Day 5

Another glorious day in Trinidad!

We awoke to a sunny day and a yummy American breakfast of French toast and bacon...ummmm. To our surprise, our kids arrived 10 minutes early! We scrambled around as we knew today was an important day.

When the kids arrived, they were excited and ready to learn. Brent and a French chef (Cari) were prepared to share our most important message, that God loves them and died for them. Our entire team spent the morning teaching, playing and sharing with the kids in hopes that they would understand today's lesson. We had over 40 kids here at the compound this morning and 2 of Katelyn's girls prayed to receive Christ while they were here. How exciting for us to the see the fruits of our labor! We ended the morning snarfing down hotdogs and EVERYONE swimming in pool.

During our short break, most rooms were feverishly preparing for tonights Variety show. Everyone was very secretive...the competitive juices were flowing. Lots of smack talk!!

We headed to Jacob's Hill in the pouring rain. Surprisingly, there were several children waiting for us under our tents. We waited for the rain to stop. Once it did, the kids appeared up the gravel road and across the fields. We gathered them together and shared our message. From a distance, the older teen boys took it all in as they were reluctant to join our group. But in the end, they were the ones to spend the most time writing scripture in their homemade journals. Since our sports area was full of puddles, we had only 2 stations...Bible time and activities. Kenneth, Cassidy and Chris were thrilled to pray with Milike as he committed his life to Christ.

We wrapped up the day with our much anticipated Variety Show. You would NOT believe the talent and humor our team exhuberates. Everyone got a laugh at the many imitations of Tim and Bob. Of course, our synchronized swimming act made quite a splash too! (at least, WE thought so!). The trophy went to the Varsity Chicks (Erica, Lauren, Camrie, Hannah and Kelli), who sang the Journey hit, Don't Stop Believin'. Knowing our crew, plans are already underway for Variety Show 2011!

Our first team members are headed back to the states tomorrow. Pray for Erica, Nicole, Claire and I as we travel home. Also pray for our last day with our new Trini friends.

Leanne and Jayme
for Team Trinidad 2009

Day 4

Praise God- Kids galore, morning, noon and night. The day started with our VBS here at the church with double our group from yesterday. The kids all got their picture taken and spent a long time decorating a scrapbook page with it, even the adult guests enjoy this activity. We learned about the Bible being the absolute authority. The kids slammed down their lunch so they could swim- quite a madhouse. Several could not swim but gleefully jumped in (many times too near another swimmer) and gave it a try.

We've had frequent shower bursts (it is the rainy season) that add a little excitement to the day and yet another opportunity to be patient .

Later in the afternoon and early evening we visited Jacob's Hill (a government housing area) to have a shortened version of our VBS with the same kids we ministered to last time we were here. (Chris and Brandon are pictured here with two precious ones!) To our delight there were about 40 there. We recognized some of them and were thrilled to spend time with them. Pray for Peter, a Muslim dad who came who came with his children and did quite a lot of debating with Michelle and Scott. He promised he'd come back tomorrow and listen to what we had to say since he did most of the talking today!

Continue to pray for our team- a few still are fighting stomach issues as well as colds. We are amazed at how God is using everyone here and are so impressed with our teens who are doing an excellent job of spending time with these Trini children. The people around me as I type this blog are discussing if its getting easier to take our cold showers, (which we agreed its not) but we are grateful for the air conditioned rooms and buses this year. Tomorrow holds morning and afternoon VBS and a talent show for our team.


A tired Heidi and Yvonne
for Team Trinidad '09 (and soon to be winners of our Talent show)

Day 3

Today began with high spirits after a great breakfast of fry bakes (our Trinidad favorite), as we awaited the arrival of our previously promised 100 VBS kids. And we waited....and waited....and waited...and waited some more.

Now we'd heard about Trini time (whenever they feel like showing up) before, but after almost two hours had past, it began to get ridiculous. We knew something was up when we saw Uncle John pull Scott aside to talk. In the meantime, five neighborhood kids joined the group for some games and hanging out. Well, time finally came to break the news...they weren't coming.

On to Plan B. We decided to load the buses and go to Jacob's Hill, which we had ministered to two years ago, to invite them to vacation bible school. Just as we were pulling out, oops, plan changed again! Pastor Ashoke frantically entered one of our buses to inform us of the fact that twenty kids were in route.

From there, one bus continued on to Jacob's Hill, while the rest stayed back to greet the kids. After lunch, when we had all reconvened, we began VBS at the church. The kids enjoyed our mad scientist (Tim) and our Blast Off singers. They rotated and did games, crafts and Bible time. Because of the size of the group of kids, there was plenty of one-on-one interaction, which was quite a blessing!

The kids also got to swim (a rare treat) before they headed back on their 45 minute bus ride to the most dangerous area of Trinidad, which is their home.

Through all of the chaos of the past few days, we are thankful to know that God's plans and purposes are infinitely better than anything we could ever dream up! He is clearly up to something, though we may not understand it. It has also been a refreshing reminder that He is in control, no matter how much we would like to be.

Please pray for the health of our team, as we have had some headaches and stomach issues in the past few days. Please pray that God will continue to make a way for kids to get to VBS in the morning at the compound, as well as that He will draw children to our afternoon VBS at Jacob's Hill. Pray for the hearts of these kids as we continue to minister to them, and for our strength as we have some long days ahead of us!

Michelle Chapman and Allison Hickox

for Team Trinidad 2009

Day 2

WELL.......Today was full of surprises! It began with Scott telling the team some very, very surprising news!! We were all under the impression that we would be having 100 kids arrive for VBS today at nine o'clock, however, at nine o'clock Scott informed us we were mistaken. Due to something that the government deemed more important than our VBS, the buses were not available to bring the children into the compound. We were all a little shocked, but it ended up being ok. We then were told by TTUM that we would be splitting into two teams for the morning and visiting two homes for the elderly. The team I was with met some very interesting people. The lady that I spent time with was tied to a wall so as to prevent her from running away. I sat with her for about an hour in which she informed me that we needed to leave and I was a "very good sitter." It ended up being a great experience for all, no dissappointment anywhere. It was great to see the passion and heart of the different team members shine through with the elderly. We all got to see a great picture of the people we would be spending the rest of our week with. Everyone did great.

After that, we came back to the compound for lunch and tried some mango and another fruit, which was similar to a grape. Then, for the afternoon, we went and saw an orphanage that TTUM was building with the help of some of our team members. They are days away from being done and we were informed that they might have kids there before we head back to the states! How exciting! After we surveyed and prayed over the orphanage, we went on a drive up a mountain, which had a truly amazing view!!! It was absolutely spectacular!! We had a great view of the whole city and it was altogether very relaxing.

When we returned to the compound, Josh and I split open some coconuts we had gotten out of a tree. John, one of the Trinnis, told us they were ripe and good to eat. The milk was great and a good portion of the team sampled it. It tasted like a sort of watered down milk substance. When we ate the meat of the coconut, which is what we eat in America, only dried, it was in semi-solid form. Sort of like a gel or paste, (much like our peanut butter which was confiscated at the airport!)

Anyway, then we went and had a team meeting and played some games that Tim had outlined for us. Altogether a great day, despite some minor complications!

As for prayer, still be praying that tomorrow would go smooth as we meet the VBS children. It should be awesome!!! Also, be praying for the orphanage we visited and that it would be blessed with children. Thanks!!

Cameron

for Team Trinidad 2009

Day 1

Hello friends and family!

Greetings from Trinidad! Saturday began at 4am for many of us and ended at 2am Sunday morning. It was a long day of travel and flight delays. By the time our heads hit the pillow here, it was well within the next day. Jim and Josh arrived this afternoon. Believe it or not, all our bags arrived with us!

Today we had orientation to familiarize ourselves with the culture and toured a Hindu temple. Tonight we had church (the service only lasted 2 1/2 hours - don't get any ideas pastors!) and visited with other ministry teams that are serving here and some locals. Afterwards, we celebrated Joe Kretsinger’s 13th birthday. Tomorrow we prepare for our first day of ministry. Because we have a veteran team, TTUM has asked us to take on a new ministry opportunity for them. The Trinidad Ministry of Defense has asked TTUM to put on a program for 100 children ages 6-12 from the poorest and roughest parts of the city. This gives us an open door to share the gospel with unchurched children through Vacation Bible School (VBS). They will be arriving in police vans and government vehicles (they are not prisoners) to TTUM. We have no idea what to expect, but have been preparing for months to minister in any way God leads. The kids will be here from 9am until 2pm. Our afternoon assignment will be given after they leave.

Please pray for good relationships to begin with our VBS kids and for their hearts to be open to the gospel and for the unity and health of our team.

Amy (dictating to Caroline)
for Team Trinidad 2009

On our way!

In less than 24 hours, 47 of our 49 team members will be in Trinidad! (Two of our team members are traveling separately and will arrive by midday on Sunday). Since the first flight leaves at 6:45AM Saturday, I thought I better write this now.

Thank you for your prayers thus far. As we leave tomorrow, here are a few things you could be praying about:

• health - one team member is recovering from a stomach virus and another had an emergency root canal today. Please pray both would recover quickly. Also pray that God would protect the team from any sickness or injury for the duration of the trip
• bags - pray that all 98 checked bags and 6o+ carry-ons would arrive in Trinidad with us!
• travel - pray for safe travel and that God will allow us to be a light to those around us even as we fly

We will begin writing daily updates on Sunday. Dana Thornhill, team member on the 2007 team, has agreed to send out a note each day reminding you to view the new blog entry. I will try to have different team members contribute each day to give you a fresh perspective. The only thing that would prevent that is if we cannot get Internet connection.

With great expectation of all He will do............

Scott
for Team Trindad 2009



Team Members

Tim Nixon
Yvonne Nixon
Camrie Nixon
JT Nixon
Darcie Nixon
Chris Odenhal
Scott Chapman
Michelle Chapman
Lauren Chapman
Brandon Chapman
Chase Chapman
Cayden Chapman
Doug Rogers
Caroline Rogers
Rachel Rogers
Kenneth Rogers
Bob Kretsinger
Heidi Kretsinger
Joe Kretsinger
Alexandra Kretsinger
Katie McCoy
Brent Evers
Cari Evers
Malory Evers
Reid Evers
Leanne Carr
Erica Carr
Nicole Carr
Mary Jean Stansbury
TJ Stansbury
Jayme Paul
Cassidy Paul
Madie Blake
Claire Crow
Bret Riemensnider
Patty Riemensnider
Cameron Riemensnider
Carly Riemensnider
Scott Hickox
Amy Hickox
Allison Hickox
Connor Hickox
Cooper Hickox
Katelyn Hansen
Jim Darter
Josh Johnston
Anna Maria Demayo
Hannah Brown
Kelli Ballard

Welcome Prayer Partners

In just 11 days, we will be in route to Trinidad! Wow!

Your name has been provided by one of our team members as a person who would pray for our trip. We are thrilled to have you as a partner in this work. Our goal is to update this blog site daily while we are there so that you can keep up with all that God is doing on our trip. Each day we are gone, a friend in the US will send a reminder to you to check the site, along with the link. Click on the link for updates.

In addition to the daily updates, we will send some prayer requests and we would be honored if you would join us in prayer. We would ask, above all, that you give an Epaphras Effort on our behalf. Paul describes Epaphras' effort in Colossians 4:12, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God." Please pray that we would stand mature and fully assured in the will of God. Specifically, we would covet your prayers for a few details as we prepare to leave:

Unity - Pray that our team of 49 would be unified in spirit and purpose, and that His unity would be a witness to those around us

Compassion - Pray that God would be working in our hearts, giving us compassion for the lost and least of these

Divine Appointments - Pray that God would ordain situations and opportunities to do ministry. As of right now, the plan is to do VBS every morning, but the location is yet to be determined. In the afternoons and evenings, we will be assisting TTUM (Trinidad & Tobago Urban Ministry) in whatever ministry they are doing.

Thank you so much for joining us on this journey. We believe God has ordained the trip, the team, and the details and we are confident He will accomplish His purpose. We pray that He will be glorified in all we say and do.

For the Sake of His Name in Trinidad

Scott
for Team Trinidad 2009