“The 2nd day on the mission, some of the children asked me to play a game of basketball. Although I hadn’t picked up a ball, let alone played a game in 2 years, I made my way to the court and basically was the commentator of the play-by-play throughout the game. I encouraged all the players to show teamwork in their performance… along with playing the game.
I had multiple one-on-one conversations with the boys that played. These conversations opened the doors for more spiritual subjects and thanks be to God I was also able to tie the biblical principles to recent experiences in their life. A final tidbit I’ll share would be the word/acronym that came up in some of the discussions with the boys and girls that I conversed with (because it also has significance with the multiple projects that this Good Goers team had) and that word is T.E.A.M. TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE!”
-Lawrence, 34 (Maryland) Oaks Trip July 11-16, 2011
“As part of the team this week, I saw first hand how God uses the body of Christ to meet the many needs of the orphans here at Oaks Indian Mission. It takes many to raise up this group of kids. I was blessed to see the care they receive and to be a part of helping this week. While I get to hop in our van and drive home, the house parents and staff remain to face the day to day challenge of meeting the needs of the kids. I will take them home in my heart and pray for all of them”.”
-Sherri, 48 (Florida) Oaks Trip November 7-12, 2011
“Sometimes I feel or see the vision of helping the children as our mission, but I know that children can see through that. Children can see through us if we try to impress them. Sometimes, it is praying to God and letting Him work through us so we will be our ‘real’ selves to the children. Then they will be able to trust us.
Working with the missionaries and the grounds people was great experience for everybody to work not just as a team, but to bond with the community that doesn’t just leave an impression on us, but on the community itself. To be Jesus’ hands and feet will resound in all countries like a ripple in the water spreads throughout a pond when a rock is thrown in. The ‘Rock of our Salvation’ can be the message that we can encourage others in the world that need and are hungry for it. Amen.”
-Jerry, Oaks Trip April 4-9, 2011
“Everyone pulled their weight this week. I could only imagine that God was smiling down on this mission this week as the kids, teens, and adults worked together to serve such a beautiful community of people. I am in awe at the richness of the hearts of the kids we have met this week. So many have been broken, wounded, and abused, but still have love. This week I had the opportunity to share the love God has provided me with the families of the Oaks Mission. I am amazed the kids that have so little in the world’s eyes gave so much. Being here was God’s blessing in disguise. One of my favorite moments came on day five when I was working on the cement basketball courts in 102 degree heat. Jackie, another servant, and I had the task of cleaning the weeds from the court cracks. Not a glamorous job, but one that needed to be done. We had been out there 15 minutes when a little four year old girl rode up on her bike and asked if she could help us. I was surprised! Absolutely! In my mind I was thinking that I was here to serve you. I don’t expect any helpers, but God provided two little helpers, not just one. They helped clear all of the dead weeds and broken glass. I realized at that moment that they are worthy of nice things, are willing, and capable servants. They taught me a lot in a short period of time. How precious a child.”
-Joey, 43 (Tennessee) Oaks Trip July 11-16, 2011
“I felt really emotional the first day I spent with the children because I saw how much attention they wanted from me. I have four grandchildren and being with these children that do not get one-on-one quality time with their natural parents is so sad. I will remember this week here at the Oaks Mission forever.
I hope I will be able to come back and give my time to whatever is needed. God put it in my heart to come here and serve and I hope I was able to fulfill it.”