Hume International Ministries

Before coming on this mission trip to Greece, I had no expectations of how the trip was going to go nor the effects would it have on my life. Now as I reflect on the trip I have come to realize that God had a purpose for each one of us that He brought here to serve. As our trip ends, I think back to the person I was before this trip and the person that I have become because of this trip. What the Lord taught me is that in order for Him to answer my prayers I need to be asking with the correct heart. I also need to listen and be open to where He is guiding me.

As C.S. Lewis states in Mere Christianity, “Progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”

When reflecting on our trip three words come to mind:  patience, trust, and unity. Throughout our trip, the Lord has challenged all of our patience, taught us to trust solely in Him, and unite us as a team. As we travel back to the States, I hope we can all keep our focal point on the Lord. Adam Weatherby made this statement in one of his sermons: “It is so easy to fix our eyes on what is seen as opposed to what is unseen. For what we see each day is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

James 4:14 “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

One student described Adam’s sermons in Tolo as “…a slap in the face for me… but in the best way possible.” I agree.  I cannot thank God enough for taking hold of me, my life and my heart and turning them towards Him.

- Vanessa Thomas

Over the past several days, I have had a serious burden for a newfound friend. She helps run the hostel where we are staying. I love the way this team has reached out to befriend her. She’s an American, been in Athens for two years and at the hostel for 9 months. We are the first group to ever invite her to do something together. She is almost one of our own; almost… but not quite. 

I say almost, because our new friend is not a follower of Jesus. In fact, she is quite the opposite. We invited her for homemade dinner and games last night. Janelle and Marissa did a fantastic job of finding groceries and cooking with two pots and three bowls. Breakfast burritos and French toast were served with love. Post dinner games were run by Megan (of course) and demonstrated the concept of alcohol-free fun.  Then came the lull. The dreaded lull when people are trying to decide what to do next.

We have been in the habit of reading the “7”s of Psalms as a team. Each day we read and discuss a new psalm: 7, 17, 27 and so on. We missed Psalm 97 the day before due to an extended dinner out. We couldn’t miss two in a row as the team has really been enjoying the interaction. So I suggested we do our Psalm for the day, Psalm 107. Our friend declared her ‘need’ to leave, but as she was opposite the front door it was a bit awkward to do such. I simply started reading the Psalm and we did our thing. It wasn’t long or drawn out. Nobody preached. We just reflected and prayed.

Afterwards, some left for gelato. The rest of us chatted for a while. The subject of rec and champion shirts came up. Game on! I had one left waiting to be earned. Hidden Talent night was about to begin. Randy was the opening act as he attempted to balance a table on his chin. The edges were too sharp and cut into his chin so he had to settle for a chair. Our friend entered with the ability to turn in circles while doing a handstand. Next, Nicole demonstrated her ability to break her toes by kicking a wall. Adam upped the ante by instigating a handstand race in and out of doorways. Our new BFF was declared the winner. Since the Champ Shirt was an XL, discussions were held as to how one should best accessorize the new mini-dress.

The bottom line: new BFF didn’t want to leave. She found herself staying later than she should because she found a group of people genuinely loving God and enjoying life. I hope she is hungry for that. I have been annoying God with continual requests to witness the redemption of a soul He has already purchased 2000 years ago. Will you join us in praying for her? Tomorrow she has offered to take us to the beach and spend the afternoon with us. Tough place to minister I know, but pray that God would use us to bring her to Him. Is it possible that God woke a volcano and put the world into chaos that He might bring one to Him?

To improbable you say? Remember, He did leave Heaven for you.

-pk

Just a quick update…

In spite of all the confusion with flights, we have been able to enjoy the sites and smells of Athens. I will have several others post more personal observations in the following days. As for today, the team is off to the city once again. Several are doing “research” for next year’s trip by visiting one of the many islands off the coast. ME? I am off to the airport to make sure we are indeed flying tomorrow and that our seats are confirmed. Don’t feel bad for me. I GET to work in Athens.

-PK

Thus far, our trip in Greece has been awesome! Is that what you were expecting to hear?

This trip came with many expectations. Putting on a camp for military students, we were worried that many of them would not get super excited and participate in camp activities. We were not sure what to expect; and had preconceived thoughts that the kids would be boring or strictly mannered due to their life in the military. Now that camp has officially ended, I must say they completely exceeded my expectations. The students were super awesome, got into rec and many made decisions to follow Christ.

I was not sure how the kids would react to me being a camp dean. I did not think I would be accepted as a leader. I was dean of the Stuggart boys; they are men I will never forget. They taught me that God could use me, and our team to speak into the lives of people.

With campers gone, the team headed to Athens, a luxurious, beautiful city we could not wait to explore. However, the city was not what we expected. We are in an exceptional hostel, but right in the middle of the “ghetto” of Athens surrounded by many old and broken down buildings. Where we are is not so nice, but the beautiful part of Athens is just a metro ride away.

While in the Plaka district, we had a team meeting to discuss how we thought camp went. Then, out of nowhere, this huge centipede, about a foot long, comes crawling out of the cracks and people went screaming and running. After nearly having a heart attack, not knowing what all the commotion was about, it turned into a funny situation.  After a bit of navigational bumbling, we have returned to the hostel that, as Tommy pointed out is ironically named: Easy Access.

YES, I must say this trip is awesome. However, it was not what I expected. It just reminds me that Christ always surprises me and tops my expectations. He constantly opens my eyes. It is an amazing experience, it is something I will take with me for the rest of my life, and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for the rest of the weekend in Athens!

Kyle Quiroz

Yesterday morning I experienced ten of the scariest seconds of my life. 

Since the day that we arrived here in Tolo, I noticed the mountains surrounding the town. A small group of us woke up extra early to go hike to the top of a mountain.  We met at 6:45 am and walked across Tolo to the base. It was a great climb with lots of rocks to climb and negotiate.  For the most part, it was a good hike, but at times, it got pretty sketchy. We made it to the top to a fantastic view of all of Tolo and the surrounding sea.  As we were descending the steep climb, I tripped. I tripped on the edge of a cliff! In that moment, my whole life flashed before my eyes. Honestly, there was a point where I thought my life was over.  God protected me though.  He blessed me with great balance.

This is the crazy part. My initial reaction was very calm. It was scary but not that big of a deal to me.  The others seemed to think that it was a very big deal. They described how it appeared that I was going to tumble over the edge of a five drop and continue bouncing another twenty to thirty feet.

It wasn’t until last night when I was lying in bed that it finally hit me. I could have been seriously injured or killed. All the “what ifs” started running through my head. I was freaked out. The thing that I learned from this experience is that we all need to live each day to the fullest.  You never know when life will be taken from you.  Love and pursue God with all your heart everyday of your life.  

I am so thankful for being here. This trip has affected my life in so many ways.

-Brittany Woolf

Greetings from Greece! Today is our last day of camp. 

We had our final rec session today, which consisted of relays. REC has been one of the coolest times to see teams working together, encouraging each other regardless of win or loss. Some of us participated in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. These students sure do know how to play some Frisbee! Walking up and down the beach, students were playing guitars, games and swimming in the sea. We could see friendships strengthened and relationships furthered through the fun and craziness of this trip.

The last night of chapel was a call to remember the decisions made during camp. How did God change their hearts? How did He open their eyes? It was a perfect way to sum up the week. Each student took something different away from this week. We pray that the Lord would continue to change lives and open eyes. We hope that Shoreline 2010 is a week these students will never forget.

It is hard to believe we have spent four days with these students.  Last night’s decision night affected the way they view each other. Today was the first day we witnessed the unity that God’s love creates.  Students no longer divided themselves by base community or parental rank, but began to saw each other as members of God’s family.

Ryan Millar

I must have a bad case of allergies. It seems my nose runs and eyes water before or after chapel time. I am not quite sure what to think…

For the past couple of days I have been trying to make sense and articulate all that is going on in my head and heart. During prayer time tonight the Holy Spirit made it clear. Just the anticipation of articulating that clarity is causing those “allergies” kick in.

What has been affecting me is the vulnerability, the frailty, the resilience of these students. The transiency of military life has caused them to become survivors – masters of adaptation. They can walk into any situation, assess what the expectations are and then conform. Listening to them sing, speaking with them one on one, I cannot help but, wonder, “Are they just saying what they think I want to hear?”

I am wrecked this week because I am so desperate for them to be at peace. I want them to know the peace of God that passes all understanding. I long for God to be the anchor of their soul. As the team prayed, the Spirit of God made clear to me that I have a front row seat. I have been so antsy because I cannot wait to watch God rescue students from the darkness of despair, the sting of sin, the very edge of Hell.

Thirty minutes have passed. Adam just gave the invitation. I can’t see how many have responded, but I see a mom… and she is so happy. Her son is standing. She couldn’t help but let out a shout of praise, of joy, of thankfulness. Her son has just been rescued from death and now joins her as an heir of eternal life.

Life is amazing when you are willing to open up and let yourself be vulnerable.  Today we split up to do DTG (Ditch the Girls/Guys) seminars. They went amazingly well.  I cannot speak for what happened with the guys (though I heard good things about what went on), but what took place with the girls was nothing short of awesome.  One of the students said the experience was “like a slap in the face… but in the best way possible.”

This seminar was a time of sharing and opening up, something that most are uncomfortable with, especially with people whom you do not know very well.  Imagine being asked a series of questions you have worked hard to avoid, questions you use continually to berate yourself, questions about which you need to be brutally honest.  Furthermore, you have to demonstrate that honesty in front of other people.  Not an easy thing to do. 

Today was filled with honesty – honesty with ourselves, honesty with each other. We also realized how frequently we put our focus on superficial, emotional, and pointless concerns rather than on the one thing we really need to be focusing on – life in Christ.  Watching these girls as they shared their insecurities and opened locked rooms was an amazing sight.  To see God using us, our issues and our insecurities, to reach these students was such a revelation.  I never could have imagined that the things I have experienced could be an inspiration to these girls. Could others really relate to the things I have gone through?  I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to partake in this activity, witnessing God working in lives and changing hearts, including my own. 

The week is only halfway over and already there are marvelous results.  I cannot wait to see what else this week holds.

- Jessica Deffebach

Day 5 and camp is in full swing. With all the preparation, travel and anticipation, it is a good feeling to walk away from a day like today. I am a worship pastor and the response and encounter I have experienced and witnessed at this early point has so encouraged my heart. With smiling faces and thankful hearts, rec was played, seminars were attended and God began to work in the hearts of those who were a part of the evening program.

I have been incredibly impressed with this group of students. Considering the maturity exuded and the apparent passion they have for a true encounter with God, I am almost convinced that some are not actually in high school. One of the young men I am referring to spoke of their lengthy 40+ hour trip through the Swiss Alps into Italy via bus, then ferry, and yet another bus trip to Tolo. My amazement with their dedication to attend this camp was met with, “I’d travel 6 days to learn more about God and experience a week like this.” Wow. That is impressive yet humbling. A brief discussion between PK, Adam our speaker, Mingo and me found us wrestling with the responsibility we feel to be bold in our presentation of the Gospel even on this first full day of camp.

Post chapel small groups afterwards seemed to flow seamlessly for over an hour following. Kids were obviously primed to discuss their desire to change the focal point of their lives.

Yes, our first day of camp did have ridiculous cheers, intense rec and even a belly flop competition. The fun and camaraderie added weight and power to the worship time we have had.

Tomorrow I expect nothing less. Oh, of course I will be seeing my gelato guy, a quick visit to my deli lady for lunch and my new found evening favorite… chocolate lava cake after chapel. Glad I get to share it with my new friend Mingo and my roomie, Randy… oh… and Randy says, “Hi Mom!”

Grace and Peace…

Ben Kolarcik

Camp Begins!!!

Sitting in tonight’s chapel filled me with overwhelming feelings of excitement and awe for our awesome God.  I thought of how I desire to touch the lives of these youth through all that God has taught me. However, Adam read Ecclesiastics 5:2 – Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

I was reminded that this week is not about what I do. God has it under control.  No matter what, God’s plans will not be thwarted.  He is going to rock this week and it is an honor to be a part of it. 

This team is amazing.  There is so much excitement because each day has such unforgettable moments.  As we finished our lunch today, the restaurant owner came up to the table to offer us a glass of a special drink he had made.  We asked him if it was alcohol and he said, “No, no, no.”  He called it his ‘special concoction’. The fastest and most excited to volunteer was Nicole Kudlac. The cupped had barely touched her fingers when she threw her head back and downed the liquid. The next instant was hilarious. Nicole immediately turned and looked at PK with panic in her eyes. The owner LIED!!! It WAS alcohol… She was so embarrassed and repentant. We all learned never to trust a smiling restauranteur. I will stick to gelato, thank you very much.

Marissa Dungca