Gualeguay 2007

From March 29th - April 5th I went with a team from Michigan (Go UPers!!) to Gualeguay, Argentina. The aim of our trip was two-fold, with part of the team helping a local church construct the roof and foundation of a new building. The other part of the team planned to do evangelism and ministry in the plazas of the city. However, the day we entered the city was the same day it was declared in a State of Emergency due to historic flooding of the region. We quickly saw that our purpose was far greater than we had anticipated, and following the Lord's direction we offered our man-power and help to the local Municipality to help with flood relief. Our team, totalling about 30 including translators, was split into as many groups as possible and sent out all over the city to cook food for flood victims in shelters, to go into the shelters and make lists of needs per family, to bag food and sort clothes for the victims, and whatever else was needed. At one point I was ushered directly into the Mayor's office and sat at his desk to total numbers of mattresses and blankets to take to shelters.

The pressing need of this tragedy opened doors wide open for ministry as we were allowed to go into the shelters (schools and public buildings turned into shelters) and perform dramas and pray for people. Relationships were created between the local pastor and government officials, who told us we could go into any school we wanted and encourage the people, whereas in the past they could never get into a single school. At one refuge we entered just as the mayor and governor of the province were leaving...and found ourselves being interviewed by both radio and television news crews that had not yet departed. Everyone there was amazed that our team was so willing to help...and we shared our equal amazement at how God brought us down specifically so we could be there at that moment to serve the people and share God's love in the midst of such great need.
Despite the weather, we were able to still spend a couple days on construction, putting up the roof and laying the foundation for a much larger church building, as well as doing an Extreme Home Makeover for Pastor Hugo and his family. It was amazing!!!
This has been, by far, the most varied short term trip I had a chance to be a part of...and the most interesting trip for myself since I was used as a translator to help bridge the language gap between team members and the Argentine people. To do so much and touch so many people and leave something tangible behind in so short a time was awe inspiring, and I know for a fact that this team is already planning a return trip. :)
It's mind-blowing to see what God can do with people who are willing and available to be used in whatever manner to spread the Gospel!!!!