Tag Archives: Outreach

Is there hope for the Congo?

Posted on by
3

by Elisante S., BSN student from Tanzania
Congo

When we arrived at the Ibambi village, we were welcomed by many people celebrating our arrival. People and children happily danced. “God bless you!” they sang.

"The only way to stop the enemy from snatching the lives of the kids in the Congo is to teach the people the Truth, the Word of God." -- Elisante in Ibambi, DR Congo

My outreach team from Bible School for the Nations was beginning the first in a series of three yearly seminars about relationship with God, how God has called us to live, and how to transform our society to be like His kingdom. The seminar is called “BELT,” Bible Education and Leadership Training.

I could see in the peoples’ eyes their expectation and hope. The welcoming was so touching; it brought tears to my eyes to see these people giving us all this honor. It was like they wanted us to know that we finally brought what they had been looking for for so long.

Last year, epidemics tore through Ibambe. So many children were lost. Some families lost up to four kids, others lost all the children they had. The children I saw were almost naked and poorly fed. They always carried their younger siblings strapped to their backs. Many of the families had been large and the parents struggled to care for all their children.

This place is full of poverty but it should not be that way. The land is rich! Yet even the school and health care center we visited were so very poor. Last year’s disaster could have, should have, been prevented–what about next year?

Elisante in Ibambi, DR Congo

My heart was broken. I lost hope. I thought it was impossible to even want to come back here next year. What if I return only to discover another epidemic wiped out these beautiful little children? As I spent my free time with the kids, teaching them Tanzanian Swahili songs, I prayed for them. Even as I praised God, I asked him in honesty, “Is there any hope?”

God worked in my heart while we were in Ibambi. He restored my hope and helped me see answers. I know there is a lot that can been done in the Congo. The only way to stop the enemy from snatching the lives of the kids in the Congo is to teach the people the Truth, the Word of God.

It is going to take God’s principles being applied to see kids being valued, loved and brought up in the right way. We need to know the values that God has for people, knowing God for who He is will bring transformation and kids will be safe.

I believe that the BELT seminar will bring transformation and revival. I want to keep coming back to the Congo to run these BELT seminars and outreaches to train leaders who will reach others!

Discovering New Gifts from God

Posted on by
1

by Corrie, DTS student
Bangkok, Thailand 

Thai child at English school

Thai child at English school

On the other side of Bangkok we worked with A-Mane English Center, a Christian business that serves mostly Buddhist and Muslim families. Our first few days, we practiced introductions with the children and played games with them. We also helped the teachers with some of their lessons. At the end of the week, we led an English camp at a local amusement park for 51 students.

I was in charge of six ten-year-old girls who only spoke a small amount of English. It was a fun challenge. I loved watching them experience new things like snow and sledding in Snow Town, or build their courage to take risks on the scary roller coaster. By the end of the day, I had been called “Teacher” about 150 times, and I felt so much closer to these precious little girls.

I hope the light and love of Jesus shown to them through my actions that day. I hope they one day know just how much He really loves them!

My experiences working with A-Mane have opened my eyes to something that I love: teaching and tutoring one-on-one. I also found that knowing English can be a gift from God. So many people want to learn it, and I can bless them by teaching it. And I enjoy it too!

Love — even when you’re not loved back

Posted on by
Reply

Working with an unreached people group in Creel
by Emily B, DTS student
Creel, Mexico
January 20-February 3, 2013

Emily makes crafts with a Creel girl

So many thoughts and images came to mind as soon as I learned that we would work with a boarding school for two weeks! We were with the Tarahumara people who live on the cold yet beautiful mountain side deep in Mexico. In many of the villages, schools are too far away for the children to attend, so this boarding school offers them the chance of a better future!

As we spent time with the kids, we taught them more about who God is. We made crafts and even planned two parties–a Carnival and a Friendship party–to celebrate the friendship of Jesus!

Although I knew that culturally the children, especially the girls, would be very reserved, I wasn’t prepared for how it felt. They barely acknowledged us that first week. At first, I felt frustrated that nothing we were saying or doing would make a difference. I wanted to play with them! I wanted to hear them giggle and respond to me! Why wouldn’t they?

I read a book called The White Umbrella: Walking with Survivors of Sex Trafficking (Little Libraries) which helped me understand God’s heart in this situation. I saw how important it was to love when there’s no sign it’s making a difference. I learned I should choose to be kind even when the choice isn’t mutual. To choose to make sacrifices even when they’re not acknowledged. To step out and keep putting your heart on the line because that’s what love is: loving others when it hurts.

That’s the heart of Jesus! That’s the love my Savior shows to his people everyday. And that’s exactly the kind of love these kids need to be modeled to them, but one of the hardest things to do. Even though I don’t understand the deep roots of their culture, I know that Jesus does. His love can break through barriers to reach the heart.

The Carnival party at the end of the first week was one of the first times we saw the kids laughing and playing.

While I was with these kids, I saw even more how God loves all the individuals in this people group. He wants more than anything to bring His kingdom to them. He was so faithful in showing me how to patiently love them right where they were. I am so honored to serve a God of all peoples.

Being the tangible love of Christ

Posted on by
3

by Jordan, DTS student
Thailand

We had just finished yet another wonderful day at the drop in center, when Florence (one of the staff) asked me if I’d like to accompany her on her regular hospital visit. She said we would be praying for people who had tuberculosis and HIV. I excitedly accepted and prepared my things to leave.

DTS student, Jordan, and some nurses visit with patients in a Thai mountain village

We picked up some nurses at the hospital, and to my surprise, kept going. (Language barrier strikes again!) I wondered what would come next as we rode higher into the mountains.

The view was breathtaking: lush forest and majestic mountains rose before my eyes. I could smell a mixture of tropical fruit and food cooking in the homes and markets around. The warm air was soft against my face. Behind us, the dirt road created clouds of dust as the vehicle sped up the mountain.

We stopped abruptly at the top of the village, where all I could see were colorful tin roofs. I had the sense from the Holy Spirit that this was a significant moment, and that I would learn about being the tangible love of Christ–that it was more important than words.

We walked down the hill to a small hut and knocked at the door. A man came out who was partially blind and had tuberculosis. The nurses gave him the medicine, then asked if I had anything to say.

I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit, so I shared about the love of Christ with this man. His whole demeanor changed! We laid hands on his eyes and prayed for healing to his body and peace into his life. The image of his smile and brightened expression is imprinted on my heart!

Florence and I then rode to an even smaller hut. I noticed was how dark it was inside. In the darkness, I saw a woman sitting on the ground separating the seeds from a fruit she called “the sweet fruit.”

“This woman is completely blind,” Florence had told me. “She and her and her husband are living with HIV. They have a 7-year-old daughter who tested negative.”

I introduced myself to the woman and we began to talk. I asked her questions about her life and her dreams. She told me she had been fully blind for about a year, and though the doctors had said there was no chance for her to be healed, she said she had full faith in the healing power of Jesus. I was honored to be in the presence of such a faithful woman of God.

We prayed for healing for her eyes. I shared that we must keep believing that God is good and He can make beauty from ashes. As Florence took me back to our home, I silently praised God for choosing me to be his hugs and laughs and friends to these people.

He loved a broken man and woman through me and I am filled with thankfulness and awe.

The Gift of Warmth: Life-saving blankets in Nepal

Posted on by
5

by Kenzie, DTS student
Nepal

Nepali girl smiles

A Nepali girl smiles

I’m sitting on a bench surrounded by 34 families–grandmothers, mothers, and children of all ages–who are staring at our team and probably wondering what will happen next.

We’re here among the emancipated slaves of the Kamaiya people. For hundreds of years, they served their masters for no pay. Now, they are free. But few have a place to live and many find themselves homeless in the jungles along the Nepal/India border. Several hundred people in this region have died from the cold this winter already. Many have told us it is the coldest winter they can remember.

blankets for distribution

Purchasing blankets for distribution

That’s why these 34 families have come out on this cold and foggy day in the jungle of Nepal for clothes and blankets.

Our impromptu presentation begins as Abi strums some chords on the guitar and, at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, we sing, “We want to see Jesus lifted high.” A few of us share short testimonies of how God has been changing our lives these last several months.

After dancing with us, the kids lined up while we scrambled to get the clothes ready to distribute. I looked at the number of children and the amount of clothes we had to give. I wondered if we would have to turn some people away.

balloon animalsBut the Lord truly worked a miracle and we had enough clothes for all 40 kids! The balloon animals then came out and the children’s eyes lit up as they giggled and marveled over their creatures.

While the children played, we each got a turn placing one of the heavy blankets in the women’s arms. The women were so thankful and they were beaming. Just one of these thick blankets is big enough to cover 3-4 people. One blanket could save a small family!

Blanket distribution

James gives a Kamaiyan woman a blanket, which will help keep her family warm this winter.

I’ll never forget looking around and seeing the individual faces, the relief in the women’s eyes, and delight in the children’s.

As families started to leave, many came over to thank us, but we knew that the Lord deserves the thanks. The way he provided for this day is such a testimony of His goodness and love towards His people. We are so thankful that He allowed us to be a part of His work. And we’re also so grateful to the many people back home who donated funds so we could purchase these life saving items!

Blanket and clothing distribution

Blanket and clothing distribution

Inspired to Look to God

Posted on by
1

by Marlo, DTS Student
Soroti, Uganda 

Last week we paired up to work shifts at a home for children from various backgrounds, including some with or affected by HIV/AIDS. It’s hard to put into words what this time meant to me, but I know my life won’t ever be the same.

walking with some of the kids in Uganda

Walking with some of the kids in Uganda

There were ten babies, a few toddlers, and four pre-teen girls. Some of the children were only at the home because of temporary family problems, but the other children’s stories were more horrific.

A few children were at the home because one parent murdered the other and went to jail. Some lost their family to the LRA, a rebel army in northern Uganda known for kidnapping children to become soldiers and killing whole villages indiscriminately. Another child was severely sexually abused and brought to the home at age 6 months with many health problems.

But one girl stood out to me the most, thirteen-year-old Ruth (name changed). Her story is long and it includes arranged marriages, rape, and murder. It ends with Ruth living here and caring for the baby she gave birth to when she was twelve.

It’s hard to imagine even one of those things happening to an adult, let alone all of that to the same person before age twelve. Even though she never got the chance to be a child, Ruth’s smile is full of youthfulness and delight. Christ has transformed her heart and He is healing her from the wounds she’s suffered at others’ hands.

Today, Ruth is a spirited, vibrant, and friendly young woman. She delights in everything around her. And she remembers to look up. Up past the wall in front of her, past the things she has to face, past her circumstances. Up to God.

Her perseverance and joy are an inspiration to me. Ruth reminds me not to get caught up in my own circumstances–I can get so overwhelmed by the troubles around me. Her endurance inspired me to always look to God for his perspective, for his heart toward me.

Team Arrived in Cambodia

Posted on by
1

by Allison, DTS staff
Phnom Pehn, Cambodia

First view of Cambodia

First view of Cambodia!

We safely made it to Phnom Penh on Friday afternoon after fourteen hours on two bus rides. On Saturday, we were given a cultural orientation. Some of us went to a museum called the Killing Fields, where over a million innocent people were brutally murdered and buried in mass graves. It was hard for us to see since it was the actual area where these acts happened and it was within the last 30 years.

Sunday we prepared for a full week of ministry with Precious Women. In the afternoons, we will teach English to former prostitutes who live in the home, followed by an hour long devotional time with them that our team will plan. We’ll also help them move and decorate their new home so it will be inviting for the girls. The ministry will have a beauty salon, wedding rentals and jewelry making area in the new building so the girls can make a living and learn new skills.

Thursday night we will be doing bar ministry where we will talk with the women working there so the men don’t have the chance to buy them for the night. From what we heard the girls actually work as waitresses in the bars but if a man asks for more they have to give it to them.

We are all very excited to be working with this group over the next week!

What Difference Can One Hour Make?

Posted on by
1

by Corrie, DTS student
Thailand

Sunday after church, we visited a slum community to help host a program for the children. We started playing games and learning the kids’ names, and soon we were all friends. With the parents looking on, we sang songs and danced. Each of us picked a partner, linked arms, and spun in a circle.

I danced with a 4-year old girl who stole my heart! After we spun around, she smiled up at me. Her smile and her joy were so precious!

We taught about “The Good Samaritan” and the kids had to choose who made the right choice in the story. We taught them silly songs like “The Hippopotamus Song” and “I Will Call Upon the Lord” in karate style. After giving prizes and playing Simon Says, our translator talked to them some more. All too soon, it was time to say goodbye.

They would respectfully “wai” (a bowing gesture) to say thank you and then they were gone. We only had an hour with these children. My team and I may never see any of these children again. But, dancing and singing with them was an honor. It truly made me happy and brought joy to my soul.

These children are on God’s heart, and He will chase after their hearts for the rest of their lives. They may be poor, dirty, or uneducated in the eyes of people. But, they are gems in the eyes of their Father in heaven. He won’t forget them. And neither will I.

Some may ask what difference an hour will make? Here is how I see it. God has spoken to us and opened the door for us to be here and doing this. I want them to see Jesus in us. They are His creation. Although He is no longer here in bodily form to hug and play with them, we are His hands and His feet. So it is our duty, no, it is our honor and joy to do this! It is our privilege to tell them who Jesus is. And it is our privilege to tell of his great love for them.

We may not speak their language and be able to tell them with words, but we can show them through our unashamed love as His Spirit lives out through our actions.

Mark 10:13-16 “‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he (Jesus) took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”

Run to the Father at all times like children do and love Him with all your heart!

What they need has a simple name…hope

Posted on by
1

by Elizabeth, YWAM Madison staff
Soroti, Uganda 

Sylivia and Fiona. Age 11 and 14. We had alot of fun making friendship bracelets. They also loved taking my camera and having a photoshoot.

This week’s highlight: The smiles on the faces of the older girls at the children’s home as we talked about how God knit each one of them together before they were born.

Three of the girls have HIV/AIDS. The fourth was raped and is now a mother at the age of thirteen. It had a bit of a slumber party feel as we sat in our little cluster (minus one who was laying in bed) on the concrete floor and talked about being God’s princesses.

I read Psalm 139 to my attentive group and talked about how precious, loved, and known each one of them is to God. Please pray for these precious princesses that they will see a future for themselves. It’s so easy for them to label themselves as “sick” without hopes, dreams, and just few days until their expiration date.

We can treat HIV with drugs with long names…but the medicine they need to keep fighting and working with their treatment has a very simple name–Hope.

The YWAM Takeover Weekend at our Children’s Home

Posted on by
1

by Joey and Narlin, children’s home directors
Mae Sai, Thailand

YWAM Madison DTS "takes over" the children's home in Mai Sai, Thailand

We are thankful to the Lord for our friendship with YWAM-Madison. They took over our house for a weekend to give us a much needed break. This tradition started two years ago when we had been helping YWAM teams in coordinating their ministry when there was not yet a YWAM center here in Mae Sai. YWAM Mae Sai started two years ago and they now have a full time staff that do [YWAM Madison's] schedules. Nonetheless, our friendship with YWAM-Madison continues.

Children's home directors and their family go on a much deserved vacation while YWAM DTS students take care of the children's home.

We were able to spend the weekend going to the place we always wanted to go but could not because of our responsibility with the children. We went to the beautiful mountain of Phu Chi Fah and just spent the night there camping on the mountain. It was a short break but refreshing and meaningful for the family.