The Church team from Northern Minnesota

Laying out the foundation for the goat .

 Are short term mission teams effective? Would it be more profitable for them to send the money that they spent to come, directly to the mission on the field? Our answer is that is depends on how this 2 week trip is done. If it is done well it can be used as a huge encouragement on the field and help to push the gospel further. We think it is important that it is not simply busy work and not simply just exposure into a different culture. It is an opportunity to come alongside the local people and add to the community. It also can be a blessing to the missionaries by letting them know they are not alone.

This church who came rose to the occasion. The were able to build a new goat house on the farm and paint the two dormitories inside and outside as well as put up the ceiling boards inside. They worked side by side with the interns as well as the farm workers. We drank chai together using the Momma goats milk and ate lunch together everyday.

We have been getting an abnormal amount of rain lately. One morningas we were driving to the farm there was rushing water in the dry river beds. I have never seen water in them, they are usually very sandy and I need four wheel drive to pass them. On this day we had to dig certain sections to make the road as we went along. The team also stopped to help a donkey cart get out of the mud. Despite all of the challenges the love of Jesus was able to be brought out to the village at the farm. The people see that Americans can give up their time and work to come to the semi desert and be available to serve. Why would anyone choose to do this? It is because of Jesus transforming our lives and as a believer we want all to know His power and hope that is found in Him.

On a personal level, I richly enjoyed spending time with the ladies that came. We laughed at funny pranks they have done in the past. I listened to their journies both the pains and losses as well as the celebrations of life. They listened to me as I got to share about what has been happening in my life as well as what has been happening in my friendships here in gtown. I appreciated their own experiences. I appreciated them letting me talk their ears off. I am amazed at how the Lord can bring us together from opposite ends of the world.

As they have returned back to the States the processing will begin. We pray that God will have used this time to stir their hearts there. We are praying for them and as they said goodbye to us they promised to be praying for us and the people here. What a joy the body of Christ is, United.

Minnesota team with farm workers.

Interns.

Lots of painting.

Children are included in the painting process .

This is the amazing Mom of one of our former interns. It is her 3rd time coming.

After all the vegetables were harvested for the day, the farm workers would join in with painting.

Chai time.

Making the road after the huge amounts of rain.

Welding the finishing touches of the goat house .

Our family from the Far East helping out.