Missions Trip Transforms Lives
Mix 65 youth from California, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Chicago and you get the team which traveled to Poza Rica, Mexico on the July 2010 Global Expedition missions trip. For 11 years, teams have been traveling to visit the ministry of Casa Hogar Alfa y Omega orphanage, under the leadership of Tony Lane through the Church of God Department of Youth and Christian Education.
Mike Nelson, Youth Pastor of the Plant City Church of God in Florida, writes: “Peggy and I had the opportunity to partner with Tony Lane in July on the mission trip to Poza Rica, Mexico taking 32 from our group. Words can’t describe the week we spent working in and around the orphanage at Casa Hogar. We simply fell in love with the kids and the vision of Pastor and Sister Herrera. Of all the mission trips we’ve been a part of, this trip ranks as one of the best ever.
Every child comes with a story that just rips at your heart. There is such a need around the world to help the abandoned and forgotten children. Thank God the children at Casa Hogar have a safe haven and place to develop and grow. We were amazed at the joy the kids share knowing where they came from. This mission trip was filled with multiple ministry opportunities such as a leadership conference, church in one of the villages, a service in the mountain village, and the most humbling experience ever, ministry to those who live at the trash dump.
We also had the opportunity to do physical work painting and cleaning. Two additional highlights included purchasing and distributing food to multiple families in need and a birthday party for everyone at the orphanage to top off the week. Some of the kids do not even know their actual birthday. We also helped to purchase 6 months worth of supplies for those living at Casa Hogar.
Our students and leaders definitely came back changed and impacted. They have shared so many stories and came back with a deep appreciation for what they have and have become contagious to their friends and families. We will be going back next year for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if we double the number we take next year.
Thank you to everyone involved for your heart for this ministry.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 NIV”
For additional information about future missions trips, including a Christmas trip in January, call 423-478-7229 or e-mail tlane@churchofgod.org. Information is also available at ycechurchofgod.org.
