As a 63 year old retired RN from the UK I wasn't sure I had much to offer, but God had other ideas! I believe that, due to the intense preparation of prayer and fasting, combined with the army of people praying (over 400) for the team of 42, we were totally focused and committed right from Day 1. The team comprised 18 'young people' aged between 18-25 who were mainly nursing and dental students; the rest of us were in that 'older' age bracket and comprised Nurses, Dentists, Doctors, Chiropractor, Students, Logistics i.e. those doing anything (helping with sterilising instruments, counting tablets in Pharmacy, and the children's work) and a Mr Fix-it who was invaluable!
Combined with excellent leadership from Dr Frank Imbarrato and his assistant Mike Broich the team was well managed and cared for. We triaged over 1,300 people and over 84 people made professions of faith in Christ during the week. It was a great joy to witness the Baptisms of 4 of the team members in the Pacific Ocean at the end of the week.
The Church were so welcoming, and the Church people served us in so many ways: food, cold drinks, smiles, hugs and tears, worship, watering the dust so it didn't fly in our eyes (yes, really!) and so much more. Although we took them gifts, they blessed us so much more with their servant hearts, and with gifts they had made - necklaces for the women made from coffee beans, and straw hats for the men.
Would I recommend going a Mission trip whatever your age and experience? Absolutely. God really can use you and you're not too old or too young. There were 2 young people on the team who were cousins. Their Grandparents had made a point over the last few years of taking each of their Grandchildren on a Mission trip. What a wonderful investment in the lives of Grandchildren.
Please pray for the people of El Salvador. It was heart-breaking to hear over and over again of the fear that 'the gangs' instill in people's hearts by intimidation, extortion, kidnapping and yes, even murder. We had the opportunity to pray for many and hopefully bring the message of the only hope in an otherwise hopeless situation "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" Colossians 1V27.
The great thing about GHO is 'down time' and debriefing is a very important aspect of the trip. It was invaluable to be able to relax at the end of the week at a beach and share together over a meal. We also visited a market for some take home souvenirs!
I will attach a few photos to give a flavour of our great time and experience.
Combined with excellent leadership from Dr Frank Imbarrato and his assistant Mike Broich the team was well managed and cared for. We triaged over 1,300 people and over 84 people made professions of faith in Christ during the week. It was a great joy to witness the Baptisms of 4 of the team members in the Pacific Ocean at the end of the week.
The Church were so welcoming, and the Church people served us in so many ways: food, cold drinks, smiles, hugs and tears, worship, watering the dust so it didn't fly in our eyes (yes, really!) and so much more. Although we took them gifts, they blessed us so much more with their servant hearts, and with gifts they had made - necklaces for the women made from coffee beans, and straw hats for the men.
Would I recommend going a Mission trip whatever your age and experience? Absolutely. God really can use you and you're not too old or too young. There were 2 young people on the team who were cousins. Their Grandparents had made a point over the last few years of taking each of their Grandchildren on a Mission trip. What a wonderful investment in the lives of Grandchildren.
Please pray for the people of El Salvador. It was heart-breaking to hear over and over again of the fear that 'the gangs' instill in people's hearts by intimidation, extortion, kidnapping and yes, even murder. We had the opportunity to pray for many and hopefully bring the message of the only hope in an otherwise hopeless situation "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" Colossians 1V27.
The great thing about GHO is 'down time' and debriefing is a very important aspect of the trip. It was invaluable to be able to relax at the end of the week at a beach and share together over a meal. We also visited a market for some take home souvenirs!
I will attach a few photos to give a flavour of our great time and experience.