Honduras Wrap Up

This is a final wrap up from our days in Honduras. God certainly blessed the team big time, and while it certainly was a humbling experience, it was a privilege to serve in this way.  We're sitting in Houston right now, and will catch a flight home in a couple hours.

Thursday was our final stop in the village of Por Vienta. The well is finished! The pump was cleaned, assembled, and then put in place. Plenty of excitement as everyone gathered around in anticipation.

The kids swarmed the bus upon arrival, looking for the footballs and Frisbees, but we held back as it had rained overnight making everything muddy and we had work to be completed quickly. Jen instead entertained the kids, making balloon animals while we got the well hand pump installed. Even some of the adults waited in line for their balloons.

As soon as the pump was operational, the community held a dedication ceremony. Lots of pictures were taken…first the men from the village who worked hard on this project, then the Living Waters Honduras Team, then our Cedarbrook Team, then the women from the village, then ALL the children. Alfredo gave a quick talk (at least for his standards…he said he cut it short as rain was starting to fall) giving thanks to God for answered prayers. Proper use and hygiene was explained once again, to provide a safe, clean source of water for years to come. Lew gave a few quick words, thanking the community for welcoming us into their homes and lives so warmly, and for giving us this opportunity to serve them. A community representative then spoke, showing very genuine appreciation for the gift God provided them. Joe also gave a few words…and managed to get through it without choking up too bad (while the rest of us had tears running down our faces.) We all received personalized certificates in appreciation for our efforts, which seem so futile in comparison to the blessings we all received.

Following the ceremony, we had lunch in the same home where the yard was utilized for the hygiene training all week. Needless to say…we grew very fond of that family. Grandma Gilda Rose (who is 80) is a women very strong in her faith, and been very specifically praying for a well for decades. She’s raising 7 grandchildren, who are the most gracious, loving children you will ever meet. After a great lunch of chicken, vegetables, rice and tortillas, and fresh squeezed orange juice…the majority of the community gathered outside to say goodbye. It was very difficult for the entire team to get on the bus and on our way.

We started heading back towards La Ceiba, staying at the Canadian Hotel in Sambos Creek. It didn’t take us long to get checked in, and onto the Caribbean beach. It was very cloudy and windy, so the surf is roaring. After getting pounded in the surf a bit, we relaxed next to the pool.

Friday brought a day of R&R…although for some of us, it didn’t seem like much of either! With continued rough seas, snorkeling was out so the entire team headed for the jungle canopy zip line. It turns out that a good number of us have a fear of heights. Joe and Rita elected to watch…although it seemed more like pointing and giggling. Lori was nervous for the first (of 15) runs, and then had a blast. Jen…well let’s just say her body is still sore from shaking so much, but she conquered her way to the bottom Charl has 2 bad shoulders, so she received her own personal guide all the way down. Lew has done this before, and tried spinning on a couple runs…and has a damaged finger to show for it. The rest of us really enjoyed the experience. The scenery was beautiful, starting out with great ocean views, and continuing as we zipped through and above the trees. Natural hot springs flow out of the mountain about ½ way down, so after completing the zip line, we rode the truck back up to that point to enjoy the beauty and splash in the warm waterfalls flowing down.

After relaxing for a bit at the hotel, we were picked up to head into La Ceiba for some souvenir shopping. We started a small local shop, and then ended up at the mall (which really isn’t different than the U.S.) A Chinese restaurant was the destination for supper, then we headed back to the hotel.

Saturday was travel day, and we started by 6 am to head to the airport. Check in was pretty quick, minus a few items that didn’t make it into carry-on luggage. They went thru things VERY thoroughly

It’s hard to believe that more than week has gone by already. The team really came together in everything that we did, and we bonded well almost immediately with Lew and Rita, and Emelio, and Yadira. While we certainly took our work seriously, it’s the relationships that will remain in our memory. And we had fun…lots of fun. Rita commented that this is the most she’s laughed on a mission trip ever, and they do at least 10 trips a year. We all can’t wait until the next time!

Thanks for all your love, support, and prayers. This wouldn’t be possible without such a strong team sending us.  And Bev...Gary says no rice or beans for at least the next month...

Signing off from Chincha

The Peru Team is assembled in the lobby of Hostal Legas in Chincha ready to board the bus to Lima.  We finished our ministry time on the work site yesterday by standing up the walls for the new ´casita´ for Grandma Marie.  It was privilege to stand together with her inside the walls of her new home and have her share how much she was looking forward to the safety and comfort of her home that would be passed on to her children and grandchildren after she was gone.

We really regret that we weren´t able to post pictures for you on the blog ... our computer connection just wouldn´t handle it.  But, you can certainly look forward to seeing as many as you want in the days to come.  Phil led the charge with memory cards full of pics!

Saying goodbye to our Peruvian co-workers and new Peruvian families was done in typical upper midwest fashion.  We think that there were at least 3 goodbyes ,... with handshakes, hugs and plenty of tears!  Even our translator, Joel, got a Yellow Bear hug from Dave!

Today we shop in the Indian Market in Lima for warm Alpaca hats and sweaters ... (it will be kinda weird doing that in 80+ degree heat ... but we´ll probably need them when we get back, huh?

Our flight leaves Lima at 1:20 AM tonight (Sunday morning) and we will arrive in Atlanta about 8 AM and Minnepolis about noon on Sunday.

We´ve all truly had some life changing experiences here ... undoubtedly, none of us will ever be the same after serving God here.  Part of our hearts will remain with Felix, Raul, Rafa, Lucho and Joel.  And we´re surely bringing some of their passion for living for Jesus back with us!

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!!  Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers and sending us to serve these beautiful people for the Glory of God!

Blessings from the Peru Team

Thursday in Honduras

We´re in a new location for the next couple days, and am having issues with internet, so this will be the last post until we return home.

The well is complete!  The people of Por Vienta are absolutely thrilled.  Saying goodbye was very difficult for us, as well as the people we´ve come to love.

Tomorrow, most of the team will be doing a jungle zipline.  The Caribbean is very rough, so snorkeling won´t be working out.  If you can hear someone screaming like a schoolgirl...don´t worry...it´s just Joe.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.  This has been a wonderful experience for all, and we can´t wait to return here.

Rita and Lew lets us know over dinner...we´re welcomed back with open arms.

Catch up!

Tonight we are going to catch you all up on what has happened the past two days.....last night we did not return to the hostel until 10 p.m. and we were wayyyy too tired to even look at a computer let alone actually try to type anything remotely coherent (smile).....

Okay - so, yesterday we had an extremely productive day!!!  We all felt great, although exhausted, after our work day.  We pour the foundation for Grandma Maria's house (with a red tint so her floor will be red and her house will be painted the same lime green as her granddaughter's home....).  We also poured the floor and patio for the first house we started working on.  Just realized we never explained who is getting this house.....it is a single father with three children - two of whom he is raising himself after his wife abandoned him taking the third child with her.  He is employed as a math teacher and is currently residing with his mother, his children and four other family members in an estera (very crowded!). 

Last night, we all went out to dinner at a very yummy Chinese restaurant with Felix and his family as well as Percy Martinez and wife, Rosa.  Percy is a National Police Officer in Chincha so Dan and Cherise were able to converse with him about the differences/similarities in criminal justice systems in Chinca versus the United States.  Also at dinner, we presented Felix with a heavy duty bike lock for his new bike and a backpack to carry all of his necessities....

Today the team began the building of Grandma Maria's home....upon arrival this morning, we noticed only a few hand and footprints in the concrete (we anticipated many more given the number of children living in the area....).  We bug-proofed the sheets of plywood, painted the plywood, put together the steel framework for two of the four walls.  The girls took the afternoon off from work taking Bear to a local fair.  It was a nice, relaxing afternoon....

After work, we all met and went to a local store here in Chincha and purchased Felix' bike for him.  He was very grateful for his gift! 

Quotes for the day....

1.  Does everyone have your hydration units???
2.  I cannot speak Spanish and I can no longer speak English properly.....

We continue to be appreciative of all your thoughts and prayers!  They have been answered as the majority of the team is now closer to 100% than we were even a day ago....we actually had a full team working this morning onsite - Praise God!!!!!

In Christ,
The Peru Team

Wednsday in Honduras.

Progress on the well remains on schedule. Actually, it was a pretty easy day in that regard. The well was again flushed out this morning to clear any remaining sand, which took about an hour. After that, the men of the village pretty much took over. They hand mixed mortar to backfill around the casing, then started working on the concrete pad that will surround the well. We would have just gotten in the way…they certainly are experts at mixing concrete right on the ground, and then getting it in place.

Our down time allowed the guys to spend significant time playing with the kids. We can, without any sort of doubt, declare that they have far more energy than us! It’s tough at times to get a break long enough to get out of the hot sun, but they sure enjoyed Frisbee, football, and of course soccer. 

Hygiene training continues to go well, especially with the children. They were ready for us when we arrived this morning, with tables and chairs all set in neat rows. Having space outside today was FAR better than being crammed under the small roof yesterday. Fortunately, Moms came back this afternoon, so the important lesson with ORS spoons was taught, and the spoons were given away. This allows them to make an electrolyte solution with sugar and salt to help with dehydration from sickness, etc. The lightbulb went on…with a number of mothers going directly to their children who were playing to have them drink the solution mix. The impact of why we are here really hit the team today.

Tomorrow morning, we return to the village to set the pump, and then have a dedication ceremony. We will be leaving the balls, etc. that we brought along to be used at the school. There are a number of kids that have really attached themselves to specific team members, so leaving them certainly won’t be easy. At least we know that God has been able to use us to significantly improve their quality of life.

Health of the team is almost back to normal, so we praise God for that. We will be staying in a different hotel tomorrow night…and oh yea…it’s on the Caribbean beach. Friday will be an R&R day, with the choice of a jungle canopy zip line, or snorkeling.

Tuesday Night

Tomorrow we pour two concrete floors in the two houses we are working at....hopfully it will be a bit cooler for that ....the team worked very hard today despite the heat!  At the grandma's house, the lime green house, the team had help from Jaycer - around 8 years old - who worked harder than the adults and was rewarded by Gordy buying him an ice cream cone!!!   (Betsy also got an ice cream cone to celebrate her 49th birthday!!!)

At the other house, most of the inside walls are done and will be pouring the floor tomorrow afternoon - yeah God!!  There were many amazing conversations with our Peruvian team leaders and.....a little fun as Sheri was flinging mud at Luco - the two youngest of our teams....to make him laugh as he is a very serious and dedicated worker.....There were many laughs to be had as the Peruvians watched us fling mud everywhere but the walls!

Praise God!!!!  All of our team made it to dinner together tonight!!!  Afterwards, we went bicycle shopping for a bike for Felix - who is a local pastor in the district (Grocio Prado) in which we are working and he needs a faster way to get around as he works with Gordy and Bear on the projects but also helping with church planting in Grocio Prado.  We as a team have chosen to each pool our money to purchase the bike for Felix.

Quotes for the day....
1.  Do you REALLY have to honk that horn?????
2.  How many dogs?????
3.  I need to skooch closer to you (in the taxi)....

It is almost 11 pm and way past our bedtime....thank you to you all for your prayers - they are most appreciated!!!!

Blessings!
The Peru Team

PS - Honduras - the "hottest" team iin quality not quantity - we slide ito first place with Gordy and Bear leading us on...and......Joe is minus points for you (smile) - Our prayers are with you all!!!!!

THERE IS WATER!!!!

Today, the weather was quite rainy. While we all got soaked, it did reduce the temperatures significantly, so that was a welcome break.

It’s been great having Lew and Rita with our team from Living Waters. We’ve been able to spend some time each morning getting more insight into the organization, the history, and how they are carrying out God’s work around the world. They are very humble and knowledgeable, and it’s a privilege serving with such wonderful organization.

The well is producing water as we speak! We completed the reaming of the bore hole this morning, then placed the PVC casing before lunch. It was slower going with the larger bit, so it gave us a chance to play with the kids between rotations on the rig. Frisbees were brought out by Lew, and that was a big hit. The afternoon was spent cleaning out the bentonite slurry, and then started to “develop” the well with air pressure. The good news is there is plenty of clean water available. A pump will run slowly throughout the night to remove any remaining turbidity from the water.

The hygiene team taught the best possible under the conditions. With the rain, everyone was confined to a small porch. The kids listened well in the morning, but got a little stir crazy in the afternoon, but really enjoyed using crayons and coloring pages. Travis was a big hit demonstrating pump training this afternoon, but very few women showed up today. The kids continue to steal our hearts with their bright eyes and gorgeous smiles. Laughter is contagious, no matter the language of the rest of our words.

Tomorrow we will be backfilling around the casing, and sealing with concrete once the final “developing” is completed. This consists of blowing more water out with a large compressor, so we’re planning to get soaked even if it’s sunny. The kids all LOVE playing in the water, so I’m sure Grampa Joe will be instigating some mischievous conduct. I mean…the kids might even join in too. We found a very easy way to get the young boys laughing…just take off Joe’s or Bill’s hat. They find bald heads hilarious.

In general, none of us are sleeping great, and it’s starting to catch up. We have a few cases where everything isn’t agreeing with our bodies, so please keep our health in your prayers.

No matter what…it’s just the way we like it.

Monday night

Good evening from the Peru team!  We had another amazing day!!  It was again very hot, however, we cannot say we have beat the Honduras team with more than 110 degrees, although it was a cool 100 degrees this morning......a few of us a sporting some decent sunburns - despite using sunscreen, as some spots were missed.....

Today we varnished bamboo for the roof of the house, put the cement on the walls (most of which is done) and spent great times in conversations with the local people and the crew members we are working with.  It is truly amazing how much communication can occur without knowing each others languages....God just makes it happen!!!  We have had many laughs as the Peruvians correct our pronunciations of Spanish words....

Here are a couple of our sayings for the day...."chew the bite that's in your mouth" and "two immodium are equal to a cork and hammer."

We still have a couple of people sick, although not sure if it is Montezuma's revenge or heat exhaustion so please keep the team in your prayers.  There are so many things to adjust to here that some bodies aren't happy about the changes and get crabby.....despite that, there isn't anyone on this trip that wouldn't do it all over again!!!   The blessing we are to others and vice versa far outweigh any issues....

Well....it is almost 10 p.m. and it is time for bed to get up early for another day.  Tomorrow we will finish the cement walls in the home and begin digging to put in forms for a new house (even a different type of structure than we are currently doing.....this one will be for the elderly woman in the picture by the lime green house....she is currently living in the lime green house with her granddaughter and her family of 7.....

Good night and blessings to you all!!!!

ps - we will try to get more pics up later this week but we have to go to Gordy and Bear's as this computer doesn't have the capacity just like the Honduras team

Monday in Honduras

Thanks for the football updates. We were actually able to watch the game last night, and while we didn’t understand anything they were saying, but we knew our man Brent would come thru.

Sorry for the lack in number of pictures...we're having a hard time loading them with the connection we have.

On our way to the village this morning…we decided that our scenic bus tours were going so well, that maybe more planning needed to be completed on the front end before we could be ready to begin work on the well. Once the feasibility study is completed, and the drainage analysis sent in for permit approval…maybe then we will be ready to get underway. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the site prep wasn’t even started, and no Digger’s Hotline ticket was on file. Coupled with rumors of a potential OSHA audit…it was pretty much the same as Monday morning in the States on ANY construction project. Unfortunately, in order to solve a problem that we didn’t even know we had, the cost of the well project went up 300%. Good thing we have return flight tickets in hand…

In truth, the entire team was really itching to get things going. We’re working in a village about 40 minutes from our hotel, and it’s not nearly as remote as the picture many of us had in our minds. I mean, there’s actually a paved road into town! That doesn’t mean that significant, basic needs are everywhere. Women are washing dishes and clothes in the river, random animals are wandering around town, and people are living very meagerly. There was a sense of excitement with the residents, and we certainly received a warm welcome.

As far as the well goes…we did start out at least a half day behind. The local community is to have some prep work done, including digging pits to mix the mud slurry used in the drilling process. We got right to work, with local men quickly joining in once they saw what we were doing. The drilling started late morning, and progressed very smoothly. We finished the day when bedrock was encountered, down about 75’, getting as far as planned in spite of the late start. Tomorrow morning we take the 4” hole, and ream it out to 8”, then install the well casing. Wednesday will basically involve “cleaning” the well, to get clean water flowing, and then pouring a cap. Thursday morning we will be installing the pump, and then having a dedication ceremony.

The hygiene training also appears to off to a good start, as far as our “no habla espanol” minds can tell. The morning was spent walking thru the community, to get a feel for how people are living, what immediate needs are, and to start making a presence known. The first session of teaching and games was insane…so many kids with so many bright smiles. It’s very humbling to be invited into these people’s lives, and knowing the God’s plan in having us here in this place and time will make a tremendous impact in the future.

And oh, Peru Team…when it comes to the “hottest” team in Latin America, it’s not even close. If you take the sum of the individual “hots”, we certainly have you beat. Not only do we have 2 more team members, we also have Lew and Rita from Living Waters, then Emilio and Roberto who are also working on the well, and then Yadira who’s working with the Hygiene team…If you’re not seeing temps over 110, I don’t think you can surpass us in “hotness” when you add it all together.

US 1 Honduras 3... GOL!!!!!!!!

Today we had to live down the crushing defeat the US futbol team suffered at the feet of the Honduran team.
The Cedarbrook team was energized for the work ahead after attending worship and bible study with our local brothers and sisters.  After lunch we toured the future Headquarters for Living Water in Honduras where Emillio filled us in on the vision for the future .  On our return trip we stopped to see a well and pump that had been installed allowing for the construction of a school. 

Chincha, Peru - Sunday Morning

The stark contrasts of this country are bombarding our team at every turn, and giving us incredible perspectives on life in a third world country.  Yesterday was our first work day, and we spent our time prepping adobe walls for plaster, installing plastic conduit for electrical wiring, sealing the split bamboo ceiling panels, and getting to know our surroundings and new Peruvian friends.

The house we are currently working on belongs to a grandmother, Matilda.  Her home fell down and she is currently living in a straw ´´estera´´ with her son and grandsons.  This is a unique situation, as the mother of these boys abandoned the family and left Grandma Matilda to care for them.  Her son's house fell down as well, so this family is literally completely with a home of their own, except the straw shelter they share.

Our hope is to get their home close to completion before we leave.  We have a great group of Peruvian guys to work with ... Raul, Rafa, Lucho and Felix ... along with Jo-el ... our translator.  This picture is Grandma Matilda sharing an afternoon coffee break!















The name of the district of Chincha where we are working is called Grocio Prado.  As Gordy led us on a tour of this area Friday afternoon, we also met another grandma named Maria Antonia.  Actually, she is a great-grandmother whose home also fell down.  Her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren are living in a home that some previous teams helped build, but Maria lives in a straw house attached to the adobe home.  As we talked with her, she pleaded for us to help by building a small home for her.  Gordy and Dave talked it over and decided that we would try a new and quicker building system with steel studs, drywall and OSB and work hard to get a home for Grandma Maria well on the way to completion.

This is Grandma Maria Antonia standing by her granddaughter´s house with 3 of her great grandchildren.

As far as the team itself ... a few of us are experiencing some "travelers' revenge" ... and trying to stay pretty close to a bathroom.  Please pray that this "passes" quickly .. but more importantly,  stops!!  We want to be at full strength when we start our week of work on Monday.

Our church service will be at 5:00 this afternoon, so we're taking a leisurely morning of going to the market and the beach ... and getting some much needed rest ... oh, did I mention that there was an all-night party at our hostel last night with 100 decibel music!  Ear plugs were not much help.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.  We're praying for the Honduras team with you!

Honduras Pics from Today

Forgot to mention...beautiful country, driving between mountains and the ocean.  We are truly blessed to see more of God's wonderful creation.

Safe in Saba Colon...our home for the next week.

After a long day of travels, we are at Hotel Ejectivo, and it appears that our Internet connection is working!

The flight from Houston to San Pedro Sula was uneventful.  We met Lew and Rita from Living Waters, who will be travelling with us this week.  We boarded a LWI bus driven by Emilio, and also met out interpretter Yadira.  The bus ride was over 5 1/2 hours, but we had AC (did I mention the temps are well over 90) and it was a fairly smooth ride.  We got checked in, and had a wonderful dinner of chicken, rice, beans, and baked potato.

Tomorrow will be day to attend church, then get a little more aquanted with our surroundings.  Well work and Hygiene training will get underway early Monday morning.

Peru - Saturday ... not in the park, but it seems like the 4th of July!

The Peru team spent an incredible day at our ministry site!  The Peruvian people have captured our hearts ... especially the children and the Grandmas.

Tonight we are going for polla ala brasas at Mukies!  Watch for pictures tonight or tomorrow!

Houston, We Don't Have a Problem

The Honduras crew arrived safely in balmy Houston, where we're spending the nite before an early morning departure.  We had a very small plane, but it was fun to have a window seat and an aisle seat at the same time.  We headed straight to baggage claim...and all our bags were just coming out....and we're not missing any yet.

A brief walk, some refreshement, a couple Clydesdale rides, and a swim in an outdoor pool...now it's bedtime.

Upon further review...the pool isn't heated.

Here in Chincha!

The Peru Team is finishing up an unbelievable 2 days of travel and settling in to our ministry week in Chincha.  Except for llamas and burros we have taken nearly every mode of transportation available ... including a moto taxi.  Stay tuned for photos of motos!

Thanks for praying with us!

Cedarbrook ´Peru Team 2010

Packed and Ready!

The energy on Tuesday night at the Cedarbrook Center could have fueled two jumbo jets to Peru and Honduras and back!  What a night!  The teams met for the "packing party" and "weigh-in" ...

A few of us were a little nervous as the scale was placed between a ladder and a TV cart ... not sure if that set-up would hold what we were about to hang on it ... but, we were relieved to see that it was only the bags that were being weighed ... not the team members!

After a little juggling and adjusting, it was all smiles for team leaders and their team ... we are "packed and ready!"

The Peru Team takes off for the airport tomorrow morning (Thursday) and the Honduras Team follows close behind on Friday noon.  Please pray for us in the following ways during the next couple days:

• Pray for smooth transitions through airports, security and making all our connections.
• Pray for safe travels, no sick-i-ness, and a safe arrival at our ministry destinations.
• Pray for good connections with our on-field hosts.  There is currently a public transportation strike going on in Peru!
• Pray for our families as we leave loved ones behind and go serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus.  There is always a price that others pay that goes way beyond the financial part as we send members of our family to go and bring God's love to others in tangible ways.  Pray for peace, comfort and joy in the lives of "the senders."
• Pray for opportunities to "shine our lights" as we interact with others during our travels.  We want to give accounts for the hope that is within us!  (1 Peter 3:15)

We love you all and we're taking you with us!  Watch for future updates from Honduras and Peru!!

Cedarbrook World Missions Teams - January 2010
Sheri, Cherise, Dan, Joe, Phil, Chris, Dave
Charl, Jen, Lori, Gary
Bill, Betsy (Travis Young) not pictured


(Left to Right ... Back to Front)
 

Quotes to Remember

Our two teams were prayed for yesterday and were blessed to be sent by Cedarbrook to represent Jesus and bring God's love in practical ways to people who are helpless, hopeless and hurting. We are listing the team members below and ask for your prayers and encouraging words for each of them as they embark on this service and outreach ministry to others. One team leaves for Peru on Thursday, January 21 and the other leaves for Honduras on Friday, January 22. Watch for regular updates on this blog!


HONDURAS WELL DRILLING TEAM


Gary Doornink - Bringing glory to God by helping those in need.

Jen Holden - "Instead of going through the motions of life; choose to make a difference."

Charl Draxler - We can send money, clothes, food, medications and all kinds of teams to Honduras, Peru, Haiti, and many other areas of the world. Until we give them clean water people will continue to die.  I'm so honored to be part of a team who is going to change so many lives for the better. I also know that this will be life changing for me-also for the better!

Travis Young - I can't imagine not having water clean enough to swim in let alone to drink.  Was a lifeguard until he saved me...

Bill Tice - How do I show my gratitude for God's blessings? … by shining God's light shine today and in all of our days.

Joe Draxler - God knows every detail surrounding this trip; for every person involved, for every family and person who is supporting this mission trip, the details of the lives of the people we will be in contact with … and every other thing! All I need to do is hang on and enjoy the ride as God moves in many lives with these mission projects----It is nothing but humbling to be involved with this project. 

Lori Hoyt - To God be the Glory! I want God to use me in anyway He wants, and to let His love shine through me.

Chris Ehlert - God is good…all the time! All the time…God is good.



PERU HOME RE-BUILDING TEAM (Earthquake Relief)


Sheri Warren - As we leave to help people in Chinca, Peru I can' t help but to look at the devastation in Haiti. It brings an even clearer picture to why we are going. My little girl didn't want me to go, but after the few pictures she has seen from an earthquake she now understands I am going to help people - to rebuild after their devastation, to bring them hope. Please pray for our team - that we might be ultra sensitive to God's words to us, that we can do His will. That people will see Him and His glory through us in all we do while we are there

Betsy Wolbert - Thank you who to all who have supported our mission teams.  We go because God called and you gave. You are the body of Christ, we are but your feet.

Dave Johnson – Invest all you can for the glory of God and the good of others!   May I be just a little more like Dr. King who said, "Life's most persistent and nagging question is, 'what are you doing for others?” 

Phil Newman - I'd like to thank all who have joined with me on this Mission trip through prayer and financial contributions. 

Cherise Nielsen - God is at work in all of us and through all of us ... so others may know how much He loves everyone! 

Dan Wellumson -"Live simply so others can simply live" ..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Cedarbrook's First International Teams!

In just 10 short days, Cedarbrook Church will send out its first international mission teams! God has moved in the hearts of hundreds of "senders" who are praying and giving to send 14 people who will go and share the life-changing love of God in practical ways in 2 different locations.


A team of 6 people will leave on Thursday, January 21 for 10 days and go to Chincha, Peru to work on helping to rebuild adobe homes for people who lost everything in a devastating earthquake in August of 2007. This team will be working with TouchGlobal - an international relief and outreach ministry.










A second team of 8 people will leave on Friday, January 22 for Saba, Honduras to spend a week helping to drill a well for a village where people have no access to clean water. This team will be working with Living Water International - whose goal is to provide a cup of water in Jesus' Name!

Please click on the links above to see more about what these teams will be doing and check in often in the next few weeks for information and pictures from our teams!!