My name is Sandra, I live in San Diego and I have been on 6 trips with BWO since 2007. I had just begun a new career as a hair stylist; in fact I had not even been doing it for a year yet, when one of my co-workers gave me a flyer on the trips. As I read through the different trips they all looked great but as I got to the last one I knew God was calling me. It was to a place (Costa Rica) that I had been drooling over for years AND there was a need for cosmetologists (ME). Ok Lord, let me get this straight? You are gonna allow me to travel to a place that I have ssooooo wanted to visit and do the very thing I love to do the most? I get to plant seeds of beauty in a whole different country? The answer was a resounding yes! Well let me rephrase that, it was a gradual process of prayer, godly counsel and God opening doors. My job was to walk by faith and not by sight.

I thought about the money first..How am I gonna come up with $2000.00? The next one came. How do I get the time off work?…and what about my clients?
I want you to know that as soon as I cast all those cares on the Lord He, oh so faithfully, took care of each one just as they came up. He gave me vision, strength and endurance to get through and prepare to go out and do His great commission. 

Now , all these years later, I am actually sitting in the BWO office typing this blog. God has allowed me to become a piece of this vision, He has formed one in my heart and now provides for that vision daily. You see as I stepped out to get more of God and give more of God He opened up doors to more than just the trips. I know am co-owner of Salon 31:30 in La Mesa Ca. The name is from proverbs. God has created a ministry of freedom and deliverance that flow from my hands. As I get to create great hair, anoint hurting people (literally at the shampoo bowl?) and bestow beauty for ashes, so to speak, He gets all the glory. These trips began to change me from the very first time. I have a heart for Jaco Costa Rica, like I have known these people all my life. The pastors of the church there have also spoken into my life and invested time and love into me and my walk.

What I am trying to convey to all who read this is:
Nothing is impossible with God! If you are even giving a second thought to short term missions it must be tugging on a call. I am not saying this call will have you living in the rain forest of some 3rd world country, going potty in a can and eating bugs…..hehehe, but what I am saying is give God a chance. Step out to see what He has for you, for those you will serve and for those you will serve with. These trips have changed my life and the lives of those I touch in Cosa Rica. As I returned this last July to Jaco and walked through the streets I actually heard my name being called out from a house (I use this term loosely) SANDI and my little friend Franny came running out holding her new baby sister. Her mom had been pregnant last time I was there. She ran and embraced me with a hug like that of my own family that had not seen me in months. WOW!!! My life will never be the same again! You can have some great experiences of your own. Make the choice to be clay in your Creator’s hand, let Him mold you into the vessel He fashioned you to  be! Someone is waiting to be blessed by you…

Decisions of a Ugandan Mom

This is a post from the director of Amani Baby Cottage in Jinja, Uganda. BWO privileged to serve this  this ministry. Blessings to Amani Baby Cottage!

For our fifth Anniversary, my husband took me to a place called Wild Waters. While watching the water rush past us, I saw these bulrushes on the banks of the River Nile. Of course you can’t think of bulrushes and the Nile without thinking about the story of Moses. Gazing at the river and thinking of Moses’ mom, a mother of one of our children came to mind because of the similar choices she had to make.

Some things never change. A mother’s sacrificial love is a story that goes back over three thousand years ago when Jochebed had to make a huge decision. This decision is one that most of us moms may not be able to comprehend. Her baby Moses didn’t have a chance of survival with her and the situation reached a place of desperation. Her decision…. make a basket from bulrushes, lay her child in it and set him to float in the River Nile filled with rushing wild waters, hippos, and crocodiles. The only option she had to save her son, which I believe had to come after much prayer to a God who had been silent for so long, decided to trust in Him. She could have held him close to her till the last minute that the soldiers came and snatched up her child only to murder him. Surely this was the choice most of the mothers would have made or maybe they tried to hide them to have a few more moments with them but even this option came with certain death before long. Had Jochebed chosen the other ways, the Old Testament from Exodus on would be completely different and the name Moses would mean little to us today. Thank God she released him with no idea of what the outcome would be. She also used wisdom in asking Miriam to watch over him and to be in the right place at the right time.

Families are important here as in the rest of the world. Even when a situation is desperate and the primary caregivers are not willing to change the circumstances for the child’s care, they would rather the child stay with them than make a decision that would permanently help. Some are willing to place them in an orphanage for some time and some are happy to have them grow up in an institution as they can still claim ownership of them. They don’t want to be the acting caregivers and are not willing to change their environment (sometimes they can’t change) but most of the time will not be willing to sign their children away. When we talked to local authorities about starting Amani, our original idea was to only take the orphaned and abandoned. They specifically asked us to be willing to take the needy that had family also. I am so thankful they spoke with us and that we agreed. In the last eight years we have had the honor of reuniting 66 children with their loved ones. Most of the families just need time to get back on their feet after extreme poverty or tragedy. It is always the goal to place them back in their families if possible. It can take anywhere from six months to four years to make it happen. There have only been five who had to be transferred to other homes because reuniting wasn’t possible.

For the first time in eight years, a mother who had been reunited with her child for about a year told us she wanted us to take the child and find her a permanent home. Her situation was not changing, her health getting worse, and her extended family that would have her child one day when the disease that has swept through the African continent finally takes her life, were also not changing. Knowing there is certain death in the future not unlike Jochebed. She made a selfless decision about the future of her child. I couldn’t believe it at first as she is the only one in our history here who was willing to let someone else claim ownership of her daughter, releasing her into the arm of others. She has prayed over and thought long about this decision and is at a place of peace with it. She doesn’t have to make a basket of bulrushes but she does have to trust in the care of Amani. She doesn’t have a big sister to watch over her but she has trusted us with being the guard and decision maker in her daughter’s life. We are humbled by her trust and sacrifice. I have so much respect for these mothers, for their selfless sacrifice and willingness to trust God with the future of their child. For choosing life for them although it means giving them up. Over three thousand years apart, opposite ends of the same river, death a certainty two mothers make a selfless decision.

I do understand these moms and their trust. It is a daily choice at Amani. One hundred and eighteen (118) have been place for adoption over the last eight and a half years. Truthfully it would be an easier decision to keep them, knowing how they are being raised, loved, taught, and protected, but it would also be selfish. We know if we had kept all 118 orphaned and abandoned children they would be loved and would love. It’s just sometimes love isn’t enough but love and sacrifice is. There is much more for them than our home and our arms. It’s a big deal to be part of choosing others to raise our children and it is something we never take lightly. Like these mothers we are giving some of God’s most prized possessions that he has entrusted to us, to new stewards to love and care for them and it is bittersweet every time.

Below is a first account experience from Charity Deane, 2011 BWO missionary to Uganda, Africa.

“This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda, Africa. I spent a few weeks in the cities of Jinja and Entebbe, on a missions trip with Believers World Outreach. Every day, we traveled to slums, villages, and islands on Lake Victoria. We made friends, brought food and water, taught about sanitation and about Jesus, and volunteered in schools, prisons, and orphanages.

Each day, I spent time searching for the perfect moments to capture: expressions, emotions, and cultural experiences. I want the world to see what I saw there.

And, more importantly, to be inspired to reach a helping hand themselves.

One particular island we visited, called Makusa, is smaller than the size of a football field. It is crowded with up to 300 people, living in tiny huts crammed next to each other one after the other. There is no bathroom structure, no running water, no well, of course no electricity, and hardly any grown food. The men fish for life, and use small, weathered banana boats to travel between islands and the mainland (photo of this island above).

The children ran to us everywhere we walked, calling us “Mzungu” (white person), stroking our skin, and clinging to our arms and legs. Children seemingly outnumber adults 10 to 1. They walk the streets, playing or working. It is not uncommon to see small children carrying around even smaller ones – babies taking care of babies.

In most places, sanitation is a stranger to the people. The slums are filthy, smelling of waste and garbage, which is made worse with the humidity and suffocating heat inside their huts. Many children are naked, or wearing ripped clothing that is often too large for them.

Jinja and Entebbe are just two cities inside a country that is starving for economic growth and political rest. It is a place of hunger and filth, but it is also a beautiful place. Many of the people are full of love and joy, and their lives illustrate a contentedness and patience that we Americans could only hope to imitate. They have nothing, but many of them live as though they had everything they need. The reality is both inspiring and convicting.”

-Charity Deane, 2011 Uganda Team

As we wrap up the trip and return home on Tuesday, please be in prayer for travel safety, and for the many seeds we have planted here to grow for the Kingdom of God.

Now is your chance to tell us how your Believers World Outreach experience has affected your life?     Has it been one year since you joined us?  Two years?   Ten?   Have you traveled with us just once, or every year?   What was your favorite memory?

What image do you recall most affectionately about your trip?   Was it a young child who touched your heart?   A mother receiving medicine for her ailing baby?    Perhaps it was the African scenery or the jolty landing of the jungle airplane?

Post your testimonial in the comments below.  Then, do us a favor and share your post on Facebook or Twitter.  Let your friends know and give them an opportunity to share in a similar experience.

When 11-year-old Maddi decided to go to Costa Rica, she got serious about fundraising. Here’s a quick snapshot of what she sent out to her supporter:

• Outside Envelope:  Pink.  Not your usual run-of-the-mill envelope.  Get their attention!  But be yourself!
• Support letter:   Handwritten, reprinted on colorful stationary.  Easy to do… simply write on a clean piece of paper with a stationary beneath to make sure you don’t overlap the borders.  Then run off multiple copies onto the stationary in a copier.  Sign or write a personal note for best results!
• Pledge form:  Simple, with a clear commitment and call to action.  Here’s a template that you can download (Word .docx | Word .doc).  Maddi’s was also pink.  :)
• Return envelope:   Pre-addressed.  No stamp needed.  (Everyone has stamps in their top desk drawer.)
• Prayer Reminder:  Maddi printed out a 4″x6″ photo of herself and glued magnet strips to back.  Walgreens can make these for just a few cents a piece, and you can buy the magnets at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

That’s all there is to it.  Send to your friends and family.  Maddi was able to pay for her whole trip from sponsorships!  You can do it too!  It just takes a little creativity, a little heart, and and a little effort!

BWO has added a NEW trip to our list of summer trips.  Check it out!

Miami, FL His House Summer Camp Trip

You Can Make A Difference In Young  Hearts That Will Impact Them For Eternity.
July 31-August 7, 2011
Be a part of a meaningful experience in a tropical mission field that will impact the lives of international children right here in  the  United  States,  and  make  lasting friendships from around the country.

The  summer  of  2011  marks  the  fourth  year  that  His House Children’s Home has offered Camp 33. This is a fun-filled and adventurous learning program for foster children, at-risk community children, and orphaned Haitian children.  Camp 33 children may have experienced trauma, reside in low-income households in the neighboring community, or deal with an emotional, behavioral or learning disability.

You will have the opportunity to show these kids the love of Jesus as you reach out during a week of summer camp in which we will bring Christ-focused devotionals, games, arts and crafts, life skills, outdoor sports, as well as field trips. This is their final week of summer vacation. We invite you to be a part of making happy lasting memories.

You can make a difference by providing summer camp to approximately 100 at-risk children.

TRIP PRICE: $748 ALL-INCLUSIVE FROM MIAMI, FL.

Age Requirement: 18 and older

Just back from a short missions trip to Belize with BWO and I can’t stop thinking about it. We went as a family, my husband and three kids–two teens and a ten year old–and it changed our lives.

I smile, remembering how nervous I was. Would it be too hard? Would I feel safe? Would the hotel be horrible–rats, bugs, no AC! But BWO does such a great job on working out every detail the food, the daily schedule, where we stayed, supplies, organization of the team, reminder e-mails, every step of the way was taken care which is important when your traveling in a foreign country.

Since we’ve been back, our whole family has been so much closer to God. I guess when you obey His nudge to go and then go and spend a week giving, He just pours our more of Himself as a reward.

A big part of our renewed hearts was the team BWO put together. It was made up of committed Christians who were there to work toward our goal of ministering to the Belizean children. The team members were fun, sweet, generous, and in love with the Lord. My teen boys came back so hungry for God as a result of hanging around the team for a week and my husband and I have been more committed to serving God in our everyday lives. We worked hard every day ministering, but we had a lot of fun too.

Would I go on another trip with BWO? In a heartbeat. This is a “professional,” experienced, well-organized missions operation that has a passion for reaching the lost for Christ.

It may be cliché to say, but it’s true, I came back with so much more than I gave.

Therese Stenzel

Over Christmas break Believers World Outreach sent a team of 19 people to San Pedro, Belize.  While a tourist area, many of the children that live there come from broken homes and suffer from abuse and neglect.  Our team gave their vacation break and served.  Many people, organizations, and businesses gave over $5,000 in which we were able to give backpacks, school supplies, sports equipment, crafts, games, and so much more to the island children of Belize.  This was truly a wonderful event.

After several months of planning, a team of 19 people with Believers World Outreach arrived in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye to work alongside of Lighthouse Christian Radio to put on the first ever After Christmas Football Tournament, Fun in the Park and New Year’s Day Children’s Festival.

BWO as well as the kids of San Pedro were blessed by the outpouring of love that was given through generous donations.

With the help of so many individuals we were able to bring to soccer jerseys, sports equipment, personalized trophies and metals, tons of donated gifts, crafts, games,  supplies, VBS material, and especially lots of love to distribute to the love starving children of San Pedro.

The mornings were filled with excitement from 8:30 to 11:30 as 6 teams, ages 9 -11 and 11-13 competed for 4 mornings while the younger kids enjoyed learning through making craft and having fun with some of the ladies.

The late afternoon were filled with VBS style activities which started off with a lesson of God’s love and the gift of His Son to us to save us from our sin. Many young hearts and lives responded to the message and especially to the love from the messengers as they poured their lives into these young lives.

The week ended with the Children’s Festival on New Year’s Day where over 400 kids and their parents packed Central Park for a fun time with over 6 stations/booths of games; face painting, ballooning, sack race, water balloon toss, egg race and much more.

We gave away many gifts to the children. most importantly, we presented the real purpose of the entire event, the love of God through His Son Jesus.

Again, the needs of the residence of San Pedro Town became so evident especially of so many children that are dealing with hunger, neglect, abuse, and severe family issues to name a few. BWO and the folks from Lighthouse Christian Radio were so blessed to observe the team’s outpouring of God’s love to these kids who quickly got attached to them and meaningful relationships were developed as they modeled Christ to them in practical ways.

Clive Welsh from Lighthouse put it best as he told the team members on the last night we were there, “many of you, without realizing it, have become like aunts, uncles, big brother, big sisters and even mothers and fathers to these kids. So thankful to the Lord for the BWO team and all He accomplished through them. Lives touching lives!”

Believers World Outreach would like to personally thank every member on the Belize mission team.  You are all truly amazing!

I have been to Africa 12 times. Last summer’s trip with Believers World Outreach was the most fruitful mission trip I have ever experienced. We saw hundreds saved through a variety of well organized outreaches. Every day challenged the team with new ministries. While some of us taught pastors, others took the Word into the community. Many won their first souls to Christ and others taught their first lesson. Everyone was involved in the work of the ministry. I am looking forward to returning to Tanzania and Kenya this August with other Calvary Chapel pastors. This is a great opportunity for pastors and their people to experience missionary life on the continent of Africa.
Pastor Harold Anderson
HIGHER GROUND
CALVARY CHAPEL
MORENO VALLEY

Jesus said to preach the Gospel to all nations then the end will come. Because Believers World Outreach did such a good job with the logistics of the mission trip, we were able to focus all of our attention on winning souls. Thank God for organizations that know what it takes to get the Gospel out in these last days.
Pastor Brian McDaniel
CALVARY CHAPEL COSTA MESA, CROSS TO LIGHT MINISTRY

It has been a privilege to travel to Kigoma, Tanzania for the past two summers on short-term mission trips. I had the opportunity to teach the Word of God at the Calvary Chapel East Africa Pastor’s Conference and be a part of many of the outreaches that took place. The ministry that went forth in the Kigoma region was fruitful and the people were open and receptive to the Gospel and many made commitments to Christ. Whether you have the gift of worship, children’s ministry, evangelism, construction, teaching sports outreach or a heart to pray and love on people in the name of Jesus, this trip is for you. I encourage you to step out in faith and watch God use you!
Pastor Bond Gaona
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH PASTOR
THE CHAPEL

A Pastor waited hours for our team to arrive at our lodging facility to give gifts of thanks for coming to his country and sharing the word of God.

Dear Friends,
God has opened an amazing door for us to reach and teach the people of East Africa.Having gone there more times than I can count over the last decade, it still amazes me
how life changing these trips are. As I reflect on past years and remember all the great things that God has done, it’s hard to believe it will get any better. But year after year the Lord always exceeds my expectations.

I would like to personally invite you to take a step of faith and come with one of our teams in 2011 to Uganda,  Tanzania and Kenya. Whether you’re a Pastor looking to  bring your church or you’re a believer that is looking to serve the Lord, these trips will give you new perspective and change your life forever!

To Know Him and Make Him Known,

Pastor Trent Douglass
CALVARY CHAPEL SAVING GRACE
SAVING GRACE WORLD MISSIONS

Pastors and church leaders from the Kigoma region filled the rented hall for the first Calvary Chapel Pastors and Leaders Conference in Tanzania. Many of them would normally NOT attend the seminar of another group or denomination. Yet God, in His grace, brought them. At the breaks and at the end of each day many of them were commenting to us and to each other that they were so glad they had come and that the teaching was remarkable and edifying; that they were learning tremendous things that they had never been taught before.
Pastor Jon Langley
Calvary Chapel Kigoma, Tanzania