Greendale Mennonite Church, Ukraine: Team Testimonials
November 10, 2008
"[One highlight was] being able to share my testimony."
"[One highlight was] spending time with the kids at the orphanage. I got to teach many of them how to spool knit just like I did with my own children at home. The kids couldn't get enough of it!"
"I grew up sheltered from the rest of the world, not on purpose, but just because of where we were privileged to live, so experiencing extreme poverty and hardships but to also see pure joy on their faces, will remind me that my troubles aren't so bad."
"I have had opportunities to obey God while on this trip and I did. Often if it is out of my comfort zone I will back away, but I didn't and it felt much better to obey Him and I plan to continue with everything He asks."
"Seeing the faith that the people at the orphanage has for their daily needs to run the orphanage was eye-opening; God does take care of those who trust in Him."
"I must re-evaluate my priorities; I have seen God working in people's daily lives no matter their circumstances."
"I feel more comfortable sharing the gospel publicly."
"[One highlight was] listening to an 83-year-old women tell her life story to me as I was walking home with her and an interpreter and how God had provided her with everything she needed."
"I think I'm going to reassess my material wants."
"It [the trip} has shown me that people can praise God and be thankful no matter what their level of wealth rich or poor."
"[I have become] more spiritually aware of God's love for all people in all circumstances."
"[I have learned] that God has no boundaries, no countries and no limits."
"[This trip] reinforced that through God all things are possible. Our fundraising goal was $20,000. We thought that was stretching the limit and we more than doubled."
"God has richly blessed me-only I can decide how those blessing/riches can be used-I have a responsibility to share with those in need."
"[One highlight was] bonding with some of the children from the orphanage."
"I have always been a private person but this trip has helped me share a little more."
"I realize that us rich Canadians are the minority and we are very blessed but it doesn't bring us closer to God. We don't need Him like the poor people do."
"I just want to live more for others and less for self."
"It is so much better to give them to receive."
"I'm going to spend less on needless thing and de-clutter my house."
"The fellowship was amazing! Never experience anything like this before."
"To know that I perhaps helped just one person come to God, is a great feeling."
"Nothing will be taken for granted anymore. I realized how truly blessing I am; I am so grateful."
"This experience has made me want to move forward in my commitment to God."
"[One highlight was] staying at the orphanage and being able to interact with the kids."
"[This trip] confirmed my desire to become involved in Ukraine long term."
"God's love for me is the same as God's love for a bitter, bedridden man."
"[One highlight was] connecting with the people-both widows, hospital patients and children-during our visits."
"[I have learned that:] God is faithful when we step out; God is alive and moving all around the world; and to continue to be God's humble servant."
View Greendale Mennonite Church, Ukraine, Nikopol, October 19-November 3, 2008 trip page .