August 2021 - Trips-Teams-Travel
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO SERVE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY AND EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW?
I can remember saying “ yes” to my first mission trip to the Dominican Republic when I was just 15 years old! I was full of excitement and ready for adventure in a new culture and place. Little did I know this trio would change my life and would be where the Lord revealed to me that He was calling me to serve people overseas long- term. Back then, I had no idea what that could look like as a career, but now, I have the privilege of serving with Sports Outreach Institute (SOI), as their Trip Coordinator, working to deploy teams f rom churches, universities, businesses, and other groups overseas throughout the year. I love facilitating interested teams to be missionaries in a new context, where they can experience God in a new way— it is such a gift!
Early in 2021 a group f rom the Liberty University Medical School ( Lynchburg, VA) began planning a July trip to serve in medical clinics in Uganda, but on June 6 , 2021 , Uganda’ s President enforced another lockdown due to COVID. At that time, a team of interns f rom Cause 4 Life ( an arm of Joni and Friends based out of CA) was in Northern Uganda, serving alongside SOI staff to conduct counseling and t raining sessions for youth and their families who live with disability. This team adapted to the lockdown protocols and served as best they could under the circumstances. At the same time, due to the new Uganda lockdown, the Liberty University team quickly shifted gears and adopted a new plan— to serve with Humberto Alferez ( SOI El Salvador Director) and the staff and volunteers in El Salvador. Proverbs 16 : 9 comes to mind, “ In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
We trusted the Lord and decided to step out in faith. Little did we know that Humberto had been praying about a medical clinic, feeling that offering medical care could help the El Salvador mission reach the community in a holistic way. This team’ s flexibility to serve in El Salvador instead of Uganda, was the answer to on- going prayer!
The Liberty team raised $ 1 , 000 for supplies for the medical clinics they would be facilitating not only in El Salvador, but also Guatemala and Honduras. During the trip, 720 patients were served with medicines, vitamins, and a generous portion of God’ s love!
Throughout the week the students grew in their faith and saw the relation between physical healing and Jesus being the ultimate Healer of our souls. We exhorted them that practicing medicine without Jesus is only physical care. However, incorporating Christ through prayer or sharing a testimony and/ or the Gospel, encourages the patient on a spiritual level. After all, we want to be a part of long- lasting holistic care that restores hope and transforms lives!
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Sports Outreach is excited that trip teams are once again being sent out— several to Uganda and one to Croatia are planned for later this year. But trips like this, which offer opportunity for ministry and personal spiritual growth, are only possible because of dedicated SOI staff members, suitable places to stay, and reliable transportation to get team members f rom place to place. This month Sports Outreach Kenya has been offered a $ 15 , 000 matching gift to go toward the purchase of a much- needed minibus/ van. Anyone who has been to Africa knows how valuable a t rusted vehicle i s when t raveling to various ministry sites. If supporters like you can help with a gift, we could secure the entire $ 15 , 000 match amount and the Kenya ministry can move forward with buying a vehicle. Future trip takers will be “ on their way” again!
Perhaps you are interested in serving with SOI overseas? Please check out our upcoming trip opportunities and find one you could be a part of!
Serving Together,
Alexa Carlson, Trip Coordinator