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Spring Mission Trips!

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Our first mission trip teams of 2014 were last week! Here's an update from each of the four communities that hosted teams, both looking back at the week and ahead to this summer.

Coroma, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Mission Trips

Costa Rica Mission Trips

The goal during our mission trip to Coroma was to come side-by-side with locals and continue the development of the high school.Though we were a part of the high school construction project, what really impacted us was the connection with the people of Coroma. "We came to build relationships"—that was the trip focus. From interacting with children in the community, to being a part of a church service and interacting with the congregation, to playing soccer with the high school students from the village, it was made clear that it's all about building healthy relationships; and though the BriBri are naturally shy people, they hunger for relationships and strive for the improvement of their community.

While focused on building relationships, we also built a sidewalk. Mixing concrete by hand took its toll and by the end of the week we were exhausted. God truly broke us down so that He could rebuild us for His purpose. Through this, we learned so much about ourselves and those around us. We learned that we can overcome any challenge if we fully rely on God. Mainly, we learned that to keep our faith alive and growing we must continually put ourselves in uncomfortable situations where God has a chance do amazing things.

- Austin Engerson, GVSU mission team member


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Moore, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Mission Trips

Oklahoma Mission Trips

Worlds collided in Oklahoma last week as a high school mission team from Manitoba, Canada, came and served alongside an adult mission team from Houston on EM's first trip to Moore, Oklahoma, since the devastating tornados of last spring. Crazy Oklahoma weather aside, our teams had the opportunity to help further the ministry of Serve Moore, a non-profit formed by local churches in response to the overwhelming cleanup and restoration needed in their city. The two teams mended fences, built sheds, cleared debris, and connected more personally with the people of Moore. What is most striking in a "relief" type atmosphere is the stories of individual people. Our teams met and built relationships with people who had been effected in major ways by the unpredictable tornados. Their stories were full of heartache but also hope. Not only is their city being rebuilt, but their sense of neighborly love and community has been strengthened in the aftermath.

And that is one of the biggest points of emphasis for Serve Moore moving forward. They hope to not only be a part of the rebuilding process, but also a major part of the renewal of their entire city in the years ahead, serving others as a way to display the reality of the love of God in their hometown. I'm excited to see more EM mission teams travel down to Moore this summer and come alongside this thriving local ministry to both encourage and support them as they create beauty out of the ashes.

- D.J. Morgan, EM Trip Coordinator


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Portland, Maine

Portland Maine Mission Trips

Portland Maine Mission Trips

This past week, I had the privilege of leading a trip in Portland, Maine, for a team of college students from GVSU. Of all the mission trips their university was taking this week, our trip was known as "The Mystery Trip"—aside from the trip leaders, no one knew where they would be spending their Spring Break. It was great to see the looks on their faces when they arrived at the Root Cellar Saturday night. From the get-go, although they were tired from their long journey, it was evident they were excited to explore the city, serve the community, and take in all that God had in store for the week.

We spent most of the mornings and afternoons preparing and serving food at Preble Street. This organization passionately works to bring aid and assistance to the homeless community in Portland, and it was an honor to serve there. The team made every effort to interact with willing hands, hearts, and big smiles on their faces as they cracked eggs, cooked and served meals, scrubbed dishes, wiped tables, and connected with the people that came through our lines. Later in the afternoons, the team served alongside the Root Cellar, a local organization that provides food and clothing programs, classes, homework assistance, kids club, and other family services to African refugees who resettled in Portland after fleeing their war-torn countries. The group helped lead games, activities, and Bible lessons for young children and teens. It was great to see the way the team quickly built relationships with the kids, carrying them on their shoulders, dancing with them, and having all kinds of fun.

Throughout the week, we reflected many times about the importance of relationships in service; how it is nearly impossible to serve well without making an effort to know those you are serving. One of the things I respected most about the GVSU group was their diligence to say, "God, I am here! How can I do this well? How can I reflect You through my words and actions?" It was evident that God had them in Maine for a reason. As they spent time chopping food, washing dishes, serving meals, leading bible lessons or simply playing with kids, God was working.

- Heidi Clum, EM Trip Coordinator


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Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Mission Trips

Atlanta Mission Trips

This past week, I watched the team in Atlanta give tirelessly of themselves to others. It's such an encouragement to see a group of college students—who could be on a beach somewhere eating an ice cream cone and soaking up the sun—decide to give up their vacation to serve! Throughout the week, they visited a small nursing home where they painted nails, sang songs, played bingo, and talked with the residents who rarely get visitors. The staff was clearly grateful for their presence. They were also involved with several painting projects, brightening up church hallways and classrooms for spring!

In the afternoons, team members were involved with after school programs through the Boys & Girls Club and The Salvation Army, as well as running their own outdoor Kids Club at a low-income apartment complex. Despite several cold and rainy nights, the team also served meals in the neighborhood, reaching out to families and homeless people who needed a warm meal and a good conversation at the end of a long day. I always love leading teams in Atlanta and to see the way that God continues to work through our partners. It's amazing—the way that he has allowed EM to support their ministries, filling in the gaps when they need it and becoming a real part of the neighborhood with all its brokenness and joy and potential.

- Heather Moline, EM Trip Coordinator


LEARN MORE | Want to take your church or group on a mission trip this summer? Check out all of EM's 2014 Mission Trips.
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