June 15,2007- It was an early morning this day, our missions team had to be at the airport today. Our team consisted of Pastor Kerm, Miss Andrea Simpson, my Mother (Linda Font), and myself. Our team used to be more, however it had been whittled down to four. Starting out on this trip, I was a little hesitant. I was afraid that this trip was going to turn my world on its ear... and it did; but not in the catastrophic way I had imagined, but in the most amazing way possible.
      People say that God has a plan for all of us, and that's true. We all have a purpose, in everything we do. So maybe for my first missions trip to the Ukraine and Russia; it was good that there were only four of us going. There are always little challenges though, for instance; when we got to the Ukraine, two out of four of our missions bags were lost along with one of Andrea's bags. My Mom had to explain to customs why we were bringing medical supplies into the country, I was air sick, Andrea and Pastor Kerm had to  fill out paperwork for lost luggage. My Mom luckily made it through customs in one piece and we were met outside by Denise Carter. Something about meeting her made me feel more comfortable. After a couple days everything was fine, all the bags had come. Also after awhile we figured out why I was feeling so bad; it was the dairy.
      The most amazing thing happened to me on the third day.  We went to an orphanage and played with the kids there. When I said that God has a plan for all of us, this was it. I felt completely at home there, and my whole outlook on life changed this day. The children were the most amazing kids I had ever met. There were two boys, their names were Max and Sasha, they were brothers. Pastor Kerm, Andrea, and I played football (Soccer) with  them. To no surprise, they beat us. I was just as surprised that the Pastor Kerm was still on his feet, since he got hit in the head at least three times. I knew that being there really brought something special to the children and also for us. As we left, Max came up to me and gave me his bracelet. It said "Jesus Is My God." This touched me so much that this boy who doesn't have anything gave this to me. Funny enough, I didn't have anything either, but I gave him the hat I was wearing. He seemed to greatly appreciate it, there was God's purpose. It was very hard for us to leave the orphanage that day.
     The next day, Denise (Carter) took us to a children's hospital. I could see that it took a hold on my Mom. To see these poor kids who's parents didn't want them, but God did. Our time in the Ukraine was great. I no longer felt hesitant anymore. I knew why I was here.
     Our days in Russia were nearly the same. We had a great time working with the kids in VBS; also with Pastor Pavel, his wife Luba and their daughters. Andrea and I gave our testimony to the youth one night. There are 10 boys and girls there in the youth program preparing to be baptized. This gave me a strong feeling that the Word of God was getting to these teenagers. We watched as the younger kids in VBS were taught about creation and the way God works in all our lives. I had also heard a lot about NBC working on the "House of Prayer", it was really amazing to see how God has built this church into what it is today.
 The way back was a lot easier travel wise, but I still felt a little depressed when leaving. I really enjoyed my time with the team and I can't wait to go back. I thank God for all the blessings He's given me, and all the treasures He's shown me. I am truly thankful.            

 

David Font Jr.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." --Matthew 28: 19,20 NIV