Fall 2011 - Thinking about the trip

One of our desires is to think carefully about the meaning of missionary work. Missionary work can be referred to as the faith-inspired, intentional crossing of boundaries for the purpose of loving and serving others. Our mission work can start now before we ever set foot in Nicaragua. It can start with the thoughtful planning and working together to make this a meaningful trip.

In the past, these mission trips have been a wonderful experience for those of us who have gone.  We have had the opportunity to really do something practical and hands on to help others in great need as part of our mission outreach program.  It has given us adults and youth the chance to develop as individuals through the mission experience. It has given many of us a chance to connect, grow closer and enhance our relationships with other Church members as well as new friends in Nicaragua.

When I first thought of Mission work I thought about the word “give”. How can we help others and what can we give them to help. But what I found was that I, personally, have received tenfold in return to what was given. The positive personal relationships which have developed as a result of these trips is immeasurable. (In the planning and during the trip)



San Juan Del Sur is a small and tranquil fishing village nestled at the head of a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua.  Despite the picturesque setting this is a desperately poor part of Nicaragua, particularly in the outlying villages.

Hopes for trip ourselves and each other:

Together we have the following hope for ourselves and each other:  participating in monthly gatherings as we get ready to go; engaging with an open heart, mind and hands while we are on the trip in our service work, recreational activity and daily devotional time; treating each other and those we encounter with love and respect; participating in the NICA service upon return and sharing our growth and learning with the entire congregation and wider community so all may be enriched by what we have experienced as so enriching.


What to expect during the trip week:
Our primary focus will be on completing the main project. Mornings we usually meet about 8AM to re-group, say a prayer and then head to site and return around lunch. In the afternoons we will do many group activities some of which we will all do and some that will be optional. We will also gather late in the day before or after dinner for some group meetings. During meetings we will check in to see how everybody is doing, do some spiritual work or maybe head down for some ice cream!! We may be wary and need to lift one another up.

In choosing the project there are considerations:

• intentional in seeking out a project and service work that includes collaboration amongst ourselves, our friends in San Juan del Sur, and those Nicaraguans who will be affected and benefited by the project
• every effort be made to include, involve, and enlist the San Juan del Sur community to achieve the service project’s goals
• the project should be one that tries to keeps the idea of sustainability as one of the goals, that is, one in which our work continues to sustain and improve the community after we have returned home
• the trip shall work to hold up all that is precious and positive about being mission based and mission minded
• that each of us takes the time and makes the effort to look to this trip and endeavor as one where our own spiritual needs may be nurtured and may we hope indeed flourish
• there is a hope that the trip fosters good and true engagement and learning with ourselves and the San Juan del Sur community
• the trip encourages and inspires intergenerational relationships both in our community and in San Juan del Sur

Flexibility and Patience in Nicaragua?

A theme that will continue as we prepare for our mission trip and that will serve us well while we complete our project.