It Was My First Mission Trip

"I am just a guitar player...what do I have to offer a HH Builders' Mission Trip?"

It was exciting to say that "I am going on a HH Builder's Trip to the Ukraine." Not bad for a fi rst timer I thought... It could have been worse, like Cleveland or something, (just kidding, I was born there and I love Cleveland). Anyway, as it got closer, all this doubt and even a little fear crept in. I thought, "I am a guitarist. Music is what I have done my entire life. I have traveled the world". Those words led me to create a million reasons why I should cancel and stay home. It especially got tough at night the last two weeks before we left. That's when all the garbage and self doubt came into my head. "What do I have to offer on a Builders Missions Trip? I can't even hammer a nail into a 2x4 without bending it." Wow – did I ever learn after being a part of this trip, that with God, we have everything to offer!! It doesn’t matter who we are or what we do for a living. God just wants our commitment and willingness to serve. He wanted mine.

People in the Ukraine have touched my heart in ways I could never have imagined. I met some amazing people in the Ukraine who love God mightily! I was truly blessed sitting in a church the fi rst Sunday after we had arrived. It was so amazing to me to be 5000 miles from home and see people worshiping God in a language that I didn't understand. Even so, I felt very much a part of their service. I felt God’s presence, big time.

I was so inspired by Yuri. It is evident that God has His hand on this man's life...in a mighty way. I’ve had only a few encounters in my life when I've met someone with so much passion. He truly loves God and gives his whole being to serve HopeHouse because he sees lives directly changed as a result of this ministry. The stories of how God has led him to HH families and HH properties are truly amazing.

My life has been changed forever because of this trip, the people and experiences in the Ukraine and I’m going back with a team in May, 2006. I pray that in the future, lots of men will respond and join a HH Builder's Team so they can experience what I did. God will bless their lives!!

 

HopeHouse exists so that Orphans in Ukraine can become adopted by Christian couples within their country. Adequate housing is a barrier for most citizens and it is a government prerequisite for adoption. HopeHouse enables adoptions by addressing adequate housing needs which results in three or more children being given a family and a future.