Trips to Orphanages, Nursing Homes, and Town Squares
Yesterday was a day full of challenges.
We began the day by spending the morning at a nearby orphanage in San German, where the group had the opportunity to play with children from less than a year to eight years old.
Some played an interesting game of “tag” in which they helped little girls lock the boys in the bathroom, while others played with balls and dolls.
At any given moment, the room was full of laughter.
Two hours later, when we left, it was a bittersweet moment. Some of the children cried while others merely asked, “Why?”
For the first time, the group had to face the fact that their presence here was only so long. As we debriefed this, we came to realize that this was why it was important for us to work with existing ministries, like the church, orphanage, and other places.
In the afternoon (after yet another amazing meal), we split the group in two. One half stayed at the school to clean classrooms, while the other went to the nursing home.
The group that remained back at the school had plenty to do, but the group at the nursing home spent about thirty minutes praying with the residents before they ran out of tasks to complete.
So a group of us walked to the town plaza, where we split into a few groups and offered to pray with the locals. Some were eager to receive prayer, while others were not.
A few highlights included Will playing dominoes with the old men, and some of the guys (Cole, Karsen, and others) meeting Robinson, a young boy they met the previous day. Lori led a charge of young ladies to find women in the area who needed prayer.
The group returned, sharing stories of excitement at how God moved in spite of a schedule hiccup.
In the evening, we had a time of worship that was so powerful and profound that it’s hard to describe. God is definitely moving in and through this group.
Our local contacts have told us that it’s been a blessing to host the group, and we’ve learned a lot from being around such godly and inspiring people for a week.
I trust that the friends and family for which you’re waiting will not return to you the same way in which they left.
Awesome! Thanks for the update.
We are so blessed to hear all that is taking place in the lives of both Puerto Ricans and our youth. I continue to pray Heb. 13:20,21 ~ “Now may the God of peace, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
To God be all the glory!
Ginnie Postlethwaite
Hi there. Thank you for sharing this. I am currently in Puerto Rico (for two months) with my family and are looking for people to connect with for ministry opportunities. We have spent some time with the evangelical school of the deaf, but are interested in any other ways we can be a blessing. Any suggestions?
Hey Doug,
I work for the short term missions department at Adventures. Can you shoot me an email so we can talk about some possibilities there? Thanks.
[email protected]
Hello!
My husband and I are taking a trip in February to PR (God willing). We’d love to connect with some God opportunities, please feel free to direct us to some possibilities.
Gracias!
Can you pleass email me the name of the orphanage? Im interestes in doing good works for others.
Thanks
Hi there,
Did you find any orphanages? I would really like to take my daughter to volunteer
I grew up in Hato Rey, Hogar de ninas. I have few memories of my years, no records of schools or any photos. The ladies that were in charge of me, were real nice and I want to thank each one of them, I’am 60 years old. I wonder how are the girls I was in with in that place. if any information please feel free to send e-mail. thank you.
Hello!
My name is Kitty Hurdle and my husband and I are on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.
We are bringing a team of 50 sharp college students from The University of Mississippi to San Juan March 12-19. Our students will be going to the college campuses to learn about the collegiate culture in Puerto Rico and to talk to spiritually interested students.
We would also like them to meet some practical needs of the people. Would you mind to tell me any service projects or reputable organizations that you would encourage us to serve alongside? Particularly the orphanage you work with?
We would be so grateful for any leads you might have as we are nervously but expectantly going to serve sight unseen. We want to make it the most influential trip we can for the students and also for the people to whom we will minister.
Thank you for your help. We are ready to share God’s love, just need some wisdom and direction!