I'm Bill Ellis and I serve as an evangelist for the Spanish-speaking ministry of the Chicago Church of Christ.
Guatemala Summer Medical Brigade
This past summer, I had the privilege of serving for five days alongside 50 other volunteers from all over the US and Mexico. The primary mission of the Community Service Brigades is to provide outpatient medical and dental care for the ICOC church family living in extreme poverty outside of the United States, but my experience proved that they bring so much more. As I spoke to different participants in the medical clinic it was encouraging to hear how so many peoples lives had been changed through the volunteer service of the disciples who had volunteered with HOPE worldwide. One young woman mentioned that she had been baptized just after the first brigade and had never seen a church that cared for its members well being so completely. She stated that since meeting the church she has been cared for spiritually, medically and in her education. It was humbling to see the joy in the Guatemalans' hearts as the brigades bring relief from the constant stress of living in one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Guatemala Summer Medical BrigadeThis past summer, I had the privilege of serving for five days alongside 50 other volunteers from all over the US and Mexico. The primary mission of the Community Service Brigades is to provide outpatient medical and dental care for the ICOC church family living in extreme poverty outside of the United States, but my experience proved that they bring so much more. As I spoke to different participants in the medical clinic it was encouraging to hear how so many peoples lives had been changed through the volunteer service of the disciples who had volunteered with HOPE worldwide. One young woman mentioned that she had been baptized just after the first brigade and had never seen a church that cared for its members well being so completely. She stated that since meeting the church she has been cared for spiritually, medically and in her education. It was humbling to see the joy in the Guatemalans' hearts as the brigades bring relief from the constant stress of living in one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Reaching Others Through Adversity2013 was a very difficult year for the church in Guatemala City. In a church of roughly 700 members they saw 20 deaths, five of which were murders. The day before we arrived, one of the university students had been hit by a car as she got off a bus and was in grave condition. Through much adversity the church has not lost its vision of reaching others. At the Sunday service, Byron Pernillo, a disciple in the Guatemala Church who is invalid, baptized Luisito, who he met through a program that he runs in order to help others with physical disabilities to find gainful employment. Byron shared about how the loss of his son to leukemia and the hardships that he has endured in a country that is not sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities have driven him to seek God in a deeper way. Although Byron is employed he uses half of his earnings to purchase the adult diapers that he uses daily. Through the love of the church in Guatemala and the service of HOPE worldwide Byron has been able to overcome the many obstacles that he has faced over the past seven years as a disciple.
Join the TeamThe community service brigades start with the medical staff, but are so much more than that. Speaking with the church leaders in Guatemala and Honduras, the depth of spiritual guidance, preaching and teaching that has come from elders, evangelists, teachers and mature disciples that have volunteered with the brigades has strengthened the churches in ways that they could have never done on their own.
Would you consider being part of this life changing team? Anyone interested in working hard to bring some "faith, hope and love" to those in need of a compassionate helping hand is welcome to apply. We especially need bilingual Spanish speakers of any occupation! A week of your time will have a profound impact on the mission field and your life.
Upcoming Dates: 2014 Community Service Brigades
Honduras
Winter Brigade: Friday, January 24 - Monday, Jan 27 - Applications Closed
Summer Brigade: Friday, July 11 - Monday, July 14
Guatemala
Winter Brigade: Friday, February 21 - Monday, February 24 - Applications Closed
Summer Brigade:Friday, August 15 - Monday, August 18
Nicaragua
Spring Brigade: Friday, April 11- Sunday, April 13 - Application Deadline January 31, 2014
El Salvador
Fall Brigade: Friday Oct. 17th- Sunday Oct 19th
Please note: All volunteers need to arrive Thursday before 5PM for all Brigades.