This past Spring Break, twelve of us traveled to Trinidad and Tobago to serve with a local ministry. Our week was full of activities and opportunities to share with people God's love. As is often the case, when we cleared our schedule and made serving God and others a top priority, God met us in unmistakable ways. Although words are difficult to accurately describing what we experienced, I'll try.

The first Sunday at church, Sam Lueken shared a part of his testimony, and I preached the sermon. After the service, we were greeted by a family who told us that Sam's testimony was exactly what they needed to hear. Apparently, the issues that Sam shared about were exactly the issues that had been a problem in their own family, and God used Sam in that instance to bring hope of the possibility of healing.

We were given the opportunity to be a part of the evangelistic crusade in the evenings. Each night, after some enthusiastic worship and a message, people were given the opportunity to place their trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. One of those evenings, we were asked to prepare to share something, and I was to give the message. Three of the girls on our team volunteered to stand up and share part of their story, and the result was amazing. Again, God used their stories to speak directly into what was happening in the lives of people. One girl in particular told us how each story had been like an answer to prayer. She had been struggling with decisions she was making, and she needed to hear the hope and restoration in our stories. On that night, six people made first time commitments to trust Jesus and another handful recommitted themselves to follow His ways!

Good Friday was our sports day. We coordinated a day full of games and competitions for the church body. We were overwhelmed with the successful turnout --- the church typically has around 100 people each week. More than 150 people came out for the family sports day! Something special happens when a family gets together for friendly fun and games. There was laughter, taunting, trash talking, celebrating and plenty of food for everyone! We split the church into four teams and played games all day. Congratulations to Team Haggai for winning this year's sports day!

On Easter Sunday morning, we visited a drug rehab center and two of our guys shared their story of God's forgiveness and protection. It was good to spend Easter morning with people often forgotten by the world around them. They treated us to fresh coconuts, and shared with us what life is like for a recovering addict. We had a great time encouraging them.

Through these experiences, it is clear to us that our presence in Trinidad made an impact and encouraged for the local church. In addition, it was impacting and life-altering for those of us who made space in our lives to go. Life decisions were made; friendships were deepened; conversations with God happened; and the Body of Christ was expanded. Isn't it amazing what God can do when we make ourselves available to Him?

Thanks for indulging me in hearing a bit about our time in Trinidad. Thanks for your prayers and for allowing us to represent Oak Hills Church in another part of the world. If you would like to talk more about our trip or hear more stories, we will be hosting a luncheon in the next couple of weeks.

Tomorrow & Saturday - Spiritual Formation Retreat
This Sunday - Baptism Class
This Sunday - Veterans Meeting
April 24 - Spring Mosaic
April 29 - "Bridges" Study
April 30 - May 2 - Women's Retreat
June 14-18 - Arts Camp