Final Thoughts

"On Sunday night, Felicia and I met a young boy named Jonathan. We bonded really well and he ended up giving his heart to Christ that night.  He told us he would come back, but the nights that he did we were away in Cabudare for service.  On Friday night he came to the kids’ church and told someone that he had bracelets for me and Felicia and wanted to give them to us.  I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of seeing those bracelets on my wrist and knowing that we made a difference in someone’s life.  I believe that God has an amazing calling for his life, and I so want to come back again so that I can see how the Lord is moving through him.  Today is the last day and it’s such a bittersweet moment.  I don’t want to leave these people, but at the same time, I’m ready to go back to America to share my experience with everyone.  God has moved in such incredible ways this week, words can’t even describe." ~ Brianna Lee

"This week in Venezuela cannot be described in words. It is my first mission trip and how amazing it was.  From seeing a friend you just met give his heart to God, to holding a child while worshiping the Lord, to dancing with the most precious kids and seeing a smile light up on their faces, to eating goat, to breaking walls with a sledgehammer, to seeing God move in a worship service without walls, to bonding with the team and getting closer in EVERY way in one week, to taking cold showers and having to shut the water off before the water runs out, to mello-yellowing, to being able to go up front in the last Cabudare service and sing and dance for the Lord with the worship band,  to climbing the tallest mountain and almost collapsing from exhaustion, to feeling the power and presence of God on that mountain and declaring God’s reign over Pavia and for bondages to be broken ~ ALL and more has been, like I said before, the greatest blessing. To leave Venezuela gives me great sadness, but I am definitely coming back. It felt like home here and not like home back in America, but a new home. This is my family and will always be my family." ~ Felicia Bayles

"It’s amazing to see the transformation that Pavia has gone through in just three years since my first visit.  On my first year visit, there was no grass but all dirt.  Last year we could see that grass had been growing.  And finally this year, there is a lot of grass.  It has rained while we are here which has been a blessing due to the usual dryness of the country.  I can see that God has restored life to Pavia and to Venezuela.  Each year just gets better and better, but each year I see how much more the enemy has shown his evil hand and how much harder he is trying to establish strongholds here.  But with every growing attempt by the enemy, I see even stronger blessings by the Lord because we serve a God who is the Almighty and who never loses.  Seeing the numerous things that God has done here and seeing that He is using us to bless these people is the most humbling, awesome experience I have ever had.  God has used us to help bless the people here, but to me the people have been blessing us even more so.  They are the most loving people I have ever met and I look forward to coming back on an annual basis."   ~ Seth Reavis

"Every time I go on a mission trip I am always amazed by these things.  (1) The common bond that believers have in Christ all around the world.  Jesus really gets around.  He has family everywhere.  And I am blessed to be able to meet more of His family every place I go. (2) How much fun it is to serve Jesus.  Mission trips may make my flesh groan, but they make my spirit rejoice.  Every trip has been an adventure of a lifetime filled with wonderful memories of God doing above and beyond our expectations.  (3) People need Jesus no matter where they live in the world.   We all have the same problems and He is the answer to all of them.  If you just preach Jesus, He does the rest. (4) God works through humble and broken people, without exception.  Every servant  of God I meet who is being used greatly by the Lord are exactly that…humble and broken people who love Jesus and do what He says.  And finally (5) Jesus is building His Church and the gates of hell are not prevailing against it." ~ Chris Connell

"God always has a plan. I may not know what it is yet, but I know that after coming to Pavia God has placed them forever in my life.  If it is his will, I will be back.  Pavia may not have much, but when you work alongside the people, you begin to see God’s creation in a new light.  Venezuela has so much to offer, and I’ve only just begun to see the beginning of it." ~ Andrea Ashie

"God has done so much during this trip.  I have been more than amazed by the love, the joy, the peace, the perseverance, the provision that comes from God, the plans of God, the people of God, the selflessness I have seen here as the people here at MCO have allowed us to come in graciously.  The community is amazing and the unity (within the team and the local body) in this place is great.  I know God has this great big plan for each of us, and all He is asking is for me to do is walk with Him daily to bring His will and His purposes to pass on this earth.  I know sometimes it’s my job to be behind the scenes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way at times. God is still preparing me for greater things. God reminded me of Joseph and his coat of many colors—all the things he had to go through BEFORE the promises were fulfilled. Other things on this trip have definitely confirmed many things that God has laid on my heart.  God will lead, He will provide, He will bring me through and He will get ALL the praise.  God loves you, just in case you didn’t know… and He has this great big plan for your life that surpasses everything you could ever dream of!  This trip has definitely been by far the most spiritually strengthening trip plus an eye-opening experience to many things. There are a million other things I would like to say, but it will have to wait.  May God bless y’all and we’ll be home soon enough. Thank you so much for your support and prayers! Run the race with perseverance!" ~ Brittany Maples                                                                                                 

"Well we’re standing here in the line of the Venezuelan airport at 4am and our flight doesn’t leave ‘til 8 o'clock. It seems like we’re not supposed to leave this country, however, we are all ready to go.  It has been a looooonnng week that flew by really fast.  I will have to say that this is the funniest group of people I have ever been associated with.  Listen, these people constantly crack each other up and Pastor Chris is in a league of his own.  Sometimes I wonder how his mind really works.  I can also honestly say that this is the most unified group I have ever been with.  Not once this week did anyone complain about anyone else… which is a miracle for a group this size!  I wish I could tell you about the trip and describe to you the experience, but unless you were here there is no way to put into words what this week was like.  All you can do is look at the smile on our faces… maybe this is why you should go on a mission trip." ~ Roger Lee

"Ummm, with the exception of having to travel during the night and not having a good night's rest, I consider this trip a very successful trip.  We have accomplished a lot of things that were planned for us to do.  We built good relationships and we were able to love the people of Venezuela.  So I consider this a good trip."  ~ Isabel Lopez                          

"This trip has exceeded all my expectations.  We saw many moves of God in all the services people were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.  As far as the projects are concerned, we really had phenomenal results in that also.  There were a few things we didn’t finish, but I guess we will have to go back next year and complete them.  Thanks to Pastor Chris and his leadership and the unity within the team making it a wonderful experience.  Again, I would like to thank all the people who supported us in prayer and financially—it was not in vain, and great is your reward in heaven.  We have many things to report when we get back to our home church. Love you and God bless." ~ Greg Richards

"I’m in love with Pavia and the people and I don’t want to leave but I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends." ~ Brittany White

"The trip was good; I’m ready to go home but still wish I could stay.  I'm looking forward to coming back to Venezuela." ~ Aaron McMillan

  

                                                                                                                                             

"The people on the trip were fun, but it is time to go back home. See you soon." ~ Joshua Coleman

                                                                                       

"This experience has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I really fell in love with the people of Venezuela.  It has been a confirmation trip to what I know God has already called me to do.  I made some great new friends and I’m looking forward to returning to Pavia next year." ~ Larissa Sheffield

                                                                                                                                              

"It all comes down to love - God’s love for us, our love for others, and their love for us.  It has been an amazing trip . . . lots to say!  Looking forward to being home with family and coming back to Pavia!" ~ Melissa Ternes

"This trip has been above and beyond my expectations. God has been great." ~ Renea Lee

"When first starting the process of going on this trip, and then the actual time when the trip was at hand, I really didn’t know what to expect or what God had in mind as a result of the 8-day trip to Pavia, Venezuela.  But nothing I was expecting or thinking could have reached the amazing experience that this team of 22 missionaries just completed.  It has provided a new point of view on how I live my life and the blessings that God has provided.  My prayer is that I had at least some degree of the impact on the people of Pavia as they have had on me…especially the children.  God is at work in Pavia, and we’re blessed to have been a part of it.  Our prayers continue to be with the people of Pavia and throughout Venezuela.  God can and is doing great works in that land, and as a result of our trip, He will continue to work with and through us.  Praise God for a successful trip." ~ Larry Baldwin

                              

"This morning, just a little before 4 am, when one of the Venezuelan custom agents at the airport asked me where I had been staying, and I responded Barquisimeto, she said, “Oh Barquisimeto, the people there are really friendly.”  She is absolutely correct.  All of the Venezuelan people that we met, worked alongside, served, and were blessed by were amazing, and I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to meet them all.  This week has been a wonderful week where we saw God move in so many really cool ways.  I feel blessed to have been a part of such a great team, to meet new friends, and reacquaint with some old, but more than that to be able to do something to encourage the wonderful people of Venezuela, to see the smiles on the kids faces, and see their faces light up as we played and ministered to them.  God is so amazing." ~ Vickie Nusz

"It really is amazing what God can do in and through a group of people who have given Him permission to use them in any way that He chooses.  This week has been physically exhausting as we have worked all day everyday and traveled to and from Pavia and the airport through the night.  We have also had a few people who have been physically sick. However, no amount of physical exhaustion can dampen the spirits of those who choose to serve and praise God throughout it all.  I am so impressed at the way this group has worked together and use their talents to serve the Lord.  I also thank God that he chose me to be a part of the 2^nd group of evangelical Christians ever allowed to show His love to the children and adults of Camagos II.  Words can never express the joy that filled my heart as this group of people welcomed us with open arms to their village.  What an amazing experience this has been." ~ Meagan Richards

"Amazin’ grace, how sweet the sound… we did raise the roof.  What an awesome week.  The Lord has been so faithful.  We are all very tired, but we started out with a goal and were able to do what we set out to do.  The bathroom, bedroom, and sanctuary have new lights and ceiling fans.  We were able to raise the roof an additional foot in the dining area, the staff kids' playhouse was completed from a chicken coop, four foot pillars were dug so a wall could be built, chicken coop bays were cleaned, trees were taken down, and almost all the debris was loaded and taken to the dumpster.  Gifts & supplies were taken by our team to several areas. Many kids were blessed with gifts, candy, etc.  We almost completed the pastor’s bathroom, but much work still needs to be done there.  It has been a wonderful journey.  Many friends we left in Pavia… they have etched a space in our hearts.  We will never forget the love that was felt from our new found friends.  Mission “Pavia” Project 2012 completed.  Thank everyone for everything. Be blessed." ~ Arlis & Nancy Locklear

                                                                                                                            

"Wow! The week sure passed by fast! It was a very productive week! Seeing all the friends that I made last year and seeing my new “niece” Ruth- 4 mo. old was awesome! How wonderful it is when you have “family” in these places. Francoise, Pastor Harrison’s wife who the Lord healed last year is doing amazing.  Saying good-byes are never easy, but we know we have next year.  God is so good!  We have had an amazing team of 22 this year. The team made a big impact on Pavia and Venezuela.  Great things are happening there! I love them all." ~ Muriel Pawlik

                                                                                                                        

DAYS 4, 5 & 6

Thoughts from the team about our time here and our activities for the last few days . . . 

"Tuesday we went to Comogos II for service, and it has been by far my favorite night. Not just because God is completely amazing but because I believe I lost some weight! These beautiful little girls kept asking to be picked up during worship, and let me tell you – it was a workout. I was not only praising for myself, but I was praising for two. But it was completely worth it because I really felt what it was like to share God’s love on a deeper level. It’s so sad to think that we only have two days left here in this wonderful place that I can honestly say feels like home." ~ Brianna Lee

"Hey to all of my family . . . I’m doing well. We all still need your prayers because the devil is fighting us very hard. The team leaders have told us that even through all of the sickness we have accomplished more than they thought our group would. It has been very fun and I have met a lot of people. The whole team works together so well and we all love each other already. We have laughed so much and have been praying for each other. I will tell you more, later. Bye for now." ~ Aaron McMillan

Aaron making mortar - adding the water in

Taking a break . . . painting days can be hard work.

"Thursday was a beautiful day here in Pavia.  The people here are so amazing, loving, and so thankful for the things that I take so lightly, such as the warm showers, the air conditioning, and other “small” things that we overlook from day to day. The team has done a wonderful job here at MCO (Mi Casa de Oración). Great works are taking place. The team is trying to find a sewage leak in Pastor Harrison’s home (pastor of MCO), so the men are taking out the bathroom walls in a very tight space. Pray for their strength because this needs to be done before we leave Pavia. Ceiling fans and lights are being installed. The team is cleaning out a stall for a playhouse for the children of the staff here at MCO. They are so excited for the playhouse, you should see their faces! We have made toy boxes and painted them pink for all their toys that each of you donated for the Pavia project. Imagine a chicken coop for a playhouse! God is so awesome! The dump truck finally arrived and was able to get rid of the debris. Thank God for the dump truck! Goat was on the menu today so goat will be on my menu when I get home. I (Nancy), Arlis and Isabel had the opportunity to go to Pastor Abraham’s church for the evening service. These folks know how to worship! We sang and praised God as the rain blew in through the cracks in the ceiling, but it felt oh so good!! Brother Arlis spoke on a prescription and recipe for life from Joshua 1 and Isabel interpreted the message. Oh, yes, before church Pastor Abraham’s wife and daughter had a wonderful meal prepared for us… very good!!! At the end of the service that night, we handed out stuffed animals, toys, candy, hair bows and coloring books that were given from our family and friends in NC (Thank you, everyone, for donating items to Pavia!). Each of you that gave to the mission project have made an impact on the lives of these folks here. The power of God is real here! The love of God is awesome. If you are reading this blog, please pray for Pastor Harrison and the team here at the House of Prayer and also our safe travel back to NC. We miss each of you but we love it here.  Be blessed!" ~ Nancy & Arlis Locklear

The food here is "Muy Rico!" (Yummy!)

Fresh eggs are the best!

Pastor's bathroom - fixing sewage leak

Busy on electrical work . . . running wires, installing fans

Taking away the debris

"Yesterday morning we hung 3 new ceiling fans, ran lots of wiring, and assembled 2 new fans. The wall of the sanctuary was finished by local pastors and Venezuelans and it looks amazing! Switches were installed. We plan on hanging two more fans today. On Wednesday, we painted the entire church." ~ Pastor Chris (when asked about projects for the last few days)

Ruth, the baby, gets lots of love from everyone!  Look at those beautiful eyes!

More wiring and installing of lights

Painting . . .

Painting . . . 

And more painting . . . hard at work!

On Wednesday: "It was awesome to be a part of the outreach- Comogos II. It was the second time Christian evangelicals had ever been able to go there. Only about thirty minutes away from Pavia, they have only allowed two groups to come into the area to present the gospel. Even we weren't allowed to preach the gospel, but we were able to sing "Jesus Loves Me" and tell them about the church here. Here in Comogos, they are not used to having many outsiders. We stopped at two places, gave away about sixty blankets and bags filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, silly bands and stuffed animals.  It was a joy watching them receiving their gifts. It was like Christmas for them. It was kind of sad to realize how far the kids have to walk on foot to school . . . some kids have to walk an hour to an hour and a half to school and from school. School gets out at the heat of day and they still have to travel on the long, rocky hill. The people were really receptive and really excited to have people  care about them. The worship at Cabudare was amazing!!! It was Miryect and Yubi’s (two of Chris Nelson’s staff) parents’ church. I love how the people here LOVE God and show their love for other people, too. The Holy Spirit was definitely moving. We definitely felt God’s presence even before the worship began—as soon as we went into the church. There were a lot of people, so much so, that there were some people outside the door." ~ Meagan Richards and Larissa Sheffield

"Yesterday we had the privilege of going to a worship service in Cabudare. It is by far an incredible experience to be able to see two DIFFERENT cultures come together in worship. I mean, different food, different environments, different language, but it did not matter at all. No matter where you live in this world or how different we are from each other… we all worship and were created by the SAME LIVING GOD. That is amazing. Venezuela so far has been the greatest blessing. It has changed and melted my heart, changed my perspective on what is important, and I don’t want to leave! The team also has been a blessing. We have bonded so well, and I now have a new family in Christ. I love them all so, so much." ~ Felicia Bayles

"This week has strengthened me spiritually. It was very comforting to be with a team in such unity. In every situation where there was a need, the whole team came together through prayer and biblical actions. It has also been very comforting to be able to come together in song and worship with our brothers and sisters here in Venezuela even though language may stand between us. What a joy it was to see the people of Venezuela giving God there all when they only have so little. I just want to thank everyone back home for their prayers and most importantly thank God for providing for us this week with our safety, strength, courage and boldness to conquer anything that came our way. How awesome it was to be the second evangelical Christian group to ever step foot with an open invitation in Comogos II! Although we were not able to preach about the gospel, through song and dance, we were able to minister to the children and their parents. What a joy it was just to experience how much excitement was brought to the kids with just the simplest gifts." ~ Chad Richards

Nothing better than sharing a mission trip with more than one generation and family.

"I really couldn’t have asked for a better team and a more wonderful Venezuelan family to stay with.  I’ve gotten so close to the family here.  They’re just the type of family that you can’t help smiling around.  One of the running jokes on me that the team has is that if I ever get mad to run the other way because I’m always smiling.  I can’t help it though because of how much God has blessed me with my team.  The other joke is Pastor Chris’s dance moves to “Call Me Maybe” or “Love You Like a Love Song”.  Actually it’s the whole team-- we’re quite the dancers.  Our translator, Henry, likes to get in there too with his moves. We miss all of you and love you very much, but we also aren’t looking forward to saying goodbye." ~  Brittany White

Pastor Chris in action!

"God is absolutely amazing. We have felt His presence every day. In every direction we have gone we have felt Him. The unity of the team and the dynamics of the team are beyond measure. There are so many talents to draw from and you can see God in everyone’s life. To my worship team back at home: you ought to see it here—the worship is amazing. To all who supported us, just to let you know, great is your treasure in heaven and the seeds that you’ve sown here will be seen for generations to come. Thank you, miss you all and love you all!" ~ Gdaddy (Greg Richards) 

Day 4- "One of our fabulous cooks cut the palm of her hand rather deep while cutting up the goat they were preparing for us. We cleaned and bandaged her hand and then later on in the day, I repeated the process. Unfortunately, she still ended up at a private hospital late that evening having three stitches. Glad to report that she is doing better (two days later). We are changing her bandage daily."

Day 5- "Melissa and I got the girls “new” play area painted that was once a chicken coup! The excitement they have shown is amazing. Just think about your children having their play area in a concrete chicken coup! The areas the children play in, we wouldn’t let ours even walk in them, yet they are fine. No cuts, broken bones or bruises! Amazing, isn’t it? With that being said some of you reading this blog may remember hearing of the nightly visits of the bat flying circles through the church at the same time each night. Well, it’s back. Not only is he back flying circles but he is sleeping in the church sanctuary! It was sleeping on a 2x8 laying on the floor last night! Today (day six) he is hanging on the conduit by the floor asleep! Lots of activity going on and it’s sleeping! Things that we see and how we live here are so different than back home. See everyone soon!" ~ Muriel Pawlik

Girls play house soon . . . in a pressure-washed chicken coup that has been painted.

Here's the bat . . . he's still sleeping even with all the activity going on.

"Today is our third day working in a bathroom ripping up tile from the cement. The tile is held on by a crazy super adhesive cement (I tell you the truth). This bathroom is the bathroom that the pastors share. There is a leak in the plumbing underneath and they have been smelling a sewage smell for three straight months. We hope to get it all ripped up before the end of the day, so they can get it fixed. I am hot, exhausted and the room stinks. There is absolutely no glory in this work, but isn’t that the point? We would all love to do the job that everyone gets to see and everyone gives you the praise for, but it’s work like this that God has called us to do-- work that is unseen and only receives credit from Jesus.  That is why everyone should go on a mission trip." ~ Roger Lee

Pastor's bathroom

"Let’s talk a little about the enemy coming against our team and how we battled that: Individual health, discouragement and frustrations are all tactics the enemy is using while we are here. One of our team member’s father has passed away, yet their family was pleased because they knew that he had a strong relationship with God. Wife of another team member had to have surgery, and we came together in prayer and support for him… another wife had some testing done also. These attacks were personal and at times against families—trying to interrupt the work that is being done here and in our hearts. Both physical and spiritual battles have been won by Jesus, daily. One of the best things our team did prior to the attacks of the enemy was taking a trip to the mountain top. It was a source of strength for us. It was a clear message to the enemy that we’re here and God is in control. To be able to look over Pavia from the top of the mountain – joining in on the battle with those already here in Venezuela - we got a sense of place and just where we are. I miss you Diane." ~Larry Baldwin

"One thing that has stuck out to me this week are the words “Living Pentecost."  Pastor Chris has said it plenty of times and as I think about what exactly that means, I realize what it means to live Pentecost and to truly follow where God leads on a daily basis. It is ah-maze-ing. Just, WOW. (I can say it backwards… wow. Thanks Meagan and Chad!) I learned something from Pastor Harrison one night, he said “muy rico” as I was drinking my water. I asked Isaiah later the exact meaning of it and he said it means “very rich." Really the saying is “yummy”… but I know I am rich… and God is good. Thank you all for  your prayers and all the things you have done to bring us together as a team—financially, as well as, spiritually. I cannot say thank you enough. I can never say thank you to God enough either. This Jesus we serve is universal y’all… it’s bigger than your church or hometown… let Him lead you where He will take you. I promise He will provide if He directs you." ~ Brittany Maples

"It is amazing to see how God works through Pavia. These are people who we consider to have little but in reality they have so much. The intensity of these people’s love for Christ is what helps me get through each day. They have a burning desire to bring their neighbors to Christ. I have never met people so friendly, humble, respectful, and loving in my life. While we are here ministering to these people and helping them, I can honestly stand here and say that we need to keep an eye on Venezuela. They’re going to be the ones going to the US to minister to people. God’s love for these people may not be seen immediately, but just a smile and an “hola” can change so much. A willing heart to learn from these people and coming beside them has been an amazing journey." ~ Andrea Ashie

Taking a break . . . painting is hard work!

We were able to tour the Bible college here in Venezuela.

It is a beautiful campus!

It was exciting to see and hear about all the future plans!

For the whole team, I can honestly say these days have been too short for us and God is really amazing. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Keep praying for us, and we’ll keep you updated. May God bless you as you continue to walk in Christ. 

THE VENEZUELA TEAM