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David's Testimony
I want to start off by thanking Gail and Ted of Blue Water Surrender for this incredible opportunity that allowed me to go to Guatemala on my first mission trip. I went on this trip trying not to have any expectations about what would come out of it because I didn’t know what mission trips were really about. All I can say is I received a lot.
One of the most prominent things I learned on this trip was that saving someone can be as easy as knocking on their door and asking to simply pray for them. All people need is to know that someone is there to listen and pray with them—and that you and I can be that person. My eyes were opened to how many people are actually in need, and how that need isn't only in Guatemala, Cuba, or Nicaragua, but in our own towns and cities. We don’t have to go to another country or state, or quit our jobs and move somewhere with greater need, to make a difference. All it takes is an hour a day—or even just an hour a week—to make a difference in someone else’s life.
It was neat to experience how happy people in Guatemala were with what little they seemed to have, which really wasn't much. The comparison of cultures between Guatemala and America was remarkable. Here in America, people are constantly wanting something new: the newest iPhone, the newest car, the newest anything. In Guatemala, all we did was play with a beach ball with some kids day after day after day, and we had an amazing time. Getting kids from our neighborhoods, playing with them, or just spending time conversing with them might be all they need. We need to start teaching others to live in the present.
One of the biggest things the children taught me was that it doesn’t matter what circumstances you are going through, what you have been through, or what has happened in your past—you can still love, have fun, and be genuinely happy. There is nothing that can hold you back from living the joyous life God has for us. It was awesome having the gift to speak Spanish. I was really thankful to be able to pray with people there in a language they understood. I think this deepened my connection with the people of Guatemala.
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Another incredible thing about Guatemala was the sights. I think it’s amazing how God knows exactly what is pleasing to our eyes.
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Guatemala opened my eyes to what I want to do with my career and deepened my passion for it. I am going to start school within the next year, and I am truly excited to take this next step in helping others. Since I’ve been back, I have started volunteering at the retirement home in my local town. I wanted to find a way to be there for people in my community. I started with my background check and went from there. I’ve made connections with groups out of town who are in it to make a difference, and I plan on reaching out to many more.
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What I hope people get out of this is one simple thing: if you have ever had the desire to go on a mission trip but haven’t yet, DO IT! Going to Guatemala gets you out of your comfort zone. Being in Guatemala really taught me to be in the moment and to stop worrying about tomorrow. I hope you get to experience what I was able to experience throughout this trip, and I cannot wait to be back. I love you guys, and so does God.