“Tuesday a group of us went on home visits in the village of Cotui. While we were sitting down outside a local house talking to the owner, an 8 years old girl from the village, sat next to me and intertwined her arm with mine. We looked at each other and giggled. She then turned my arm around to read the tattoo on my forearm and looked at me with great surprise. She then counted all of the earrings in my ears and started playing with my blonde ponytail. She followed me side-by-side, arm in arm back to our group’s “gathering” area. We took pictures and laughed; then she ran away to go play after minutes of trying to teach me how to pronounce her name, Genisis (in American). It was so refreshing to see someone more excited about my hair color than technology. Kids here find the greatest joy out of things / games they create, i.e. a little baseball with a stick and rocks, instead of being spoiled with video games and corrupted by television. All the children were so happy and grateful and full of warm hugs. It was a heartfelt, unforgettable experience.”
-Devin, 21 (Michigan) Dominican Republic Trip April 25-29, 2011
More Testimonials from Dominican Republic“Our first day we built a home for a widow. She couldn’t have been more than 45 years old. Her youngest, a 5 year old girl was there with her. Our team showered her and her daughter with gifts of all kinds. When we gave her a bag of hair accessories, she began to weep from deep within. Later, we presented the house with lock and keys as a gift. Not from us, but from Jesus! We told her how Jesus loved her and her family so much that He wanted us to build her a new home. She cried tears of joy as she said that she had prayed for years that it would be her turn. Now that it was, she was overjoyed and so very grateful. And I was grateful to be able to be a part of it. To not only build a house, but to also show the love of Christ in such a practical and powerful way.”
-Amanda, 30 (Indiana) Guatemala Trip August 1-6, 2011
More Testimonials from Guatemala
“One of my favorite experiences of the week happened while we were washing feet and presenting kids with new shoes. I was able to witness one of our team members explain to a child what it meant to be washing her feet. I couldn’t help but think of Jesus and His disciples. The disciples must have wondered what Jesus was doing when He washed their feet as well. As the explanation was given to the girl, she simply nodded and said ‘cool.’ My prayer is that a seed was planted in her heart so that someday she can go out and share God’s love the same way that we were able to do.”
-Jeff, Oaks Trip April 4-9, 2011
More Testimonials from Oaks“Our theme of the week was ‘your lifesong,’ and we got to live out a song all week. Our time of worship on Wednesday night would be my song. We were on the edge of the lake and a cross was across the lake and the spirit of God was all across the hearts of his children. We had a time of testimony where one of the boys shared part of his story, and said that many people see God in creation, but not him. He found God in the lives of his house parents, the leaders of Goshen Valley, and the lives of the missionaries. With communion on the table, we were all joined together in the spirit and God’s love poured, healing and hope to all at the people at worship.”
-Tammy, Goshen Trip April 5-9, 2010
More Testimonials from Goshen“While we were walking through this village, a young boy about four years old grabbed my hand and held it the entire way. When it was time for us to go, I got down on my knees and held my arms out to say goodbye. He did not understand what goodbye meant in English, but he knew that I was leaving. So he leaped into my arms, wrapped his arms around my neck and gripped so tight. I finally had to pull him off of me. Then tears began to form in his eyes. So I turned around and hugged him all over. This little boy probably does not get shown love very much, if at all because of his living situation. I was so thankful God had placed me in his life that day to love on him and show him the love of Christ. This experience made me think of how grateful I am to have parents who love me so much and have always provided for me in the ways I have needed. I am so thankful for how much I am blessed. All I need to do to remember that is to think about how little so many people have like in the village of Alejuelita. It is most certainly an eye opener.”