Some of you know already, but this past summer I had the wonderful opportunity to lead 22 High School students to Guatemala for what is known as an Ambassadors trip (through AIM, of course).
We had a wonderful time, and I grew so much as a leader. There were some crazy times with frightening allergic reactions, knees popping out of place, and whole myriad of other issues arising from my team, but the lord overcame.
Two quick stories from the field:
I had one student who had been struggling to love themselves, and even more so to accept the love God had for her. In an overwhelming show of true community, one night when she was particularly hearing the lies of the enemy, the entire team of adolescents (all under the age of 18) surrounded her with truth, prayer, encouragement and support. This went on for hours and many tears before the young lady fully bought into her divine identity for the first time ever. I still am in communication with this young lady, and her life has radically changed. Selah.
One of our days of ministry looked like painting a house. We spent all day painting and had an extremely meager lunch. After painting alllllll day, we then moved furniture–by hand–a few blocks into the freshly painted house. It was only until later that we understood the impact of that day; the lady for whom we painted was a widow. She did not believe in Jesus. She had 8 children (some with disabilities) and 1 grandchild. She had no money and no job. She was being supported by a local church–which she did not attend. By painting her house and moving her possessions over, we created an impact that lasted. After we left, she approached the pastor the church with which we partnered. She was confused about why people who do not know her would go so out of their way to demonstrate tangible kindness to her. The pastor was able to share the gospel, and the woman accepted Jesus and began to attend the church–with all of her children. Hallelujah.
There are two real stories from real people from a month-long trip I took last summer. High school aged people were changed. I was changed. Guatemala was changed.
Now I am preparing to go again. This upcoming summer I am going to be leading another trip, this time for two months and with young adult and college-age people! There is so much opportunity here for young people to grow! There is opportunity for me to be changed. And there is a real opportunity to go to Eastern Europe (the part of the world I most felt used by God while on the World Race) and change Albania!
As always, I will need the help of my church family. I cannot respond to God’s call without your prayer and financial support. I need to raise about $2000 dollars. Please prayerfully consider supporting me on the next step of my journey with the Father.
Please allow me to draw your attention to my new personal blog. I post weekly at my website Christopherqualls.com about all my usual topics: Church, Culture, Society and Christianity. Please go there and subscribe, comment and/or share the posts. That is my primary platform. Thanks!
