Monday, August 5, 2013

Thank You from Team Trinidad



Trinidad!  What a blessing to be part of a mission’s trip to this country; what an incredible honor to be used 
by God to share His message of love and salvation; and what a privilege to partner with those at Trinidad and Tobago Urban Ministries as we infused an unreached community with the Word of God! 
There are many things about Trinidad that we will not soon forget:  fresh mango, mosquitoes, cold showers, Roti, the rainy season, gated properties, colorful homes, left-sided driving, stray dogs, Fry Bake, tamarind, the obvious displays of Hinduism (flags, gods and temples), fearless bus drivers, Nuggle candy bars, our new friend Pastor Bachew, rapper Young Noah, and the smiling faces of many Trinidadians!  It was a tremendous mission’s trip that could be summed up in the use of three words:  relational, adaptable, and economical. 
Relational—We had a group of 36 individuals, ages 8 – 70, with varied abilities, personalities, backgrounds, and experiences.  This was an advantage as we ministered together to people who were equally diverse.  We enjoyed building relationships with one another on the team—getting to know each other and each other’s children at a deeper level.  However, each of us were encouraged to find one or two Trinidadians in whom we could invest and build a rapport, so we sought out some of the same individuals each day.  As relationships were established, we were able to speak to their personal needs as well as their mutual need for Jesus.   Building these relationships gave us a stronger platform for speaking about Christ and deepened our experience in Trinidad, but made it made leaving difficult!   After exchanging hugs, pictures, and contact information, we left Trinidad with images of our new friends imprinted on our minds and a burden to continue praying for spiritual growth in these newfound friends.  We will also remember to pray for TTUM as they continue to minister in that community.

Adaptable—From the beginning of our preparations to the end of our trip, flexibility became our mantra.  While we thrive on organization and scheduling at home, being flexible in Trinidad was a necessity.  Due to rain, instruments getting lost on the flight to Trinidad, folks operating on “island time”, equipment not ready when expected, tent locations being moved, food poisoning, adjustments in sleeping arrangements, carting all VBS supplies to the site each day, guest musicians not showing up when expected, etc. we needed to adapt and move forward with whatever was taking place at the moment.  We were over-prepared and ready to be used if called upon—not knowing what would be needed—and found that we could relax in the knowledge that God would be ordering our steps each day.  We were obviously not the ones in control!

Economical—One of our team members commented on the efficiency of our trip.  We were able to use our resources, our time, and our team members in a most economical manner.  Each day was filled with ministry and an appropriate amount of rest.  Our mornings were spent with children at VBS, our afternoons were devoted to mercy ministries—young men at a detention center, folks in elderly homes, and children in an orphanage—and our evenings were spent at the crusade meetings with adults and children alike.  With a variety of gifts and abilities among our team, each member was able to participate in these ministries according to their strength.  The money we raised was also used in an efficient manner as Bibles were purchased and given away, t-shirts, crafts and snacks were given to children, supplies were purchased to take and develop photos of families, buses were rented to drive us where we needed to go, some of our own clothing, sheets and supplies were left with the mission, along with all extra money to be used for the ongoing ministry of Trinidad and Tobago Urban Ministries.   

“I’m forever grateful, to youI’m forever grateful for the cross
I’m forever grateful to You.  That you came, to seek and save the lost.”

The lyrics of this song speak of Jesus’ gift to us—for which we are most grateful.   We are indeed forever grateful!  Grateful first and foremost to God who gave His Son, for the privilege of being His ambassadors, for the blessings of growing as we serve, and for the prayers and financial contributions of you who made it possible to serve Him in Trinidad.  We are sincerely thankful.

With a grateful heart, Team Trinidad


(written by Tammy Shondelmyer)