mission2007

This spring break a group of high school students from Chestnut Mountain Church went to Ecuador to help with a variety of mission projects through Carps On A Mission. Groups were divided up between construction projects in Guayllabamba and Ninos en Riesgo, a community service project run through the Alliance Christian Church. Both of these projects rely on the help of foreign missionaries to partner with them to make a difference in their communities.

Students painted at Guayllabamba the Ecuatoriano way and showed that they were flexible and willing to work according to whatever rules applied at the time to get the job done!

Working with the kids at the Ninos en Riesgo as well as doing painting and general maintenance provided everyone with the feeling that we need to really appreciate what we have at home and do what we can to help those around us. You can beat yourself up over the situation God has placed you in over someone else, but use your circumstances to do what God has in mind for you.

Construction at the church included building tables, a one of a kind bookcase, electrical wiring, and a variety of plumbing. Again, our way was not the way that seemed to work for the Ecuadorianos we were working with, but we continued to smile and be the Christian example that Jesus would expect of us.

Projects with the kids were the most fun and rewarding. You had to be willing to get paint in the least likely places, and none of the kids were willing to leave without their new backpack proudly displayed, wet paint or not!

Inside the church, groups set up dividing the resources we brought, including clothing, toys, medical supplies, and VBS supplies. Later in the week, groups painted several murals in the childrens' areas that really added a lot of color and fun to the places they would be learning about God.

The church service on Sunday at Guayllabamba and Cheka gave the group a chance to experience the culture first hand and get to know the people better. It was long and hot, but everyone kept a positive attitude and participated in any way they could.

Everyone was very appreciative of what we had to share and gave back from the bottom of their hearts what they had for us.

God has a purpose and plan for every person on this trip as well as everyone who calls themselves a Christian. Everyone just needs to make themselves available and open to what God may call them to do, and realize that He will prepare the way and care for you along the way. Even when you may feel you are alone, know that He will never leave you, forsake you, or give you more than you can bear.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Galatians 6:9-10