Haiti Trip Testimony from Kim Spitnale

The mission trip to Haiti was my first and I know it will not be my last, and what an amazing trip it was. It was difficult to see how most of these people live and witness the poverty and oppression. At the same time it was exciting to go into the villages and minister to the people. They were so open and loving to us, both small children and teens eager to hold your hand and walk close to you. So many of them starved for affection (and food) and human touch as many don’t have any family to speak of, it really makes one re-evaluate the way you live. What impacted me the most was the incredible, genuine joy and the hope that these people possessed even in the midst of their discouraging circumstances. They are always smiling when they see you, and it was great to be able to show Christ’s love, minister, and pray for their needs. Mission of Hope is growing and God is definitely moving in Haiti!

“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Neh 8:10)

Haiti Trip Testimony from Shealee Moore

One night I was writing in my journal and I wrote, "Even though these children aren't shown love and/or they've been moved from place to place, they are still so open to love. Even if they aren't happy in the U.S., we feel so alone with all of our wealth and we aren't open to anything. In fact, we are so closed in and we keep to ourselves, it's almost like we like our pride but the U.S. has no idea what it means to be in real devistation." I am just so amazed that they will love you, even if it's just from a smile you give them. Then when you know they love you, you can't help but fall in love with them.

Haiti Trip Testimony from Ashleigh Ladoto

This mission trip to Haiti was amazing. While there is extreme poverty, that is not what I will always think about. I will always think about the people and the hope that they truly have. The people of Haiti taught me how important and vital a relationship with Christ truly is. I learned that He is the only true solution. It is awesome to know that. I also thought it was so cool to know that even though the Christians in Haiti are from a very different culture than us we still have such an awesome bond because of Christ. This was really evident when we sang worship on Sunday in Haiti. Even though the words were in Creole, we still knew the songs and could worship together. I loved Haiti and wouldn't trade the opportunity to go for anything.

Haiti Trip Testimony from Amy Griffore

Haiti was life changing to say the least. When we first drove through Port-Au-Prince to get to the Mission of Hope compound, I was in complete shock, watching the scenes go by out the bus window was intense. It made me feel queasy, like I was stuck on a broken carnival ride with flashing lights and swirling colors. I've never felt that uneasy or troubled before. The only thing I could think was "I'm in way over my head here, I can't do this". Then as we pulled into the compound I saw it, three little boys playing basketball, just beaming when they saw the bus. They waved at us and went back to playing. In that moment, I could feel God say to me "I AM here. If you look for sorrow here, it'll be easy to find....but if you look for Me, you will find me". With that in my heart, I found more hope and joy in Haiti than anything else. Throughout the week I was surrounded by people with no money, no food and no family, yet they had more joy than I've ever seen. They knew that they knew that God's love is unconditional and He loves them wholeheartedly no matter what their circumstances might say. God used the people of Haiti to teach me that when things seem down in the dumps, I have to choose to search for Him in the situation, because He IS there, helping me along and pouring out blessings. He will never stop loving me, or you, or the people of Haiti.

Haitian Bibles

Can you imagine not owning a Bible? What would your walk with the Lord be without having His word to inspire and direct you? The BCC missions team helped in bringing the Holy Scriptures to people that most likely have never owned a copy. The team distributed 300 Creole New Testaments as we walked and worked in Haiti. Without exception people were very happy and thankful to except these New Testaments. I saw more that one person hug it close to their chest and they had a look in their eye that told me that they knew what it was that they were receiving.

Psalm 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.

Mexico Trip

Interested in going to Mexico on September 20-28 2008 on a mission trip? We will be partnering with Ben Butler of Way of the Cross Ministries. If you want more info contact Jim Spitnale at jspitnale@bex.net

To check out Way of the Cross go to www.wotc.org

Serving the World - February

Thanks to everyone who stepped out in faith and pledged to be a part of reaching the world for Christ through Global Outreach. This year the BCC family has committed over $96,000.00 to support missionaries around the world and locally.

In the month of February we have already started serving the world by sending out $3,600.00 in monthly missionary support, helping Convoy of Hope with $1,000.00 for an outreach to Panama, 275,000 nutritious meals left for Mission of Hope Haiti (Wild Game proceeds)and raised 10 of our missionaries monthly support from $50.00 to $75.00.

Watch for pictures of Jennifer DeLand's trip to Panama.

21 People will be leaving for a mission trip to Mission of Hope in Haiti on March 28-April 7. Please begin to pray for the team. Fred Betcher, Dustin Reed, Mike and Ticia Keane, Jim and Kim Spitnale, Vanessa Farnell, Lauren Eriksen, Jennifer Perkins, Ashleigh Lodato, Kendra Postlethwaite, Shealee Moore, Adam Mogk, Libby Velasquez, Brian Matthews, Patrick and Leah Rose, Amy Griffore, Caleb Mazur and John and Mary Mazur. Thanks to all who are praying and individually supporting this team to go on a life changing trip.