How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Sir Rodeheaver
Manti, Utah
June 2010
Objective:
To witness in boldness and love to the LDS Church.
Experience:
This year was a lot different. We approached some kids that were throwing things at the Christians and just asked them of what they thought about all that was taking place. After just listening to them and just talking about life in general we spent a lot of time with them just getting to know them throughout the week. By the end of the week they invited us to their family reunion. We got to pour into them and encourage them to ask questions… ALWAYS!
Every day we did service projects in the community. Last year the Stake President had invited us to his turkey farm, because of our services to the community. This year we had the opportunity to serve him. We mowed his lawn, worked on his sprinkler system for the barley and hay farms and he then took us to dinner. Great conversation was established.
On the last night of the pageant, I was walking around beat. I was beat up physically, emotionally and mentally. I caught myself not wanting to talk to too many people. I saw people in conversations and marveled at their knowledge of the word. I was discouraged and started thinking about my ideal person to witness to. Here was my thought – a young group of teens, maybe two or three. I thought that I would share God’s love with them. I didn’t want to debate doctrine, just preach the word of God and His love for them.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
God had bigger plans. I was wearing my “Ex-Abuser” shirt, which sparked many good conversations, but none like the one to come. So there I was… videotaping a conversation with Jim Wallace, a well-known Christian apologist, and Bob Vukich, A well-known Mormon Apologist aka Wolf Bob, when all of a sudden two teens walk up and stare at me. I look over at them and they say, “Sorry, but we were curious about your shirt and wondered if you have any info that you hand out.” I replied that I do not have any hand outs and briefly shared my testimony. I asked if they were LDS, in which they replied, “No”. I asked if they were Christian, in which again they said, “No”. I immediately handed off the video camera and sat with them.
Come to find out, they were victims of abuse. Their dad was abusive and the boy was afraid that he would grow up and beat his wife. I tear up remembering the conversation. He was crying so hard and kept apologizing, which is common among abused kids. I shared the love of God and the power of Christ, in which they responded, “I like that idea”. We talked for about a hour and a half. God is good always, and always God is good.
You can view the video blogs
here
.
Mike "Ace" Aceves
Ensenada, Mexico
June 2010
Objective:
This mission was to show love to anyone we came in contact with. We were praying to find an open door to share our testimony of what the Lord has done in our lives, and give away books, Bibles and tracts on the streets of Ensenada while carrying the message of salvation through Christ. We wanted to pray with people, grow in unity, and see people come to know the Lord.
Experience:
The experience in this trip was really better than I had expected. The Lord is so faithful; he led people into our path to receive the good news. We were able to lay hands and pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit, and eyes were opened, people were delivered. It was unique because typically people that were not from the area would go there to party with sort of a vacation mentality. The vendors and different people in the street were so open to converse with us and instead of working out a deal or talking about temporary things, we really began to care about them and outreach to them showing them the purpose of why we were there. Many were encouraged, and some were blown away, others were led to the Lord by faith. Either way the Word went forth and the Lord allowed people to be highlighted to share our testimony’s with in order for seeds to be planted. It is truly satisfying to be used as a vessel by the Most High to bring Him glory and to make a difference for His Kingdom.
Samuel Wingebach
Kirov / Moscow, Russia
February 2010
Objective:
To preach a TRUE RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ by repentance & the Word of God.
Experience:
Myself and seven brothers and sisters from Calvary Chapel Open Door in Anaheim, CA went to Moscow and Kirov, Russia. We stayed 5 days in Kirov. Each day we walked the streets passing out tracts and invitations to a nightly coffee shop outreach. We would spend hours in front of Universities with a translator sharing the love of the Lord.
Some accepted, some rejected, but the word went forth and does not return void. Many came to the coffee shops because of a hunger for the TRUE GOD. Many gave their lives to the Lord and repented of their sins. The land of Russia is ripe for the love of Christ because of years of tyranny and fear. The hearts of the people are plagued with pride, lust and anger.
We then went back to Moscow for a three day pastor conference with Calvary Chapel pastors from all over Russia. Wonderful food and fellowship took place. Overall, the Lord gave great vision to my heart;
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."
(Matthew 24:14).
Coming back to America I found that I have more boldness and a greater love for people. Encourage yourself in the Lord, seek His will and you will bear fruit for Him. Please pray for Russia.
Chad Harris
Israel
October 2009
Objective:
To serve Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv in blessing the homeless, the building up of the church and the music ministry in the streets.
Experience:
This was my first mission trip after 15 years of being a Christian and, WOW!, WOW!, WOW!, it was in Israel. I know it's become cliche that the Bible never becomes so real and so alive to you until you go to Israel, but oh, how true that is. I strongly recommend every Christian to make a trek to the Holy Land. It will truly make your faith become a knowing.
Some of the experiences, even being so innumerable that they can't all be listed on this website, are listed as follows:
Being on the Sea of Galilee in a storm in the morn.
Fishing on the Galilee like the Apostles at night.
Casted out demons of a young girl at a bus stop in Tel Aviv.
Witnessed deep into the night in every major city in Israel.
Put on a concert on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea.
The trip really made it real for me and it was an experience that I will never forget.
Sir Rodeheaver
Manti, Utah
June 2009
Objective:
To witness, in love, to the LDS Church.
Experience:
In Manti, we did so much. The average day was spent worship in the morning, community service in the afternoon and witnessing at the pageant in the evening.
Every morning all the Christians that came from all across the U.S. would join together and worship the true and living God. We held an open service in one of the rooms at city hall. We would then head out into the community and go door to door and ask if anybody needed work done (i.e. Mowing lawns, painting, weed removal).
One of our days we went door to door at the BYU campass area. For lunch that day sat and ate with the students, which allowed us to establish relationships. A lot of students were surprised to hear that the Mormon faith actually believes that they could become gods of their own world if certain requirements were achieved.
Another day we spent in Salt Lake City and had a great opportunity to witness to our Mormon missionary tour guides. I had the pleasure that day to witness to the mother of a close friend of mine. She scheduled for the Bishops of her area to meet with us.
Every evening, no matter where we were during the day, we would witness at the Mormon Miracle Pageant. The average conversation would take anywhere from 45 minutes to a hour and half. Every conversation draining. I would be so ready to go in for the evening and then I would some child walking into the pageant area, and I would pray for the Lord to restore my strength. That is where I learned the meaning of resting iin the Lord. Signs were posted every ten feet stating
Pageant Visitors Welcome - NO PROSELYTING OR EVANGELIZING ALLOWED - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
. If we were caught talking about Jesus in certain areas we were in danger of being arrested.
The very last group I talked with before heading back to Cali, was a group of young teens. After explaining the Gospel and the love of God for them, with tears in their eyes, they replied, "It makes sense". We immediately prayed. God is good always and always God is good.
The efforts of that years outreach are awesome. The update I received stated that our love and our actions opened the door for great relationships. In years prior the Mormons in the area were informed to not interact with us Christians, but the message for the following year was to informing the Mormons to engage with "The Christians". They are telling the churches that we are loving and kind and just want to help out. How awesome!
Sir Rodeheaver
Sinaloa, Mexico
March 2008
Objective:
To see a different facet of God.
Experience:
Just on the 34 hour road trip to Sinaloa I witnessed such spiritual warfare. All the way to our arrival I saw little sanctuarys dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Opposition came from every side, in an attempt to prevent our arrival to the Calvary Chapel of Boca Del Rio.
When we arrived to Boca Del Rio, we were greeted by the students of CC Boca. Every morning the small group of students living on the premises gathered for prayer at 5:30am and then had breakfast at 8:30am. The first week there we prepared for a large youth conference that was held for several surrounding churches. We were cooking most of the days. At night we would serve the students and sit around after the sermons and join in worship. What a great experience to worship with fellow believers that only shared the language of love.
The following week was spent putting in a septic tank for the church building. Villagers would work 14 hour days for $15. The community would gather and bring refreshments and support throughout the day and into the night.
The biggest part of my experience was witnessing a culture that wasn't flooded with distraction. People of little material, but great in faith. It was one of those times where you remember God speaking to you. He had me fasting and praying for people I had a hard heart towards. There are times when I long for those days and other times when those days re-assure me. Thanks Dad.
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A New Beginning Financial and Ministries
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