On this trip I saw a loosely knit group of individuals come together through many different bonding moments to create a tightly knit team. I saw God working in opening our eyes to the great need that is still down there. I learned a lot about life in general on this trip. Especially in seeing all that Puppy and Sunshine had been through, it reassured me that really no matter what you do or how much you have, as long as God is in your life, everything will be okay. I'm a worrier who just doesn't want to fail, and meeting them and hearing all their stories reminded me how long life is and how exciting it can be. I strongly believe that everyone who claims to know Jesus, God in man form that came down and became the "least of these" with no money or assets, should go on at least one mission trip in their life. The Bible says that helping people in need is exactly like helping Jesus. What Christian wouldn't want that opportunity? One of my favorite verses from a mission trip a few years back is James 2:17: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." -Jillian I have been on several mission trips and it never ceases to amaze me at how God blesses the time that you spend on a trip. Close personal relationships are developed, insights into God's character are revealed and people's lives are changed forever. It is impossible to explain how profound a mission trip touches your life. The only way to understand it is to take a leap of faith and sign up for a trip. Everyone should experience at least one mission trip in their life. -Jeff Kennel
Although the mission trip meant many things to me, my most valued memories came from sharing the experience with my granddaughter, Madison. It was such a joy to see how God was at work daily in her life. She willingly did whatever she was asked to do, from pulling out nails, picking up junk, cleaning bathrooms, driving a skid loader, and painting a deck. These jobs were definitely way out of her comfort zone. All the while she maintained an upbeat, positive attitude and never complained. At fourteen that had to be a God thing. What a pleasure I had watching her relate to the others on the trip as well as the people for whom we were working. God gave her the strength to rise early in the morning, work hard the whole day, and still socialize in the evening. I saw how she accepted people, no matter what their circumstances. She said that she learned people can survive horrible events in their lives, and yet maintain their faith and trust in God. I have always known she was a special girl, but our trip together showed me her deep faith and commitment to God. I feel very privileged to have shared this experience with her and the other Prairie Ridgers. Because of the wonderful acceptance and support she received from the other trip participants, I'm sure she is looking forward to future mission trips. -Gordon Harrison
As a task oriented person I could have been frustrated by the fact that we could have gotten more done. But when I look back and reflect, it isn’t how much siding, decking or wiring that was completed but rather that we were there fulfilling God’s purpose. The discomfort of sore muscles, sunburn and lack of rest fades when you receive heart felt thanks and realize that you were permitted to extend God’s grace to others. I have come to appreciate and value the other team member’s unique gifts. Who knew talking could be so valued, the gift of caring and hospitality allowed team members to connect with the residents and other team members. We all try to describe the blessing we receive being part of a mission team but words fail us. I would encourage you to experience a mission trip for yourself and find out what we mean. -Craig Smiens
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