It was our first night in Atlanta Ga and we were already sent out to start our ministry in the downtown area of Atlanta. It was about nine o' clock when the Israel group began our adventure to minister to the homeless on the streets. It was a Friday evening and surprisingly the streets weren't crowded or full of people. We began by praying for effectiveness in our ministry and to help lead people to Christ.
We encountered a homeless man in a wheel chair who had been in the military all his life. We felt the need to witness to him and pray for him. After speaking to him for a few minutes, we learned that he didn't care to hear about Jesus or to be prayed for. Our team then regrouped to pray feeling frustrated and rejected. We were eager to get the word of God out on the streets but we were being refused.
Just at that moment a homeless woman named Aisha walked right up to our group and started a conversation. She explained that she was pregnant with twins and needed prayer and help. We spoke to her about Jesus and prayed that God would undertake for her. We also gave her a few dollars because she was hungry.
It was great to know that we may have impacted a women who desperately needed Christ. Not only did she need Christ but Aisha also wanted to know Christ. My team and I were left with a sense of hope for the homeless people of Atlanta. I pray that throughout this summer the Lord will bring us people that need to be reached in Israel as he brought Aisha to us.
Hey there everyone! So, the trip is just a week away! I'm soooo excited! I feel so strongly that God has indeed led me to be a part of this Israel team, and He never makes mistakes! However, I am still in great need of quite alot of financial support! I was wondering if y'all wouldn't mind to say a little prayer for me and for my support to flood in over this neek week! I have faith, and I know that God is completely in control of everything! I have no doubts that He can cause the support to come in! Please please please pray! Thanks guys! I continue to pray for each of you and for what God is going to do on this trip! I can't wait to meet you all!
Hi team! T-15 days until training camp! ARE YOU READY??? Over the past few days this office has come alive with people getting ready for the upcoming camps and trips. What that boils down to is this: WE ARE READY FOR YOU!! And what's more: GOD IS READY FOR YOU! Not in two weeks. Not when you get to Georgia or Israel. RIGHT NOW. We (Nick and I) talked today and are in total agreement - God has some big plans this summer for this team. For you. Doesn't that excite you?! Our God is wanting to move in us, move around us and among us. He is in our midst! Embrace it! Praise Him for it!!
I have a confession: It's hard to write a blog about logistics when all I want to do is celebrate and dream together and praise God for His activity in our lives. But the true reality is this: not only is He doing wonderful things in each of our lives at this moment, but He's also arranging some incredible ministry opportunities for us in Israel. Want to hear the latest??? Check out this story from an Israeli news source:
If I were the kind of person to have heroes, T would be one of them. At the age of 23, she has just had her third child, a first girl after two boys. She's a refugee from South Sudan who lived in Egypt for a while, until there too life became unbearable. Almost two years ago, she walked across the border from Sinai into Israel, together with her husband S, in the search of a better life for their children. They carried the boys through the night, fearful of being caught by Egyptian soldiers or abandoned by the Bedouin smugglers to whom they had paid a large sum of money to guarantee their safe crossing. They are devout Christians. According to S, they prayed, and their prayers were answered.
Neither T nor her husband is expecting any favors or welfare from the state, all they want is safety for a while, for themselves and for their children, until they can go back to South Sudan. While in Israel, all they want is the chance to support themselves, to work for a living, like everyone else. In the meantime, despite the dire situation, and against all odds, they are optimistic that God will help. (Florentine Lempp)
That help will come this summer in the form of 18 Americans/Canadians on a month-long trip. As we step into the great work that God is already doing among the Sudanese refugees in Israel, we will be a part of everything from outreach to children and high schoolers to feeding and encouraging the homeless. Refugees like T and S number over 3,000 in Israel now. They face racism, unfair housing costs, food shortages, prison, lack of help from either government or individuals, and an overwhelming sense of abandonment and loss of hope. Thankfully, we have a Father who is just, and who loves these people more deeply than they will ever know. This summer God will
hold these people with our arms,
wash their feet with our hands
extend His heart of love through our smiles
teach them His truths through our mouths
remind them that He has heard them through our ears.
And oh, how He has heard them!!!
I encourage you guys to spend some time this week researching the conflict in Sudan and why they are forced to flee. Let's be as knowledgeable as we can about the situation these people face. See you all very, VERY soon.
Hey guys I'm Kody. I'm 19 and I'm from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Random stuff about me... well I love music, Bright Eyes, fun., The Format, Noah and the Whale all so very good.I love skiing more than i can explain to you, I love Photography, coffee and people. I seriously cannot wait to meet all of you. But to more important things.. I graduated almost a year ago from The Classical Academy a charter school here in the Springs. I grew up in church my whole life but during high school I drifted away from God and where I should have been. After graduating I worked anywhere from 8 to 12 hours everyday at a local coffee shop and decided to take a year off from school. During this time I was very depressed and with all my friends gone it was me and God and I came to the end of my rope. Long story very short I ended up going to India on a 3 month Real Life trip (with Nick Hines actually, Holla at cho boy Nick! jk I'm not ghetto...) this is where I became so much closer with God than I have ever been and he told me that I am called to full time missions. So here I am, I know God has called me to this trip and Israel but I don't know why yet. I know he will show me eventually but for now I am excited to meet all of you and I'm praying for you! we will be seeing each other soon!
Hey there fellow teammates! I can't wait to meet all of you very soon! I'm Joy! I am from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and I am currently a senior here at Western Kentucky University, but I won't be graduating till next May. Just a few random facts about myself....I will be turning 22 on June 1st. I'm a very outgoing and outdoorsie type of person, if it involves being outside and interacting with people, then I'm sure that I'll love doing it. I'm a double major in biology and anthropology. Horses are a big hobby of mine, along with international photography. I enjoy playing just about any sport, and I'm an absolute baseball fanatic! I was basically raised around all guys, so I kind of grew up as a tomboy. And I will be an aunt for the first time come August. :)
I was saved by God's grace at the age of 5 and was later baptized that same year. I am kind of late comer to this Israel team, but I am so incredibly excited about this amazing opportunity to go share God's love to those in Isreal. I felt that God was wanting me to get involved in missions somehow this summer, but I wasn't sure exactly where! As I was searching for mission opportunities on the internet, God lead me to adventures.org, then on to the Isreal trip. I knew immediately where I needed to be this summer. I have had a heart for the people of Israel ever since my journies to there in 1996 and '98. God has placed a special place in my heart for the people of Isreal. It saddens me to think that His own people don't believe that His Son, Jesus, was the Messiah that they have been awaiting. In July of 2006, God called me to serve Him in the area of international missions when I complete my schooling. God has blessed me with the opportunity to be able to visit 11 countries over the last 14 years. Everytime to step foot in a foreign land, God continues to remind me of my purpose here on Earth, to share His gift of salvation with those of other tribes and tongues. I have an evergrowing passion to share God's love with those around the world, especially those of the Middle East and Caribbean. Since my surrendering to God's calling, Satan has been constantly throwing obstacles in my path to try to discourage me. In 2007, I had a family tragedy occur in which I got very angry with God over. At that point, I started to backslide and go downhill very quickly. Over the next two and a half years, I remained angry with God and was unable to forgive a close family member of mine. From first hand experience, bitterness will eat you up from the inside out. I literally hit rock bottom. I had no where to look, but up to God. He never left my side, and even though I stayed mad at Him, He was still always there to protect and provide for me. A few months ago, my life took a 180 degree turn in the right direction. I started to get my life back on track, and I began to grow closer to God than I had ever been. I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him in my life, I definitely would not have made it to where I am today. He keeps me strong when I am weak, and He keeps me going when I feel like I can't go any further. He's my best friend. God is in ultimate controll of everything, and I know that He has a purpose and a plan for the occurences in my life over the last 3 years. I've learned that sometimes we try to hold onto things that even God Himself is trying to tear apart and get out of our lives. Through this experience God has taught me awesome things about His unconditional love, mercy, grace, loyalty, and forgiveness. I praise Him for who He is and what He has done in my life.
I know that God has a purpose for placing each and everyone of us on this missions team heading to Isreal. As stated in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future." I can't wait to see how God moves through us and uses us to spread His gospel to those we come in contact with. I know that God will bless this trip to Israel in ways that we never would have imagined. I can't wait to meet all of y'all very soon, and I'm even more excited about being able to share this experience with y'all in Israel! I'm praying for each of you, and I'll be seeing y'all very soon!
Below you will find critical information concerning your Training Camp. READ CAREFULLY. Once you understand all the information below, you can arrange your travel plans and enter that information into yourprofile. If you have questions, do not hesitate to communicate with us in the Admissions Department.
TRAINING DATES: June 4 - 8, 2010
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Training will take place in Gainesville, GA.
Arrival by flight - June 4, between 1pm and 3pm in Atlanta, GA.
ARRIVE before 3pm. AIM Staff will meet you at the Atlanta Bread Company. Follow signs or ask airport employees to direct you to the Atrium and we will be the big group outside Atlanta Bread Company. We'll also have on AIM t-shirts.
The AIM bus will leave the airport promptly at 5pm. There is no cost to you for this shuttle.
Remember, air transportation often includes delays, therefore plan ahead for the unexpected and allow ample time between gate arrival, baggage claim and transportation pickup. You can expect it to take two hours from the time your plane arrives to the time you are ready to leave. Therefore, be sure your flight arrives BEFORE 3pm.
We understand that travel to and from training camp can often meet with hiccups along the way. If anything concerning your travel changes, please have these phone numbers handy to let us know.
• Adventures in Missions Office Line - 770-983-1060 770-983-1060 x 233 or ask for Laura Jacobs
Also please make sure that your profile page includes the phone number where we can reach you during your travel.
We realize that flight schedules are not always ideal. Plan on arriving earlier rather than later.
Check out kayak.com for a great airline search engine. Do not hesitate to ask for directions and help from any airport employees. This will become a vital part of your travel experience!
Arrival by car - June 4, Atlanta Bread Company, Atlanta Airport Atrium
ARRIVE between 1pm and 3pm. Please do not come before that as staff may not be available to welcome and direct you.
Flights back home
You may book you flight ant time after 9am!
Here is what your flights look like;
Depart Arrive
Atl on June 8th @ 10:15p Israel on June 9th @ 5p
Israel on July1st @ 11:35p Atlanta on July 2nd @5:50am
Remember it takes a bit of time to get through customs in Atlanta, so you need to be sure to book your flight at 9am or later. If someone is picking you up make sure it is around two hours after you arrive!
About the excitement of meeting each of you on the day after that.
About the work we'll be doing in Israel.
About the people we'll meet and the divine moments that we'll encounter.
About the victories and rejections that will spring from such interactions.
About the condition of our hearts, and the hearts of those who don't [yet] know Him.
About the last time I was in Israel, and how I tried so hard to "do everything I could do" to "pursuade" someone that this is the Truth they should walk in.
And in my thinking, I came across this verse. It's from Isaiah chapter 56:
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to Him, to love the NAME of the LORD, and to be His servants, those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer...for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.
The LORD God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares, "I will gather yet others to Him besides those already gathered."
Tonight that verse serves as a fresh reminder of a very important truth in our lives: it is God who does the calling, the turning of hearts, the gathering. Our aim in Israel, and anywhere else, is not to "win souls." God's got that part covered, too. He only asks that we pursue His glory, that our whole lives would exist for that very purpose, for in doing so we will find those around us eternally affected.
Let's pray now for God to be preparing the hearts of the people we will encounter, so that when we follow God's call to Israel in an effort to radiate His glory there, souls would gravitate towards the Truth they see in us. Oh pray that in all our messiness and brokeness there would be a beauty that shines much greater than our humanity. Pray that they would see Him!
Hi everyone! My Name is Elissa Holland and I live in Bixby Oklahoma, which is a suburb of Tulsa. I'm only 18 years old so it looks like I will be our little baby girl on the trip! :) I love spending time with friends and family and my relationships with others are very important to me. I also love to write and listen to music! I will just be finishing High School when we all finally meet and I will attend Tulsa Community College in the fall. I'm an English major as of now, but I am still waiting to see where The Lord will take me. I know that His plans are great for all of us and I can't wait to see where my life will go!
I have been involved in missions basically since my birth. My parents were missionaries in The Ivory Coast, West Africa and that is where i spent the first 8 years of my life along with my older brother and sister. We moved back to America in 2000 and I have lived here in good ole' Bixby ever since. My dad is now the pastor of outreach and missions at my church and we are active members. I am so fortunate to have parents that instilled Christ's love into my heart at such a young age, but I finally started to feel everything for myself when i was in middle school and that is when my relationship with Jesus truly began. Now I have found such peace and joy as I learn and discover more about The Lord and His greatness. Oh isn't it wonderful! I have had my ups and downs but God has always stuck by my side through it all and I cannot praise Him enough!
So how did I end up on a trip to Israel? Well I tried to fight my call into missions for a long time because I didn't want it to be something that I did just following in my parents' footsteps. However, a mission trip to New York City in the summer of 2008 changed it all. I realized my passion for Urban Ministry and for serving others! When I finally decided to stop fighting God, I realized that I will have a life dedicated to missions! I was seeking out a way to minister overseas for the first time since I lived in Africa and I stumbled upon Adventures In Missions. I checked out a lot of different trips and even other organizations, but for some reason the trip to Israel was constantly popping up. It seemed to be jumping out of my computer screen! I took it as a sign that Israel is where God wants me to be. Since then, I am constantly aware of how many experiences i have that deal with Israel in some way. This is clearly the trip for me!
I am so excited to get to know you all and serve God with you! I know it is in His plan that we are all on this trip together and I can't wait to make lasting friendships, while learning more about Jesus and sharing his love with Israel! Look forward to seeing you all soon!
Hi everyone! My Name is Elissa Holland and I live in Bixby Oklahoma, which is a suburb of Tulsa. I'm only 18 years old so it looks like I will be our little baby girl on the trip! :) I love spending time with friends and family and my relationships with others are very important to me. I also love to write and listen to music! I will just be finishing High School when we all finally meet and I will attend Tulsa Community College in the fall. I'm an English major as of now, but I am still waiting to see where The Lord will take me. I know that His plans are great for all of us and I can't wait to see where my life will go!