I think one of the biggest memories I will leave with is being able to witness to a little Muslim girl named Florenza.  While we were talking to her, she continued saying that she believed in Jesus, but that she just calls him Mohammed.  I explained to her that Jesus and Mohammed are not the same people, but that Jesus is the Son of God, who died for our sins. Then I asked her if she knew what else was different between Jesus and Mohammed...she said "What?" I then told her that after three days Jesus rose from the dead. Her eyes got huge and she couldn't believe it.  I then told her that it was because Jesus conquered death, that he gives us life...eternal life, and that is the only way that we go to heaven, and all we have to do is accept Jesus as our Savior, and ask Him into your heart...at this I was able to lead her to Jesus. 

I had some expectations of the trip that students would get out of their comfort zone to be used by God.  By the end of the week, I was blown away by what God was doing in each one of us.  I had students who have never shared the Gospel before going up to people and sharing the love of Christ with families.  The reason why they had so much boldness is because I felt that the Holy Hands Expedition leadership equipped these students to make a serious impact.  The training in human video, stomp, children's ministries, and evangelism was effective and efficient.  For only a few days of training, the students were able to understand and put into use everything that was taught, and it was evident by their effectiveness as witnesses in the community.

“Our first missions trip was to Los Angeles in 2006 and our team totaled an enormous 4!  These students physically and spiritually fed the homeless, the abused and the addicts.  They saw real life examples of how God can save the most violent and bound individual.  My chief complaint, however, was the lack of training.  We were willing to do whatever we were asked, but it is difficult to “do” when you feel unprepared.

Our trip with Holy Hands Expedition '08 to Staten Island was everything I wanted for my students.  I wanted this week to be a lifelong memory and one that would shape their attitudes and approach to their personal mission fields.  For the first two days, you gave us effective training and so, when the time came to invade the local parks and streets, we were ready!! this readiness showed as my students ignored their fears and embraced those in front of them with grace and truth of God.”