Global Aid Network Mission Reports

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador July 29, 2008 — This morning we woke up and travelled 1.5 hours to San Vicente, El Salvador. Once there, we went to one of Juan Bueno’s Christian schools. 45 years ago, Juan Bueno established Christian schools all throughout Central America. Today, we also had the pleasure of meeting Bob Bueno, Juan’s son. At the school, we played with the kids and were given lunch. For some of the kids, the warm meal that they receive at school (the same meal we received today) is the only meal they will receive that day.

After leaving San Vicente, we drove to a town called Soyoponga and visited an orphanage. It was established for children found beaten and neglected in the streets. When we pulled in, there was a deathly thin dog sleeping in the driveway, and a young woman cooking meat on a skillet over a fire in a trash can. The orphanage was called Ministerio Jehova Jireh. All of the children there had an awful story. We had an opportunity to speak with the couple who ran the facility. The husband told us it was on his heart to take in the children he saw on the streets. He discussed it with his wife and she also felt this calling from the Lord. They knew they did not have enough money, but would do anything to follow Jesus. They sold vegetables on the sidewalk for 2 years in order to raise enough money to rent a house to hold the children. The house was in a part of town that at the very best could be called run down. Most of it didn’t have a roof. The married couple slept outside under the stars initially because there wasn’t a wall around the facility to keep out dangerous people, and they knew they had to watch their first 5 children. Eventually, the government agreed to put a roof over their heads, and they received several benches and tables from a local, popular chicken restaurant. They now hold 26 children, and are raising the kids in an environment that preaches the greatness of Jesus Christ.

God is always faithful to those who follow his calling, as he proved here in El Salvador.  

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador July 28, 2008 — Today our group made it to 3 sites. The first was a school established by missionary in Santa Ana, El Savador. We spoke to a large group of school kids who really enjoyed what we had to offer. The next 2 sites were indescribeable. The first was a refugee camp which was privately owned. The people living here were all displaced by a volcano 3 years ago. All the houses were made of tarps and sticks surrounded by barbed wire. Nobody was close to being clean, and very few had access to clean water, but the spirit moved in our group to reach these people. We prayed with many, played games with the kids and had a very successful gospel bead presentation. The third site was a government owned refugee camp. We delivered clothing to 200 families and had fun with the children. It was a blessing to see these hopeless people smile and take delight in our sharing the message of truth.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 28,2008 — Today our group had the opportunity to go to 2 refugee camps. The amount of hopelessness was awful. We can give these people clothing, food, medical supplies, but what they really need is hope in something eternal. The food will get eaten, the clothing will rip or get too small, and medical supplies will run out, but the love of Jesus Christ and the hope in eternal salvation will never go away. Those who drink of that fountain shall thirst no more. Any organization can deliver food and supplies, which are wonderful, and many secular organizations are doing this. Being one of the few Christian organizations these people will ever see, our group has really felt the conviction of needing to spread hope above all other things. If we never showed up, the food would eventually be delivered, and the clothing might eventually keep them covered, but they would not receive hope. Every member of our group has hope in eternal life. That is what we seek to spread. These people will most likely never be offered anything from the world, but they have been offered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They just need to be told about it. The harvest is certainly plentiful, but this field needs more workers to tell them the joys of eternal life and salvation.      

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 28,2008 — Today, GAiN got to work with Convoy of Hope again at both of the refugee camps we visited. At both sites, there were hopeless people who were displaced by a volcanic eruption 3 years ago. The first of the two was privately owned, and was operated very cheaply. Most of the houses were not much more than tarps and sticks, while a few had sheets or corrugated aluminum. Recently, a well was dug at someone’s house to provide water for the community. The water was so bad, most of the locals could barely drink it. The COH international director told us that 80% of the people in El Salvador’s hospitals are there from drinking unclean water. He showed us a very simple device. It was a large plastic box with a hole in the bottom. In the bottom there were pebbles, topped with rough sand, topped with finer sand. It was filled with water 2 inches above the top of the sand. This amazingly simple device can instantly clean the 60% of the contaminants from the water, and as the good bacterias form over the following weeks, that simple filter will remove 98-99% of the contaminants. and the beauty of it is, as long as the plastic remains intact, it will never need replacing or servicing. I was able to witness first hand as the COH director poured dirty, tinted water in and crystal clear water came out of the pipe. It was truly amazing. There is a great need for more of these in this country!

Our office received an update from our mission team leader.  The team reports:

Ministry opportunities have been wonderful for both the water well drilling team in the south and the aid distribution team in the north. Although, after drilling 200 ft., the team didn’t hit water and had to stop they had a lot of good relationship building times with the local people there.   The team in the north had a great time as well.  Tomorrow the entire team will minister together back in the capital city and do some shopping and sightseeing on Wednesday and then fly back to the states on Thursday.

Please be praying for this last day of ministry and for a safe trip back to the states.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador July 27,2008 — Today our group woke up early, ate breakfast and started ministering to people early. When the day began, we knew it would be very demanding as we would be going to two different impoverished communities to spread supplies, love, and the truth of Jesus Christ. At both locations, a magic show was performed, a skit was perfected and supplies and goodies were handed out. The joy the kids took in simple face painting, stickers, and balloon animals was breath-taking. At both locations, the spirit was alive and moving through the people. It was very encouraging to see how much all of these people feel blessed despite having nothing.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 27, 2008 — Many of the amazing things that happen during a missions trip happen to the volunteers. A volunteer today told us the story of one child that truly touched her life today. As she was handing out food supplies to families, she gave food to one woman and told her “Dios te bendiga” (God bless you). The woman kindly returned the phrase and told her toddler son something that the volunteer did not understand. The child leaned over and kissed the GAiN volunteer on the cheek. Our volunteer stated “she was about to melt” and “wanted to pack the kid in [her] suitcase and bring him home”. While it may seem that we do a lot of blessing people, it does not compare to how God blesses us in return. Having the opportunity to see people who have nothing pour out love to others is a blessing that truly touches the heart.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 27, 2008 — Part of our message today included a short sermon by one of our team members who happens to be an ordained pastor. At the end of the sermon he felt compelled to ask the people if they believed that Jesus Christ could heal people if they had the faith. A few replied and he asked them to approach the front where we were standing. While the GAiN volunteer was praying over the few individuals, our translater continued to call hurting and sick people to the front so we could pray for them to call out to God with them and see that he is a mighty healer. A couple team members stated that they felt their hands burning as they were praying for the people. Our group’s pastor told us that when that happens, it is where faith and life come together. Faith that the Holy Spirit can move and heal us meeting the life that includes so much pain. Our translator told us that one of the ladies had lost her chronic back pain. Our translator also told us that she loves seeing this from people who come. Many humanitarian organizations come and give food and supplies, but the groups from the Global Aid Network and Convoy of Hope come and bring the message of truth that can heal a wounded soul.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 26, 2008 — The partnership that the Global Aid Network has with Convoy of Hope is truly a blessed one. Today, our group had the pleasure of meeting several national and international directors with COH. The first person we interviewed was Enrique Martinez, a national director with COH. He told us the main goal was to supply aid to an exceptionally poor part of El Salvador known as “the belt” by the river. They tend to find Christian schools in the region and provide the basic needs of life to the children to take home to their families. What they are able to give to children depends solely on what is donated to them. Enrique told us that there is a desperate need of food in the area. for many, the food they provide is the only food that people will eat. He also told us that local pastors have a huge passion to serve the people, but simply lack the resources.    

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 26, 2008 — A new and exciting ministry opportunity is coming alive in San Salvador. While working in the Convoy of Hope ministry warehouse, we had a chance to interview International Director Bob Bachman and his wife LeAnn. Their main reason for joining with COH was to train people in impoverished countries to use water purifiers. Upon their arrival, a new ministry was just forming called Seeds of Hope. LeAnn was thought to be perfect for the job by the previous program directors as her and Bob are retired farmers from North Dakota. They have received seeds mainly as donations from Global Aid Network. LeAnn has always had a passion for teaching others to garden, even before joining COH staff. She has had enough time now to explore different ways to store and ship seeds as well as the difference in impact of using hybrid vs. heirloom seeds. She told us about one of the most rewarding experiences that happened just this past week, as they drove by one of the local Convoy of Hope sites and saw a man who had already raised enough green beans for his family, and was able to sell his excess. Also, LeAnn told us that she is starting to see more and more community green houses being built. This ministry has a very strong impact because it both fulfills the peoples great need for food and gives Convoy of Hope an opportunity to minister to the local people. LeAnn told us that¨”there is certainly room for a ministry in canning and preserving food” as another potential way to reach the area. God is definitely using the Seeds of Hope ministry in powerful ways to reach people who are often overlooked.

Today our group started with a quick Devo and training in sharing the gospel with the bead bracelets and our photographs. We moved on to the Convoy of Hope Warehouse and were able to work with them to pack, box, and deliver food items to a village in Rosario de Mora. 140 people came to the event, many of whom walked as far as 20 miles from an area called Las Barrosas. Rosario de Mora is about 40 minutes outside the city of San Salvador. Many also dressed up in their sunday best for the event. It was a very moving experience to supply them with food, medicine and various other supplies, as well as having the opportunity to worship the same God with them. They were very grateful and shouted to give God the glory!

¡Hola! Buenas Noches amigos! We are just settling into the Hotel Santa Elena in San Salvador, El Salvador. Suprisingly, we only had 2 ladies whose luggage was not here in San Salvador when we arrived, but luckily, it has already been located back in Houston and will be here tomorrow. Tonight, we are all tired and ready for some quality sleep. Tomorrow starts the ministry in El Salvador!

We are safely returned from our short mission trip to Ukraine.  Your prayers for our safety have been answered; our connections from Chernivtsi back to Lviv and flights from Lviv to Warsaw, Poland were times to reflect upon what we had witnessed.

Nicholai or “Kola” as he preferred to be called was a six year old orphan whom we met at Lunka christian summer camp.  He lives in an orphanage during the school year and then is sent to camp where he had become withdrawn.  We were told that his parents had abandoned him.  His face portrayed both sadness and apprehension as he met our American team of volunteers.  After the simple gospel was explained and brightly colored bracelets were given to each camper, we sang songs with motions and clapping, Kola began to accept our presence.  David P. was just a few years older than Kola and offered to show Kola how to play hackeypack.  Kola warmed up to us and really enjoyed the bubble blowing.  In the playing and care shown to all the campers, Kola was finally laughing and smiling by the end of our visit.

Other children at Romaska christian camp expressed appreciation with many accented “Thank You’s” and big smiles as they opened their new Bible story books and discovered color pictures to illustrate each story.

Kris T. recalled hearing from one of the elderly women at the hospital we visited that she thought she was to receive clothing, shoes, and socks.  She was disappointed when the hospital staff said such things were not needed and requested only funds for building renovation and diapers. 

The humanitarian aid we delivered helped to open doors to spiritual aid in the form of gospel bead bracelets, printed explanations of prayer and our testimony presentations.   Encouragement for believers and staff at the facilities we visited was an additional bonus of this mission trip.  Each care giver and staff person welcomed us and and was very gracious and accepting in receiving both the aid and the message of hope we brought.  Believers were strengthened as they joined with us in helping to fulfill the great commission to share our faith with those who have not heard.

Claire J. recalled a favorite ministry moment.  The facility was on the grounds of a 17th century country estate where now some 120 mentally disturbed men reside.  Our small team met with about twenty men in an enclosed grassy court yard surrounded by their living quarters and a high wall.  Some of the men were walking about, and others were smoking.  With the able assistance of our translator and several of the staff, we began our way from man to man, explaining the gospel and Christ’s love in simplicity.  Some men would not take the bracelet at first offer, and turned away toward the wall.  One man listened intently, looking straight into my eyes the whole time as I held his hand and explained a short version of the gospel bracelet.  His earlier look of bewilderment turned into an expression of “studied” peace.  The Lord’s words were reaching his soul, penetrating bone and marrow.  When I hugged him after, we finished, he first stood still, taking it all in, and then broke into a broad smile.  I am confident that the Holy Spirit touched his heart, and I expect to see him in Heaven.

Global Aid Network strives to find out what the most pressing needs are for each site in advance as well as promoting donations of funds from ministry team members for additional needs we discover.  Through prayer, contact by email, and voiced encouragement, local pastoral ministries are strengthened.  Our presence and encouragement, along with the aid we distribute, have been validated as priceless.  Kris T. especially recalls both  Masha Vacilli and Pastor Misha as fellow believers who were overwhelmed by our additional donations.

The children were very excited overall and energetic, especially Romaska House where I remember them receiving their big Teddy Bears.  Every child seemed to bond immediately to the stuffed animal and hugged them repeatedly.  The children loved to blow up the balloons and to chase the soap bubbles as they floated toward the ground.  Almost all of the children participated in the action songs and generally enjoyed themselves very much.

Telling all we met that Jesus loves them, asking about themselves, and distributing friendship gifts, “Bags of Blessing” and playing with the children all seemed to demonstrate the love of Christ that we are commanded to spread.  Personal interaction with the children validated the message that we bring not only physical aid that will soon be consumed, but an eternal way to true life which can be found only in Christ Jesus.  We have seen frightened faces turn to joy.  We have seen each other become bold in our witness.  This has been an experience that changed not only the eternal destiny of many, but changed our own attitudes toward serving Him.

July 21, 2008 – Social Rehabilitation Center for Under-aged Children – Bank of Hope

The final ministry outreach location in Novokuznetsk was a center for children whose parents are deprived of parental rights as a result of drug or alcohol abuse.  More than 60 children, age ranging from 5 to 17 are being served by the facility.

The team conducted a brief program including illusion dramatizations, skit, singing and dancing.  “We heard about Global Aid Network through the church,” said Ivanova Nikolaevna, director of the facility.  She was excited that the team had come to share with the children and was willing to give as much time as the team needed for small group presentation and games.  “We are so grateful to you for the gifts that you have brought for us and the children.  We really needed the water heater” she said.  The team delivered CarePacks to the children and footballs, gospel aprons and a water heater to the director.

Later that evening, the team celebrated the end of the mission with interpreters, Pastor Andrei and members of the local church.  Charles D. expressed sincere gratitude to all who contributed in various ways in helping to make the mission trip a success.  Already, all involved are anticipating continued partnership as we work in Novokuznetsk.

Thank you for your many prayers for us.  Thank God with us for a wonderful week of ministry to hundreds in this area. Pray that God will watch over the team and guide them safely back home to Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey!

At yesterday’s church action the Yellow Bus team raised $230 and 260 grivnah for the purchase of an air conditioner for the very warm church.  This was typical of both buses; over a thousand dollars were contributed to the work of Masha V. who worked with us in the four orphan and invalid facilities where she ministers each week.  She was overwhelmed to the point of tears this evening as we gave her our offering that had been entrusted to us from our home churches.  We had visited her sites on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this past week.

On the 18th of July eight persons prayed to receive Christ through the ministry of the Brown Bus team.  Also on yesterday’s church action a woman named Natalia was walking by when she saw all the gathering and decided to see what was going on.  Natalia had been hit by a car several months ago and was still healing though she had been very sick and had become discouraged.   Upon hearing the message of God’s love, she broke down and cried and gratefully accepted a Bible.  This woman was comforted by divine appointment! 

At the hospital the Yellow Bus team visited, a 90 year old woman accompanied by her daughter was waiting in the hall for her doctor appointment; in conversation she revealed that she was afraid of dying.  Because of her deafness, the prayer offered on her behalf had to be shouted, and even then she could not hear the words, so her daughter repeated the prayer in an even louder voice that was certainly heard by many others in the lobby!  This 90 year old woman was given a tract on assurance of salvation of which the daughter promised to read (loudly) to her mother every day.

Through the gifts of gospel aprons 13 cooks prayed the sinner’s prayer aloud this past week.

In a home visit with one of our interpreters the gospel was presented and demonstrated to a father and brother of our believing interpreter.  Prayers for another son were offered for his recuperation from surgery by Toby H. whose own son is likewise going through a medical procedure 4000 miles away from Ukraine.  This mother was comforted to hear of faith in the power of prayer even over great distances.

The church property in which we held today’s church action was purchased by funds which a local man had sent back from his employment in the States; now a worship center, kitchen facility, and dining hall have been built for God’s glory and the proclamation of the gospel.  And a wonderful meal was served to us in this new church center.