We loved our time at Calvary Evangelistic Mission (CEM) and we were excited to be able to serve and encourage their ministries. CEM is an important component of maturing believers and reaching the lost for Christ in Puerto Rico and the surrounding Caribbean islands. CEM owns and operates 3 Christian radio stations (http://www.therockradio.org/), and a Bible Correspondence School (http://www.bcsonline.org/) that reaches over 23,000 students in 62 countries. Radio easily touches many lives, and the listeners have requested more Bible teaching programs than music during the day. We were honored to be a part of what God is doing in the Caribbean!
We felt our trip was a great opportunity to show our girls that you don’t need special skills to serve God! It’s not our abilities, it’s our availabilities God is after! We lived in a large city for a week and joined a team of 10 others serving at CEM. The ladies in the group did an outstanding job of feeding us, and we were blessed and touched to be so warmly welcomed into the CEM family.
Most of Beth’s time was spent helping with various office tasks. We recognized God’s timing when we arrived and learned there were 3,600 mailings to fold, stuff, and prep for their spring Sharathon event. Our help allowed the CEM staff to continue with their duties while we prepared it for mailing. Several long days in the office were challenging (especially for Lauren), but we worked hard, and we were rewarded by enjoying God’s beautiful beaches at week’s end.
Most of Mark’s time was spent outside, either painting, or helping recoat the roofs on various CEM buildings. He also worked on the 3rd floor of the CEM building to help prepare it for a potential tenant this fall. We believe it was God’s timing for our family to be down there towards the end of the month, as we were able to encourage the CEM staff, as well as the other volunteers—some of who had been working for two or more weeks prior to our arrival. They were ready for someone to help carry the 60 lb. paint buckets at the job sites!
Lauren says – I went to the office and did what they asked me to do, like stamping return addresses on the Bible lessons and stuffing envelopes. It was only kind of fun. I made very fun friends (with the rest of the team). I liked eating rice & beans with chicken, parcha (passion fruit) ice cream, and fried plantain chips. My favorite day was going to the beach, because we got to swim. I liked to see the glowing water (in the Bio Bay).
Morgan – Thanks to everyone who helped support our trip to PR. One good thing to know is that you don’t need special powers or travel to Africa to be a missionary. I helped stuff envelopes, stamp Bible lessons, and place stickers on books. I also swept the apartment stairs to help keep it clean. The beaches were beautiful, and the Bio Bay (http://www.biobay.com/) was AWESOME! I got to see God’s creations underwater when I went snorkeling. This trip was a fun experience. I am pretty sure what we did pleased God.
Hey, Nicole here! I had many wonderful experiences in Puerto Rico. I got to work in the office folding, stacking, and stuffing around 3,600 papers. Dad and I worked outside painting. In the BCS, I stamped return addresses on the Bible lessons. I got to see beautiful beaches, wavy waters, and wonderful people. The Bio-Luminescent Bay was amazing to watch and experience. I had fun, and I hope our trip pleased God.
The picture attached is a postcard (scanned) that contains a sentry post in Old San Juan. Just as it was used to guard the city, it reminded us of how your prayers guarded our days for good health and safety.
Thank you to our family and friends who prayed for and supported us on our first family mission trip. We know it was by God’s Grace and your assistance that we were able to build these lifetime family memories while serving him.
To God be the Glory!
In His Service and with love,
In His Service and with love,
Mark, Beth, Nicole, Morgan, and Lauren
