Overboard!

God's Creation

Words cannot describe the beauty of what we saw on Friday. Pictures don't do justice, either. But pictures will have to do.

The View Above Ponce

We finished up some work today and headed up to the cross above Ponce, Puerto Rico. Check it out!

The cross high above Ponce

A view from the top of the cross

If you look closely you'll see the letters LAC. This took just over 7 minutes. Bethany almost killed everyone. 

A Divine Encounter

After a hard day’s work yesterday we took a walk to the town square for ice cream. While in the square Nate Bond met a guy named Adrian, and Adrian didn’t have enough money to buy something to eat. A few of us walked over to Burger King (the have BK in Ponce!) with Adrian to minister to him however we could. Just when you feel as though you are in position to minister to someone, God flips the script and beautiful things happen. Nate asked Adrian if he had a bible with the thought in mind that he would give up his own. Adrian said he did have a bible, and he asked Nate to turn to Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” But Nate didn’t read the verse… because he had it memorized! Joshua 1:9 just so happens to be Nate’s favorite bible verse!

We took some time to pray for Adrian and returned to our dorm. And as we worked today it’s hard not to think about our divine encounter last night and have Hebrews 13:2 floating around in our heads: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Puerto Rico Day 3

Welcome to Day 3! It feels like we just got here! This was our last day of VBS and our last full day of construction on the mission house. The highlight of today's VBS was a visit from the local fireman who cooled everyone off with his hose. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to minister to the children of Ponce. Work at the mission house today consisted of more work under the house on the floors, and interior walls continue to go up. The work is challenging in the heat, but rewarding when progress is seen.

Tomorrow will be a half day of construction and a fiesta in the local park. Pray that we will finish strong!

The VBS gang taking a break

On our way to explore Ponce

The Ponce Fire Department hoses down the kids!

Water War at VBS!

Tristan joins one of the locals

These three spend most of the day under the house

Drew vs. Spaghetti

Stay Tuned...

Tomorrow's post will feature a video of Drew snorting a spaghetti noodle and pulling it out of his mouth. Seriously.

Day 2!

It's been a busy day of VBS, work, and play. So enjoy this quick picture post!

 Bethany made a friend!

 Tristan made a friend!

 All of the walls on the inside of the house... are now

outside of the house!

 Hanging out during a lunch break

 El Groupo!

Elise, Janae, and KP enjoy a late night frozen treat

Puerto Rico Day One

After a quick night of sleep we woke this morning ready to be the hands and feet of Christ! Thirteen members of our team were assigned to do Vacation Bible School. This consists of a bible lesson, arts and crafts, music, and games. The children of Ponce are full of energy! We had about 25-30 children join us today. The other five members of our team went to do construction work on a local mission house. Austin was under the house repairing the floor, Drew and Nate were inside the house tearing out all of the walls and putting up new ones, and Mike and Janae painted the exterior of the house. Tonight we'll have chapel at 6:45 and spend some time getting ready for what tomorrow brings. Please pray that we will continue to grow closer as a group, and that the light of Jesus will shine through us! 

 The VBS Crew

The Work Crew

 We find a little time to play!

The church where we do VBS, meals, and chapel

Hey! We're in Puerto Rico!

We've arrived safely in San Juan and vanned our way to Ponce! Thank you to all of those who have been praying for us as we travel. Tonight we will have orientation at 8:00 pm and hopefully get a good night sleep because tomorrow is a full day of Vacation Bible School and a repairing walls at the local mission. In the meantime, here are some travel pics...

We made it through security @ BWI!

After months of anticipation, it's almost time for us to travel to Ponce, Puerto Rico! If you are crazy enough to set your alarm to pray for us we'll be on the road @ 4:30 am. YIKES! Pray that God will give us the energy and focus to be the hands and feet of Christ on such little sleep. Puerto Rico, here we come!

Meet the Team!

Our Team...

Puerto Rico Team

Jason Raymond Snyder - Leader
Renee Kay Kirkpatrick - Leader
Michael Bennett Julian - Leader
Kathryn Janae Herr- Leader
Abigail E. Julian – 9th Grade
Callie Fisher – 9th Grade
Bethany Gehman – 10th Grade
Kiersten Hatch – 10th Grade
Elise Adriana Jones – 10th Grade
Nicole Anderson – 10th Grade
Emily Castor - 10th Grade
Kali Morgan Landis - 11th Grade
Preston Gaines - 9th Grade
Pierce Mackenzie Landis - 9th Grade
Tristan Davidson - 9th Grade
Andrew Buchanan - 10th Grade
Nathan Bond – 11th Grade
Austin Hatch – 12th Grade

Please pray for us as we prepare together for our trip.
Thanks so much...
Stay tuned, more to come soon!