I’d never been on a mission trip before, much less one out of the country, so I understandably had some worries and anxieties prior to leaving. How would I do speaking Spanish? How would I do with limited electricity and cramped sleeping quarters? Would I be able to do the very difficult work on the farm? Most importantly, though, how could God bless others through people who were completely and utterly different from them in almost every aspect of life?
It became clear to me as the trip progressed that this trip was something that God had planned for me before He’d even breathed life into me.
Tacachia offered many formidable challenges for us 16 Americans. The language barrier, the elevation (Tacachia is approximately 12,000 ft. above sea level), the sleeping situation, the food, and the labor all daunted members of our group at one time or another. However, God blessed me in innumerable and unspeakable ways. He didn’t break down those barriers for me; instead, He ensured that I wouldn’t have to deal with any of those in the first place.
*The altitude didn’t really bother me (rare for people in our group).
*I didn’t contract even a minor disease or so much as an upset stomach (even rarer).
*And I knew enough Spanish to hold basic conversations with the people of Tacachia (rarer still).
With God’s help, I set out to share His love with others, and I believe I did that everyday I was in Bolivia. Playing soccer and volleyball with the kids from the village, doing a Daniel in the Lion’s Den skit, and helping dig a canal and make adobe bricks were all ways in which I was able to share God’s love with those Bolivians. Looking back on the trip, though, it is obvious that the people of Bolivia were more of a blessing to me than vice versa.
Everyone was so kind and loving that I must confess I was envious of them at times. Family means everything to Bolivians…how often do we hear that in the United States? I grew closer to people there than I did with some members of my graduating class. For the first time in my life, I really felt like family with people who weren’t genetically related to me. The love was so evident and so thorough and so joyous that it permeated everything that they did with us.
The most vivid and eternal memory I will take from Tacachia occurred during the church service we attended the last night we were in the village. During the previous Sunday’s service, we had sung a Spanish hymn that was a congregational favorite and I thought to myself “That song was pretty good.” During the closing Wednesday service, I found myself hoping “Please let us sing that cool song again.” I didn’t even know the title…
Lo and behold, as the service drew to a close, the musicians began to play that song, which I later found out to be titled “Cristo Amado” (Beloved Christ). As soon as I recognized the song and heard all the locals singing it, a joy that I have rarely experienced crashed over me like ocean waves. Though I did not know the words and thus could not sing along, I have never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as tangibly as I did during those five minutes. Everyone was singing and clapping and pouring their hearts out to their Beloved Christ.
Following the service, I really wanted to learn the song, as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I told Pastor Antonio in Spanish that I had really enjoyed the song, not knowing how to ask to copy the words down. He responded with a huge grin, and holding a hymnal and paper, he asked me in Spanish if I wanted to copy it down. In that moment, elation filled my heart and I have not been able to stop thanking God and the people of Tacachia for the love and blessings they’ve so wonderfully showered on me in the five days since I learned that song.
As 1 John says, “How great is the love that the Father has lavished upon us, that we might be called children of God!”
O Cristo, Cristo amado! (O beloved Christ!)
Alumbra pues mi camino (Light up my way)
Para llevar tu palabra (So I can take your word)
A pueblo desconocido (To the unknowing home)
Jehova es mi Padre (God is my Father)
Cristo es mi Salvador (Christ is my Savior)
El Espiritu Santo (The Holy Spirit)
Es mi Fortaleza (Is my stronghold)
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;That’s how it is with God’s Love,Once you’ve experienced it,You spread the love to everyone You want to pass it on.”
elaine
Nick, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I was hoping so much that your Mom would post about the trip you had with your Dad, but how wonderful to hear about it from your personal testimony and perspective.
My heart is thrilled to hear how God blessed you through the entire journey! An experience I know you will cherish and remember always.
The song you shared is beautiful. I can only imagine the joy of hearing it sung from hearts in love with our Savior.
Continued blessing and prayer,
your Mom’s Canadian friend,
Joy
God bless you for your obedience to his call…and He rewards obedience with his covering in all kinds of ways.
Thank you for loving them as Christ would love them…
Pass It On is my favorite christian song from when I was a teen…there I go aging myself again.
Have you heard Rosey Tinted Glasses?
Que alegria! Since I come from a similar culture and spent much of my time with Latinos in university, I do understand the openness of their emotions and the way they make you feel like family. Que experiencia!
There was much more than the outer work going on. There was prayer behind the scene which yielded its beautiful results in your heart as you sang that beautiful song.
Thank you so much for sharing of God’s faithfulness and how He ministered to you. It is only when we go out of our comfort zones to ‘live’ among different people groups that we develop that global worldview that sees the world through God’s eyes and not through our upbringing.
May the Spirit take what has been sown in your heart and nurture it for His glory.
Thanks for sharing. You blessed me tonight.
It’s very difficult to put into words your emotions and experiences when you’ve been on a mission trip – but you did it with obvious sincerity and love. The pictures added so much to the overwhelming feeling of joy that I got from your post. Thank you for sharing with us. Blessings, marlene
Oh, YES you DO have your mother’s prowess in writing! And How! And I believe you have prowess in your life after reading about your recent mission trip to Boliva. The reason I think that is because I looked at some synonyms for “prowess” and this is what I found: fortitude; mettle; boldness; courage; chivalry; bravery; resolution…….all these attributes I see in your life as I read about your mission trip. Young man, I salute you!
May God bless you greatly!
Marilyn in Mississippi
Nick, thank you so much for sharing this with us. What an awesome opportunity this was for you and your group.
The pictures show what a blessing you were to them… and I know that they were a blessing to you as well. I am not sure that you don’t share the gift of writing with your mom… I loved your post.
Thanks again for sharing,
Lynn
“Looking back on the trip, though, it is obvious that the people of Bolivia were more of a blessing to me than vice versa.”
Isn’t our God just like that. We set out to be a blessing and instead. . . we are blessed.
Thanks for sharing. It’s always good to hear where God is working.
Tonight’s dinner had to be tweaked ’cause I didn’t have any sliced turkey…so I used sliced ham instead. It just didn’t taste like I wanted it to…so, I guess today was a “walk”…i wouldn’t call it a strikeout since they didn’t complain. But, you know us Moms, we notice if they don’t go back for seconds! ha ha :/ no seconds tonight…but they did clean up the kitchen!! I guess that’s a homerun on its own!!
I could feel the Spirit move through your words, Nick! Thank you for following God’s call and allowing Him to work through you to reach the Bolivian souls and the blogger souls as well.
Joyfully,
Melinda
Nick, you have your own wonderful way with words! You communicated your experience very powerfully (if the tears that welled up from knowing just the feelings you experienced are an indication). Isn’t it amazing how often we go out to do whatever it is God has sent us to do, and we come home blessed when we intended to be the blessing.
I’m so glad you had such a heartfelt experience. May that spark burn white-hot in your heart from this point forward.
Nick:
You will never know the joy I had being able to share this marvelous journey with you. I saw how a lifetime of love and prayers have taken root in your heart in a way I could have never imagined. You are truely the man God wants you to be and you are growing more into His image with every passing day.
Your faith has been genuine for as long as I can remember – Bolivia was part of God’s plan to refine the gold of your faith in Him. For me, I think the love of Christ first broke out in that village when the soccer ball got rolled out that first day. Orphans and village children and teenagers from NC – the Lord did an awesome thing on that dusty little patch of earth – and you were right in the middle of it. Still are. Thanks for answering the call of our Beloved Christ.
~ Billy
Nick, what a blessing for all of us to read about your journey first hand, here on your Mom’s incredible Blog, no less! I am so amazed and impressed with you, your mission, and your telling of it! I am very proud of you and your beautiful family. With Love, Carolyn Killian
Nick,
I love nothing more than reading how God captures us in his presence like you experienced during your missions trip. Beautiful song! It blesses me to know you were willing to go and serve knowing the barriers you’d have to face. May God continue to light that holy fire in your heart as you live for him.
So good to read your heart. Thank you for sharing.
Someday I hope to go to another country, like Africa, and serve the people and drill a water well.
God bless you,
Tiffany
Thank you, Nick, for letting us relive the mission trip through your words. My heart was touched in a profound way!
My husband and I went to Tuxela, Mexico on a mission trip some years back and I know what you mean about the presence of the Holy Spirit in the worship services and the intense love the people have for Christ.
I can just imagine the joy that your family is having with you and your Dad back home and the stories that you are sharing with them.
And one more thing. . you are a superb writer!
mary
What a beautiful word portrait of your journey Nick – in more ways than one. I’m thinking you’re more like your mother than you realize!
Thank you for sharing your heart. It’s obviously filled with a love for the Lord (and He for you) – it may also have a tinge of evangelism there too.
No doubt the Bolivians are talking about their special guests in much the same way you’re speaking of them. Now I wonder … just how will the Lord weave this into some amazing scene we cannot possibly fathom? He will!
Kathleen
Nick,
Reading about your experiences in Bolivia this morning has been a wonderful start to my day! The picture of you running w/ the little girl brought pure joy to my heart. God never ceases to amaze me. I love when I hear mission trip stories… we are sent out into the world, usually into a land that is completely foreign to us to share the gospel. What I love is not only do we share the gospel, but the gospel is shared right back. We are ministered to as much as we minister.
Nick, I am sure that this is only the first of many mission trips our God will send you on… Thank you for sharing your experience. You are a blessing!
Kristen
Phillipians 1:-6
Nick,
What an incredible blessing to hear about this journey firsthand from you! From the first photo, I was overwhelmed with joy. First, for the incredible ways the Lord blessed others through your obedience; and then for the unforgettable ways the people of Tacachia have blessed and changed YOUR life.
I’m so grateful the Lord protected you from so many of those challenges.
Thank you for sharing the words to that beautiful song…just reading about that brought me to tears. I can’t imagine how moving it must have been to witness that personally.
Finally, as a parent, I rejoice that God allowed you and Billy to experince such an amazing journey together.
Continue following hard after God…
Tracy
Psalm 63:2-4 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
The best seminary (hmmm, could that be… 🙂 well, there are so many) might struggle with preparing you for altitude issues, stomach issues, etc, but realizing this is and has been God’s plan for you is the most beautiful example of theology-for-the-soul. We know God has amazing plans for you!
Big Hugs from Sunny!
Nick,
You are being used MIGHTILY for God. What a talent you have for putting your thoughts to paper, touching the hearts of others.
The ending to your post, is a song that I hold dear to my heart. It only takes a spark, doesn’t it?
Lovingly,
Yolanda
PS: Awesome to be family because of Christ’s shed blood!!!
sounds like an amazing time!!!
I have been astounded by my trip to Haiti so I can only imagine what will continue to be birthed in your soul for Bolivia. God bless.
Nick, what a blessing you are!
You definitely have your mother’s writing prowess as well as her ability to share the Lord with the world.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I could just picture the crowd singing “Beloved Christ.” Only God could make you feel that emotion not even knowing the words. The Holy Spirit must have just been all over the crowd. Amazing!
God Bless,
Amy:)
Oh I beg to differ. You do have your mom’s writing talent. What a truly humble and honorable experience to go on this mission trip. God’s divine protection was evident over you.
Elaine, I know you must be proud.
Paula
Thanks, Nick, for sharing your heart and soul. Guess all your work digging and planting for Grams and Paps earlier this summer was not wasted, as it helped prepare you for planting something of eternal value in Bolivia. Can’t wait to see your pictures and hear your stories face to face. Love you!
~~Grams
Nick,
It was as if I were there with you, and even though all of you were in my heart and prayers daily, your words carried me right there. Lisa had shared so much of all of your experiences in Tacachia, but to hear it from another perspective brought tears to my eyes (again). Thank you for your willingness to bear witness to the people of Tacachia, and then to share all the blessings, both yours and theirs, with us. Your testimony is a strong witness of your faith to so many, and I thank you for it. Thank you for the love and support you shared on this trip with all those you were with.
God Bless you my friend….
George
Nick,
What a beautiful experience. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. As a Christian I can feel your heart about to overflow with love for these people. As a mother I see a son who is on his own blessed path with the Lord.
What a blessing this post was. What a blessing you were to these amazing people, and what a blessing you are to your Cristo Amando.
In His love,
Joanne
Nick, to know you is to love you! Bill and I are deeply touched by this outstanding reflection on your experiences in Bolivia, and we are thankful that you felt called to this mission experience. Seeing you in these pictures tells a precious story too.
Your experience with the music spoke to me especially for I have been touched by faith-filled lyrics and melodies throughout my spiritual journey. Thanks for following up on the words; we’re hoping to hear you sing them one of these days!
We’re grateful you and Billy had this experience together. We love you, Nick, and we are proud of you. You are a very special Christian gentleman. We think that Jesus is smiling over your witness and thinking to himself, “well done, my good and faithful servant, Nick.”
Love today and everyday–
Rosalie and Bill
Nick,
How wonderful it was to find your words on your mother’s blog today! You do have writing talent as is evident in the beautiful words you have woven together for this post.
I very much enjoyed hearing of your experience, especially the portion dealing with family and God’s provision. Beautiful.
Thanks for including the song and the words. Now I wish I could hear it being sung! 🙂
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
P.S. Don’t let this be the last time we hear from you on your mother’s blog!
Nick,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I know your Mom and Billy are so proud of you, but most importantly you have made our Lord proud. You are a great role model to our youth. Keep up the work of our Lord.
Blessings my friend,
Nick:
Thank you for sharing your amazing mission experience. It sounds so beautiful. I love the song you learned and posted.
The pictures are precious and you expressed yourself so well.
Welcome home!
Blessings,
Marita
Nick,
Oh, this was just great!! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your awesome experiences in Bolivia.
It’s so obvious the Lord met you there in such a special way, and your life will never be the same, trust me!
I felt the same way on my first mission trip. I “thought” I was going to bless others, and I was the one who came back with the biggest blessing of all.
God has truly given you such a tender heart for Him and for the nations.
Here is a precious promise for you:
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. (PS 2:8)
You are a very special young man, keep pressing on!
Susan
PS Great pictures!!!
Nick, thank you for sharing your heart and your experience with us. You did a wonderful job – but what else could we expect from one of your mom’s offsprings?
I know the things you learned from this experience cannot be taught or read about – they have to be experienced. You’ve come away with a greater understanding of God’s love in your 16 day trip than we “old people” can hope to experience in our lifetime.
Take what you’ve learned and RUN WITH IT!
Blessings!
Nick, what a treat to read your journal gleanings. It was like being in Bolivia with you; in fact, I think I was! I prayed for your safety along with trusting God to open your mind and heart to these people for the glory of God and for the good of the His church. The ‘church’ is better now for your being faithful–and we all of us are better, too, not only for knowing you but for loving you for who you are! Continue to stay ‘on target’ with the things of God and you’ll always be on the winning team. Love you! Paps
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
It is amazing what it does to our hearts when we step out in His name and are willing to put our self comfort aside to do His will. We go to reach out in love and in return get enveloped in His love.
These memories will stick with you forever. THe faces of the people will remain forever imprinted on your heart and mind.
I took a mission trip to San Salvador several years ago…we saw many saved…I will always remember their faces. They had such a hunger to know GOd that is not often found here in the USA.
I pray that God will continue to use this experience in your life.
May the seeds planted continue to flourish and spread.
What an awesome adventure you embarked upon! Although not all of us are called into the international mission field we can all pray for those of you who are obedient when the Lord says “Go”! It sounds like God was so close during your time there and that you received incredible blessing for your obedience!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story, it is an inspiration!!
Kelley Kizer (Kansas)
Hey, Nick!
Both my 15 year old son and I read your post today! Awesome job with the writing!! You do have a gift with your words–like your mom!
The joy that you took to those in Bolivia, and the joy you returned with are quite obvious and contagious. God had a perfect plan just for you. Thank you for being obedient to HIM.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!!
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Nick,
I am the Director of Curamericas and after reading your account of your trip, I just had to chime in. I was so touched to hear about your trip and know exactly how you feel. After my first trip, I felt so full, spiritually, intellectually, and in every way. I couldn’t stop talking about it and sharing with everyone how great it feels to put yourself in God’s hands completely and to get outside of your comfort zone to help others. I’m so glad this was a positive experience and hope that you won’t mind if I share your comments with our Board. I also hope to meet you someday and hear all of your stories!
Teresa Wolf
Hi Nick,
I reminded your Mom many times that I was praying for her loved ones. And each time I did I asked that she please fill us in on all you guys came back telling. What a wonderful treat to hear you and your Dad tell it in “person”. I want you to know that your writing and stories have deeply touched my heart. They have also reminded me that I am in a mission field too right were I am. From the sound of your words and heart…you are a rare and remarkable young man…you keep your eyes on the Author and continue to follow His Will for your life.
Mom (Elaine)…what a wonderful treat to hear and meet your son. Your heart must be as Mary’s as she looked at her son Jesus and pondered all these things in her heart. Blessings to you and your family…..oh, what a treat for me that God has crossed our paths!
Nick~
I am praising the Lord for your obedience to Him and your sold out heart for Him that prompted you to go so far in answer to HIs call. I pray my own sons would grow to have such heart for Jesus as you do! I shared your post with them and especially my oldest (who is 8 and has already a heart for missions) was greatly blessed! Keep running the race, dear one, our Savior has great plans for you!
Elaine, thank you for sharing your son with your readers…what a blessing and a gift he is!
hugs and praises~ Mariel