Work and Witness January 2009
"There is nothing that can compare to the adventures of a Work and Witness Trip. The lessons begin from the moment you hear God’s whisper to you about going. You learn to seek His direction and trust for His provision - and that’s all before you even leave the country.
I have been blessed to participate on many W and W trips. I went on my first when I was in 8th grade. I was given specific direction for my life’s calling on a W and W trip and later helped others be prepared to hear God’s call as well.
This past year (2009) I was privileged to go to Guatemala. While serving there we were able to help raise two roofs for pastor’s homes and helped build chapel components for the teams that would follow us. It was also our privilege to worship with a Guatemalan congregation. Those experiences alone would have been enough for an amazing trip… but there was more, as there often is.
We spent 4 hours one afternoon with hundreds of children that have no home other than the orphanage in which they live and no family except for the other children of the orphanage. Giving hugs, jumping rope, playing soccer and hanging out were the activities of that afternoon, but God did much more than that in our hearts and hopefully theirs. For a short time we were able to represent Jesus with time to kids who don’t have much adult interaction. What a blessing!
Tommy Matthews was an amazing leader. His passion, vision and openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading was evident in all he did with our team. No one can look down him because of his youth – he is truly setting an example for the believers as he serves the people of Guatemala and the W & W teams that come to serve.
I’ll remember the food, the travel, the amazing scenery, but I will also remember the unexpected adventures God took us on as we worked alongside our Guatemalan brothers and sisters in Christ. I invite you to join the adventure!"
- Pastor Brad Dyrness
Guatemala Work and Witness Website