Tag: AIM

Where’s Your Heart this Morning?

Kenna Graves:

After being up for thirty-seven hours straight and then getting between twelve to thirteen hours of sleep, I made my way to the kitchen and opened up the screen door. It was empty and quiet and it hit me all over again. My family is no longer here. That’s what you all became to me. You were like my sisters. It was an honor to travel this beautiful country and experience this culture along with some of the most amazing, strong, and hardworking people I know. You’re all part of the reasons Next Steps 2014 was life changing and forever remembered.

Courtney Boyd:

– Sitting in my favorite chair.
– Cuddling with my favorite blanket.
– Drinking from my favorite mug.

I used to cherish the things above, which are on “My Favorite Things” list. And even though these things still warm my heart, they don’t make me feel at home. My heart just isn’t the same after leaving Africa. Looking back, most of those things were simply material. Now my favorite things are not material, rather the little things and moments that helped mold my life.

– I miss sitting under the Africa sky being completely overwhelmed by how beautiful the moon was, and how it was as if I could reach out and pluck it from the galaxy’s abyss.
– I miss cuddling (nugging) with my girls in the “safe space.”
– I miss drinking from my favorite coconuts that I’d freeze beforehand.

Brandi Young:

How weird it was waking up to a cold, quiet house this morning. No sounds of kids laughing through the village, no woman yelling and selling bread, no sound of motorbikes or trucks passing by. Those sounds drove me crazy at 5am in Africa and I never thought I would miss them! But man, waking up to silence; that was hard. Saw the pic my best friend painted me this morning and lost it because it is so, so true.

Where_is_Your_Heart_this_Morning

If it’s true “home is where the heart is” I have a feeling there is a group of young people today with bodies in one continent and hearts at home in another.

by Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

No Money, No Income, But Great Faith – Guest Post

A Guest Post by Brier Scott

The dream began at fourteen years of age when I started to feel the burden for missions tugging at my heart. I remember receiving an AYC flyer and wanting to go so bad on a missions trip, but I was two years too young at the time. I still remember how hard it was for me to wait those two years until I could apply. After what seemed like an eternity, I turned sixteen and was finally old enough. I was technically still too young to go on an international trip since the age restriction was seventeen or up. But, I was determined to go overseas so I went ahead and applied for an international trip anyway. I thought “it’s worth a shot.” I am so glad I did because I indeed was accepted to go to on the AYC Switzerland/Lichtenstein trip.

I applied for this trip with no money saved, no source of income, but with great faith! I just knew God would provide somehow. And He did. I sent out letters, I sang with my guitar at Pikes Place market (in Seattle), and began to make connections with different people through my fundraising efforts. All these things provided some income, but not nearly enough for the amount I needed to raise.  I had never had a job before, but I knew in reality I would need to get one. While I trusted God to provide, I knew I would need to do everything I could to raise the funds for my trip.  So, after applying for a few jobs, it was only about two or three weeks until I got a call back for an interview. I went in for the meeting and started working at Taco Time NW three days later. With that job I was able to raise most all the funds I needed. It was a sacrifice and stressful at times since I worked full-time while trying to stay caught up with full-time online high school and having to miss out on many church-related events. But, I knew that job was a God-given opportunity for me so I was thankful for it nonetheless.

medium_5634567317

However in the midst of God’s blessings and provision, things weren’t always easy. Working at this job was difficult because I was constantly surrounded by poor, worldly influences that began to wear at me. During that time I learned that even though I was taking these God-given opportunities so I could do His work it didn’t exempt me from having to experience trials and trying times. Yes, God provided, but it was up to me to continue to do my best to live righteously and according to His word.

So I went to Switzerland and got to experience the mission field there and I was hooked. I was already anticipating applying for my second trip because I felt the burden so strongly. I think I would have applied for Next Steps if I would have known about it since I felt a burden so heavily for missions, But, then I wouldn’t have had the wonderful opportunity to experience all that I did while in El Salvador. I am so thankful I did.

I had quit my job upon the return from my first mission’s trip so I once again had no money saved, no source of income, but great faith when I applied for my second trip to El Salvador.

Since this trip was not as costly as my first, I raised the majority of my funds through letters and other fundraising methods. But I still didn’t have enough for my third payment. So I did what any reasonable seventeen year old full-time college student would do, I sold my car praying and believing that somehow God would provide other means of transportation for me. I was willing to take the bus to college if I had to (long commute). But God came through for me once again and provided me a new car shortly after and enough funds to get me to El Salvador.

After my second AYC trip, I knew that my missions work was just beginning. I was ready for more, and I felt the call stronger than ever on my life. I didn’t want to settle for another ten day trip, but something more long term to give me a deeper glimpse of what being a missionary is really like. So I went on the AIM website and stumbled upon Next Steps.

I do not think it was by coincidence that I came across this program, but I believe it was by God’s hand and after much prayer and godly council, I made the decision to apply for this trip.

And for the third time (and probably not the last), I had no money saved, no source of income, but great faith knowing that God WOULD provide the financial means for me to go and continue on my journey of fulfilling Gods greater purpose in my life.

God once again, like I knew He would because He did it before, provided me with an excellent job that allowed me to have the time off I needed and that was God’s blessing of meeting my financial means so I could go on Next Steps 2014 in Togo.

photo credit: danielmoyle via photopin cc

by Tags: , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Saying Good-bye Never Gets Easy

Eight weeks has passed for the Next Steps participants in Togo, West Africa. They have been challenged, convicted, convinced, changed, and leave more committed than ever before. Here are a few of the parting words these fine young people.

Abby Mustread:

Today is my final day in Africa. I cannot believe it! These past two months have been absolutely incredible! The memories and friendships made will forever hold a special place in my heart. Today I was honored to attend my final church service in Africa. The service was incredible and I think I spent the entire time in tears as I realized it was good-bye. I will be heading to the airport soon and saying my final good-byes to my fellow next steppers and the Togo team. I know it is going to be one of the hardest things I will ever have to do. I don’t even have the words to describe what these individuals mean to me. Africa has completely changed my life, and I pray that I will return again. I know I am leaving a huge piece of my heart here with these beautiful people.

Alana Killman:

As I say goodbye to all these beautiful smiles and faces, my heart is literally being ripped in two. I have been crying all day, and we still have seven hours until we fly out. My time here in Togo has been the most life changing experience. I am forever changed. I have made lifelong friends, and I have fallen completely in love with working in the harvest field. My passion is deeper, and my vision is greater. Togo, I love you. Revival is sweeping all over this country, and will continue until the Lord comes back. If I never come back to Togo, heaven will be so much better. As I said goodbye, it is not goodbye for good; we will meet again. 

Brandi Young:

Saying goodbye never gets easier. I can’t believe my time in Africa is over. My heart has broken in two again today. I literally don’t think I have another tear to cry. Why does this have to be so hard?! 

Elycia Ruggiero:

I cannot describe what this trip has done for me. To say the least it was life changing. A piece of my heart will always be in Africa whether or not I step foot on African soil again. I will miss all of the next steppers, aimers, and missionaries dearly.

Jessica Green:

Eight weeks was not enough. No time probably would be enough. I’ll miss everything about this place, even the not so pleasant things. But most of all, I’ll miss the people and sweet faces.

image1

Brier Scott:

At the beginning of this Next Steps journey we were told saying “goodbye” wouldn’t be easy, but I never imagined it would be this hard. It seems so surreal that all of it has come to end, but I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of the amazing Next Steps 2014 team. It has truly been a once in a lifetime experience with some of the most incredible people that I know. There are just no words.

Africa has given me a whole new heart for Children.

After this flight I’ll be back in the U.S., but my heart will still be in Africa.

In the midst of tears and on your journey home, take this word from Dr. Seuss:

image2

I love this picture of Courtney Boyd, a creative young lady from Arkansas. Also note the pages out of her journal.

image3

image4

by Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Leaving Footprints in Nations

image1

The future is very bright! I know; you’ve heard the old cliché countless times. By now, it’s probably lost its punch. But, this time it’s so true! Proclaiming those words reveal the global impact we’ve seen, heard, and experienced. What’s our basis? Well, Brother and Sister Howell, Sister Poitras and I have experienced first-hand Next Steps 2014, AYC-Sri Lanka (Howells), and AYC-Ghana (Poitrases), and we assure you the future is very bright. (The old cliché strikes again!) We can tell by looking at the noteworthy caliber and character of participants in these programs that we rubbed shoulders with, prayed with, interacted with, and saw in action reaching their world. They love God, love people, and love each other.

image2

Our general director and his wife, Brother and Sister Howell joined our general youth president and his wife, Brother and Sister Michael Ensey with the twenty-five participants in the AYC group in Sri Lanka. Brother Howell was overwhelmed with the young people as they shared how their trip impacted, challenged, and changed their lives—for eternity. Life challenging!

image3

Then, Brother Howell traveled on to the Next Steps Program in progress in Togo, West Africa. There, twelve Next Steppers, and four AIMers (along with three missionary families), Africa regional director and his wife, Brother and Sister Richardson, with Sister Poitras and I, were involved in the three weeks of cross-cultural and intercultural studies, which is followed by five weeks of extensive practical experience. Pentecost Kids Crusades were held several weekends. Already, at the time of this writing, over ninety have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Five were baptized in Jesus name. Another highlight of the program was a visit to a local orphanage with more than sixty-five kids. Life changing!

image4

Next Steps Ghana (Above)

Brother Howell in Altar Service in Togo (Below)

image5

Here is what one of the Next Steps participants, Courtney Boyd, said in her monthly letter to me, “At the altar call, we were all praying for kids, but then I needed to step away because I got a little overwhelmed and claustrophobic. I stepped with my back against the walls, aka bamboo tied together, and closed my eyes to begin praying. All of a sudden, God’s reverent and holy presence overtook me and I was truly lost in Him, and I fell down on my knees. 

For some reason, I remember opening up my eyes real quickly and right when I looked up I locked eyes with this little girl. She was a few rows away on her knees praying, and as soon as we made eye contact a tear streamed down her face. I motioned for her to come over. So she got on her knees beside me, hands raised, and I began praying over her. Then, praying led to travail. Next thing I knew, her head was nuzzled in my side, and she was speaking in tongues and bawling. I’ll never forget that. EVER. I don’t know her name, but I’ll always remember her and that moment God gave us. This place has humbled me so much more than mere syllables or words could ever portray. I refuse, absolutely refuse, to go home the same.”

Life impacting!

photo

Brother Howell and Brother Kofi Mawusi Preaching the House Down

We left Brother Howell and our missionary team with the group, after program graduation, and rushed to Ghana to meet with the fifty young people that were part of AYC-Ghana working with the Nick Sisco family. On that Friday night, we listened intently to young people as they shared their experiences. One young lady said, “I came to Africa thinking it needed me. What I found was I needed Africa!” In the previous few days twenty-one had received the Holy Ghost. A security guard at one of the hotels was witnessed to by one of the young people. He agreed to be baptized in the hotel swimming pool in the middle of the night. The Book of Acts lives on in the actions of hundreds of young people traveling overseas each summer. In fact, AYC is experiencing their highest enrolment ever this year. It continues to climb each year! Add to that Next Steps and the various districts that send out teams. 

image7

AYC-Ghana Participants (Below)

image8

A pair of new shoes was presented as a going away gift for one of the missionary wives. The question was asked, “How did you know my size?” The answer, “We found your footprint in the sand and measured that.” Hundreds of young people this summer have left their footprints in nations, and nations have left their marks on hearts of hundreds of young people. Life altering!

Someone in the archives of time has said, “A church without young people has no future. A church without old people has no history.” The generations bring together our past, present, and future. History intersects with future producing a glorious hope-filled destiny. Go, General Youth Division! Go, Global Missions! Go, United Pentecostal Church International. Go, taking the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church!

AYC-Ghana Participants

image9

by Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Next Steps Togo – Guest Post

Sixteen young people were heavily involved on our Next Steps program including four AIMers.

Already nearly 100 have received the Holy Ghost.

I wanted to share just one of the reports.

This past month has been the most impeccable time, eye-opening experience, and biggest blessing of my life. What an honor to be here on Next Steps Togo 2014! Not only is it a gorgeous, tropical location. But, the Togo Team is seriously top notch! Hosted by Bro. & Sis. Adams, Bro. & Sis. Sully, Bro. & Sis. Sarsfield, and the awesome aimers Amber Davenport, Logan Blackmon, and Rashe (who’s last name I don’t currently know). Month one down, one more to go in Togo.

10494825_1497654337135387_2245272514691074564_n

Right when I stepped off the plane I realized I wasn’t in Arkansas anymore. It honestly wasn’t at all what I had cracked up “Africa” to be like. I had put it in this little bubble of desert sand everywhere, and the “brush” being common. However, it’s actually a rather beautiful location here! I was greeted with palm trees, a sea of motos, glorious sunsets that Picasso couldn’t even fathom, and constant access to fresh fruit! Simply amazing. And can I just say, the people are the happiest people I’ve ever encountered my whole entire 21 years of existence. I think we all had assumed they’d be sad since they are “poor” in our first-world perspective, but they are full of pure joy. Always smiling, always waving, and saying “Bienvenue, yovos!”I love it here, I really do. So, I can’t really say that culture shock in the way us Americans do with a negative connotation, it was more like, “Thank God, for culture shock because I now know what true happiness and simplistic living really is!”

On another note, the classes were phenomenal! It was seriously so humbling to be able to sit there and listen to tons of real-life, superhero missionaries pour their hearts out to us, and be so personal. Also, I was appreciative that they weren’t all topics we wanted to hear, but all topics we needed to hear. Like the good, the bad, the ugly. It’s necessary to focus on the whole picture, not just the pros of it. And what a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to fellowship with Bro. Howell (no big deal!), The Poitras’ (my faves), The Richardson (whom made me feel at home), and some of the local pastors who are the hands and feet of the work here in Togo. I’ll never forget those classes! Especially when they’d just be teaching, and God’s presence would just sweep over us in such a marvelous way. And hearing all of the Next Stepper’s devotions was so the perfect way to start our days! Oh God is just so good! We’ve all bonded and literally it’s like we’ve all known each other prior to this trip. There is indeed unity in diversity, because we are all here for the same cause. We are family.

The outreach that we’ve done here is by far, my favorite part of the trip. The Kid’s Crusades every Saturday are SO powerful! I can’t even tell you the total number of people getting the beautiful Gift of the Spirit, because its happening left and right. A moment, more like a memorial that I will always have from this trip, was from last week. We went to the “village” church; it was super duper tiny but a load of people to fit. At the altar call, we were all praying for kids, but then I needed to step away because I got a little overwhelmed and claustrophobic. I stepped with my back against the walls, aka bamboo tied together, and close my eyes to begin praying. All of a sudden, God’s reverent and holy presence overtakes me and I was truly lost in Him, and I fell down on my knees. For some reason, I remember opening up my eyes real quickly and right when I look up I locked eyes with this little girl. She was a few rows away on her knees praying, and as soon as we made eye contact a tear streamed down her face. I motioned for her to come over. So she gets on her knees beside me, hands raised, and I begin praying over her. Then, praying led to travail. Next thing I know, her head was nuzzled in my side, and she was speaking in tongues and bawling. I’ll never forget that. EVER. I don’t know her name, but I’ll always remember her and that moment God gave us. This place has humbled me so much more than mere syllables or words  could ever portray. I refuse, absolutely refuse, to go home the same.

So there’s a little sliver of my experience here in Togo. I could honestly right a book, but the connection is decreasing so I must send this now. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this opportunity. Peace + Blessings to you all!

– Courtney Boyd

by Tags: , , , , Leave a comment