If you asked these students what the most impactful experience for them was this year so far, almost every one of them would say that this mission's trip was. Not only was this trip impactful in the hearts and lives of those we met, but also in the hearts and lives of these students. We won't be able to share every story and experience because there were so many incredible ones, but I hope you get to see the powerful work of the Lord through this post. Miracles, restored relationships, bold evangelism, bold prayers, and life-impacting moments are just a few of the things you will hear about.
Street Evangelism in Nanaimo
Our first three days we jumped straight into street evangelism on the streets of Nanaimo ministering to the homeless and the wealthy. About 90% of the students had never done this before, so this was intimidating for many when they entered Eagle Mountain Church. Thankfully, we sat down with Fransisco (one of the leaders in Nanaimo part of Youth for Christ) and got to hear his testimony. Fransisco lives a lifestyle of evangelism and bold prayer wherever he goes. Not only this, but it is so evident to see his love for Jesus in his life in whatever he does.
We learned about intimacy with the Lord, practical tools, how to share our testimonies and the gospel, do's and don'ts, etc. This was so helpful and inspiring for the team to be able to prepare to go out on the streets. Something that inspired many students to be bold even if they were scared was to step out of their comfort zone so that the Lord could comfort them, rather than comforting themselves by staying in their comfort zone. It is pretty rare to see a group of 18-20 year-olds who are so excited and ready to share the gospel with people they have never met before.
Each afternoon we split into groups of 3-4 and headed out. Many students had the opportunity to get to know the people on the streets and listen to their stories. Many who had no one to share these things with. Others had the opportunity to pray for healing and some were able to see healings. Others got to share their testimonies or share the gospel. Some were accepting and others were not, but we are so proud of the way these students stepped out of their comfort zone and into something greater.
The last day, it snowed so much here at camp that we couldn't make it out to Nanaimo. So that day changed to shoveliinng people's driveways around Crofton and sharing the gospel right in the neighborhood around us. We got to zoom call with Fransisco before we headed out on that last day and share about our experiences.
Valentine's day
For Valentine's day, we had students in charge of planning a day where we could go out and bless people with homecooked meals. The team did an AMAZING job shcduling rides to deliver home made meals along with thoughtful notes to each family with special gift baskets. We received some emails later from the family's who received these and they were so encouraged and loved. Some spoke of how much they needed some sort of act of love that week. Not only this, but the other half of the students put together their own church service that night including Valentine's day games, music, Q4Brew (a student led coffee shop), and five students spoke on the five types of love. Of course, they performed "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presely too.
Youth For Christ Victoria
We partnered with Youth For Christ (YFC) for 4 days in Victoria to bless and work with single moms. This was a different transitition as we were now working with people who had homes. We got the opportunity to go to four different houses. Each house had their own specific situation and as we got to help clean the houses, we got to learn a lot about them and their children. Due to confidentiality, we won't share all the details, but some of the work we got to do for them was painting walls, cleaning out un-needed things, cleaining the roofs and walls, putting in new flooring, yard work, etc.
This was also an inrediby impactful experience for us along with the families we worked with. There were prayers answered within five minutes of praying and when we left, they were so thankful and had felt blessed beyond just the few days that we were there and felt so cared for and encouraged.
Bless Duncan
This was a very different type of ministry than what we had done
before. 5 groups were given $200 each to go and discern how the Lord wanted to
bless those around them with. There were many who were homeless that were able
to walk away with shoes for the winter and rain, groceries, or even just a meal.
One student had a vision from the Lord of someone they should talk to and ended
up seeing that person that day. From that conversation they got to meet two
others and were able to share the love of Jesus with them. This was a very
practical experience to be able to discern the Holy Spirit and follow his
leading.
Love Duncan/Camp Qwanoes
The last few days of the missions trip were very similar to
our love crofton event. Students split up Into some groups and got to help
people in Duncan with exterior work. Students were helping garden, taking down
blackberry bushes, chopping wood, and lots more. While this was happening,
other students were at camp cleaning up the roads from fallen trees, sticks,
and leaves. We had well over 100 garbage bins full of leaves and sticks that
got rid of. It was a great experience being able to give back to the place that
we get to live in all year.
Things to pray for
- Continuing in boldness to share the gospel as a group after Kaleo
- Prayer for the single mother's we met: financial issues, healing, for them to know God's love for them.
- That this mission's trip would not be a spiritual high, but set forth a rhythm of life afterwards.
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