Compassion and Justice | Willow Creek Community Church

Extreme Makeover in the Dominican Republic

For most Americans, extreme makeovers entail remodeling an outdated room or space and transforming it into something spectacular. Sparkling floors, freshly painted walls, and shiny new fixtures are a given. But what does an extreme makeover look like in Consuelo, a municipality of approximately 30,000 people in the Dominican Republic? Bruce Horgan, a 23-year veteran and staff member at Willow, knows the answer.

In November of 2010, Bruce led a team to Consuelo for an eight-day, short-term mission trip. One of the projects was to improve a one-room shanty with a steel roof. The room, which measured 12 x 15, was home to a husband and wife and their five children. Inside the shanty's unpainted walls, a single mattress on the concrete floor provided the only place to sleep. Bruce and his team labored into the night to complete an 8 x 12 room addition, along with a concrete pad for food preparation. "It was like the Taj Mahal to them," Bruce said, “and neighbors came by to watch and help.” And according to Bruce, the best part of the story was yet to come.

After Bruce and his team packed up and returned home, they realized they were "under budget." Thanks to a generous donation in connection with the trip, Bruce realized even more could be done for this family. He connected with Rafael, a Willow Creek staff member who lives in the Dominican Republic and organizes the team projects, to arrange the details. On December 23, a big truck backed up to the family's home to pour out materials for a real makeover: bunk beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, a dresser, and mosquito nets. The interior of the shanty received a fresh coat of paint. The team also wanted to do something special for the children's mother, whose only concern was caring for her children while her husband looked for a job. Amazingly, the budget accommodated a new outfit and a "spa day” for the mother—an unfathomable luxury.

 

Serve Abroad or from Home

Bruce, who has led several short-term mission trips, says the opportunity to serve is more accessible than ever. Participants often pay for half or sometimes the whole trip by raising money or receiving donations. "It goes to show," Bruce says, “those unable to participate in a short-term mission trip may still play a role. After all, it a generous donation on behalf of one of the team members that made the Consuelo make-over possible. "Some people have more money than time, and some people have more time than money," says Bruce. No matter what side of the equation, donors and team members share in the exciting "before and after" of each mission trip.

For information on upcoming trips, visit the Short Term Teams page.

A Vision Trip to South Africa Through the Eyes of Karin

“Open my eyes that I may see” (Psalm 119: 18).

 “I have always been drawn to the captivating eyes of African children,” says Karin. “In pictures, their eyes spoke to me, but when I was able to look directly into their eyes, it was truly a gift. While there was pain and poverty around them, I saw optimism and joy in their eyes.” It was Bill and Lynne Hybels’ passion for Africa that inspired Karin to sign up for a short-term mission trip last November.

 

Purpose of the Trip

The purpose of the trip was to become familiar with Willow’s support ministries and to serve AIDS orphanages in South Africa. “We fed children their only meal for that day, and prayed with people of all ages who were stricken with AIDS. We sang songs, shared stories with wide-eyed tots, and handed out hugs whenever we could,” says Karin. A particular ministry that touched her was the Genesis Hospice Center, a large ministry that provides a place where people can die with dignity. People with HIV are often shunned by family members who do not understand the disease.

The Willow team connected with these children by passing out cookies and playing ball with a blow-up globe they used to show the kids the distance between their two countries. “You came so far for us,” the orphans said. “Why do you care?”  Karin and the team embraced them demonstrating Christ’s love for these children who might die before the year is over.

 

The Body of Christ in Action

“They have great love and appreciation for all Willow has done to help and we had many opportunities to pray with them. We climbed to the top of a mountain to pray with some of the most impoverished and heard beautiful, angelic singing. We wanted to see how we could better serve the GoGos (grandparents) who are rearing HIV children. We were touched by their optimism, their pure appreciation for the very basics in life we often take for granted, and we their overflowing joy blanketed us as we served side by side.”

 

A Trip for “Regular” People Like Me

“There is so much to learn from them,” says Karin. “While they mesmerized and saddened me, they don’t see life the same way we do. For them life is simple. They can teach us so much about being, listening, simplicity, authenticity, and unwavering hope.

This trip was designed for ‘regular’ people like me who simply have a desire and yearning to serve those with critical basic needs in a far-away country that was previously nothing more than an image to me. This trip opened MY eyes, touched my heart, and rocked my soul.

I think God has a lot more planned for the Willow family in this part of the world. Sadly, while AIDS has monopolized this beautiful country, God’s work is clearly in action with the many ministries, including Willow, that are providing sustaining help and resources.”

Uganda Clean Water Update

Two Systems Now Produce Clean Water and another Project Is in the Pipeline

 For the people of Ndejje (Nay-jay) in central Uganda, this year has already been a good year. In July 2010, a solar-powered water treatment unit was installed at the Glory Center Church in Ndejje and now clean water is flowing and impacting lives. The following is an update from Prossy Kaitesi, church administrator at Glory Center Church.

[It’s] doing great wonderful work in preaching the Gospel. The water system

      is saying, ‘here is the ever-flowing river with water of life … and the solar

      power [system] used to supply electricity in the church is saying ‘here is the

      light of the world.’ People always come for it. Glory and honor always to our

      God and thanks to the Men of Willow.

“Men of Willow” raised the $31,000 needed for this system. While it’s not an official ministry at Willow Creek, this group of men works at a grassroots level to raise support and awareness by reaching out to various groups, including the C.A.R.S. Ministry, Computer Connection, and the various Willow men’s breakfasts. Men of Willow partnered with Water Missions International (WMI), a non-profit Christian organization focused on bringing clean water to people in need around the world through its Living Water^TM treatment systems.

Meanwhile, the little village of Kahama in western Uganda (population 1200) felt the impact of another grassroots effort started by two women at Willow Creek. Touched by the same message from The Global Leadership Summit of 2009 that stirred The Men of Willow, Joan Matson and Barb Binford began “Clean Water for Everyone.”  Contacting as many people as they could, they garnered support for a water treatment system, and in one year’s time, the contributions topped $28,000—enough to install a system in Kahama. The system was built and installed by WMI has been operating since October 2010.

Since then, “Clean Water for Everyone” has joined efforts with the men to raise support for a third water treatment system under the “Men of Willow” banner. To date, they have nearly 40 percent of the necessary funding to provide a treatment system in another community where people are suffering and children are sick and dying because they don’t have access to clean water.

Next Steps

For more information or to make a donation, check out the Men of Willow website at www.menofwillow.comor contact Warren at the C.A.R.S. Ministry at wyoung@willowcreek.org.

Michelle’s Short-Term Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic

Being a Spanish-speaking male might sound like a prerequisite for traveling to the Dominican Republic to work on a construction project. But Michelle Stiles discovered otherwise last November when she traveled to Conseulo to lay cement floors in tin huts.

The huts, which have no running water or bathrooms, contain gravel and rock. The result is uneven, rough surfaces that turn to mud when it rains. Rodents scatter across these rough floors depositing feces that cause illness. As one man told the team, “over and over” he chased them out, but the rats would find their way back in through a new opening. The man shouted, "Gloria a Dios" (Glory to God) every time the construction team walked by, because it meant a new concrete floor and an end to his battle with the rats.

“Cement provides a smoother, cleaner, and safer floor,” says Michelle. “But it is not simply a matter of safety and health: people in the Dominican Republic are not able to obtain title to their hut and their land unless they possess a cement floor. Laying the concrete floors brought significance and hope because families could title their huts and land. Amazingly, Michelle’s team mixed, carried, poured, and laid cement in seven huts in five days. An electrician on the team rewired all of the huts with proper wiring, pvc piping, light switches, sockets and outlets. Because the team was ahead of schedule, they were even able to build an addition onto a one-room hut for a family of seven.

Gifts from Short-Term Mission Trips
Michelle, a staff member at the Willow Creek Association, has participated in three short-term mission trips, and each one has its own rewards. "When you give you also receive so much in return," she says. Despite the language barrier, Michelle was able to communicate with one woman who was determined to help rewire her hut, patch holes in her tin roof, and lay the cement floor. Grinning from ear to ear, the woman told the team that she slipped and fell the next day because she was not used to such a smooth floor under her bare feet.

Michelle’s experience with the way the women prayed was life-changing. “Lying prostrate in the local church, women with so little cried out to God in praise, thanksgiving, and suffering,” says Michelle. Such authentic worship runs counter to the way most Americans worship. "It was incredibly moving to watch these women pour their hearts out to God."

The team asked the pastor how he could preach day after day on joy, hope and heaven when the people lived in such despair. “There are those who suffer and those who suffer with hope,” he said. His message to the people was that this life, with its pain and suffering, is only temporary, while life in heaven is for eternity. "What amazing people with an amazing love for God."

Upcoming Short-Term Mission Trips
In 2011, there are more opportunities to serve on short-term mission trips than ever before. Currently, 14 trips to Latin America and Africa remain open, with more to be scheduled. Mission trips encompass a wide range of projects, including construction, education, orphan care, and business planning. Stop by the Compassion and Justice kiosk in Dr. B’s to view team schedules or visit willowcreek.org/shorttermteams for more information.

Serving in the Dominican Republic

Jami Lynn, who attends the Willow Creek Church in DuPage, recently completed a one-week serving trip in the Dominican Republic.  She and a team responded to the needs of Willow's local church partners by painting houses in Manganagua.  In particular, Jami helped paint the exterior of three homes and the interior of two of those homes.  As she worked, Jami had the desire to finish quickly but "more importantly to finish well."  The team did in fact surpass its goals, completing more "finishing touches" than expected.  But interestingly enough, the joy of serving in such an impactful way was not the real gift Jami received on this trip.
 
When the Served....Serve
 
While painting, Jami noticed that many young girls passed by and said "hola" (hello).  For the most part, the girls were shy but intrigued by this group of people painting in their neighborhood.  But there was one young girl who lived close to one of the houses that Jami had painted who let her desire to serve overcome her shyness.  The girl, around 12 or 13 years old, offered Jami some water.  Thinking she was offering her a drink, Jami did not want to impose and declined.  Despite the communication barrier, Jami soon realized that the water was intended to help her wash off her paint-covered hands.  Jami gratefully accepted a plastic milk jug that was cut in half and filled with water.  Seeing that Jami was struggling to scrape off the dried paint, the girl then grabbed Jami's hands and started rubbing off the paint herself.  Jami was "helpless to do anything but let the girl wash her hands."  Filled with emotion, she realized that there "is nothing so humbling as being served by the ones you come to serve."
 
New Thoughts on Serving
 
Just as the young girl in Manganagua grabbed the chance to serve Jami, Jami now realizes that serving opportunities are everywhere.  While going on a mission trip is rewarding because the goal first and foremost is to serve, Jami believes that people "will do far more good living a life of service as opposed to saving up all their desire" for a once-a-year mission trip.  Essentially, Jamie recognizes that it is not necessary "to go away to be on a serving trip."  Thanks to a young girl from Manganagua, Jamie and the rest of us are reminded that the opportunity to serve may be next door.           

Living Beyond Yourself: Short-Term Serving Trips

With passion in her voice, Diane Vogelgesang explained, “There is transformational power in short-term mission trips. God uses these trips to change lives, not only in the teams that volunteer, but in the people we serve.” As a veteran of seven Willow Creek serving trips to Mexico and a planned eighth one to South Africa in November, she’s an expert on life-changing, short-term mission trips.

How did this all begin? Nearing a milestone birthday in 2005, Diane was challenged by Bill Hybels'message series “Living Beyond Yourself.” Pastor Hybels challenged Creekers to follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love by putting a serving towel over their arm to serve others in need. Diane recalls this as a defining moment when God was inviting her to draw a line in the sand. She became more aware of the self-centered life she was living, and that now at 50 she deeply desired to turn that around and be a blessing to others. Diane began praying fervently, asking God for serving-towel opportunities.

When her husband, Jim, asked, “What should we do to celebrate your 50th birthday? We could take a trip to Europe or go on a cruise...” Diane didn’t know how to answer, but continued to seek God’s heart. Within a short time, she felt God provided the answer as she read about a Willow Creek short-term mission trip opportunity to travel to a children’s orphanage in Mexico, and the trip was leaving on her birthday! And in preparing for the mission trip, Diane prayed for God to fill her heart with His love for the people in Mexico. To this day, she shares that her “highest high” was sitting in the middle of a migrant camp with kids piled all over her lap. As she looked heavenward to praise God, her heart overflowed with immense love for His children. In her desire to see future teams return to Mexico, Diane has never wavered in stepping up to a leadership role. When challenged by people that ask why she is doing this, she very simply answers that when serving others, “I feel fully alive!”

If you are thinking of joining a short-term serving trip, Diane counsels that Willow has new fundraising guidelines that after the $250 deposit, 100% of the trip cost can be raised with sponsorship money. The team leaders are equipped to help in this process. “When you return from your trip, you get to share stories and pictures with your sponsors, thank them for their role in sending you, and plant seeds with eternal impact.”

In 2011, Willow will send volunteers on more than 40 teams to 11 countries. Participants serve alongside international church partners and global servants in the following locations: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Zambia, South Africa, Kosovo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Bolivia, and Chile

In addition, Willow is in the process of planning special Celebration of Hope trips focused on shelter. As plans develop, we will be updating our website. In the mean time, view current short-term trips.

Diane thanks God for entrusting Willow Creek with so many wonderful serving opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Her prayer is that her story will inspire others to respond to God’s whisper, “Who can I send?”

Vision to Serve Battered Women Draws Costa Rican Church, Willow Teens Together

The scriptures remind us in James 2:14 that if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds can such faith save him? When you see someone in need how do you respond? Pastor Victor Quiroz of Centro de Ministerios Cartago Church in Cartago, Costa Rica, and other members of the congregation felt God’s leading to take a more active role in serving both the physical and spiritual needs of single mothers who have been battered and abused, a growing issue in this community. In July, seven high school students and two leaders from Willow Creek’s Student Impact ministry at the North Shore and McHenry campuses embarked on a missions trip to help this church fulfill its vision.

Before departing, the students were excited about this overseas trip and a chance to learn about Christianity in a different culture. They were spurred on even more by information Willow’s Compassion and Justice ministry team provided that gave them a better understanding of the people, the need and what God was already doing in Cartago.

Once in Cartago, about an hour ride outside of the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, the Willow youth worked in the rain and mud alongside members of Centro de Ministerios Cartago Church’s youth group to help lay the foundation, both literally and figuratively, for this ministry to flourish. They helped carry materials and started building the foundation and walls of a building that will provide housing for battered women and be the hub of this important outreach ministry.

The impact is felt on both sides

On Wednesday and Sunday nights, Willow Creek and Centro de Ministerios Cartago Church’s youth worshiped together. Several students shared testimonials of what God was doing in their lives that week. The biggest impact? Families in Cartago welcomed them, opened their homes, served them and loved them. “It really opened our eyes”, says Andrew Brownback, a Willow Creek student ministries leader. “We thought we were going to serve these people and their community. But they showed us how to be servants.”

One day, a woman came and shared how the church had provided housing for her to get away from an abusive relationship, and how she came to know Christ through their ministry. “That really gave a face to the ministry and made it real for us,” says Brownback.

To learn more, contact Andrew Brownback.

Miracle of Sight in Samfya

What does it mean to have a pair of prescription glasses? To those considered legally blind, it means they can see much more clearly. Kids who couldn’t see the blackboard can now read what's written on it. Those who weren’t able to read their Bibles are now able to.

In April, a medical team of four individuals from Willow, led by Mike Marschke, headed for Samfya, Zambia. They may have lacked in numbers but that didn’t stop them from accomplishing their goal of bringing the gift of sight to Samfya.

Knowledge, Equipment, and Donations

An opthamologist, a friend of Marschke’s, taught him how to read prescriptions with a trial lens set. Other team supporters played key roles in collecting glasses and reading the prescriptions.

Prior to the medical team’s arrival in Samfya, tickets were distributed to those in need of eyeglasses. The team expected to see forty people a day, but as word spread, that number doubled. With the help of the equipment they’d brought from the U.S., they were able to determine the needs of the people and fit them as closely as possible with a pair of prescription eyeglasses. Non-prescription sunglasses were distributed as well for eye protection against the harsh sun and dust.

Three hundred pairs of glasses were fitted and distributed to those in need, and a hundred more tested in hopes of receiving a pair on the medical team's next visit. Some had walked all day to get to the clinic for a chance to receive a free pair of eyeglasses—something they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. The team reveled in the grins on the faces of the patient’s as they tried on the glasses—many seeing clearly for the first time in years.

What Can We Do?

If you are in the medical field, consider signing up for the next trip to Samfya, Africa, which takes place October 24–November 7, 2010. We urgently need several more people to make this trip successful. To read about other upcoming serving trips, including our trip to Samfya, go to the Short Term Mission Trips section located on the Compassion and Justice area of our website. You may also email shorttermteams@willowcreek.org or call Pat at 224-512-1505. In the mean time, check out this video.

The need for prescription glasses for adults and children is great. If you or someone you know has any unused prescription glasses and would like to see them use for a good cause, drop them off at the smaller counter near the Atrium's Prayer Room, before September 30. Look for the box labeled "Glasses for Africa."

To learn more about the Medical Missions Team, access their blog at: http://missionsamfya.blogspot.com.

A Helping Hand

Willow Creek partners with several churches throughout Latin America and Africa that are engaged in programs such as education, orphan care, clean water, and medical needs. These partnerships are based on long-term relationships in order to provide the best resources for these churches and their communities.

Gifts-in-Kind
Through the Gifts-in-Kind program, companies and organizations donate items that are beneficial to our partner churches. These donations may include a variety of items ranging from school supplies to computers and medical equipment.

Our Latin American and African partners use these resources to positively impact their own local community, and this program aims at connecting our community to those of our partners. In the past 10 years, over $10 million in goods has been delivered to our partners around the globe.

New schools and medical centers have opened in areas affected by poverty and disease. These resources have also been used to provide emergency relief to communities that have experienced natural disasters. The donated supplies are changing the lives of individuals as well as communities around the world.

Worldwide Impact
Thanks to the efforts of Gifts-in-Kind donors, a preschool in the Dominican Republic now has a playground supplied with toys and equipment for the children to enjoy during their recess time. Our partner, Abriendo Camino, has deeply benefited from the donations for their new playground in various ways.

Before the new playground, the children only had a few soccer balls. Now they have play houses, slides, coupe cars, wagons, tricycles, and even a basketball net. The children absolutely love all the new equipment and are constantly saying “Mira, mira!” (Look, look!) once they climb to the top of the slides. The teachers also appreciate the toys because they provide opportunities for lessons in sharing with others.

There’s only one downside to the playground toys – it’s even harder to get the children back inside after recess is over! However, that’s how recess is supposed to be, right?

Donations from Gifts-in-Kind have been able to make an impact in this community and continue benefitting others around the globe.

Following a Whisper to Bolivia

Over the past two years, Willow Creek has sent teams to Bolivia to research partner churches and future projects to support. Accompanying the 2010 team was Willow member Frederic Schulders, who heard a godly “whisper” to go on the trip. Frederic felt his mission, over the course of the seven days in Bolivia, was to report back to his small group on how they could best support Willow’s partners in Bolivia.

The Trip

Frederic, who spent time as a child in South Africa where his father taught, admits he never traveled with the eyes of a Christian. Spending time in La Paz and the rural town of Oruru, the team spent quality time meeting with local pastors. Frederic was struck by the “warmth, welcome, love, and gratitude” of people “so committed."Frederic and the team met with pastors dedicating their lives to helping street children, abused individuals and the under-resourced. The pastors are “so thankful for the help we bring, they really want solutions.”

In a church in downtown La Paz, for example, a church project consists of a sewing business designed to educate street children and the homeless. In Oruru, church projects include a bakery impacting 100 kids, as well as a greenhouse and welding business impacting 180 kids. The projects are “very real” and self-sustaining, and the church is “investing, not donating.”

Bringing Bolivia Home

Frederic could not wait to come back and share his experience with his small group. The pastors Frederic met in Bolivia are now “friends,” and “he will go back.” Frederic encourages anyone with the opportunity to make such a trip to “Go! Go!” which is precisely why he is planning another trip to Bolivia next year. In fact, Frederic and his small group are already planning how they can best support Willow’s partners and projects in Bolivia. 

Interested to find out more about Willow Creek's partners and ministry in Bolivia? Contact Mark Haugen, Director of Latin American Operations at mhaugen@willowcreek.org.