2013 Wahiawa Mission Testimonies!

Sarah’s Testimony
Grass skirts, pineapple, palm trees and leis – this what my vision of Hawaii was until January 10, 2013. A mission trip in many ways could also be called a service trip. When we think of service – we refer to the act of “doing something” but I realized that when we are physically doing nothing is actually when you are serving, serving and loving as Jesus did.

The past 10 days our team spent time doing (painting, organizing, editing documents and digging) but we also spent time nodding, listening and laughing with the residents on the island of Oahu. In doing so we showed love, without judgment (or tried not to!) as Jesus would have.

The main difference between a service trip and mission trip is the unity of the team. Every day we all asked the same question – How will the Holy Spirit move us today?  We began each morning and evening in prayer to reflect on how we impacted.

I now view Hawaii just as broken as Milwaukee or Chicago, just as broken as our family and neighbors. I challenge you to hear the calling to go on mission to somewhere not called home. If you don’t hear the calling – how will you serve your community?

Toni’s Testimony

Having not ever been part of an organized mission trip before I decided to take what I’ve learned through serving at Tres Dias to ‘not anticipate, just participate!’  I followed Wes’ instructions and tips for having a successful mission and took them to heart.  One of the most important things that I did was to ask people to be my personal prayer warriors.  My team consisted of nine people who pray, who have been witness to the power of prayer and who have care and concern for me and who love the Lord like crazy!  It had impact on my every day!

I think missions presents many challenges.  Working out some of your own junk.  Wondering if what you do each day is really making a difference.  Becoming aware of other people’s junk and asking God how He would have you be part of it.  Physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion.  Physical, emotional, and spiritual exhilaration.  Embracing, celebrating, and utilizing your giftedness.  Being comfortable in your lack and your failures.  Basically it’s a crazy roller-coaster ride!!!  BUT, I will strongly stress, that in the challenge you find great reward and satisfaction.  I found a truer me.  I found deeper love.  I found greater compassion.  I found stronger passion.  And I found radical joy!

I can’t really narrow the events of these last ten days down to one, two, or even a half dozen powerful moments.  There were just too many!  Some involved a multitude of people.  Some impacted only one and I viewed it from afar.  None had ANYTHING to do with what I did and EVERYTHING to do with God’s extravagant love for His kids.  I came thinking I could be the change in the world because of what I did.  But truly, I’m only successful in changing the world because of who I allow God to be!

Jessi’s Testimony

This was my second trip to Wahiawa and I was stoked to see what God would do this time around.  Knowing that my first experience here was life-changing made it hard not to have expectations upon my return.  But I knew I had to let go of last year and enter into this year with an open heart and a willingness to receive whatever God had for me.

I was incredibly inspired by the young staff here at STN.  They have passionate hearts, show joy in serving, and are taking over a very broken city for God.  There are obvious changes in Wahiawa that happened just in the one year since we were here.  As I listened to some of the staff talk about their desire to love and change this city, I was overwhelmed with a sudden realization that I want to see this same change happen in Delavan.  I want to take over Delavan for God, to change lives, to love on people, and to bring hope to my own community. 

I think it’s amazing that God brought me 5,000 miles from home in order to get me to really love my own town.  I now see Delavan as a mission field and I’m excited to see what God has in store for it and for me.  I’m honored that I get to be a part of His plan for Wisconsin.  I can’t wait to bring the spirit of Aloha and Ohana (family) back with me!

Katie’s Testimony

When I signed up to be a member of the Wahiawa Mission Team I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I knew it would be hard work and challenging, but beyond that there were endless possibilities.  These possibilities turned into amazing and life-changing experiences.  New relationships were formed and hearts were opened.

My favorite and most memorable experiences happened at the end of our trip.  We were privileged to have a BBQ with a group of homeless people at a park in the bay.  We provided them with a hot meal and fellowship.  They provided us with nourishment for our souls.  It was amazing to talk story with them and to learn about life as they see it.  Laughter was shared and true friendships were formed.  They also taught us the true meaning of community and family and that they aren’t defined by concrete walls.

This trip has also helped me to grow through bonding with other team members.  I’ve been able to see each and every one of them grow and they have offered constant love and encouragement.  We came to Wahiawa with the intention of helping the people here.  And we did.  But I don’t think we realized how much they would also help and teach us.

Bill’s Testimony

As a mission team member in 2012, I saw that the native people of Hawaii didn’t trust outsiders or Surfing the Nations.  In their minds we were taking away their livelihoods, their incomes, and their homes.  We started the process of building trust and hope and I hoped to see a change when I returned.

One of the things I noticed on arrival this year was children playing in the parking lot.  There was laughter in the air.  The environment felt safe and appeared spiritually alive.  The physical space appeared cleaner and safer.

What was powerfully rewarding for me was watching my team members come alive with God’s Love.  But it’s not hard to find God’s love here at STN.  The reward is when we can move that love out onto Ohai Street and to the people of Wahiawa by feeding the hungry, inviting the homeless for an off-campus BBQ, and sharing music and fellowship.

Jen Starin’s Testimony

I went into my first mission trip with some obvious expectations.  I expected to refurbish buildings, clean up garbage, feed the hungry, and mingle with local people.

Something I didn’t expect to see was the overwhelming number of homeless people spread throughout the island communities.  I also didn’t expect to see the smiles and hear the laughter coming from these people, because they knew love and hope, and many had come to know Jesus.  I didn’t expect that Surfing the Nations would have had such an influence in Wahiawa or that they would already have made such a huge impact on so many lives.

My most impactful and unexpected pleasure was the love I saw shared among the staff, volunteers, and interns at STN.  Though they all come from different parts of the planet, they all shared the common bond with God.  I was blown away over the number of beautiful, young people who were so full of God’s love and the generosity to share that love with others.

It is my hope and dream that I can follow their lead and bring that kind of hope and love to the Walworth County area, and to make The River as loved and well known as STN.

Shawn Slawson’s Testimony

God had a lot in store for me on this trip. Since I had come here last year, I had certain expectations already in my mind. I had my worries and doubts before too such as: this is a different team, I don't have a camera, etc. All of these worries and doubts restricted my first few days in Wahiawa. I was still in a "work" state of mind.

Then God revealed to me I needed to put all my built up stress and anxiety aside. I knew I was resisting it and fought it for a while. It was at Surfer’s Church when I finally released everything to God. I felt a freedom from everything. I was so in tune with The Lord and I felt like I was finally "clear". Transformation happened, and it changed me.

I could have used to my testimony to talk about all the incredible outreach we did, how we changed lives, how we worked with the kids. I need to tell people about how I was changed, how I experienced God’s love, and how I see the world in a whole new light. God changed me. He released me from my stress. I will not let my old self back. I can't stand him.

 I pray the person reading this realizes that missions work will change you inside and out.

Jenn Bradley’s Testimony

After coming to Wahiawa last year, I knew this year would be different but I never could have imagined just how different.  I came with little expectations.  I came to serve others and, in doing so, found something I hadn’t truly understood – hope.

When we first arrived one of the staff members was praying for me and said she saw that I would find clarity and bring clarity to others.  She was right!  Amongst all the chaos I left behind at home, God led me to a peace I have never experienced before.  From that peace came clarity.

You see, one of our days here we were able to be an active part of a program called Feeding The Hungry.  Truckloads of food are delivered, sorted, and dispersed to the locals.  People form a line and walk down the line of food, receiving various food items.  I was on potato duty.  Just handing out regular old not-impressive potatoes.  As the line began I watched people as they walked through.  I watched their eyes as I smiled and offered potatoes.  Their eyes told the story.  As I saw the grateful, the greedy, the survivalist, I saw an old man moving slowly through the line.  I looked him in the eyes, smiled, and said “Hello.”  Now, this man had clearly seen some rough years and was hard pressed to even hold his head up.  But when he heard me, he looked up and had the strangest look of shock on his face.  He quickly looked down again.  He looked at me again and saw I was still smiling and looking at him as he approached.  He smiled the biggest smile I’ve ever seen!  He gestured a ‘hello’ as he didn’t speak English.

It was the simple act of noticing someone society has forgotten that renewed something in him.  His reaction renewed something in me as well.

Many people notice the larger things on a missions trip, but I focus on the progress of the heart.  Such a simple act caused such a big reaction.  God was there in that moment.  It reminded me that these little things make a difference on the mission field and at home too.  It was an amazing spiritual adventure.

Missions speak to all who do them – just ask.  I will take what I have learned home with me.  If you have the chance to go on a missions trip, say YES and feed your soul!

Michael Craine's Testimony

I came on this mission to Wahiawa because the first thing that popped into my head when it was suggested to me was" Go Michael". The next hundred things that ran through my head were all the reasons that I couldn't. Money, family, job, relationship issues.
However the verse I try to live is Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil."
I had no clue why I was supposed to go, or how I would get there. But it all came together.
Love as Jesus Mission...is an apt description for my time in Wahiawa. I didn't expect the love the STN staff extends to people they've never met or barely know, they're truly an example of "love your neighbor as you love yourself ". I didn't expect the gratitude that I saw in the eyes of a man that didn't  have a permanent home, for a prayer, a meal, and a hug. And I didn't expect  the love and acceptance shown by the members of our mission team, even in the face of conflicting personalities.
I didn't expect to hear God's word, and the reason he brought me here affirmed for me on a beach.
"Trust Me. I Will Show You The Way."
I'm glad I listened to Him, His plans are greater than mine.

Marilee Devries Testimony

I returned to Wahiawa because I wanted to get back what I found there last year. The fearless heart to love & serve our Lord.  Not only did I get the ability to see similarities I had with people before I recognized the differences I was able to see how God sees us all.  I was given the opportunities to experience what life looks like to someone who has no structural house to go " home" to.... That by no means they were homeless.  I was honored to be introduced to a community that defines the true meaning of family & what makes a house a home. A community that protected & looked out for each other, a community that took pride in keeping their homes clean, a community that shared not only real estate but food, supplies & the stigma of not having a mailing address.  The people that I met that day under a bridge in Oahu were some of the richest people I have met in all my life.  People that get it, people that know what really matters at the end of the day... family, relationships, truth, love, and above all a will to live a life with Jesus.  I will never look at a bridge the same way after having met, served, and talked story with the most God-loving people in the most ungodly of places. I love that God has blessed me with a fearless heart to live a life that serves Him.  I love the friends I have been able to make, and above all I love that God is so solid and steady & never takes risks so that I can!!!!

Michael Ruenz Testimony

Missions to me had been a bit confusing. Sit back some late night and you can see infomercials or tv advertisements demonstrating and asking for support in areas across the globe. The only difference here as opposed to another is the locale. People across our country and even in our back yards are in need for many things. The River simply has a significant stake in Surfing The Nations and the island of Oahu as a whole, because this is where it started in a matter of speaking as I understand.
Stepping out on our first actual day of outreach to the community, I came face to face with hundreds of residents of the island that were in need. Distributing food to some 550 residents of the island, the equation of that single outreach was quite spectacular. Figuring that fed some 2,100 people in those households respectively, puts a mass accomplishment to the task. Now figure this is performed each week by our ministry partners, STN and The Aloha Food Bank, what do you see? A never ending mission that unselfishly continues to give back. What is it in return that they want?... Love.
I was assigned to a specific task on our final community outreach in town just yesterday. As a team, we from RiverMissions2013 gave from our pockets along with support from STN,  a warm & inviting,  satisfying grilled lunch to the homeless men & women of Honolulu. I was able to free my hands of everything but a camera. Capturing people in life through a lens is particularly interesting to me. It gives us all a view of what not just our eyes see but what is seen from heaven as God looks down, warms the hearts and gives us Spirit. This is a continued activity by the veteran 2012 team & again this year. Who could believe that a hotdog or beef sandwich with just a small bag of chips could make people hug, laugh, cry, and pray together. I can tell you who, those who gave were believers. MANY who were receivers were, as well believers, even though their circumstances have literally landed them in the streets, those many,  still keep faith in God and believe. For some this is a way of life and may never choose to live under a conventional roof. That they may still continue to follow and believe no matter their addictions or statuses; this is part of fulfilling the prophecy. Believing in God, the sacrifice, and the spirit which allows us  to hear God and feel Him in our hearts.
I am a believer. I struggled with the commitment to come to Wahiawa. I should have never guessed any decision. I also believed that in an awesome group of young people, that I would be the only outcast in the confines of this Christ centered organization. I could have never been so blind. Consider your teen aged daughter or son as an addict , a troubled or wounded soul. Guess what, they are here. They were here for me and they took me in. They took me into thief arms selflessly and stopped all they were doing just to pray, counsel , and build my strength and courage back up. See it was not only a mission to serve a community and a worthy organization. it was my mission to build faith , strengthen myself for the future ; using my past as a stone to step me to the next level. One inch closer to God. I only realized that as I sat to compose this testimony. As believers , we all know that Christ is the answer, and to know him is to know God. The way to reach God is through acceptance , repentance , and belief. Can we, with River Missions show you that? Let us give you the inside look through our eyes , given us by God , to share with you....

Matt Swanson Testimony
I used to think I knew what it meant to be a Christian before this trip, but I've been shown an entirely new definition.

When I signed up to go to Wahiawa, I only knew two people going on the trip and just barely.  I was blown away by how loving an accepting the rest of my team was.  No matter what was happening my team kept encouraging me and treating me as an equal, even though I didn't see myself as one because of my age and youth in my faith.  I was also blown away by how much energy and fun everyone had at Surfing The Nations.  I was shown that youth isn't a disadvantage - it's a blessing.  I was greatly inspired by how biblical all of the people my age were and that they weren't wasting their lives partying and doing the things that people my age usually do.

I was also shown what it means to love as Jesus loves.  I was shown a ton of amazing examples of this through my team members, but the locals were the ones who really blew me away.  When I talked to any of the less privileged members of the community, their most important thing in life was their friends and family.   

This was a huge shift in my world view as everyone I'm friends with and have usually interacted with don't see the world that way.  The locals that touched me the most were a family that owned a hot dog restaurant next to STN.  I spent most of my free time just hanging out and playing with the three daughters - Destiny, Faith, and Alexis.  These girls had so much fun with everything they did and were always happy to see anyone from STN.  I spent just as much time talking story with their parents, Zach and Lisa, and learning about the hardships they've encountered.

As I write this, I plan on applying for an internship at STN to continue the work there.  The only question I have for you is "What are you waiting for?"  Sign up for a mission trip or any kind of mission work around your home as soon as you're done reading this!  

Wes' Mission Testimony

Mission ministry is my main passion.  I’m still in daily awe of: how Jesus fills us with His unconditional and overflowing Love, how the Spirit leads in unexpected but powerful ways and how God works out all the details (especially things that logically shouldn’t happen!)

With a very grateful heart, I watched this team give all their strength to distribute 31,000 pound of food.  Throughout the mission, I heard regular outbursts of genuine laughter coming from wherever our team was.  

Wherever we went, this team didn't hesitate to jump in and get to know whoever they met.  Day after day, I'd see them praying for/with others!

What a blessing to have Pastor Dale with us for most of the mission, providing much needed soul care and leading us in powerful meditation! 

Wow!  Well done team!