Construction Team Talks about their Experience in Zimbabwe

The Construction team from Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA was primarily made up of seasoned volunteers. They have worked from sunup to sundown doing whatever needed to be done. No job was too small or beneath their notice. This was, however, the first trip for Marcus Boudreaux. He found out about the need and, “I knew immediately that I had to go. And I was amazed at how efficient the crew was! I know that God allowed us to work faster and better over here.” When asked how God had spoken to him during his time in Zimbabwe Marcus commented, “I realized that I serve the creator of the universe, not just south Louisiana. I am in awe of the world and people God has created. The people of Africa are much closer to my heart now. I see how strongly the people love God here even though they have very few luxuries. They even seem to be stronger Christians than I am myself.” Marcus shared special music for us on Sunday morning at Gweru Baptist Church.

Brennan Freeland, Jordan Lyons, and Wilson Borosvskis are on their second overseas volunteer trip. “Getting to know my fellow team members and experiencing the camaraderie that is drawing us closer together,” was one of the highlights of Wilson’s time. “Some funny memories with the team will stick as well – such as getting on the underground in London going the wrong direction and all of us cramming into a kombie (van).” Wilson, the grandson of missionaries to Brazil, has had a longing to do something for the kingdom of God. “I’m not really good at meeting strangers and evangelizing, but I knew that God would be able to use the gifts he blessed me with on this mission trip.” When asked what he would tell others who were planning on going on a mission trip Wilson replied, “Pray! Pray! Pray! Also ask others to be praying for you. Be sure to prepare to give your testimony and a gospel witness as well. . . this is important for every Christian where ever they are.”

Brennan shared a touching moment that happened for him near the end of the time in Zimbabwe. “Sunday morning I had been reading my Bible and when I finished I put my pen in the Bible and then closed it. A few minutes later I was looking for the note my son had written me. I eventually found the note and the pen between the same two pages of Isaiah. As I reached for the note a scripture jumped out at me: ‘They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities; the devastations of many generations.’ (Isaiah 61:4 ESV) As I read this verse my eyes filled with tears to know that God knows me! He ordained this trip even before I knew I would be involved in it. He is able to use this group of ordinary guys to fulfill His works. It is truly an honor to serve such a magnificent God.” “Being away from technology has helped me hear God more clearly,” said Jordan. “He has shown me that I need to be more humble and that there is a lot more going on in this world that in my small circle with my needs and wants. I need to be thankful for what God has given me and not take for granted his blessings. When I get home I need to slow down and enjoy the things in life and not just watch time pass by.”

Several team members, including Jud Waldmeier, who is on his fourth mission trip, expressed how surprised they were to find Zimbabwe such a beautiful country. Jud also expressed, “Even though I was halfway around the world, I felt like I was meant to be here to hear a word from God specifically for me, delivered by missionary Gregg Fort on Sunday morning. His words rang true in my life in many ways.” Todd Honeycutt has been on 6 mission trips outside the U.S., four of which have been to Zimbabwe. His greatest challenge was the missionary lady who kept trying to serve him salad. He is apparently “allergic” to healthy food. His advice is bring lots of peanut butter! (Right Todd, like you really need peanut butter instead of the steak and potatoes and chicken and rice!) But seriously, he advises those who might be interested in going on a mission trip to make sure to, “be prepared both physically and spiritually. One needs to be flexible as plans often change. You can’t get uptight about that. It is also important that you stay plugged into the team – don’t be a loner.” He also mentioned that, “Being in Zimbabwe reminds me to thank God for the things I have such as health, my family, my church family and countless other blessings He has given me.”

“Knowing God is in control,” says Robert Bonvillain, “and knowing I can relax and do the work I came to do without being anxious if things don’t go as planned helps a lot. Time is in abundance in Zimbabwe. We have learned not to be in a hurry and just chill out and leave things in God’s hands.” One of the best things about coming back to work in Zimbabwe each year according to Robert and other team members is renewing acquaintances with nationals and missionaries. “These friends seem more like family to us.”

John Davis, contractor by trade, organized the work and assigned different jobs to various people. He said that it is always great to see a task completed – it gives a sense of accomplishment. When asked what advice he would give to someone considering going on a mission trip John stressed that they should, “jump in with both feet. Don’t doubt what God can do. . . Our God takes care of ALL things from beginning to end, from long before we start the trip and well after its over.” He also shared that God had been speaking into his life that, “missions is a calling that requires a more permanent commitment.”

Greg Bath, missions pastor of Trinity Baptist, came with the construction team and commented, “The most incredible part of this experience has been watching this team of men grow and bond together.” When we are building a team and preparing the team for ministry we tell them, “No matter what your skill level, God will use it and stretch you past anything you can imagine. . . if you are willing to say yes!”