program. The team worked with such enthusiasm, scraping the wall and carefully applying each stroke. By midday, however, the skies opened up, and we watched, initially in dismay, as the pouring rain washed away all our hard work. But instead of discouragement, a beautiful shift occurred. The team, accustomed to California’s drier climate, rejoiced in the rain, laughing and standing in it with an uninhibited joy that reminded us all of the simple pleasures in life. It was a powerful lesson in letting go and finding joy even when plans go awry.
Undeterred, we returned to the Head Start program on the second day. This time, our efforts were met with even more blessings. We spent precious hours playing with the children, offering a much-needed respite for the dedicated staff. And yes, we repainted that wall! Little did we know, we were about to be “showered” again, but this time with an amazing display of sandwiches and snacks generously provided by the staff. We laughed with them, listened to their stories, and felt an even deeper connection to this incredible community.
Beyond the Head Start program, our team also lent a hand to a social worker, moving countless boxes to empty a room. This space was being prepared for another mission team, from YouthWorks in Ohio, to come and paint. It was a wonderful feeling to contribute to a larger network of service. We then tackled the Educational House, diligently cleaning both the inside and outside. This house holds the hopeful promise of a summer program for the children in Peninsula de Cantera, a program currently facing difficulties due to funding cuts.
This was the hottest day of our week, a true test of our endurance. It was here that we met Delia, a resident of the community. She stopped by to see what we were doing and genuinely thanked us for our efforts. She even shared that she had scheduled herself to work on that very project the coming Saturday and expressed how grateful she was that we were there. We offered to pray for her, and she humbly asked for prayers for her legs. As a team, we “thunder prayed” – out loud, all at once – for Delia. Later, we learned the heartbreaking reason for her request: Delia had caught an infection in her bloodstream that affected her legs while bravely wading through waist-high waters during the last hurricane to save neighborhood children. In that moment, it dawned on each of us that the sacrifice of the heat and the physical labor of that day was nothing compared to the daily sacrifices Delia and others in the community make, facing unbearable physical pain and hardship without much support.
The following day, we had the immense joy of attending an event for the senior citizens of Santurce. We prayed, danced, laughed, and fellowshipped with them, a truly heartwarming experience that filled our souls. Later that day, we ventured to the community garden to weed. There we were again, fighting stubborn weeds and pressing against the relentless heat and scorching sun. The weeds, aggressively overtaking the space, were a tangible reminder of how easily sin can entangle us. Yet, they also became a testament to determination, hard work, relentless love, and how even small acts can make a significant difference.
Every day, we were in awe of what God was doing. We certainly did so much, but He did even more! The trip was an amazing adventure filled with bonding moments of laughter, discomfort, joy, adventure, and deep community connection. It was beautiful to see the community’s profound love and care for each other, and for us. This mission trip was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures aren’t found in theme parks, but in serving others and witnessing the transformative power of God’s love.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray for me as I serve the people of the Pawnee tribe in Crandon, WI.
- Please keep Kevin and I in prayer as we lead in Chicago (mid June) and as we lead and host the Ambassadors Trip in DC in the month of July. Please pray for us and the participants to be on one step with the Holy Spirit and for the Lord to be glorified in and through us!
- Please pray about what is calling YOU to do next!
- Is HE calling YOU to intercede in prayer?l
- Is HE calling YOU to GO?
- or is HE calling YOU to give?
Would you consider partnering with me in what God is doing in the mission field? A monthly contribution ($5, $10, $15, $25 or more) will make a huge impact for God’s kingdom on earth.
To partner with me financially and to donate click here
To read my previous blogs CLICK HERE
To check out all our mission opportunities Click HERE
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