A Wonderful Missions Trip

When our family came to Bethany 5 years ago, it wasn't long before we had a clear understanding of the many missions trips that Bethany is involved in annually. I thought that this was great and was encouraged by how quickly these trips filled up. I thought that it was equally great that people were using their talents for God, but never gave much thought to the possibility of going on a trip myself. After all, what could I contribute to a construction team? I sit at a desk for a reason and didn't consider that I might have a role to play on one of the teams. Boy, was I wrong!

A few people said to me over the years " all you need is a willing heart". I'd smile politely and think to myself " if you only knew how inept I am with tools". In a way, I convinced myself that I couldn't contribute and left it at that. Then Kevin came to me and expressed a desire to go on the El Salvador Missions Trip. He asked me if I would go with him. As a father, this was really a no-brainer. How many teens invite their parents to serve God together in a foreign land? I immediately said yes and the rest is history.

I am so grateful for all of you who served on this team. This group was not assembled randomly but rather was hand picked by God. After all that we have been through together in the last week, I am convinced of that all the more. It was clear that satan did not want our team in El Salvador and he did not want us anywhere near the people who we were privileged to serve. He tried to put many obstacles in our path, but God simply blew those obstacles away. What an honour to be in the midst of that. I was so encouraged by the team's response to each hurdle. Our circle of prayer would assemble quickly and the issue would be committed to God immediately. We saw a number of miracles occur and I thank God for the things that he did.

You are an amazing group of people. From Dig Team to Prayer Team to Childrens' Team to Construction Team, God's choices for this trip were bang on ( as always). It was simply awesome to get to know each of you more fully. It is clear that you all have unique gifts that perhaps God revealed to you for the first time this week. I encourage you to use them from this day forward for His glory.

I'm sure that we all have our bag of highlights for the week, but for me, a few stand out. Mine included working with and getting to know you all and the local Salvadoran guys, building Avillio Marino's house (the guy who was raising his children alone), and singing old gospel songs with Linda and others(Joanna, Maritza, Valerie, Kevin W...) who joined in. There was a ton of emotional experiences this week as well and for me, that was really awesome. Being the neighbourhood dad was also very special to me--hope I didn't nag you guys too much (make sure your homework is done tonight before you watch TV). Aside form the many more things that I could list, I just want to say what a privilege it was to serve with Kevin on this trip. As a father, I can't fully explain the joy of carrying out this labour of love with my son. I can't even adequately put it into words. I just want to praise God for it.

To our brothers Jose and Miguel, I want to thank them for the impact that they had on our teens. My prayer is that our gang grows in their love for God's people and also grows in their faith because of this experience.

I'd also like to thank Pastor, Maritza and their family for their awesome hospitality. They poured themselves into us with servant hearts and they will never fully know that impact that this has had

Finally, I would like to say a huge "thank you" to Dennis and Valerie for leading our team. Your patience and graciousness was felt by all of us and your love for the El Salvadoran people is obvious. God used you both mightily this week and I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for your tireless efforts.

I love you guys and I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to share the past week with you in this labour of love. Let's never forget what we've seen and experienced and let's remember to pray without ceasing for our brothers and sisters in El Salvador. They have taught us many lessons this week.

In Christ,

Dave (dad, papa, pops, pappy...)