Comments for My CFCI Mission Trip

Comment on El Salvador Feels Effects of Hurricane Ida by Anji

Anji — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:57:38 +0000

The situation in El Salvador after the Hurricane has not been good. Bendicion de Dios has had 4 deaths, however, other communities have been almost completely destroyed- families and shelters. I was just able to post more about the situation. We would appreciate any help that you can bring- awareness to monetary.

May the Lord Bless You,
Anji for the Christ For the City Team

Comment on El Salvador Feels Effects of Hurricane Ida by David Peter James

David Peter James — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:27:37 +0000

Beloved

I wrote last year of Bendicion de Dios (see wordpress cite) , which I visited with my son on a short trip to El Salvador. His photographs are on his wonderful web site: (http://www.jesusfloresfotos.com/benediction/). Hearing vague stories of the destruction recently wrought by hurricane Ida on El Salvador, I wondered about Bendicion de Dios and how it fared from the hurricane. Can you elaborate and/or do you have any more photographs? I would like to do a story for our local PBS radio.

Comment on Challenging Experiences by Emily

Emily — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:07:48 +0000

The trip was a great experience overall, the biggest challenge I faced was evangelizing in Spanish. I was very afraid at first but God took over in a supernatural way and the people responded very well. I was moved by what the Spirit did though me and how people were changed by God’s love!!! It was a blessing!

Comment on Advice on Mission Trips by Alex

Alex — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:16:13 +0000

Beyond learning not to put an INFINITE God in a finite box, I feel I learned that it is truly impossible to be a blessing to others without being even more blessed in return. The way that we treat creation reflects how we feel about its creator!

Comment on People I Met by Alex

Alex — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:06:08 +0000

We were able to meet a young man named Marcel while we were down there one day when we went to practice, and able to see a day by day transformation in his life. It was a miracle in itself that we found a young man who could speak English perfectly in the middle of Bolivia, and who could be an asset to our short handed team. It was awesome to see Marcel grow more and more curious about why we would all leave our lives back at home for over a week and spend time in Cochabamba, Bolivia playing and teaching basketball. Little did he know when he said yes to being on our team that our mission was bigger than just that, it was about meeting him, a total stranger and sharing the Gospel with him. We were able to see him grow and open up a little more every day, and not only see God use Marcel as an answer to our prayers, but used us as an answer to his. It is not often that you can build a relationship with a young man in 8 days that brings him nearly to tears on your departure, but that is exactly what happened.

Comment on Challenging Experiences by Justin Ray

Justin Ray — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:16:24 +0000

One challenging experience was getting sick this past year just before the trip and remaining sick the whole week. However, this sickness was also a blessing because God allowed me to take a step back and really see His power and grace in other people’s lives. I was really able to watch some of the other students grow in their faith throughout the week. In addition, this challenge required me to place more faith and trust in God to guide and lead the trip.

Another challenge is definitely the language issue. I felt like I was pretty good at Spanish, but reading/writing is nothing like speaking/listening. My first year it was difficult to keep up with the speed of conversation, but my second year it was a lot easier but still a challenge. Through this challenge, I really witnessed the love and kindness of the people in El Salvador. The locals were so willing to talk slower and try over and over again until I understood what they were saying. This was an incredible demonstration of God’s love and mercy.

Comment on People I Met by Justin Ray

Justin Ray — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:09:25 +0000

I have now had the privilege of leading two medical mission trips to El Salvador. I went with other students and one teacher from Wake Forest University. I worked with Javier Osorio, who is one of the most amazing men I have ever met. He is an incredible servant of God and also a wonderful pastor and friend. The way Javier lives his life for the Lord is incredible to witness and it challenges me to also strive to be a stronger, more dedicated Christian that lives every moment for God. Javier and his wife, Karla, are wonderful people that always look out for others before themselves. Their loving and servant hearts inspire me. In addition, the love and open-heart attitude of the people in El Salvador is incredible. Our group became close friends with many of the locals our age (including Maltez, Chamba, Stanley, William, Julio, Isaac, Juan Ramon, Josh, Benjamin, and others). The love and kindness of all the people we encountered really challenges me to be more loving and open to strangers.

Comment on How I’ve Changed by Keith Norris

Keith Norris — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:59:32 +0000

After returning from Nicaragua for an eight day Construction/Medical mission trip, I have changed by opening up and sharing my faith more with my co-workers and customers. This change is a blessing to me.

Comment on Advice on Mission Trips by Christi

Christi — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:22:28 +0000

Journal. Record your inner most thoughts, and all of your experiences. Be real with yourself, with your team, and most importantly with God.

Comment on Challenging Experiences by Christi

Christi — Sun, 03 May 2009 05:17:07 +0000

I think the hardest part of my trip to Panama in March was after I became sick. I became easily discouraged and didn’t want to partake in activities because I was low on energy. I learned to give up my struggles to God, and that when I rest in him it’s way better then getting a good nights sleep.