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NINA HARNARINE
Guyana Mission Trip
On April 26, 2004 I departed on an adventure
of a lifetime. Myself and approximately 34 other
students from the Crawford Adventist Academy
band and choir set off to Guyana for one week.
This was my first mission trip and I didn’t
know what to expect, but I trusted that God would
guide me in my efforts to make a difference.
We stayed in Georgetown, which is the capital
of Guyana. We visited local schools, churches,
the city hall, and the Canadian Embassy. We witnessed
to them through music.
The part of the trip that left a lasting impression
on my heart was when we attended a SDA church
in Sophia. There, we handed out the donations
we had collected. People got word that this church
was giving away children’s clothing and
school supplies. People came from near and far.
I mean, people walked for miles in their bare
feet, with hardly anything on their backs to
get these supplies. It ended up that over 500
children came to collect items. We did not expect
nearly half as much of these children to show
up, but God provided for them, miraculously enough.
There was one boy that stood out in my overall
experience in handing out donations. He had walked
with his sister for miles and when someone handed
him a bag of supplies, he said he didn’t
want anything, but to instead give his portion
to his sister.
Another part of the Guyana Youth-to-Youth Mission
Trip that left an imprint in my heart was when
we visited the orphanages. As soon as the children
saw a glimpse of a new face they immediately
threw their arms around us. These children craved
affection. One boy that I played with did not
speak to me the entire time I spent with him,
but when I told him I had to leave he would not
let go of me and as soon as I let go of him he
cried and cried.
The days were very long, but we went to sleep
with a smile on our faces knowing that we had
touched lives. God truly blessed me through this
Mission Trip. I have a completely different perspective
on life now. Here in Canada, many things are
readily available to us and we take these things
for granted. Many of these children were so ecstatic
to see us, and yet they have nothing. This taught
me to be more thankful for all the blessings
God was bestowed upon me and continues to bestow
upon me.
Mission Trip to Mexico
Last year when the music department of Crawford
Adventist Academy announced we were going on
a Mission Trip to Mexico City this year, there
was no doubt in my mind that I was going. I could
not miss out on another opportunity to touch
other’s lives and draw them closer to the
ultimate Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.
We will be departing April 23, of this year
for one week. This year, in Mexico City with
the help of ADRA the CAA band and choir will
focus on the underprivileged and street youth
in Mexico City.
I strongly believe that everyone should experience
one mission trip in their life. I guarantee you
that it will change your life and God will allow
you not only to bless others, but also you yourself
will receive a blessing.
To support Nina or for
more information, please contact
Pastor Pule. |
