Day 3

Another amazing day!! I can't begin to describe the privilege it is to be here. To see everyone work together is a treat. By everyone, I mean not only our team, but the people here at TTUM, the small church we are working with at Jacob's Hill, even our bus drivers. The details and logistics are overwhelming....and God has provided for all of them. It is so neat to get to be a part of it.

We had 60-70 children at VBS today, many of which were there waiting for us when we got there. Today we were greeted with hugs and huge smiles. One little girl even said to me, "I don't want it to end, I want to stay longer!" Not all of them feel that way, but just to have one so excited is a blessing. The morning ended with an incredible rain shower. It is the rainy season here and each day around noon, it has rained. Today was no different....it was beautiful.

After VBS, we split up into 2 groups. One group was mostly men and the other was mostly women. The men went to a young men's detention center and the women went to a nursing home. Wow! Talk about out of our comfort zone. And yet, each one of us would say it was a tremendous experience. Sharing the Gospel with some who have never heard the Good News and loving people who aren't frequently loved. The kids who went to the nursing home did a wonderful job of loving the elderly; touching them, holding their hands, hugging them.

When we got back to TTUM, we had about an hour and a half to "recreate!" Some of us went to town and shopped, some swam, some watched cricket while others indulged in my favorite form of recreation, laundry!! I use the term "town" very loosely. The streets are crazy narrow and they drive on the wrong side of the road. It's an adventure getting anywhere. The shops only display about 1/3 of their goods, the rest are behind the counter. You really have to know what you want.....no looking for a good deal. After a delicious dinner of chicken curry, we got to hear the TTUM Steel Drum band. They are so good and really fun to watch. We got to stand all around them and watch them play.....it was a real treat. They will be coming to the US to tour this fall. If you get the chance, go see them. You won't regret it!

For those of you who aren't too familiar with Trinidad, it's gorgeous! The people are colorful and very friendly. The land is lush with plants and flowers. We've seen banana trees, coconut trees, mango trees, cashew trees, almond trees and much, much more!

Please keep praying for us. We truly feel the prayer covering and see God working every day. Pray for our precious VBS kids, that the Lord speaks to them through us and works in their lives. Pastor Ashoke, the Pastor who started TTUM, was saved through missionaries doing VBS about 40 years ago. Pray for our team, that we are sensitive to the Lord's voice and that we continue to have stamina in the heat. Love to all our loved ones....we miss you!

Jennifer Russell
for Team Trinidad 2007

Day 2

Today, Monday, was our first day of VBS on Jacob’s Hill, the village we’ll be at all week. Because of some of our previous experiences with the first day of VBS, we completely expected it to be chaotic and out of control. To our delight, the day was surprisingly calmer than in the past. We were also blessed with a very good turnout for our first day. We had visited the village the previous day, and the “community center” where VBS would be held had inappropriate phrases etc. written on the walls graffiti-style. We were a little concerned about this, but had to work with it, since it was all we had. Later today, though, a group member mentioned that it seemed like a completely different place when it was filled with kids, and it showed us how God can work anywhere in any conditions or circumstances. Another striking thing about VBS was the interest that kids of all ages took in it. We had a craft station, but assumed the teenage boys would steer clear or be obnoxious. To our surprise, the older boys worked meticulously on their crafts, and really enjoyed doing them. This simple realization had a huge affect on the guys in their group (J.T. and Jim).

We also have another neat opportunity regarding our busdriver for the week, Keysure (sp?), who is a Hindu man. We have gotten to have quite a bit of good conversation with him already, and he has decided to bring his daughter to the VBS if she wants to. Please pray the hearts of him and his daughter as we continue to get to know them better this week.

This afternoon we visited two Hindu temples with Pastor Ashoke. For most people, it was their very first time. We saw the 85 foot statue of their monkey god, Hanuman; and naturally, we do not understand how they can possibly worship such a thing. But, as Pastor Ashoke pointed out, their eyes are and have been blinded to the truth. Also, my dad and I were talking later, and he mentioned that the monkey reminded him of the idols we all have. Even though they may not take the form of 85 foot statues, they are idols nonetheless. Then we enjoyed a fantastic, Americanized dinner at Pizza Hut.

Lastly, some other group members and I were talking tonight, and we have decided to challenge ourselves not to use the word awesome when not referring to God, or the words love and hate when referring to things, stuff, etc. The “awesome” idea was brought about Sunday night, when my dad reminded us in his teaching that nothing is truly “Awesome” except God. Also, we realized that love and hate are very strong words, and should not be used frequently. All three of these words tend to lose their value when overused.

And lastly for real this time…it has just been such a blessing to see this eclectic group bonding and enjoying each others’ company. I am so incredibly blessed to be sharing this experience with so many devoted followers of Christ. Continue to pray for us, that we will be glorifying God in all we do, and that Jesus would fill us up so we can pour out to the kids here. Thanks again for your care and support!

Allison & Stephanie
For Team Trinidad 2007

Day 1

To all the praying Saints in the U.S.,

82 checked bags, 41 carry-ons, 23 children, 18 adults, safely arrived in Trinidad at 2am in the morning. We were all set and ready to do God’s work at St. Mary’s Orphanage….but God has other plans for this mission team. We were informed that our group will be doing VBS at Jacob’s Hill, a squatter’s village and government subsidized housing. Today, we got out of our comfort zone, were all divided up into groups, and went door to door inviting children to VBS. We were welcomed by friendly Trinidad smiles and we are anxious to see who God will bring into the graffiti ridden, open air shelter Monday morning. Please pray that we could honor God in all we do and say and that the love of Christ and His gospel would permeate the hearts in this neighborhood.
We were blessed with a confirmation in our returning to Trinidad as we watched “Prince” a child from our first trip in ’03 being baptized and declaring his love for Christ. We are always amazed by God’s faithfulness and we are grateful to witness this celebration. The party continued in the church with worship and communion….communion in the true sense as due to the locals, and 2 mission teams they ran out of cups. Pastor Ashoke first instructed husbands and wives to share cups, then families and as a last resort …any person next to you. What a wonderful problem to have! Scott was asked to give the sermon. He preached Christ and Him crucified.
We covet your prayers:
· for health & safety for the team
· Pray that our team would be unified & content in whatever situation we are placed in this week.
· Strengthening of our Families here and members back at home.

We are really grateful for all your support and prayers! Blessings!

Yvonne & Heidi
for Team Trinidad 2007

We're Off!!!!!

9 months ago, Amy & I wondered if anyone would want to go
9 weeks ago kids were still in school and trip planning was underway
9 days ago we were still missing 9 passports
9 hours ago we were still packing, and at
9AM this morning our flight will leave KC (10:00AM for the St. Louis contingent)

Now, 41 members of Team Trinidad 2007 are on our way to Trinidad..............only by His amazing grace!

Thank you for your prayers thus far. Please pray for safe travels and the opportunity to be a light to those around us even as we fly.

We will begin writing daily updates on Sunday. Jayme Paul, team member on the 2005 team, has agreed to send out a note each day reminding you to view the new blog entry. I will try to have different team members contribute each day to give you a fresh perspective.

With great expectation of all He will do.............


Scott Hickox
For Team Trinidad 2007


Team Members
Tim Nixon
Yvonee Nixon
Camrie Nixon
JT Nixon
Darcie Nixon
Bob Kretsinger
Heidi Kretsinger
Joe Kretsinger
Doug Rogers
Caroline Rogers
Rachel Rogers
Kenneth Rogers
Scott Chapman
Michelle Chapman
Lauren Chapman
Brandon Chapman
Chase Chapman
Caden Chapman
Scott Russell
Jennifer Russell
Ryan Russell
Natalie Russell
Jeff Thornhill
Dana Thornhill
Scott Thornhill
Blake Thornhill
Chad Thornhill
Brent Evers
Cari Evers
Malorie Evers
Joel Barcus
Alyssa Barcus
Don Brown
Mollie Brown
Jim Darter
Stephanie Appleby
Scott Hickox
Amy Hickox
Allison Hickox
Connor Hickox
Cooper Hickox

Welcome Prayer Partners

One week from today we will be in route to Trinidad! Wow!

Your name has been provided by one of our team members as a person who would pray for our trip. We are thrilled to have you as a partner in this work.

Our goal is to update this blog site daily while we are there so that you can keep up with all that God is doing on our trip. Each day, a friend in the US will send a reminder to you to check the site, along with the link. Click on the link for updates. Each day we will send some prayer requests and we would be honored if you would join us in prayer.

We would ask, above all, that you give an Epaphras Effort on our behalf. Paul describes Epaphras' effort in Colossians 4:12, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God." Please pray that we would stand mature and fully assured in the will of God.

Specifically, we would covet your prayers for a few details as we prepare to leave:

• Passports - we still have 6 team members whose passports have not arrived. Pray that God would ensure they arrive prior to our departure on 7/28
• Unity - Pray that our team of 41 would be unified in spirit and purpose, and that His unity would be a witness to those around us
• Compassion - Pray that God would be working in our hearts, giving us compassion for the lost and least of these
• Divine Appointments - Pray that God would ordain situations and opportunities to do ministry

As of right now, the plan is to do VBS every morning in a local orphanage, then spend the afternoons and evenings assisting TTUM (Trinidad & Tobago Urban Ministry) in whatever ministry they are doing.

Thank you so much for joining us on this journey. We believe God has ordained the trip, the team, and the details and we are confident He will accomplish His purpose. We pray that He will be glorified in all we say and do.

For the Sake of His Name in Trinidad

Scott
for Team Trinidad 2007

Introduction

Since I am technoligically challenged - I decided it would be wise to test this "blog" thing before we leave. And believe it or not, we leave for Trinidad in 15 days!

Due to slow internet connection speeds in Trindad, it is not possible to do mass emailings. Therefore, we will use this format to communicate with our prayer partners. Each day we will update the blog, email it to one friend in the US who will then email the link to our entire list of prayer partners. I will be asking several of you to contribute to the writing of our daily blogs while we are there, so be ready.

Two things:

Meeting - Saturday, 7/14, 4-6:30PM Gashland
Passports - Several of our team members are still waiting for passports, so please be in prayer that passports would arrive SOON.

Get me your prayer partners so we can send something out in advance of leaving. See you Saturday.

Scott