The River Church Community

This years trip was very exciting and a wonderful experience. Working with the leaders at Iglesia en Transformacion has been a pleasure for me personally for over the last three trips. They are so welcoming, kind, and helpful. The Vacation Bible School at La Tigra was really good, Daniel Kim did an excellent job putting together a curriculum on being a new creation in Christ; it was both applicable and attention-holding for the children. About 100 children attended the VBS this year; it was great seeing so many come back. On the last day, many children stood up to receive prayer for their relationship with God and with their families & community. It was beautiful to see the Spirit moving in their lives. The construction project was challenging due to it raining every day we were there, but finally on Saturday a team was able to finish it completely. The church building (also where have the VBS) now has a new roof that provides protection from the weather! We also had the privilege of visiting a refuge for young women who had suffered sexual abuse (and had children to care for with no support from their families).

All of the women and girls on our team went to the refuge. It was beautiful and challenging time of fellowship, prayer, and building relationship.

This year was also the first "Youth Gathering of Awesomeness" (not easily translated). Kyle, Jenie Song and the youth from The River worked together with Jairo (the pastor at Iglesia en Transformacion), Jose (a youth leader at Iglesia en Transformacion), and the youth of the church to invite and engage with groups of youth from La Tigra in the country and the Los Pinos community in the city about 60 youth total. There were times of worship, prayer, a teaching, and much game playing and fellowship. It was awesome! And there is much hope for continuing relationship between our two churches' youth and for planning a larger youth conference next year.