“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Those Who Go

Reflections from Team Members about their First Missions Trip

Isabelle Champagne tells her story:

Last March was my first time going to Haiti, and actually happened to be my very first missions trip. Needless to say, my whole life changed during that week in Haiti. I was able to meet wonderful and inspirational people, and experience some life-changing transformation in myself and in those around me.

I go to Ascend Malibu in Malibu, California and I went with a team of six other people (from my church and the amazing organization Mission Haiti). I could really see all the experience, wisdom and hard work that CMC and Mission Haiti had been doing together with the local pastors, churches and communities. While there is so much poverty and oppression (especially from the religion of voodoo), there is also joy and hope for their future.

I think it’s important that everyone in the first world gets to experience going to a Third World country because it really showed me how blessed I am. And we are blessed to be a blessing. But on the other side of that, I found that I got blessed way more than I could have ever imagined during one week on a missions trip. It was truly a wonderful experience, and the people of Haiti are so gracious, warm, open hearted and colorful! I can’t wait to go back to Haiti and I encourage anyone who can, to take the time and go on a missions trip. I’m deeply grateful to see so many people set free and healed with all of God’s amazing love and power!

In April of 2014 I had the opportunity to go to the Philippines. I had never been on a mission trip before, I had only heard other missionaries’ testimonies. Right away, the questions came, “Is this what God wants me to do? Where will we get the money? Is it safe? Do I have the abilities to be a ‘Missionary?’ ” So the first thing I did was pray. In my heart I wanted to go, but the enemy was filling my head with fear. However, I know the Lord does not give us a spirit of fear, so I told Jesus, “I will take steps as if I am going, and if for some reason I shouldn’t, please gently block my path.” I had to trust that He would guide and care for me whether I went or stayed. After this prayer, the checks started pouring in, I got my shots in about 15 minutes, passport in about 2 weeks, and my husband got time off work to watch the kids! “Guess I’m going!!”

We joined the team from CMC and they were amazing! They have a very clear vision of what God wants them to do and how to do it. They worked with other Pastors, churches, and local Officials to hold crusades. I have never seen such agreement, it is absolutely the work of our Holy Father! With the vision they have, I believe the Gospel will reach all of the Philippines. All because a handful of God’s people said, “yes.” What a privilege it was to be a part of God’s work. To pray for the sick, dance with the children, and night after night watch people raise their hands in surrender to accept Jesus into their hearts. On one of those evenings, it hit me; I am going to see all these people in Heaven one day! The people of the Philippines and the CMC team will hold a place in my heart forever. I can’t wait to go back.