The Romania team journeyed to Lupeni, Romania, to work with VIATA. This unique ministry, partly supported through Young Life International, seeks to encourage growth, responsibility, a sense of building community, and hope for a better future among the youth in this economically depressed area of the country. The team served to support VIATA staff in this summer camp for youth, working through the teaching of rock climbing, ropes courses, and other outdoor skills. This ministry also works alongside the church in Romania, seeking to teach Christian values in building character and community.
The Uganda Team of 2004 was described by George Muzaale, our partner in ministry in Uganda, as "6 mighty women of God who blessed us mightily." This team of 6 women from 6 different churches served in Jinja, Uganda, on Lake Victoria. They helped with the construction of the 3rd block of classrooms for Dayspring School, some helped in the classroom and with outdoor games, they went with YWAM volunteers to minister to house bound AIDS patients and their families, and they visited with Ugandans who adopt children orphaned by AIDS.
A team of 8 people traveled to Siguatepeque, Honduras to work with Union Biblicas, (Scripture Union). The team gave presentations in 21 private or public schools, presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to elementary school children through puppets, songs, stories and crafts. They had opportunities to spend informal time with the children during outdoor play sessions, to meet and exchange stories with Honduran Christian Youth groups, and worship with two different congregations. They attended a wedding, and were invited to several gatherings in Honduran homes and a retreat center. Two of the team members stayed in Honduras to serve for an extended stay, working with Union Biblicas.
The 2004 Turkey team of 7 journeyed to the shores of the Mediterranean, to serve with St Paul's Cultural center ministries in Antalya, Turkey. The team was invited by the Turkish social services to work in a summer day care program in a low-income suburb of Antalya. They provided a "Kids Olympics," with indoor and outdoor games, crafts and songs. The team was also able to make friends with Turks in the hotels, restaurants, and at Paul's Place, where they could answer questions about Western culture and about the Christian faith.
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