Northern Ireland Missions Trip – What A Few Days Can Do…

I know we are a little behind on our blog entries but I promise you it was worth it. So much has happened and we still have 2 days to go! We arrived in Amsterdam after travelling for almost 24 hours and essentially went right into 3 hour rehearsals for the Encounter Night at Thousand Hills Church. Exhausted, cold and at our limits, God showed up and the Encounter Night was inspiring and powerful. And we all knew it was God because there was no way after 30 hours that was done under our own power. All the host families were amazing and loved on us like we were their own. We were even treated to some sightseeing the next morning before we had to return to the airport for a return flight to Dublin.

We arrived in Dublin still tired and jetlagged but so happy to be here and ready for the next part of our adventure. The house in Portadown is beautiful! It’s an actual manor. I thought they were kidding when they said it but no. Of course as beautiful as it is, it’s also COLD! Our first day out we travelled to Newcastle and did the Bloody Bridge Trail up a mountain on the seacoast. Even on a cold, overcast and misty day the view was inspiring. You looked around at what God had made and felt His hand in everything.

Today, the start of a new year, we joined with the Ireland team at Celebration Northern Ireland for a night of worship and a word from Phillip Craig. The regular mobile location was not available so we set up in a warehouse building called Drop Inn Ministries. No platform, no heat – no problem. God fell in that place from start to finish and warmed everyone. It was moving and emotional. As Phillip Craig said in his sermon, I felt like I was going to explode out of myself because this was my team and I was made to glorify God!

Can anyone say “after party!” Back at the manor with the missions team and about 20 of our newest, bestest Irish friends. Fellowship and laughter. It just doesn’t get much better than this and I know there couldn’t possibly be a better way to start 2012. – August Hewlett

God Loves the Little Children

It is amazing how much the kids in Costa Rica love to play.  The first day on the mission field, we got to go to a village called San Martin and work with the children.  We played soccer, threw the football, played frisbee, and jumprope.  We also drew with them using chalk and played other games.  It is funny how kids who don’t have much in Costa Rica also know all of Justin Beiber and Michael Jackson songs!  The kids were so happy just to have us there to play with them.  Just because we came and took the time to care for them they were very happy!  Because we came from the other side of the world to show them Gods love, the kids will remember the time we spent with them for many years to come!

Preston Linkenauger

God is awesome

All through the trip, i saw God’s love everywhere. The best thing about thursday was, when we went to see Jose, and we got inspired about his life story. Friday, we got to see Britany! Also on friday, we went to the senior center and, we did stuff with them, we also played  with the kids of  San Martin. Saturday, we climbed up a mountain and into a rain forest! We slid down rocks into a river bed! It was fun! We helped familys with baby supplies, and played with the kids there.

Lainey Reese Malo Williams

God is Faithful

When I was in Costa Rica there was alot of hiking and walking. We hiked to the one of the Crosses on a Mountain, I nearly decided to quit . But god helped me through pushing me to get to that Cross. Having fun with the kids was very fun and filled with Joy. It’s Aamazing how only giving them a piece of chalk made them happy. Everyone started the race and finished it to the Cross. Houses here have small houses and some with no roofs. We went to a store to get some food for a group of family  that had a newborn baby.

              Zeb Salvador

Faith Is Everything

    From the past few days I have learnd that we need to have faith. Yesterday morning we left the team house to head to central park,  and straight from there we  hopped on a bus. I knew it was time to head to the mountain and every second on the bus ride I would think about how long and tough it would be. Then i remembered what Jeremey (a 6:8 ministry leader) said to us the night before “theres no way can reach the top unless we have faith”. I can remember saying faith about 50 times over and over again. When I reached the top of the mountain where the cross was I can remember feeling amazing and like i accomplished something in the presense of God.

                                                                                      -Hannah Linkenauger

God kissed my heart

Yesterday as we were walking through the town, I wanted to make sure my daughter Lainey noticed the conditions some people live in and the way a lot of the homes were kind of tacked together over time.

Me:  Do you see how these homes are built with pieces of scraps found here and there; sheets of metal and pieces of wood?

Lainey:  Yeah, that’s called recycling.

Proud mama.

Later in the day we had the opportunity to go to Iglesia Celebracion (Celebration Church Costa Rica).  They were conducting a feeding center for homeless men, most of whom are addicted to drugs and look pretty rough.  I wanted to “prepare” Lainey for the sights and smells we may encounter.

Me:  These men are homeless so they’re going to be really smelly, okay?

Lainey:  So are we.  We’ve been walking around all day.

Proud mama.

We went to an area called San Martin where our kids played with the neighborhood kids.  My bilingual daughter made new friends by talking up the locals.  She became a Mini-missionary and invited some teen girls to church Sunday.  She made a BFF named Gaudy who told us she was 11 but had a Facebook page.  (“Mom, can I have a FB page too?”  ”No.”)   They played simple games like jump rope and drew with sidewalk chalk.   It was so amazing to stand back and watch my beautiful child loving local kids so unconditionally, totally accepting and enjoying them.

Proud mama.

We got to meet Britany, the girl we have sponsored for 3 years.  What a delight to finally hug her!  We have been sending and receiving letters all these years.  She and Lainey exchanged matching “hermana” (sister) anklets in a moment that kissed my heart.  God is truly good!

I have so much more to tell you but my Costa Rican breakfast is almost ready.   We’re hiking up to the crosses on the hill today so I’ll need my Costa Rican nourishment.  :-)

Elisa Malo Brooks

First night in Alajuelita, CR

First I have to confess that I had a major insecurity/doubt before the trip and even on my way to Costa Rica: I was wondering how and if I could make a diference and shine God’s light and if I could touch someone’s life. Well, the first  night we prayed for a family and the father Jose was with us.   Jose was touched by us being there and praying for him and his family.  The first thing that I heard him say in English was that “God has done so much for him and his family” and after we all prayed for him he basically told us that us being there made such a difference and he is so appreciative that we are here in Costa Rica with him. After this I was completely taken and tears started to well up n my eyes because God had used me to encouarge and just be here for one another, which is what family does–Christ family. I felt an instant connection when Jose spoke to us and I think it was because he has the Holy Spirit and so does our team. Both myself and my team love and serve the same Lord Jesus Christ. It is just like Jeremy said when we got here, that this is a relationship building mission because it is also about connecting and being there for other members of Christ’s family. Now, I am open and excited and expecting for God to move here in Costa Rica and for me to be able to minister to others in this community. SO thank you Jesus for giving me this chance to reach out and the Holy Spirit power to carry out the love of God.

-Yolanda Reschmeier

Ambassadors for Christ

I have always pondered what that meant, today it has become real… we were toured by Jeremy and Brant around the neighborhood and it made me realize and appreciate the work that they do…we met Jose, he shared with us how his life changed from drug addiction and his love for Christ was so evident that he considers Jeremy his brother.  i am now looking forward on what God has in store today.

Zeb will share more next time.

Mildred Salvador

N. Ireland (Sept 2011) Substance Crew- Breaking strongholds

My Expectations from this trip have been exceeded fully. There aren’t many words that can express how God is moving in such monumental ways in the community, in Celebration Church N. Ireland and all throughout the country.

One of the outreaches we did was go out into the community and pick up trash. This was not just a matter of cleaning up but a matter of breaking spiritual strongholds on this community. So many young children and young adults are frequently indulge in the act of alcohol, drug abuse, forms of violence, & graffiti and have been  abusing this area that it has been almost completely unrecognizable from its’ normal habitat. As we were picking up the garbage I could literally feel the enemy trying to grab hold of what we were taking ground for. This is GODS land and HIS people and we were standing in belief that this area/N. Ireland would be forever changed.

The people of Celebration N. Ireland have such a powerful call on their lives that it is obvious the works  God IS doing and WILL do through them. I am so grateful to be a part of  and support them through this pivotal time. Everyday is another step closer as we see  souls saved, and cities changed all for the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amy Kaestner

N. Ireland (Sept 2011) Substance Crew-God’s Strategic Planning

Day Four of the Ireland Elite mission’s trip team, and can I say that this has been BEYOND AMAZING! The works that God has done, and how Jesus has moved in such a few times is breathtaking. To even be on this trip is a blessing and a true act of what FAITH can really do how God can move mountains!

Technically it was our “unplanned” day, however, when you’re working with God and for our father there is no such thing as an “unplanned” day lol. How HE aligns everything so strategically to be used for HIS purpose is one divine appointment after another. We started off our by heading to the Giant’s Cuaseway; Northern Ireland’s iconic world heritage site and area of outstanding natural beauty. To see part of God’s creation right before our eyes was not only stunning but awe-inspiring at the same time. Marisa, Teri and I sat down for a few moments and let the presence of the Holy Spirit consume us as we prayed over the land and for the people of Northern Ireland. After our 3 hour hike, Katrina and I were able to talk to this older woman named Helen who was blessing us on our mission’s trip. She caught a glimpse of Katrina’s trip t-shirt with Celebration Church and caught her eye, from there the conversation flowed and she shared with us her previous missionary work from the late 1970’s. A divine appointment from God indeed! Listening to her speak about her previous missionary work in the middle east was a definite confirmation of when & how God needs to use you, HE WILL MOVE YOU to do so; hence why I’m hereJ.

We then made our way to the exhilarating rope bridge to Carrick-A-Rede island and enjoyed a truly cliff top experience. As we each stepped and walked over the small wooden bridge I could see where we were all taking a stand and stepping over our fear. I felt like a CONQUERER for Jesus! I have to admit though, even though Ireland is beautiful and the weather was nearly perfect for all of our hiking and sights. The HIGHLIGHT of my day was praying for this older gentleman, Richard.

Richard is bedridden at the moment healing from a broken hip and slurs his words a bit when he speaks making it a little hard to understand him. However, with the love of God and through Jesus we made an instant bond and had marvelous communication. Teri, Katrina and I were able to pray over him and read different verses from the bible over healing. As we read and prayed you could the warmth in his eyes and his love for Jesus overflowing. I cried as I hugged him goodbye, praying for a sound mind and healing over this man. He smiled, gave me a kiss on the cheek and asked to pray for us in return. The Holy Spirit’s presence was so strong that I knew not only did we impact Richard’s life today, but he also left an imprint in ours.

Last but not least, I have to briefly mention last night’s service here in Celebration Church Ireland. I can honestly say, with the exception of the Irish accent I felt like I was right back at home in the Midtown campus. Praise and worship was amazing, and Mike even played bass with the worship team! Pastor Scott honored us by asking us if we could participate in his service by recording a brief 1 min video regarding what it meant for us individually to Take Heart, Take Hold, & Take Ground. To see our faces on the screen pouring out words of encouragement to Ireland and also for ourselves was truly Godsend. It was “unplanned” but yet God strategically aligned each and every one of us with the words to intentionally speak. I know not all of us called for missionary based work, but you’d be surprise how a smile can really make someone’s day. In the end it’s about spreading God’s love and doing works for HIS purpose, and not ours. As “unplanned” as your day may seem, remember that God’s plans are always bigger than ours!

From Ireland with love…

Ileana!