We have just launched our upcoming trips! Look for our Trip Guides in both Welcome Centers and in the Impact Center at the Rockrimmon campus. Or visit us online: woodmenvalley.org/go.
Global Improv Night February 23, 2012
What do bottled water, lost luggage and laughter have in common? Global Improv Night at Woodmen!
Friday, February 24th
7 pm
RR Stone Chapel
Missions are about hearts changed and lives impacted, but there are plenty of crazy stories when you get home. Come join us as we look ahead to our upcoming mission trips, and celebrate the lighter side of missions.
Know One in Particular (knowoneinparticular.com)will perform improv comedy with suggestions from the audience dealing with real life, mission trip situations and scenes made up right on the spot. Their shows are all about audience participation, are unique and appropriate for all ages.
Find out more at woodmenvalley.org/improv
Guatemala Campa 3D November 22, 2011
Along the side of the field where we held Campa 3D, written in large blue letters against a white concrete wall, was written a Bible verse. Our final devotional topic to be covered was the Holy Spirit and to introduce it we posed a question to the campers. Had anybody noticed the verse written in large blue letters? In unison they answered yes, and recited the verse, Phil. 3:14 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Wow! We felt like a well watered garden had been laid out and we had experienced a living example of the Holy Spirit.
This soccer field had been built by a christian mayor, possible fruit from missionaries who came long before we set foot in this beautiful land of volcanoes and colorful textiles. Prior to our team’s arrival, God has been at work in Guatemala and the fruit from Campa 3D remains to be seen. What we do know is, during the last week we saw over 200 campers, more than double the amount from last year, and they received Biblical instruction. The game of soccer opened the door and God brought forth those children He called to Campa 3D in Guatemala. The staff included coaches from Guatemala and we are praying they too will be touched by this experience. If their prayers offered during the camp or the conversations between us are any indicator, it seems their hearts have been softened to the idea of faith based soccer camps. The Guatemalan coaches comments echo an understanding of the transformation God can implement through using Biblical teachings along with the sport of soccer. To love the Lord our God with body, mind and soul is our highest calling and Campa 3D has brought forth this instruction to a new arena…. soccer in Guatemala. Our team has been blessed by the privilege of serving kids and bringing the love of Christ beyond our walls.
Guatemala 2011 – Campa 3D November 22, 2011
“Truly, truly, you have to be born again” John 3:5 ~ This was painted on the side of a garage wall next to the field at Cerritos where we met over 50 Compassion kids. Campa 3D was amazing! Soccer drills, devotional time discussing how we love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul, smiles of joy, and radiant faces reflecting a day of soccer instruction. In the evening we worshipped at an Evangelical church with pastors involved with Campa 3D. We made a joyful noise together, raising our voices in a fresh song of praise. Though our languages are different our hearts are one!
Guatemala Campa3D 2011 November 18, 2011
The sights and sounds of Guatemala whizzed by as we travelled to the Villa Nueva soccer field. Large buses filled with workers, truck drivers leaning on their horns, petrol fumes, Coca Cola signs, McDonald’s, even a few Pizza Hut delivery bicycles were spotted along our way. After months of planning, it is time for Campa 3D 2011, our second run at faith based soccer camps. This time it is a bit different because Guatemalan coaches are joining the camp, with the intent of learning how the prinicples of loving God with body, mind and spirit can apply to soccer. In this part of the world, soccer rules. Yet bringing God into this sport arena is as unfamiliar to them as the entire traffic system here, is to us. One thing is certain, it works, their crazy trafic flow, and our unfailing God. But will it work here, now, during this camp, at the Villa Nueva field? If the first day of camp is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes! 75 kids came in the morning and another group of 40 in the afternoon. Both sessions were incredible; t-shirts for all of the kids and coaches, clean water, snacks, balls, pinnies, and cones for dividing the field… the essentials for a soccer camp…orchestrated entirely by SEPAL. The coaches lead devotions, prayers were lifted up, and the kids experienced a new kind of soccer. Thank you Lord!
Guatemala Trip 2011 – Campa 3D November 17, 2011
Coach Lou and Pastor Kurt met with Guatemalan coaches today, making final plans for the official start of Campa 3D tomorrow. Another good prep day for coaches and the team! We ended the day praying over the field naming the attributes of God, preparing our hearts for all God will do in and through us, the coaches, staff and kids over the next few days of camp!
Guatemala Trip 2011 – Campa 3D November 15, 2011
Training Guatemalan coaches today was even more exciting with the 80 kids that came along! An awesome beginning for the week as coaches and staff get ready for the arrival of the rest of our team tomorrow. A great day for the Lord!
Haiti Men’s Trip 2011 October 17, 2011
An awesome time worshipping at Pastor Moise’s church. Jimmy Dodd did an excellent job preaching! So great to be together as one – Haitians and American praising Christ together. Had lunch at a Haitian buffet with Moise. Our first real lunch of the trip!
Haiti Men’s Trip 2011 October 16, 2011
A great day visiting a couple local pastors homes and the villages their churches sponsor. Everyone is exhausted (in a good way) from playing with kids. It was a good opportunity for us to see what a church partnership looks like!
Haiti Men’s Trip 2011 October 14, 2011
We got a tour of the Jumecourt property today, including the orphan village and school as well as microbusinesses sewing center and brand new bakery. We then visited an orphan village at Leogane which is near the epicenter of the earthquake. Kids just love the time with visitors, especially to have a group of men. It’s so rare for them to get adult male interaction. On the way back from Leogane we got a tour of Port Au Prince. Poverty is overwhelming here. The team is doing well and God is at work! We’re excited about the next few days.
