Learning to trust in the Lord.

Prov. 3:5

Prior to our trip, we had questions only God could answer and provide.  We prayed for his provision for us to go and he was faithful.

Leaning on his understanding, I have found that he has brought each and every one of us for specific reasons.  Each of us, on our mission team, has brought different gifts for His will.  Each allowing God to use us.

Through the many outreaches we have experienced, I have seen God’s love and his plans unfolding. There have been so many testimonies from the locals when their fears took over during the hurricane, but realized to trust in the Lord, then God provided peace.

One example was when we met with Pastor Hiram Sanchez, who during the storm was trembling with fear and truly thought all was lost, but remembered our Lord, prayed, and received peace beyond all understanding.

His provision is all we need.

Greg Gascon

Another beautiful day in Puerto Rico. I wake up excited for what the Lord has in store for us each day. For me. For those whom the Lord has prepared. It’s a nice but strange feeling to just not have any particular plans and to be ready and available for Jesus. Today we packed about 200 bags with food and paper goods. These are the same ones we helped give out Sunday. I met a woman named Siri (not google!). She was helping us and told me about what it was like after the hurricane. She left with her dog Bali for the mainland before it hit. But her heart is here and she loves the Lord and Puerto Rico. Many people stayed and rode it out. I wonder what I would have done!  I pray the people we visit and help; that more than anything they receive the knowledge and assurance of Jesus no matter what happens in their lives. Adios!

– Julie Rapattoni

Today on our first full day in Puerto Rico we went to the Sunday service at Calvary Chapel Puerto Rico to worship with the believers and see how we can join in their efforts to minister aid and share the love of Jesus with the people of Puerto Rico. Pastor Jason taught on how Jesus gives light and life to us much like the sun gives light and enables life to exist on the Earth.

After the service we were able to join in by helping the church distribute aid packages of food, water and essential items to over 250 people who lined up outside the relief center for help. Our team helped carry bags of goods for the older men and women and shared the love of Jesus.

Later in the day we drove to the town of Humacao where the previous team in 2017 had provided aid. We wanted to make contact again with those people to see what their current needs are. We spent about a half hour at the home of an elderly women named Andrea encouraging her and explaining our plan to return again with a water filter system to allow her to purify water for drinking. Her daughter and a friend were also there from out of town and although initially they seemed guarded about our presence, when we explained our mission and desire to help they were pleased to hear we would return.

We also visited another woman named Angie who was very excited to see us because she remembered how she had been praying for help after the hurricane passed through when the previous team knocked on her door to offer aid. She gave glory to God and encouraged us.

Tomorrow we will return to continue ministering in this neighborhood and distribute water filter kits which are so needed.

John Harrell