Past Spring Break Team Missions
messiah students, serving together

Spring Break '03: During our time in Northern Ireland, we had the privilege of sharing God's love with children and youth of all ages. Through out the week, we had the opportunity to spend time with these kids in a variety of ways. Our ministry focused in the local towns, Downpatrick and Dundrum. The scripture unions and assemblies provided us an opportunity to bring the message into the school atmosphere. Interactions and relational development with kids were possible through soccer and organized activities with the boys and girls in the community, respectively. We were also challenged to leave our comfort zone during a street evangelistic experience at the St. Patrick's Day parade. During our time, we were immersed with the culture both in the local settings and through our travels in the country. This was a growing experience as we were molded and shaped by the lessons God revealed in our willingness to serve.

Quotes

It is beyond the words I posses or the words my team has expressed to describe our experience in Northern Ireland. We stepped out in faith and love and God met us where our strength failed, pushing us to even greater things for Him. I have been imprinted forever by the response of the kids we met. Praise God for His power to bring His people together, send them, and use them in unforgettable ways. He is mighty! Nona (Nan) Bitner

18 people, one purpose, one body of Christ, many gifts, One. I am continually astounded at how God can take 18 people, who are sleep deprived, and mold them into one. God was our strength, our purpose, our life; no less. To be part of a team like this has forever changed my life. Chris Hanusa

I can't help but recommend this trip to everyone I come in contact with. It is shocking to see how much the children of Northern Ireland need to see the Lord. It was an experience of a lifetime that I would never trade in. It was wonderful to share God's love during the day and then dive into it in the evening with fellow children of God. The friendships that were built are everlasting. Lauren D'Aquino

My first time out of the United States, Northern Ireland was an amazing experience! God definitely showed me some great things. In the words of John Moxon, 'God is not looking for ability, he needs availability'. I want to always be available for him. Matt Peregoy

God works in amazing ways, and it was evident on this missions trip to N. Ireland. From the beginning, we could see God working through the team dynamics, fundraising, the trip over and back, and all the wonderful people we encountered in N. Ireland. God used us to reach many of the local youth whether it be through Scripture Unions, Assemblies, or even a friendly football game of the Americans verse the Northern Irish. Through it all, God was present, and He was made real to the youth of Northern Ireland by our actions and words. Ali Carney

I just love how people love God no matter where in the world I go. One of our main goals was to show this religiously divided country that it is all about Jesus and serving him on a personal level on a daily basis. These N. Ireland kids do not know Christians over the age of 12, when we showed up and we were older, fun, and on fire for God- I think their perspective widened for the better. Priscilla Garcia

I had the title of 'team leader' but really, there were 17 leaders on this team, all ready and willing to work hard at a moments notice. Our ministry was incredible and it was only possible because of the way God filled us and equipped us to do His good work. None of this could have been accomplished on our own. God was with us through everything; team meetings before hand, making flights in Heathrow Airport, waking up without much jet lag, building relationships with children, traveling down narrow roads in a 15 passenger van, staying in Northern Ireland after declaration of war, many games of 'football' with little injury, and finally arriving back here in time for classes. It was an amazing and challenging experience. Jen Sanborn