From Nate Madeira:
During our ministry to 5th graders in an elementary school Tuesday, I quickly observed one thing I have never been able to observe before: The power of communicating through laughter.
The after-school program is an optional class, that only a few kids come to. The classes start with a worship song, that the BI students teach to the kids. Then there are a few English games played that teach the kids English words.
When language barriers are present, like they are for our group (and the BI students, in some cases), laughter and emotion conveys what is wanted to be said, when it simply cannot be said. Not knowing much Hungarian, the only things we were able to understand was how much fun everyone was having because of the kids constant energy and laughter. We also shared the joy they were experiencing. One thing I learned is that one of the most important things is to try and get the kids to keep coming back to the ministry, because they are not forced to be there. One way to do that is to have fun and speak in the universal language of laughter.
Job 8:21 “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.”
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From AnnE VanBuskirk:
Going into the senior trip, I was more than hesitant. Leading up to March 2nd, I was scared that my whole world could fall apart at home, and I simply wanted to stay home with my family. But, after over 50 hours of travel, I guess that feeling of being scared began to fall away. Travel situations that tend to be not-so-ideal are apparently my forte. And God has clearly communicated what he wanted to teach me in this journey so far. In general, I tend to crave control, along with the idealization that everything has to go according to plan. But, being with these 18 people every minute for 50+ hours I realized I have some of the most amazing peers to lean on when that doesn’t happen.
Towards the end of our time in Philly, during part of our free time I was reading John 15 and suddenly I felt so at peace with our situation. Although I wasn’t happy about it by any means, I felt okay with being two days late. John 15:4 says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me”. This verse hit me like a truck. The first thing I saw in this verse was the priority of placing God first and foremost. Then, I saw the priority of remaining in fellowship with other believers. Without the encouragement, friendship, and learning from other believers, we can’t bear fruit. In other words, without the other believers by my side, I can’t display my talents and they cannot display theirs. Again, that hit me like a truck. Suddenly, I was okay with leaving my baggage at home (figuratively). I felt at piece being gone, leaving the country at a not-so-ideal time, and being stuck in a not-so-ideal situation.
Another time I finally decided to let go of my fears, was on the bus on the way home from touring Budapest. On the bus as Jess and I were listening to “wait and see” by Brandon Heath I started to really be okay with letting go of my fears. The end of the song talks about the continual struggle to understand fears, while also learning how to point everything to God. I struggle with this immensely. This stuck out to me like a sore thumb, and I was reminded that even though I continue to struggle, I have the creator of the universe to guard my heart, and I have the most amazing classmates and advisors reminding me of who I am and how I can show the love of Christ. This trip has been unforgettable and I very much am enjoying the ministry opportunities, and opportunities to grow in Christ with my class.
LC Senior Go! 