He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

¡Hola amigos y familia! (Hello friends and family!)

Our time here in Jarabacoa is coming to a close as students and leaders alike are debriefing and reflecting on the ministry we’ve been involved in for the past two weeks. It is truly incredible to see how the Lord has worked in each one of our lives, both American and Dominican. The missionaries we have worked alongside with taught each student just how much sacrifice is required for fulltime ministry and how the Lord blesses obedience to His calling. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to experience a little taste of cross cultural occupational missions.

Matt Calcaterra and I had the opportunity to work with Physical Therapist, Silvio Martinez. We are both perusing a career in physical therapy and were elated to spend two weeks learning from Silvio, having hands-on experience working with patients, and seeing how God uses physical therapy to heal people physically and spiritually. During our time working in PT, we visited a special education site called Genesis, a nursing home, and worked with patients in the clinic. We would often give patients massage therapy, electro-stimulation, ultrasounds, and exercise for the physical ailments. It was very surreal for me to work with PT in the DR because as an undergrad, I would never have the opportunity to have hands on experience like this in America.

I worked with one patient named Maria. She is a Haitian woman with three young children; ages 3, 5, and 8. Her first husband divorced her and her second husband abruptly left her one day and she has never seen him since. Her family is currently living on the street due to the inability to keep her job of cleaning houses because she has severe lower back pain. She was telling me her story as I was applying electro-stimulation and ultrasound gel to her lower back. I was trying my very best to listen and understand what she was saying because my knowledge of Spanish is limited. Although she is without a home, job, and husband, she had the most radiant smile in the clinic. She exuded joy and laughter although she was struggling emotionally, financially, and physically. Her joy through her circumstances touched my heart and made me realize how blessed I am to have my health and family. While working on her lower back I had the opportunity to pray for her. I prayed that the Lord would heal her body, bring restoration to her family, and sustain them in their circumstances. I believe that the Lord will continue to work in her life, and although I am flying back to America tomorrow, Silvio Martinez and his clinic will remain in Jarabacoa to minister to her and others in situations like her.

I continually thank God for giving us this opportunity to serve in Jarabacoa. I also thank each and every one of our supporters, whether you supported our team financially or through prayer. God’s hand was on our trip each and every step of the way.

Here are some things you can continue to partner with us:

1) Financial provision for every full time missionary and ministry site

2) Spiritual breakthrough for every Dominican involved in the lives of the fulltime missionaries

3) A safe and complication-free flight home J

God bless!

Becky Boyle

for pictures and videos of LIFT 32 in the DR please visit our website:

https://www.facebook.com/liftdiscipleshipprogram

The Power of Prayer

¡Buenos Dias Amigos!

We as a LIFT community are experiencing hands-on what it looks like to reflect the character of Jesus cross-culturally.  For some of us it has been out of our comfort zone but God makes us uncomfortable in order to draw us closer to Him. My dream is to live in a world where there is no pain, suffering, and brokenness and to see it completely transformed by the Gospel.  Unfortunately the reality is that we live in a broken and perverted world shattered by sin; temporarily in the reins of the enemy.  God has called each and every one of us to go! (Matthew 28:19)  What a privilege it is to partner with our Creator; to be His hands and feet - a light shining in a dark world. Part of that calling is recognizing that the world is broken and is in need of a Savior.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to go on a “prayer walk” with our site leaders.  This included walking around the city of Jarabacoa and physically touching buildings, praying against darkness, and if led, praying with the people of the city.  The day was followed by a “poverty meal” where we each had two pieces of fried salami, two pieces of yuka, a piece of bread, and hot chocolate.  Through this we were able to relate with many of the people here because this is a typical meal for them.  The night was followed by worship; and for many of us this was a powerful and rich time, sharing with each other what God had been doing in our hearts. 

The groups from community health and the media site were walking in a Haitian community where two little boys set out chairs for everyone.  Nestor, a visiting pastor, was able to present the Gospel and led them into a salvation prayer. One Haitian translated the Spanish to Creole so everyone could understand and some rededicated their lives to Christ! (CAN I GET AN AMEN?!!)  Later on, as the group was praying for the Haitian community, a handful of Haitians walked up and joined the prayer. A funeral was going on within the community and the group went up to a relative of the person who had passed away and prayed with her.  Joe Girard was able to share with them from the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” 

Sondra Bryan and myself were walking and were invited into a very run-down home.  They offered us water and we didn’t want to be rude so we took it and drank. (Jesus protect our stomachs!)  Even though there was a bit of a language barrier, we were able to pray with this family.  Through this experience my heart was touched.  I was blown away by their compassion and their giving hearts.  They had practically nothing and they shared with us what they had!  The poverty in this city is daunting but a very real scenario.  There are people we see throughout the streets trying to get by; needing Jesus to be true to what the Scriptures say “Give us today our daily Bread.”  This poverty has opened up my eyes to show me how privileged I am to be born and raised in a country with a multitude of opportunities.

I am privileged to be serving with a Students International missionary, Karen, at Genesis, a school for mental and physically challenged children.  It is the only school of its kind in the area… It’s the “happiest place on earth!” It is truly amazing how I could feel such a rush of emotions for the children at the Special Education site.  It has been a roller coaster of passion and immense love.  Through the kicking, the arm flaps, and screams, I see something more than meets the eye.   Behind it all I see a light.  I see Jesus shining through disability. God has been working in my heart, stirring up all kinds of emotions.  Since God radically saved me a couple years ago I struggled with the question why.  “Why do you allow us to go through hard things, why do you allow disabilities?”  Jesus was quick to answer me in that “who am I to question him?”  He is the Creator I am not.  Through my experience so far God has given me the ability to see children with disabilities in a new perspective.  A parent said, “I wonder what my child will look like in heaven as perfect.  I wonder if they’ll look ‘normal’ or if they’ll look exactly the same because Jesus sees no fault in my child.”  This hit me really hard as I began to think how perverse our thinking is in our culture as we allow the world’s definition of ‘beauty’ and ‘normal’ affect the way we see and perceive others.  God is an amazing artist and He says we are His masterpiece!             

Today two other LIFT students, Matt Calcaterra and Becky Boyle came to our Genesis site to work with Silvio in physical therapy with the special education students.  It is so encouraging to see the progress these children have made.  Two years ago a boy could not walk and now he is able to! We went to Vanessa’s house, a former student of Genesis with Cerebral Palsy.  She loves to dance; so we helped come up with a dance to ‘The Nut Cracker’.  It brought Vanessa so much joy! When she would laugh my heart melted and I began to laugh too. 

Words cannot express how thankful we are for your support. May God bless you as you invest in the LIFT community for the Kingdom’s sake.  Please don’t stop praying!!! There is so much power in prayer and through it God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever think or imagine!!!       

Continue to pray for a shielding from a world of corruption, evil, and temptation.  (Sexual perversion, immorality, alcohol, abuse, gambling).  Pray for the staff here and the LIFT community that we would not fall to any attack of the enemy; but instead be led by the Spirit at all times. 

My heart is literally broken for the people here at Jarabacoa and the lost condition some of them are in.  I am so thankful that I serve a God who hears and answers our prayers! God is doing a special work in the hearts here.  The small things we do have such an impact for the Kingdom of God.  Love shines in the least expected of places and just when we think we’ve seen the best of our God, He takes it to a higher level. 

Remember that there is power in the words we communicate with our Father. Your prayers are so greatly appreciated! 

Your sister in Christ,

Lauren Vroegindewey


For pictures and videos of LIFT in the DR click on either of these Facebook pages:


https://www.facebook.com/liftdiscipleshipprogram?ref=bookmarks


https://www.facebook.com/stintdr

New Blessings and Adventures

The time seems to be passing by so swiftly, as we engage in our sixth day here in the Dominican Republic. With each day brings many new adventures, and around each corner something new to learn about the Dominican culture. Since the last post, myself and my site partner(Lindsey) continued to work with the students in the preschool at Mata Gorda teaching them simple English words and trying to keep up with all the energy the precious little ones have.

      As the weekend came upon us, we were all given the amazing opportunity to go white water rafting. LIFT students and staff joyfully geared up for the seven mile journey down river. It was a blast and not a single person got away dry that day! Praise God our weather was absolutely perfect yesterday, bright hot shining sun and not a single cloud in the sky. 

     Later, that night we all had the privilege to go downtown for some shopping and continued fellowship with our team. Each of the stores carried their own uniqueness. I was able to check out some local clothing stores, produce markets, homemade jewelry stores, coffee shops and restaurants. I see God’s beauty everywhere I turn here, whether it’s in the landscape or the hearts of the people each day has been such a blessing.

     This morning I attended a local church with other LIFTers and staff. The worship was  powerful and moving. I felt vibrant and alive and excited to see what the Lord would be doing next. The message brought forth was spoken in Spanish and then was translated to English. It was on forgiveness and giving grace, just like Christ forgives, and extends grace towards us. With only nine days left in the Dominican Republic my heart is to continue to see God move in great and mighty ways and to take in every moment I have here.

     Thank you all again for your prayers, we all certainly feel them here and are blessed by them. Please pray that:

1. The LIFTers and staff would remain in perfect health and have the energy we need in order to serve the best that we possibly can.
2. God would maximize our time here with each other and the Dominican people so we can truly build great relationships and draw deeper with Christ.
3. God would bless and anoint everything we do and lives would be forever changed!

What a blessing to be part of HIS kingdom.

Moving forward in Him: Nicole

You can see pictures and videos of the LIFT students experience in the Dominican Republic on the “LIFT Discipleship Program” Facebook page.  Also be sure to check out the interviews of LIFTers that will soon be posted by the SI media staff (Clint and Amy) on the “SI-Republica Dominicana” Facebook page.

Week 1 in the DR

¡Hola Amigos de LIFT! (Hello friends of LIFT!)

Today was our second full day of serving at our ministry sites in the Dominican Republic. Even though we’ve only been here for four days, it feels like we’re getting the hang of things. We have been learning so much here, silly things like how point with your lips in order to indicate where an object is, and serious things as well, like how deeply God loves the people of the Domincan.

In our Missions Practicum Class last night we discussed some of our observations of the culture and our responses to it. We see a lot of brokenness, and it reminds us that the D.R, just like the United States, needs Jesus. We are amazed by the men and women who serve here full-time as missionaries and are lights for Jesus in the communities of Jarabacoa. They are fathers, mothers, and wise-counselors to the people who live here. We are honored to watch them work, and to serve and encourage them in any way possible.

One way that I have been able to serve my site leader is to help teach lessons at the Preschool in Mata Gorda. We have helped with homework, math, English, and Spanish lessons. Today I taught students a song that helped them learn the names of four colors in Spanish and in English! Later in the day, we were invited to eat dinner in the home of one of our students. After the delicious meal, I overheard the preschooler singing the color song while she played! I think that we are learning just as much as the preschoolers are.

            Thank you so much for all of the prayers you are sending our way. In addition to the previous prayer requests, please pray that:

1. We would learn to value ALL people more and more, because people are the nearest and dearest thing to God’s heart. We are made in his likeness!
2. Our love of others would proclaim the name of Jesus to the people we interact with in the Dominican, that HE would receive all the glory.
3. Our understanding of what it means to be a servant would deepen as we serve with joy at our ministry sites.
    

You can keep up with things through this blog which will be updated by LIFT students every other day as well as on the “LIFT Discipleship Program” Facebook page.  Also be sure to check out the interviews of LIFTers that will soon be posted by the SI media staff (Clint and Amy) on the “SI-Republica Dominicana” Facebook page.

With joy,

Lindsey

 

           

Republica Dominicana

The 29 students and 6 staff from the 32^nd semester of LIFT arrived yesterday, Monday afternoon (11/3/2014), in the Dominican Republic to partner with the missionaries from Students International (SI) (www.stint.com) in the small city and surrounding mountain villages of Jarabacoa.

It has been raining a lot since we arrived and looks to be more of the same for the upcoming days, but the students are beaming with joy and enthusiasm after all their preparation for being here.  It is good to be reunited with the missionaries that LIFT staff has developed a strong relationship with over the past three years.

We had orientation sessions this morning to help us prepare how to more effectively serve in this culture.  This afternoon all the students and staff visited their site with the missionary they will be working with for the duration of their time here.  Even though our main focus is the missional work here with SI, the LIFT program continues with classes, spiritual and physical training, and a weekly excursion and leadership experience.  Tyler Nelson will be teaching a Bible and Theology class this afternoon and Tim and Liam will co-teach the Missions Practicum class tomorrow evening.  Everyone will be studying Philippians each morning during their quiet time and continue to memorize the book of James.

The following items are things you can support us in prayer over the next two weeks:

1. Humility to learn from the missionaries and Dominican people with a balance of boldly and lovingly sharing their faith.
2. Health for the team members, especially from gastrointestinal illness which is common.  One student already is not feeling well.
3. That LIFT students and staff can be an encouragement to the SI staff working long term in ministry here.

You can keep up with things through this blog which will be updated by LIFT students every other day as well as on the “LIFT Discipleship Program” Facebook page.  Also be sure to check out the interviews of LIFTers that will soon be posted by the SI media staff (Clint and Amy) on the “SI-Republica Dominicana” Facebook page.

Tim

We’re Back!

Well today is the day we return home after a whirlwind of life changing experiences in Ecuador! To recap, our time has been spent participating in a variety of ministry and recreational activities including work projects on both the El Refugio base and the city of El Chaco, teambuilding experiences at El Refugio’s climbing wall and high ropes course, partnering with ministries in two distinctly different regions of Ecuador, visiting two of the largest waterfalls in the country (El Malo & San Rafael), mountaineering the nearly 17,000’ Illiniza Norte, holding a campfire celebration for GOD’S unfailing faithfulness and the return of Jesus! Our time spent in Ecuador has seemed more like a month than two weeks. Needless to say it has been amazing! I wish that I could even begin to describe the impact the Holy Spirit has made in connecting the hearts of the ministry of LIFT 31, the churches, and the surrounding communities which the churches are located in. However such understanding is even beyond me!

 

Our last evening at El Refuigo was a night of lasting impressions as we sat around a campfire (fogata) and feasted on hotdogs and samples of roasted of Cuye (Guinea Pig), an Ecuadorian staple. Shortly after Arrelyo, a full time staff member of El Refugio appeared to us in his Native Cofan attire. He shared some of his cultural experiences in Cofan as Rick Borman translated, then he and Rick Borman delighted us with a guitar led time of worship. This closed with trilingual chorus of “I have decided to follow Jesus” in English, Spanish, and Cofan. Talk about unity among diversity! Following this was S'mores and laughs as myself and John (a fulltime staff member at El Refugio) demonstrated our impersonation skills of Presidents Barrack Obama and George W. Bush, in a debate. 

We ended the night debriefing our experiences in Oyacachi with one very crucial question dangling in our minds; if love and ministry is what we are called to as Disciples of Christ, then why did we find it was so much easier to love in Oyacachi, Ecuador than Speculator, NY (or anywhere home may be, really)? The bottom line for all of us seemed to come down to the low risk of not having that love returned. Some presumed that it is simply easier to love on kids than it is adults. Others highlighted the fact that we were only there two days. Still one person took it a step further by mentioning that loving back at home requires us to intentionally and continually pour into the relationships – an often times very difficult thing to do. As I mused over these questions, I think the answer may fall into a combination of all three and more at best. At any rate they only help to point out the deficiencies in our own ability, and highlight our need to depend on Christ to strengthen us with His love so we can in turn give His love to others. In essence abiding in Christ (John 15:4) is being dependent on Him. 

           

The following morning after breakfast and a couple of morning activities, we exchanged heart-felt goodbyes as we split from full time staff and interns at El Refugio. We became dear to each other through the tremendous deal of encouragement and hospitality we received from them. And despite knowing we would only be there for just over two weeks, they never withheld a readiness to invest themselves into our lives (friendship).

 

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to you, the supporters, for your role in making this experience possible for all parties involved.

 

We will all be sharing more about the LIFT 31 Missions Trip during the Forum on Wednesday April, 9^th at 7pm. It will be held at Camp-of-the-Woods in the Buirkle Center.

 

 As we have a month left of the semester please pray that Christ continues to teach each of us to depend on Him.

Christien Jackson

Cuan Grande Es Dios!

We are back at El Refugio for our final full day in Ecuador.  Everyone will be serving in various work projects today and packing, then debriefing their experiences tonight and tomorrow morning. 

This past weekend we transitioned from the life-changing missions/ministry focus of the trip with the churches in El Chaco and Oyacachi to the adventure-side of the LIFT program by camping two nights and climbing one of Ecuador's big peaks - Illiniza Norte (at 16,818' it is the 8th highest). Early Sunday morning, starting out at 4 a.m. with headlamps, and hiking in 5 different groups, everyone was able to reach the summit between 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  The groups moved slow and steady as they dealt with the effects of altitude and lower oxygen levels in their circulatory systems.  The last hour required each person attaching with their climbing harness to fixed ropes to ensure safety in high exposure areas. We were grateful that the conditions were amazing when we hiked and very rainy when we camped. 

The climb was a physical and psychological challenge for many as it was the first time to climb such a high mountain that is primarily rock and snow.  All the LIFTers who have been nursing tendonitis, ankle sprains, and knee injuries did fantastic.  Kate Trezise was also very thankful that she was able to climb again after two hip replacements this past year. We had 5 LIFTers that unfortunately could not climb due to illnesses (colds and stomach issues) that they acquired during the previous two weeks.  One LIFTer had to turn back within 15 minutes from the summit due to altitude sickness, but he maintained a great attitude through it all.  Overall, we had 40 people reach the summit - a pretty major undertaking of a combination of LIFT students and staff, El Refugio staff and students, and professional Ecuadorian guides.  We had the best sunsets and sunrises I have seen in Ecuador - being able to see the Andean skyline of all the big peaks of Ecuador within 150 miles.  The Lord was displaying his glory, majesty, and power throughout the whole experience.  "Cuan Grande es Dios!" (How Great is Our God) followed by "Let Us Adore!" was sung /declared out to the mountains and the valleys below as we departed basecamp on Monday.

 

After the successful mountain experience, of which they have trained hard and prepared for during the semester, the students were filled with joy, awe and humility from the experience.  God has been answering many prayers and lavishly giving us "good gifts" that show us his amazing love and concern for the smallest of details in our lives.  Last night, Asha lead the group in a devotional time after dinner, focusing on the coming of Jesus, our great and mighty king, and the promise of a new earth and a new heaven from the book of Revelation.  This spurred a time of more wonder and amazement of the greatness of God. We continued in that mindset and started celebrating our time in Ecuador with all we have seen God doing by having a worship service around the campfire (smores included).  Tonight we continue to celebrate as we feast on Cuye (Guinea Pig), a typical rural Ecuadorian meal.

 
If you would like to see photos of the Illiniza climb you can visit the LIFT XXXI group page on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/438782246221589/


We will be posting pictures of our time in Oyacachi and El Chaco on the LIFT XXXI group page once we return later this week.  The pictures we would like to post will need to be edited and reformatted and will take a little time, but they are beautiful and a great representation of the experience.

Thanks so much for your prayers.  It has been evident in how God has been touching lives.  Please continue to pray, especially for safe travel as we depart Wednesday from Quito around 3 p.m. to arrive in JFK airport, NYC by midnight - then drive to Camp-of-the-Woods to arrive around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday. 

A Big God Who Uses Little Things

            Upon arriving at Oyacachi, a small and very remote Andean mountain village of the Quechua indigenous people, we were immediately blessed by the greeting of many little ninos (kids) who were shouting for joy as the bus pulled up next to the church. We were met with hugs as we got off the bus, and along with the hugs, many of the kids desired to feel my hair (I have a large afro). Playing all sorts of games, piggy-back rides, and messing with hair in general were expected whenever we were with the kids. We loved every moment of it. These kids were some of the most loving and energetic I had ever met and as I like to say, they were quite "Ecuadorable!"

            The first night we were there, we enjoyed some time meeting the kids. After what seemed like only ten minutes, we were a bit surprised to hear that instead of sitting down and having dinner then, we were given the opportunity to do the adult and youth services that night instead of the next evening as we had expected! Many of the LIFT students participated including the worship team and the skits team.  Juan shared his testimony, Joe C. preached at the youth service while Joe D. preached at the adult service. It was truly amazing how God helped us in a situation where we really needed to be flexible. The gospel was preached, and the Lord was praised! It was wonderful to hear a song performed by the Quechua women's choir in their full cultural dress of blue skirts, bright orange ponchos, brass-colored bead necklaces and brown bolar hats.  They sang a song called, "Bienvenidos" (which means welcome) to kick off our time in the village.  They followed with a song they wrote specifically for us, to encourage us as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

            The second day we were there, we got to spend some time in the morning with kids at the school. Teaching the kids English and playing games with them was such a blessing. Later that afternoon we had an awesome opportunity to partner with Compassion International, a program to free young children (ages 3-20) from poverty and point them to Christ. They work with kids in four different areas including spiritually, academically, emotionally, and with their health. They are able to get on a personal level with the children and because of that they are able to take God’s word to the next level in their lives. God is doing amazing work through this ministry and bringing many children to Christ. During this time (2:00PM-5:00PM) we got the message across that they are princesses and princes of the King of Kings, that they are uniquely created by God, and are very special in His eyes. We made it clear that only through the blood of Christ are they heirs to His throne. We helped the children make their own crowns and bracelets to give a visual example that they truly are royalty. With a Polaroid camera we were able to take pictures of each family with their crowns and bracelets on. We showed the children the blank Polaroid and how it changed into a beautiful picture. We then told them that this demonstrates how God can take a life that is blank and meaningless and turn it into something beautiful. They got to keep this photo and it meant so much to them. We then got to spend some time with them singing songs and playing games.

            The last big portion of ministry in Oyacachi the next day at the school with older kids (7^th-10^th grade) Once again, skits, worship, and English lessons were incorporated. Just to give you an idea of what our skits were like . . . the one performed today portrayed a girl who gets caught up in the worries and temptations of the world including self-image, grades and academic success, drugs and alcohol, and relationships (boyfriend). After becoming broken and realizing that none of these things truly satisfy, she falls at the feet of Christ and he wraps her in a white robe and embraces her. In the words of a fellow LIFTer,  “I love that skit- it gives me the chills, and I know that people our age and especially younger ones will be able to relate to it and God will use it to change lives.”

Another unique part of what we did was that we incorporated scripture into our English teaching. Romans 5:8 was read to them.

“…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

Then they learned how to say it in English and received cards that had the verse on it in English and in Spanish. After the time at the school this morning, we had to say good-bye to the many children that we loved so much. It was hard, yet it was very joyful experience as we were got to hug them, and spin them around in our arms one last time. As the bus pulled away we said "Adios!" and "Que Dios te bendiga!" (God bless you!) countless times as they threw flowers and then chased the bus as far as they could.  As me and a number of other LIFTers were hanging out the windows and waving, I was able to pick out Robinson, one of my favorite little ninos from the joyful swarm as they chased after us as the bus climbed the dusty road from the village. Oh, how they loved us and how it ached to say goodbye.  A few of the LIFT team teared up as we bumped up the high-mountain road when the meaning of their hand-written notes of love and appreciation from the children were translated.  Priceless and precious!

            Our experience at Oyacachi was really put into perspective when we arrived back at our home-base, El Refugio. After dinner, one of the facilitators who works at El Refugio shared his testimony. His name is Wilmar, and what he shared was amazing and truly touched our hearts. He talked about how when he was a kid, his father left him and his three brothers. Then, some “gringos” (Americans) came and loved him just like we did for the kids in Oyacachi. He said that the he was hugged, carried around, and that he climbed all over the people and that he felt the love of Christ, which he wished he could have received from his father. After seeing and receiving the love of Christ, he began to go to church, and it changed his life.  He and his brothers are now totally devoted to serving Christ and spreading the amazing and great news about his love.  They are presently very active as leaders and facilitators in the ministry of El Refugio.  Hearing his testimony brought tears to my eyes, and to many others.

“After what we did in Oyacachi, hearing his testimony broke my heart.” – Juan

            God used the little kids to bring us so much joy, and at the same time, I believe He used the compassion and love He has shown us to lavish on them- even if we were only there for a little bit of time, to impact their lives just like he changed Wilmar's and his three brothers! God uses little things to do big things!

I’ll Quechua later! 

Joe Girard

(With some help from Lauren V.)

Please team with us and pray for:  

1) A number of our team has been battling colds and gastrointestinal distress as they have been exposed to different a culture, environment and food.  They have had to take time out to rest.  They will need to regain their strength as wee finish our time here in Ecuador with another full day of service projects at El Refugio and a climb of a major mountain peak over 16,000'

2)  The continued ministry of Compassion International and the church in Oyacachi with the beautiful Quechua children.  May God's work flourish in the lives of each boy and girl there. 

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world!

God's Giant Mural

Since being in El Chaco we have been partnering with the Church (La Iglesia Cristo de la Unica Esperanza).This is LIFT’s fifth year coming here. It has been humbling to see how the relationship between the two ministries has grown.  We have gotten to worship with them, work alongside them, and just bask in the glory of God with them. During our time here in El Chaco we have had the opportunity to participate in three worship services, games with the youth, and our own Eagle Scout, Michael Uhlig, got to share stories with their scout program. We have shared and experienced the gospel of Jesus.  

On Sunday I had the privilege to teach Sunday school with the teenagers.  We focused on the story of Joseph and God’s sovereignty in his life. The teenagers broke into groups reading different parts of the story, and then took turns explaining it to the other groups. It was fun to see the teenagers get interactive with the Word of God. We focused on the verse Genesis 50:20 “ As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”  I then was able to share my testimony, reflecting on how God has been sovereign in my own life.

Near the end of the Sunday morning service, the pastor invited all the LIFTers up to the front of the sanctuary and had a member of the church pray over each of us. The Spirit-filled prayer time was so encouraging. It is amazing to experience God being worshiped in different languages.  The women of the church then blessed us with gifts. The people of El Chaco are so warm and inviting, offering a love that is aspiring. It was so humbling to have this chance to be a part of the partnership between LIFT and the church in El Chaco, even if it is only for a short time. I am reminded that I am just one stroke of paint in God’s giant mural.

Elizabeth Perry


Prayer Requests:  Elizabeth Perry has not been feeling well the last two days and a number of LIFTers struggled with motion sickness during our return drive to El Refugio, coming over the winding mountain roads of the Andes.  Pray for settled stomachs and a restful day as we prepare to head out to do ministry in Oyacachi starting tomorrow evening. Today is a day of rest and doing laundry and drying everything out that has been soaked for the last three days of continuous rain in El Chaco.    (Tim Trezise)

The Lord is our Refuge

This is a quick post to let everyone know that we are all doing well and everyone, including Becky Boyle and Bekah Campbell have arrived safely to El Refugio, Ecuador.  Bekah stayed back with Becky in Manhattan to help her expedite updating her passport to be able to leave the U.S.  They had quite an adventure through the whole process, with the help of Joe Ciccerelo's parents, which God divinely provided for them.  


The LIFTers have gone through their orientation time and have met all the staff at El Refugio, a ministry of Youth World - which is part of International Teams.  They spent yesterday getting familiar with El Refugio by taking a hike up to 10,000' on the property, then in the afternoon they split into two groups to build teamwork on the ropes course and push themselves on the 40' outdoor rock climbing wall that LIFT has had a part in building over the past years.


Today they are split into four work teams around the campus, helping with big projects that need many hands and man-hours.  They are laying paving tiles in a walkway, digging a ditch for an electric line, landscaping in the prayer garden area, and preparing plywood to be mounted for the new bouldering wall next to the climbing towers.


Tonight the students will be making final preparations with their ministry teams for their time in El Chaco and Oyacachi.  After an early morning mountain hike/run and a full breakfast, they will depart for El Chaco, stopping at the equator to purchase gifts then continuing on through the sprawling city of Quito then over the Andes mountains and down the Amazon side to El Chaco.  There they will partner in ministry with the church that LIFT and El Refugio has developed on ongoing relationship with over the past four years.


The group is doing very well.  Rick Borman, Paul Reichert and the rest of the El Refugio staff do so well in hosting us and encouraging growth in each person.  Kate Trezise taught a class yesterday on "joy through suffering" which has continued to be on a lot of their minds. They are reminded that God is their refuge, security and strength. 




The food is incredible.  Fresh tropical fruits and juices every meal!


Pray for our group as they serve and prepare.  Also pray that they remain healthy and full of energy and open to the lessons the Holy Spirit is teaching each of them.


Tim Trezise

Bringing People Home!

"Our mission is to bring people Home"

Brothers and sisters in Christ! 

As you are all a part of this team through supporting us in so many ways, we want you to have a feel for our trip even from the beginning! If you all had a chance to be here, I know that you would be able to feel the excitement growing as we get closer to 2AM (the hour we're leaving...)! So if any of you are wanting to REALLY feel a part of the group, you are welcome to set your alarms for 1:15 AM! :)

We've spent the past few weeks preparing sermons, choreographing dances, mimicking sheep noises for puppets, putting together English lessons, and gluing jewels on crowns for arts and crafts in preparation for the vast ministry opportunities we will have in Ecuador! 

LIFT is so unique in that we've been learning about effective missions, the universal Church, and poverty throughout the semester and now we are blessed to step into another culture and experience what we have been learning. We'll be based at el Refugio outside of Quito, Ecuador, a leadership training center, where we'll be doing an array of projects. From the base, we'll travel to the Quechua town of Oyacachi and El Chaco to work with the churches there, using our different ministry groups and building a house for a couple in need.

There is a very different feel running through the LIFT group as we are all eagerly anticipating what God is going to do in Ecuador. This past week, we had a unique opportunity to do a "rice and beans fast" in order to prepare for Ecuador, grow in our reliance on God, and just humble ourselves to further allow God to work in our hearts individually and collectively as we consecrate ourselves to be used as His instruments.

The compelling phrase, "God does not call the equipped, but equip the called!" has been coursing through my thoughts as I know we will find ourselves in situations in which our human abilities are incapable of handling. As we see throughout the history of Christianity, this is the opportunity in which God works most mightily through us, as "His power is made perfect in our weakness."

 "Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.'"

Here is a brief schedule of our time in Ecuador:
M-Th (3/17-20): @ El Refugio taking classes, preparing for ministry, doing work projects
Th-M (3/20-24) @ El Chaco partnering with the local church in ministry to the surrounding communities
M&T (3/24&25) Back @ El Refugio for laundry, rest & repack
T-Th (3/25-27) @ Oyacachi (remote high-mountain town) - youth ministry & church service
Th-Sat (3/27-29) Back @ El Refugio to do work project & pack for mountaineering trip
Sat-M (3/29-31) Mountaineering on Illiniza Norte (16,800') - summit attempt on Sunday
M-W (3/31-4/2) Back @ El Refugio doing work project & debriefing the trip
W (4/2) morning in Quito then fly to NY and return to COTW by 6:30 am Thursday


Check back in every so often and we will keep you updated with our adventures! God has provided immensely for this trip, and you are the instruments He has used to further His Kingdom in Ecuador so THANK YOU!

I sincerely hope that each of you see yourselves as part of this trip, and even more importantly, as part of the mission of Christ, "to bring people Home," as our fearless student leader of the trip to Ecuador, Juan Lucero, reminded us tonight that we are all foreigners in this world and our home is in heaven. 

 

Hasta luego!

(written by Laura Alexandria Walters)