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Going on a Mission Trip

MONDAY, MARCH 17

After travelling all night, we arrived in Copiapo, Chile to a warm summer afternoon in the middle of the Atacama Desert. After getting settled, we were welcomed at First Baptist Church, Copiapo with a meal and a worship service.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 18

First thing Tuesday morning we went to the school, "Colegio Manso de Velasco" in the Balmaceda neighborhood. There we spoke to the eighth graders about the importance of making good decisions. The mission in Balmaceda is in the process of building a new building, so we went to the site and prayed over it and for the neighborhood.

In the afternoon, we went to Kip and Iva's house and helped them cut out felt figures for a flannel board kit they will use in new church starts. It was a great time of fellowship. In the evening, we helped in leading at a prayer meeting at First Baptist Church. James shared in song, while Angelica gave her testimony. Jeff led in a devotion.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Wednesday morning we went to a school called "Colegio 21", School number 21. There we were able to speak to three different eighth grade English classes and visit three kindergarten classes as well. The children were so excited that we were there and that we wanted to help them with their English. We sang songs, played games, led in a question/answer session about our culture and how it differs from the Chilean culture. We also shared a short movie with them that was quite moving.

That evening we went to the El Palomar Mission. James sang and gave an impromptu testimony, then led the devotion. Afterward, Scott gave his testimony. The mission meets in a small house, and it was so packed that there were people standing outside the door to listen.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 20

Thursday morning we went to a school in El Palomar and spoke to two English classes. Again, we led in songs, games, and a time of cultural exchange, as well as show the movie. The students were very attentive. The two school visits resulted in Kip and Iva being asked to come back and help with the English classes at another time. Helping to open doors is part of what mission teams are all about!

In the evening we held an open-air service in the Balmaceda neighborhood. Pastor Silvano, former pastor at the Vida Nueva mission (mission of First Baptist Cary) held a mini-concert and preached. We were blessed to have a praise team from another congregation come and help as well. Jeff also gave his testimony and it was very powerful.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Friday morning was a time to have a little fun at the beach. We traveled about an hour to the coast and went to "Bahia Inglesa", English Bay. It was a beautiful beach with huge rocks in the water and white sand on the shore. But the water was sooo cold! It was a nice time to relax, collect seashells and rocks, and buy a few souvenirs. We had a scrumptious seafood lunch at a nearby restaurant after going to see the fish market. Since it was Good Friday, there were lots of people buying fish!

In the afternoon we held a Bible Club in Balmaceda. When we first arrived, there were no children present and we thought we would end up playing a few games amongst ourselves and then going home. But, as we starting playing, children started coming and by the end of the Bible Club, there were 30 children and 10 youth present! There were also mothers standing around listening. We were able to share the plan of salvation using the evangecube and by making salvation bracelets with different colored beads. Each bead represented a different part of the plan of salvation.

Friday evening was the first evening of the Revival Services at First Baptist Church. Angelica gave her testimony and sang. Then Pastor Silvano preached a very moving sermon. The church was very responsive and we knew that God had some great things in store for this revival.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Saturday morning was another time for an outing. This time we went up the valley for about an hour to some Incan ruins. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! The grape vines grew everywhere. Since the grape harvest was over, we were able to stop at one vineyard and pick some raisins right off the vine. Delicious!

In the afternoon we held a Bible Club at El Palomar. This time, 60 children, youth, and adults showed up! Again, we played games, had a time of crafts, shared the Gospel message, handed out Bibles, etc. It was a good thing that several leaders from the congregation had shown up to help us. They pitched right in and although we had three separate groups going, all went well.

Saturday night, was the second night of the revival service. A few more people were present. James shared in song and Scott gave his testimony. Pastor Silvano preached another moving sermon. People were really enthusiastic, realizing that they not only needed to hear God's Word, but also apply it to their lives.

Jeff and missionary Bryan Wolf went to the church in Tierra Amarilla where Jeff was able to preach. This gave us the opportunity to publicly thank the church at Tierra Amarilla for helping at our open-air service with their band and praise team. The two were well received and they visited at the pastor's house until after 1:00 am! God is so good.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Easter Sunday was special as in morning the group split up to help with the Sunday Schools at El Palomar and Balmaceda. Jeff and Angelica went with missionary Iva Kimbrough to Balmaceda, while the rest of the group went to El Palomar. They were able to teach a Bible lesson, do crafts, have fun with the children, and sing songs. At the Balmaceda mission there were almost 40 children and adults present - a record number for them. Attendance was also up in El Palomar.

That evening was a very special time at the final revival service. The church was overflowing with people having to stand just outside the doors. James gave his testimony and Pastor Silvano preached. At the end, the mission team, along with missionaries, Kip and Iva Kimbrough and Bryan Wolf, and the pastor's family and a friend from Brazil sang a song about unity in the church. We sang in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Sign Language. It was beautiful and the congregation was moved. They joined us in Spanish the second time through.

Although the service didn't end until well past 10pm, we had a time of food and fellowship afterward, and almost everyone stayed to share with us. There wasn't even room at the table for everyone! It was a very emotional night as we said goodbye to people we had come to know and love.

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MONDAY, MARCH 24

Monday morning was a time to do some last minute shopping, pack up and head to the airport. Our lives will forever be changed because of this mission trip. We encourage you to consider if God is calling you to be on mission by volunteering on a mission trip. Click here for more information on how you can do so.

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