Another great team has come to Laredo on a short-term mission trip and we are so thankful for their service! Each team adds their own unique flavor to what we do here in Laredo, and the Bakkeringas, as they named themselves, were no exception during their stay here during January 14-17, 2015.
This amazing group was instrumental in helping us finish updating homes for some of neediest brothers and sisters here in Laredo. Both families were very grateful. Many of us live in such comfort, we do not realize that there are people here in the United States that live in deplorable conditions. Such was the case for one of our church families. They used to live on a dirt floor, lacked plumbing, and did not have a standard roof on their home. But Christ taught us that we must help one another and when our brothers and sisters need help, we must lend a hand. That is exactly what the Bakkeringas did here by helping to put the finishing touches on these homes and God bless them for it.
The team also had the opportunity to visit some of the neediest families in Laredo and give the children toys. It is always a pleasure to see the smile of these kids who ask for so little and yet need so much. One little toy will brighten their day and their parents are eternally grateful.
One of the groups that is often forgotten or ignored are the elderly. Here at New Vision Community Church we have a program dedicated exclusively for them. Every Friday, we provide groceries to 200+ senior citizens. The Bakkeringas took part in that program and they got to see the faces of gratitude.
This great team was comprised of the following:
Jay Bakke (team leader), Bonny Eckstein, Claudette Carison, Goldie Davis, James Rasmussen, Tim Roper, Mike Priest
Thank you team Bakkeringas for taking part in the work that we do here! You helped us a lot, but we also know that you too were blessed! It never seizes to amaze us that missionaries take away as much as they bring. We wanted to highlight some of their comments so that they may inspire others as well!
“They (NVCC) help so many less fortunate people than you or I. In a way, they helped me. There are so many things we take for granted. I am blessed to have come on this trip.”
“I was impressed that the entire group “got it” and they were all blessed. I am impressed that personal goals, corporate goals, NVCC goals all line up. I am impressed that I have been here two previous times, but am still touched and moved by NVCC and Laredo, TX.”
“Incredible! I have always known of the responsibility as Christians to serve the Lord, but now I come away from this experience with conviction in my heart to serve the Lord and others. What a great company I work for! Thank you Jesus for the blessings you have provided me to work for such a company. I will take this experience to my community and church service.”
“Being able to participate in the work the mission does in Laredo has been an inspirational and eye opening experience for me. I have had my own trials and difficulties in life though they pale in comparison to the many people we were able to serve here in Laredo. This trip has restored my faith in people and the good they can do when they come together with a common goal.”
“For me, it was life changing, the faces of the children as we gave them toys, the expression of an older boy was standing back when I threw him a frisbee. All of the love in everyone’s eyes of the mothers, the children, the men, the elderly, it was all truly amazing.”
“This trip was an awakening for me. I have never really looked at anything of anyone around me without first thinking about myself and how I would benefit. In just two short days, I have experienced so many amazing things. I would never have dreamed that a complete stranger would steal my heart and return it to me so repaired and full of love………God bless all of you and thank you for that extra nudge I needed to bring the Lord back into my life.”
“From poverty and destitute to love, warmth, caring of the mission. To understand [a] stranger, connect with them and not even speak the same language. The loneliness of the elderly to the smiles and light in their eyes — just by greeting and hugging them. Children and mothers so excited to see the truck and how they leave with happiness for the moment and most of all, the gratitude and humbleness of everyone.”
If you would like to do a short term missions trip, contact us or call us. If you are an individual, we can attach you to another group. If you are a company/church,/organization that would like to organize something for your employees/members, we can put something together as well. We certainly can use the help!