City Reflection

This is definitely an experience that I’m going to remember for the rest of my life. This was my first mission trip, and because of it, it most definitely won’t be my last! This mission trip was a very different experience than what I had heard other people talk about when they go on mission trips. There was no canvassing, no witnessing, no street testimonies, no talking about Jesus or why we were there. While we were there, because we couldn’t openly talk about our faith to people, the whole point of the trip was to show God’s love through our actions and by making relationships. We couldn’t just speak Jesus, we had to BE Jesus to them. Everyone over there just assumes that if you are American then you are Christian and they had been given a bad impression of Christianity because of things like MTV and other American shows. We had to work hard to change that opinion and break down that stereotype to the people we were around. This applies to my life here because I have may friends that have such bad opinions of Christians because of experiences that they have had with them. It made me realize that in order to change their opinions and realize that Jesus is so much more than a bad example, I can’t just say God loves you sometimes and hope it works. I can’t just tell them my testimony or share about the Gospel with them sometimes. I need to show through my actions EVERYDAY that I am different. Then, when they wonder why, I can proudly say, “Because I love Jesus!” I definitely know that there was a reason God chose this as my first mission trip. Because it was my first, it impacted me that much more. Tessa - City Team

City Team Reflections

Krissy Q10
Through doing Quest God has shown me life through the eyes of other people. Not being able to be open about my faith while being in the City made me realize that I need to take advantage of the openness I have at home. Another thing I was shown while being in the City is that I really like being with kids and helping them out. We were at a native school one day and Nic, Brittany, and I had to come up with a story to teach the kids using sock puppets and we did that and then taught them some songs with the hand movements...it turned out they new most of them. Overall God showed me two things: I really should take advantage of having the ability to be open about my faith with the people around me and that i have a lot of fun being with kids and teaching then new things...like what a moose is.

Kelsea Q10
Where do I begin! The City was an AMAZING experience, except amazing doesn’t even cut it! The people were so friendly and beautiful. The culture was astounding and really old, but I loved it that much more! Our “City” contacts welcomed us with open arms and were excited that we came to help them share Christ through our actions and attitudes in a “Christianity is restricted“ country. God taught me so many lessons that deepened my relationship with Him during the trip. Prior to the trip, I struggled with my quiet time and with life in general. I did a quiet time everyday and prayed, God knows how many times, but there was still a wall between my Creator and I. On the trip, my team was given a sheet with different Bible passages for different days and we were to read them throughout the week. This enriched my relationship with Christ. As the week went on, I developed a surpassing love and desire for my God through his word and it made me realize that back home I was treating my quiet time as a chore rather than an opportunity to spend time with my Father. If we truly love Christ and want a relationship with Him, then it shouldn’t be an inconvenience. I have come to understand how crucial and beneficial a quiet time can be. One other lesson that impacted me is that not all mission trips have to deal with poverty, open street worship and devotions. All the mission trips I’ve been on had some sort of combination between poverty and public devotions. The first few days I’d spent in the “city”, I was absolutely clueless, but now I know that you can affect non believers just by your actions and attitudes. In the Bible, its shares with us that our attitudes should be that of Jesus Christ. As our week came to a close, Allyson reminded us of one thing, the real mission trip starts when we are at home. I thank God for this opportunity of a lifetime, our contacts in the “city” for arranging the events and giving my team cultural insight, and the team leaders, Rob, Beth, and Allyson, for dealing with our teenaged ways and making sure that we are safe. Stay Strong!

South Africa Team Reflections

My experience in South Africa has impacted me a lot. Knowing that some people in South Africa have nothing but God and make God the center of their lives is amazing. The first day we were in South Africa we visited an orphanage in Kwa Dobeka that consisted of children from 6 months and younger to about 6 years old. Once Q 10 SA walked in, kids ran and attacked us with hugs. After spending time with the kids and volunteers, it was sad to say we had to leave. One of the volunteers stood up and worshipped out of no where. I was shocked to see them pray and worship. You would have never seen that in America. Even though they did not get paid, they still helped out and shared Gods words the children. Even though those volunteers and those children had nothing but God, they still rejoice in his word no matter what happened. That made me think of how people in America act. We have so many materialistic people. They take things granted. It made me think of how awesome God is and without him we have nothing and with him we have everything. He is all we need. It was only the first day and it all ready made me stronger with my walk. It was amazing. -Krestina

The person that I will never forget from Durban, South Africa is a 14 year old boy who happened to look like he was eight. His name is Trevor Kabooli, he is extremely skinny and he’s Zulu. But the thing that impacted me the most about Trevor was how he played sooccer with the rest of the shirtless and shoeless South African boys. They played on a field that was really gross, but they were definitely the most passionate kids I ever met and I was honored to help them. The drive that was on Trevor’s face along with the sweat and the willingness to chase after the ball no matter what got in his way was inspiring. I want to be so much like Trevor when it comes to my walk with God. I want to run and chase after God the way he did after the soccer ball, he didn’t let anyone get in his way and h e was so willing to share at t same time. That’s how I want to be with God and with sharing my faith with others. -Amber

If I had to choose one thing that made an impact on me on this trip would have to be the fact that the same God that works in my life in the U.S. is the same God that changes lives in South Africa. A great example of this was when we went to Westville Baptist Church and after the service I had a conversation with a youth named Andre who told me his testimony and I was moved by the impact God had made on his life and he was moved by mine as well. That was the highlight of the trip for me.-Deva

My trip to South Africa was one of the best experiences of my life. Going to the orphanage in Noorsbery was an unbelievable experience! Just hanging out with the kids, playing with them, and watching them smile and enjoy our company was amazing! I enjoyed every minute of South Africa and I felt God’s presence everywhere. It was great to really see God’s presence in Durban, South Africa and I can’t wait to see what else He has in store for that country.-Joshua
On the trip to South Africa I experience so many things. One that impacted me the most was the love of God that the people have there. Our society has shunned and looked down on our faith in a King. It’s hard for people to share their faith here. In South Africa people are free to share Jesus and they can do it in public schools. Here it is so hard and I hope one day we will be able to do that in America; to share and show the love of God everywhere. -Zach

My trip to South Africa was amazing in so many ways. First, the people there were so much more spiritual. You could feel it. I could tell of God’s presence the minute I went to the first orphanage in Kwa Debeka, a small town located in Durban. Second, the people we were working with, Deb and Barry, pastors at Westfield Baptist, and a Zulu woman named Mano. Deb and Barry were with us about everyday and were extremely generous and just all around amazing people. Mano was incredible and took us all over Durban showing us amazing things and people. She was very spiritual, always doing what she felt God was telling here to do. Over all, our trip was life changing. The times we shared together effected my life and changed my walk with God in the best way possible. -Jared

Wow! What a wonderful experience and opportunity this has been! One of many stories/experiences that pop in my head is when we visited the orphanage. The kids were so welcoming and wanted nothing more than to be held and loved. As we were leaving a young boy grabbed my arms and wrapped then around himself. He wouldn’t let go and Katelyn had to help get him off me. We finally got him off but he fell on his face and cried. After seeing that little boy and how determined he was to hold on to me I thought, “That’s how I want to be with Christ. I want to hold on to him always and never let go.” I want to hold onto Christ like that little boy held on to me. I don’t want to love Him one day and stray away from Him the next; I want His arms wrapped around me now and forever! Kate

If you didn’t think that African dancing, singing and face painting right next to the Indian Ocean was possible, think again! We went to this African Resturant that was culturally different for all of us but amazing called Moyo. We were able to listen to African music and to experience the Zulu culture. We met this woman named Mano who is one of the best Africans you will ever meet. She is so hospitable, cheerful, an amazing singer and a true follower. Nothing I’ve ever seen can compare to what she is doing. In SA, it’s unbelievable how many people you see who have so little; it makes you appreciate everything you have. But with even so little, the people are happy beyond belief because they have God in their hearts, and that’s what IS important! Mano works and travels to help widen that belief. It shows her love, care and that will forever be in my heart! I’m thankful for Mano and her work- it honestly inspired me to things she does later in my life. It was an outstanding and unforgettable trip!-Catherine

Dominican Republic Relections 2

Jim
Hey my name is Jim and I went to the Dominican Republic. I saw God at work in almost everything that we did there. The thing that influenced me the most on this trip was the orphanage. It influenced me because the kids had so little, but they were still very happy and smiled constantly. Even small gestures would make them so happy. God showed me that I complain about everything, and I have to stop thinking of myself in every situation. I realized that because I saw how the little kids lived with almost nothing. That experience made me start to appreciate the little things that I have and thank God for everything.

Lenny
Hey everyone my name is Lenny! What impacted me the most was when I was videotaping the trip the Dominic Republic kids would crowd around the screen and be so happy just to see it. Some of them would dance and be so excited to be on video. Later one of them walked up to me and thanked me for videotaping him and he had this look on his face that told me how much it actually meant to him. Through this experience I realized that there are a lot of things that we take for granted in America. When I showed some of the kids there a picture I took of them it almost caused a riot among the kids to see a picture. Seeing the excitement on their faces really opened my eyes to how blessed we are. There’s a saying that goes “God bless America”, why? We have all ready been blessed.

Caitlyn
¡Hola! One of the things God showed me was this: Always be ready. Be ready to serve. Be ready to share. Be ready to love. Always.
Going into this, the thing I was most nervous about was sharing my testimony and how God has changed my life. I was dreading being called upon to speak in front of an audience. Even when I didn’t end up being asked to share my testimony, God was still right there saying, “Be ready.” One example of this would be when we went to visit a man named Antonio who pastors a church in his garage. At one point he asked that one of us share our testimonies. It was unexpected and I had that feeling of “phew!” when I wasn’t asked to. Another instance of this was when it was arranged that the team would be on a local live television show in San Francisco de Marcolis. We didn’t know what to anticipate or who would be asked what. So on our way there we were predicting what would happen and trying to prepare ourselves for questions that might be asked. Again my mind was at ease when I learned I wouldn’t have to say anything.

In both of these times I felt God telling me that I shouldn’t have felt relief for not being called, that I should have been ready. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Eventually I did end up sharing my testimony a couple of times to smaller groups. And if I can do that in front of random people I’ve never met, I can do it in the company of those I know and trust.

Marley
Hola!!! my name is Marley and I was blessed to be on the DR team where I saw God work in so many ways. There were so many wonderful things that happened but one thing that really stuck out to me that God was showing me was how on fire rooted in the word and ready for service the Dominicans we met with are. I think as far as ministry goes my favorite parts were being with the kids and getting to play with them and also prayer walking. I always viewed prayer walking as the way we do it in the U.S. – walking around and praying for things we see. However, in the Dominican Republic it is a little different…actually, a lot different. When we prayer walked you would recognize and respond to a need in the community whether it be by prayer, sharing your testimony, sharing a bible verse or just telling them about God. We met so many people with so many needs who still, in spite of all their troubles, trust in God and responded well to what we were doing in their community. I was really amazed at the openness of the people and I learned so much through this experience.

Ben
My name is Ben and I was on the DR team. The trip was amazing! Churches in America could learn a lot from those in the DR in my opinion. With all the emphasis we put on presentation, what church would meet in a library? Or in a garage? And how many of us would see a need and start a church in a garage? In addition to all the serious stuff, it was a lot of fun.

Dominican Republic Reflections 1

Andre
Keloke?!?! My name is Andre, and I went to the D.R. with the Q10!! God did wonderful things in this trip to everyone, but the thing that God worked on me the most was how to improvise and that my talents can be used for his glory!! Before this trip I could only do the “Puppet show” with the appropriate song and a mini stage but God taught me that I could do it pretty much anywhere, from on top of amps to benches, from the top of walls to keyboard cases, I even did the presentation with Jimmy playing the guitar!!! Another HUGE thing was that before the trip I really didn’t want to bring the puppet, when Suzie told me to bring it, I tried to come up with every excuse I could think of, but I ended up bringing it. God used the puppet so much. I hope it touched people’s hearts. God also taught me to be thankful for everything all the time, no matter what. I know God changed me in this trip; and the old Andre who refused to serve God no longer exists!! God bless everyone!

Jared
Que lo que? Me llamo Jared. Which is apparently pronounced “Halled” in Spanish? The DR was absolutely amazing! I know that I will always remember this experience for the rest of my life. My favorite part of the entire trip was when our group did our cardboard testimonies. For those of you who do not know what cardboard testimonies are, it is when you write your testimony in a short and precise way on cardboard. I really believe that our testimonies spoke to the people of the Dominican Republic. We all had our own special testimony that could touch each person in a different way. I believe that our time in the country not only change our lives but change the people of the country as well. The Dominican opened my eyes, at a point where I now see how fortunate I am for living in a country like America and how I should thank God every single day for what I have. I thank everyone who sponsored me for this trip and I thank Luc Cruse for recommending me for this trip. And I thank God for giving me this great opportunity.

Sam
Hey guys my name is Sam. While my team was in the Dominican Republic God was working through us constantly. We weren’t doing anything; it was God and only God. One experience that really affected me was when we were in Pedro Brand prayer walking. One lady invited us into her home, and I shared my testimony with her. I didn’t really think it did much, but it was sharing how God was working in my life so I didn’t really mind. Later that evening, we went to a church service at a boy named Christian’s house. The same lady that I shared with earlier that day was there that night! I was so excited when I saw her, so I went over to say hello and what not. The next day, we went back to the same area in Pedro Brand, and Itamar was talking to the lady’s daughter. She was telling Ita how my testimony really affected her mother because she had lost her parents a little while back. The lady (I didn’t catch her name) was also at the church service that night! Again I said hello and she really seemed to be enjoying the service. This experience just showed me how God uses past experiences to glorify Him and bring people closer to Him. He also brought me to realize how when we ask, He gives us the words to say that will really have an impact on those that we are speaking to. It wasn’t just luck that the lady and I had gone through the same experience that was God’s will, no doubt.

Kathy
My name is Kathy, and our trip to the Dominican Republic was life changing. The culture of the DR is so different than here in America; the genuine hospitality of people who had just met us was humbling, and so many people on the streets were happy to talk to us and hear our testimonies. God revealed himself to me more than ever on this trip. One main event that stands out to me while in the DR was a day we spent time at an orphanage. Each one of us paired up with a child to spend one-on-one time with a kid who rarely gets it. The girl I spent time with was Nicole, a girl who was nine or ten years old. The sparkle in her eyes when our team came in was unreal – she was so happy to see new people. She wouldn’t let go of my hand for the entirety of our time there, and really showed me the child-like hope and love that we all should aim for. I need to show the hopeful sparkle in my eyes that Nicole showed me, and never let go of God’s hand.

Carmen
Hi my name is Carmen and one of the things that impacted me the most from our trip to the Dominican Republic was seeing how hard the missionaries and Christians over there are working to spread the gospel. When we got there we met Rodney and Sharon and they are doing an amazing job working with the Dominican people. They introduced us to some people from their church they were extremely nice to us and you could tell that they truly loved God. Something that God taught me throughout this trip was to trust him no matter what and truly give him the first place in my life. I saw many people who were much less fortunate then myself and it made me so thankful for what my Lord has given me. I enjoyed every moment of the trip and being able to meet new people. I loved the time we got to spend with the kids at the orphanage and being able to share God’s love with them. I became very close with all the members of my team and had a great and life changing experience. God does amazing things and I have learned that he is in control of everything.

Jimmy
Que lo que? My name is Jimmy. God really showed me a lot and taught me a lot this week. He really gave me a heart for the people. We went to an orphanage one day and one kid really attached to me. His name was Roni. He was so full of life and so happy even under the circumstances of his life. I really connected with him and we had such a great time playing football, singing, and dancing together. I was just glad that God was able to put a smile on this kids face through me.