From sunny California, to snow covered Minnesota! The Experience traveled 2,000 miles East to White Bear Lake, MN — to Eagle Brook Church. Although it was cold — the week was great. There were amazing volunteers and visitors — one volunteer served on her birthday and decided to give herself a birthday present by sponsoring a child — so great!
Another cool story from the week:
“I began sponsoring a child nearly 4 years ago through my church. It’s been one year this month that I’ve been unemployed for the second time. Even though it’s been a though year, I will not consider dropping my sponsorship. The ‘hardship’ experiencing in no way compares to the hardship that is in my little girls live. This God willing will be temporary for me – it’s her life. We can easily blow $35 per month in our country, and it can do so much for our sponsored children. I still have my home – she drew me a picture of her home made of sticks. I will continue to sponsor and I will sponsor additional children also.”
God really worked through the community of White Bear Lake, thank you to the planning team and all the volunteers who made this week possible!
–Shawn
We just spent a great week in Tulsa, OK at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa. This church has a strong connection with Malawi and missions overall; they even hosted their first Missions week while we were there. What a wonderful congregation — thank you for opening up your doors to the community!
Something new for this site, was an add in the marketplace where visitors had a chance to respond and help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. This site was also unique because of a crazy snowstorm that came through, causing Tulsa to (literally) freeze over. In addition to the snowstorm, a family in the congregation was chosen to be on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. It was great to see so many people in this community pitch in to help serve this family!
–Ange
The World Vision Experience: AIDS tour came back to California this January and was hosted by The First Baptist Church in Elk Grove. During the week, many people walked through the Experience, including one gal who is HIV positive. After going through one of the stories, she came out very moved and asked to speak with one of the church staff. She shared her story of how she’s been HIV positive for 14 years but had told no one except her husband. Seeing the stories of children with HIV in Africa who share similar experiences like she does, was very touching and she expressed how it (personally) made her feel more at peace.
It was encouraging to see visitors touched in this way and we were honored to serve alongside this church that has been involved with their local AIDS organizations in the Sacramento Valley.
We are thankful for all the volunteers and visitors that came through this week in Northern California. Next Stop: White Bear Lake, MN ~ get your coat!
–Shawn
World Vision Experience: AIDS 