SHORT TERM TRIPS
About Us
We have been leading groups of willing hearts to serve in Nigeria for a number of years. We find that while the aim is to serve others and make a difference, the greatest difference is often within the hearts of the short term missionaries. We hope this could be your experience! Ministry of Mercy Orphanage website has lots of information about coming to serve short term. To read this information, click the button below.
GIVING
Your tax-deductible gift will be used to fund the needs of people planning short term trips. Click the DONATE button below to give online OR send a check made out to Partners In Joy, Inc. to the address below. If you wish you can make this a monthly donation by checking the box provided. Partners In Joy, Inc. P.O. Box 3761 Pueblo, CO 81005
TESTIMOMIES FROM THE FIELD
Three Generations in Nigeria
Having the opportunity to accompany my dad with my daughter for this trip to Nigeria really was a tremendous blessing. I called my dad April 25, 2014 and mentioned I completed my last day of 35 years in the banking industry. He asked what would be the next chapter of my life. I mentioned three things that were important to me and the last was taking a trip to see Nigeria again. It just so happened earlier in the day dad got a call of invitation to visit the Igala people. And what an adventure it was having had the opportunity to take my only child, Hannah, and share life with other like minded, Christ loving, christian friends for 8 days. The provision of God from the day the planning began, April 25th, was miraculous. Who would have thought going to Nigeria during all the unrest was the best decision and getting to know so many Godly people. I was impacted by Phillip’s prayers (our devoted driver) and impressed with his knowledge of the bible. The knowledge was great but it went a step further as he seemed to exhibit a wisdom that went beyond just knowing. The times he prayed and incorporated the scripture to meet the exact need or relevance of the day or situation. Medicine for the soul! One thing that stands out the most is the generosity of all the people I encountered on the trip. I went there anticipating that God would use me as a minister for his glory but I look back and I feel like I was ministered to. The compassion and love that everyone showed thru their energy to make us all comfortable was extraordinary. I still am telling people the story of Ruth ringing out the rain water from the top sheet and placing it over Hannah and I so we could cool down. Ingenious! When I was sick Debbie came into the room and busied herself making sure I was comfortable. Certainly did not expect that from someone I just met. In fact it seemed awkward to me at first but then I pondered God's extravagant love for us. I'm reminded of the verses from Romans 11 which capsulizes the words I can not fully described of the experience I felt. "Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes. (Romans 11:33-36 MSG) When asked what way(s) the Lord most used me, I believe God has given me the gift of encouragement. I love to focus on the good in people, turning a maybe not so good situation into something of an adventure. I don’t think there is anything I would have wanted to change. I prefer God's hand working. I certainly don't want to discredit all the planning Ruth and Esther did and I so appreciate that but I was really blessed how everyone stuck together even when the car broke down twice and we did not get to our destinations at the anticipated time. I believe God was working thru all of us building our character to be more like Him, not in a drugging way but in the Spirit of joy. These mission trips strengthen who we are in Christ so we have first hand testimonies to share God's provision and goodness with those who might be on the fence. Our stories may just cause them to take that leap of faith and join God's glories family of believers. For those of you who expresses interest in going next year, I would give this advise: Stay in the scripture because God is faithful to answer our questions, fast a day or two for clarity from God, and Trust God! Thanks again, Ruth and Esther. Through Christ I hope I mirror the same compassion for the Igala People as I see you both portray. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37 KJV)14
HEIDI SILA
Three Generations in Nigeria
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This verse has been on my heart the past week. The past year has been hard for me; trying to seek God’s will and not really finding any direction. Feeling like I need to be taking some action somehow but not knowing what to do.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t really want to go to Nigeria this year. I could only go for a week because of work, I was worried about coming back and being jetlagged and overloaded, and I didn’t feel like my presence in Nigeria would be useful. But God made it very clear to me that I was supposed to go. In a nutshell, being approved to take a week off of work in the summertime in the real estate business isn’t easy, but I was approved! And when I thought I wasn’t going to be able to go because we weren’t getting enough funding, $6000 dollars came (the exact amount we had left to raise) in a matter of a few days.
Why? Apart from a few moments, I still don’t feel like my presence in Nigeria was important. Perhaps I’ll never know why God wanted me there.
One thing that happened is that Daniel Edeh, the director at the orphanage, taught me a lot about thankfulness and faith. He came to our group at the end of our time and thanked each of us individually for what we did, and he was moved to tears by the simplest of things. He told us about how God provides for the orphanage – that they have never gone without a meal. When they were out of food, food miraculously came to them through random strangers who heard about the orphanage and drove an hour down the dirt road to give them rice. Tell me, friend – have you ever had to rely on God that much? I don’t think I have.
James 2:5 says, “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” The people who live and work at Ministry of Mercy do not live glamorous lives but I cannot express how rich their faith is.
What’s funny to me is that when we expressed our thankfulness for Daniel and his strength and faith, he wrinkled his nose and made this face that said “Who, me? No, I don’t think so.” Really?? A man who has given his whole life to this orphanage and is called “daddy” by 300+ people doesn’t think he’s any stronger or more faithful than the rest of us. Humble much?
I am thankful for this trip because I got to see a lot of people that I love, have many good conversations, eat Nigerian food again, and open my heart to seek God’s will in the little things. Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks. These things will contribute to God’s larger plan for each of our lives and for the world as a whole. It’s ok that I don’t know right now where I’m supposed to go or what I’m supposed to do; my job is to trust God and love the ones around me.
James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Thank you everyone who supported us in this trip and for supporting the orphanage in their need for daily food. We go to Nigeria almost every year – you should join us next time!
Caroline Carlson Rosendall
From Caroline's Eyes - Mission Trip June 2014
Our Next Trip!
Our next mission trip to Nigeria is in the early planning stages. During our two weeks away from “home” there will be opportunities to visit and help out at Ministry of Mercy Orphanages where your skills and talents in singing, teaching, cleaning, fixing things, technology, sharing, and loving on children will be put to good use. Additionally, opportunities for evangelistic outreach through music, drama, and testimonies will be plentiful as we partner with Joe Ifah and his team, going into villages and schools to bring the good news of salvation in Christ to others. Just beware: you may come back home deeply impacted by those you sought to serve!
If you are interested in serving the Lord in this way next summer and would like more information, please fill out the form below so we can get back with you:
Interested in going on a mission trip?
