Middle East Trip 2009

Below is a report from the mission trip to the Middle East that I led this past April, written by fellow short-term missionary Rob Rodriguez.

Let me tell you about our trip to the Middle East. I have never been on a trip that was just a prayer and blessing trip before, but what God did in our lives during those eight days was truly amazing. I have always been on work trips — if you are going to do something for the Kingdom you need to roll up your sleeves and get dirty. Oh, how God opened my eyes and showed me the power of prayer; and how He that is able can do more than we can imagine. God showed us how He is working with a humble man to change the Arabic world. I am speaking of a man who is a true modern-day Paul. Not just because he has planted numerous churches. He has also trained hundreds of pastors and church planters for his country and for all of the Middle East and North Africa. Yes, all of the Middle East, even places where the governments will kill these men.

When we arrived in the capital city we were happily surprised to find out it was Easter for the Orthodox Church calendar. Half our team went to a national church on Sunday morning. We were able to spend a few hours with about 200 kids during their Sunday school. After class we were able to provide a drink, sandwich, candy and little toy to the children, and to their parents we gave a bag of rice. This was a huge gift for them due to the poverty they live in.

Meanwhile, the other half of the team went to an African church, where they were treated to worship by three different tribes. Later that night, we went to another national church where we were able to hear Pastor Joe preach his Easter sermon (for the tenth time I think!). Again, the children were blessed with a gift and their parents were also blessed with rice. We also found out that our money we sent ahead provided more than 2,000 gift bags to other children and untold number of bags of rice for their parents. The pastor of this church was hurting financially and we were able to be an answer to his prayers. He said our visit was a big encouragement for him — but I think it was even more an encouragement to us.

God was only warming us up for the big moment of the trip. We went to visit a truly remarkable place called V of H (name omitted to protect the ministry). V of H is the only place in this country providing for the development and rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities. It is run by a strong Christian woman, Mrs. Nada, and her husband. They answered God’s call and turned their retirement home into this wonderful place for the handicapped. But they need more room and more money.

We took up a love offering and were able raise $1200. There is an empty lot next door that she was looking to buy. She asked us to pray for God to soften the heart of the owners. She had not spoken to the owners in over two years. We prayed for God to bless that lot, and you know what happened? The owners showed up 10 minutes later. We prayed again for God to make something major happen right then and there (someone even joked that we weren’t leaving until the deal was done!). God made it happen right there, right then!

Yes, God is still working miracles; you just have to pray big enough!

Serving "the least of these" in Guatemala

Below is a report from Judy Davidson. She and several others from Tomoka Christian ministered last week to the spiritual and physical needs of those living in the ghettos of Guatemala City.

The Guatemala mission team returned Saturday, March 7, after a wonderful week in Guatemala. The first part of the week was spent in La Limonada, a ghetto in Guatemala City that is so desolate that even the police refuse to enter. La Limonada is divided into two sides because of gang activity. Tita, who has an established school on one side, just purchased a building on the other side and already has 100 more kids enrolled. Much work is still needed on the building. Our construction team built needed shelves for school supplies. Our medical team treated 400 to 500 people that live in the ghetto there. Two surgeries were performed, needed antibiotics were dispersed, and vitamins, toothbrushes and toothpaste were handed out.

One day was spent at Momma Carmen's house. She is a 68-year-old woman who takes in children off the street whose parents have abandoned them. Currently she has over 60 children. All the children were given medical care, toys, balloons and love.

Our last visit was to another ghetto, Santa Faz, in another area of Guatemala City. The construction team built a bridge over a large ravine in an area that was heavily traveled and very dangerous. Now the villagers can travel safely in that area. Our medical team treated 400 to 500 of the people in the village. We saw gunshot wounds from gang activity and several severely infected hands and feet. We also performed two surgeries in Santa Faz, gave out lots of medication, vitamins and smiles.

This was genuinely a community effort. We had many donations from our Tomoka family as well as donations from the greater Daytona Beach area. This trip could not have been so successful without all the donations of school supplies, medicines, toothbrushes, toothpaste and many other valuable items that we take for granted here in the United States.

Most of all, this trip would not have happened without our prayer partners. Seven of us went to Guatemala — but all of us made a difference for the Kingdom.