Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run - run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows that it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death and die, so it doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle - when the sun comes up you had better be running.

Many lives were changed in 2008. A total of 182 people were able to go on a mission trip this year to spread the love of Jesus to 8 countries. Because of these teams, Healing Place Church was able to minister to almost 14,000 people around the world!

Locations visited:
Brazil
Danville, CA
Honduras
India
Italy
Los Angeles, CA
Mexico
Purdy, Missouri

I am a big fan of finding the “one” word to describe an event or experience. From the beginning until the end of our teams time in Mozambique, the only word could be excellence. There was such a natural flow to every project. We went in well planned and well organized. I think we finally ended on plan “G’ or maybe it was “H”. This elevate team was flexible and without questioning any decision for the frequent changes simply transitioned to what we needed to do and as a result we were able to complete every project.

3 separate water stations that would also be opened to the community
Shoes for all the kids
2 day VBS
Craft T-shirts for all the kids
Electrical projects
Kids veranda completely designed and painted
Leadership/discipleship training where the leaders were presented gifts
Every team member was given speaking opportunities,
everything from devotions, to Sunday services and Sunday school

Sunday over 515 were at the church for services, nearly half were under the age of 11.
Then we served all of them a “First Anniversary” dinner of chicken, rice and slaw that was incredible.

12 attended the leadership/discipleship training on Monday and Wednesday.
300 attended VBS.
The school started one week before we arrived so we were able to see the teachers in action as well with 60 students.

We began every day with devotions and prayer and finished each day with a time
of laughter, debriefing, regrouping and prayer for God’s help and grace.

This amazing group were energetic from start to finish. No one except Katie got sick and that was just as we left the plane in Atlanta. She attributed it to Delta’s food choice for her.

I was so blessed to see what Michelle Gros and others had poured into them all year.
I wish she could have seen, she would have been so proud.

Pastor Isaac and Carol were blessed and helped not only with all of the completed work but I felt like they were encouraged by our teams dedication to fulfilling their projects. Each one at different times offered words of encouragement to this great couple to keep at it. They are so balanced in every area. Truly shepherds who love their flock. We love them. 4 of our team stated they hope to return to serve in Mozambique one day. All of them want to return for visits.

Thank you so much for trusting me with these young people. I would do it again tomorrow and wouldn’t change anything about our time on the ground there.

Sherrie May

Being in Swaziland is so different than what is expected when you are taking a mission trip to Africa. Swazi is a very westernized country, yet still holds on to a lot of tradition. They are a country with one foot in the future and one foot in the past. Over 50% of the population is HIV+ - the highest rate in the world.

The team landed on the ground ready to go. We started out with outreaches. The first morning we set up a cooking for Christ Swazi-style and served free (and good) lunches to all of the surrounding businesses of the Swazi campus. (200 meals) One of the business owners we gave a lunch to, who Ben and the Children’s Cup staff had been talking to for a long time and had gotten close to, was shot and killed outside of his home two nights later. His home is blocks away from the Rodgers and only walking distance to the Rehmeyer’s. Very, very sad day and a very real reminder that the devil is actively fighting against everything we are doing.

That afternoon, we did a big outreach in the park. This park is very close to 3 major high schools and all of the students walk through the park to go home. We set up speakers, had a DJ, handed out suckers and just hung out with kids. (3 high schools) The next day we did an outreach at the local mall and handed out suckers and flyers – all promoting the grand opening of the Swazi Campus and ultimately, Jesus. (500 suckers)

The next day was the Grand opening. We arrived early and set up, started cooking for big meal after church, and talking to people. We had Elevate cooking, cleaning, running sound, taking pictures and video, working in the kids rooms and nursery, and also were used in a drama during the service. There were over 200 people at the service and 25 responded to the altar call. It was great! I felt like I could have been at St. Amant or Donaldsonville – just another HPC Campus.

The next two days, the guys went to a carepoint to do digging and concrete work, while the girls went to another to be with kids and do minor work around the carepoint. We also handed out Samaritan’s Purse Christmas presents (yes, Christmas in May). It was GREAT! The kid’s reactions were priceless. (100+ gifts)

We climbed every mountain we came across, including Execution Rock! It was one of the hardest and best things I have ever done. Being at the top and looking over Swaziland was INCREDIBLE! We spent about an hour at the top and before we left prayed for Swaziland for about 10 minutes. Great experience.

Brandon Bourgeois

India Mission trip started out with the joining of two teams. We met for the first time in person at the airport in India. We bonded quickly and easily. Throughout the trip we were able to minister together successfully. The first significant relationships we built were with the Life Church team.
In India we immediately joined with Joyce Meyer Ministries. Her representative David Raj and two of his assistants hosted us throughout our time in India. We were also able to spend time with Scott Norling, the Director of Joyce Meyer Ministries for all of Asia. It was incredible to be able to cultivate relationships with people who have so much influence in ministry.

While in India we helped with a Music Festival in Kurnool. This was the first time this city had experienced an event like this. Around 3000 people attended. Our worship team was able to lead worship, and also put on two dramas. Greg Evans, Adam Bartlett, Adam Braud, and Gered Lambert shared messages of salvation with the people and many responded.
In Nandyal we were a part of a Leadership Conference called Vision. Many member of the team had the opportunity to speak in front of 300 church leaders. In the evenings we put on a crusade. Every member of the team participated in the services through the worship, dramas, or games. Each member also had the chance to speak in front of 100’s of Indian people.

Also in Nandyal we helped with medical clinics and visited an orphanage. These events were hosted by Joyce Meyer Ministries along with the Church of South India. The CSI churches have a strong relationship with Joyce Meyer Ministries and are striving to bring the gospel to their country. It was such an amazing experience to join in ministry with the local church.

I have heard first hand from many of the team members about what a life changing experience this trip was for them personally. I have witnessed the growth among the HPC team members especially. I know all of them would go again if they had the chance. Even though we battled through a lot of sickness, extreme heat, unpleasant living conditions, everyone agrees that this trip was one of the best we have been a part of.

Katherine Sharkey