Guatemala Inspires CFBC Member
On Spring Break in 2008, Lisa Hill went on a trip to Guatemala with Briarcrest Christian School. When she found that Briarcrest would not be returning she worked with CFBC to organize another trip in 2009 because of what she saw God do!
AN INTERVIEW WITH LISA HILL
Q - Please describe what you did on your mission trip.
A - Before going to Casa we collected supplies to take to the people such as socks, underwear, toiletries, etc. Each member of the team took an extra suitcase to pack these collected supplies. Once we were there we worked on several projects. We cleared off an empty lot for future building, moved cinder blocks for a new walkway, and painted several areas, cleaned areas inside and out and many other small projects to help out the missionaries that live there. We also planned craft activities for the children and carried the supplies with us. We spent a lot of time playing with the children and just getting to know them. At Casa they have told us they appreciate the help but more than anything they want us to come and just love the children and give them our time and attention.
Q - What experiences or image will you always treasure?
A - There are many things about this trip I will always treasure. First, there was seeing the joy on the faces of these children. It is so obvious this is a true joy from the love of Christ. After hearing the testimonies of the kids and what they lived through before coming to Casa when you see the smiles and joy on there faces it speaks volumes of the power of God’s love.
Something else that impacted my life and my daughter’s was hearing Mike Clark’s testimony. He is the founder of Casa and is such a wonderful example of what one man can do by trusting God and following his heart. There are over 400 kids at Casa right now with new ones coming in almost daily. In over 20 years of its existence, thousands of children have passed through the doors of Casa.
Q - How did this God use this mission trip to mode or change you?
A - I can honestly say my life and my daughter’s life will never be the same after going on this mission trip. It has made my girls so much more aware of our responsibility as Christians to share Christ’s love with others. We truly love these kids and consider mission work with these kids as an ongoing part of our life as long as we feel God is leading us to do this. I don’t think anyone could hear the testimonies of the abuse many of these kids have lived through without seeing the transformation that is only possible through Christ. Many of these kids come there feeling abandoned and alone in the world, when they hear that God their Father will always be there for them it is what turns them around.
Q - How do you feel God used your mission trip for His purposes?
A - This mission trip changed our lives forever but even bigger than that we are there to serve God. We are there as an example of sharing Christ’s love and touching the hearts of these children. Also I think God uses the teams as an ongoing inspiration for the missionaries and Mike Clark and his family who dedicate their lives to this place. They need our support and encouragement to keep their focus on Christ. I know our enthusiasm and energy means so much to them.
Q - What would you say that would encourage people to go on a mission trip?
A - I truly believe going on a mission trip is something everyone should experience. When you see the excitement on these new Christians faces and experience their energy while worshipping God it makes you realize what it is all about. To meet physical needs is a very important thing and it opens the doors but when you see the hunger they have for the Word and the love and appreciation they have for team members it makes you want to return again and again. They know we are there in the name of Jesus Christ and to see that thru salvation they have hope and a sense of security for the first time in their lives is something words cannot explain. You just have to experience it for yourself.