Updated August 1, 2009
Tim Graff. 5th Year Missionary. Adult
From our very arrival at Riverside Church, I started hearing enthusiastic, heart felt, testimonies by church members. I heard about people delivered from alcohol and drug addictions, marriages saved, and physical healing. Jesus Christ is truly at work in their lives. The testimonies had a common thread - an unwavering faith in Jesus.
James, a deacon in the church, recently walked away from a 15 year career and resigned as a police sergeant. He heard God's call to dedicate his life full time to serving Jesus and bringing the Apache people to Christ. Soon he began feeling the bills pile up and was ready to give the bank his pickup truck to reduce the load. He prayed for Jesus to help and put his trust in Him to help it all work out. Soon after he called the loan company and told them he was turning in his truck. The load officer told him that his $18,000 balance had been paid off and they were about to send him the title. The loan had been paid by an anonymous person. A note came with the title saying that he needed his truck to do God's work. James put his faith in Jesus and has received God's blessings helping James to continue His work on the reservation.
As a person soon to lose my job after 24 years, I find it hard to imagine walking away from a job like James did. I find myself filled with anxiety about how I will provide for my family and where my life is going. I see the faith that James put in Jesus to provide for his needs and wonder why I can't bring same strong faith into my own life.
This is only one of dozens of similar personal testimonies. The church members have FAITH. They place their trust in God to provide and meet their needs. Throughout my life, I have heard the saying “God helps those that help themselves.” These people put their trust in Jesus. They operate in the sincere faith that “God helps those who ask.” They don't just hope that God will come to their aid, they know He will. I have a lot to learn from these people.
Alexis Magnuson – 2nd Year Missionary
"Praise the Lord, for He is Good! His faithful love endures forever! Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can praise His name enough?" Fort Apache, Arizona is a place for miracles - miracles that prove God's existence and speak of His Love.
The biggest miracle of all though, jumped into my lap and smiled straight into my eyes, stealing my heart - on day one. A little ten-year-old girl Dada, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, changed my life forever. She could only speak through sign language but still her lessons will remain with me forever. She taught me lessons of a childlike faith. In the Scripture it reads, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it." Anytime I signed "Jesus" to Doda, she smiled wide and pumped her arms up and down excitedly. Whenever she saw a cross, she reached out for it eagerly. Her faith was the greatest example of the innocent love we should always have for Jesus.
Dodda is also blessed with healing power. Many wounds that I had been dealing with were patched up and healed by such a precious girl. Anytime I felt troubled, she sensed it, grabbed my face in between her hands until she felt I had calmed down. Such an adorable little face, such a tremendous spirit in an unexpected place.
On the reservation, I witnessed more than I could've ever imagined, and Dadda will always be in my heart. She is the reason I now and always will have compassion for the Native Americans of the Fort Apache Reservation. I believe that we all have something to teach and we all have something to learn. Short-term mission trips with our church are the greatest opportunities for those who feel they have something missing in their lives. All of the holes in my heart are filled. I don't think I'll ever be the same. I thank God for his presence in Fort Apache, for his presence in Dada, and for his presence in my heart.
I'll always be praying that you and the Apaches will feel him too.
Jason Patton – 2nd Year Missionary
When I first signed up for this mission trip I was so excited to return to our mission family in Mexicali Mexico. Safety issues in Mexico prevented us from returning to Mexicali. But God had a different plan and picked a new location for our team, that being Fort Apache in Arizona.
I was very unsure about going on this mission trip after a change in location, but I decided to go. I was unsure about myself and was nervous and scared about connecting with the Apache People. I pictured very little conversation with the people and awkward conversation. Instead, I met some of the most inspirational people I have ever met.
I believe that most people back at home take church for granted. We easily jump in the car and drive a few blocks and be at church. How many people would walk for two and a half hours just to show your love for Christ? Not many people would.
Our mission team had the pleasure of working with a Navahoe man named Moe. Moe can light up any room and make anyone smile. He loves God so much!
When first entering the mission trip, I thought I was doing this to better myself, but on the first day Brother James told us a quote that I kept in my head the whole week "Whenever your nailing, painting or dry walling, pray for someone who needs it." It really helped me and this changed my focus from myself to other people whom I was praying for. On this trip, I learned God shows himself in many ways.
Lexis Danca. 1st Time Missionary.
My journey all started when I saw the photo slideshow at my Confirmation Prep 1 Retreat of last year’s mission trips. I went home and immediately told my mom I had to go on one. She was reluctant, but after quite a bit of persuading she gave in-- as long as she could come too. Going into this trip I had no idea of what to expect. I knew I'd have fun and meet new people, but I didn't really sign up so I could get closer to God. Little did I know, God would be the one guiding me through each day this mission week. So with an unsure mindset, we began our trip. I was nervous.
But then I saw everyone at Riverside Church. Throughout the week, I felt myself getting closer to the Apache people and to God. There was a moment at a mid-week evening cookout where I looked around and realized what I was missing out on when it came to Jesus Christ. These Apache people, who all have painful stories, had found Christ and even with all the burdens they've been forced to bear, were still some of the happiest people I've ever met.
Then I looked at myself; I don’t have any painful stories. I take for granted being able to get close to God. I saw how the Apace people felt privileged to even go to church in the first place.
This was when I decided that I wanted to live through Christ and by Christ. I find it amazing that within the course of five days, I could connect so much with a little Apache girl with cerebral palsy. I never thought I'd even be given the chance to be in that situation. With each look at Dada, I saw Jesus in her precious face. I'll never forget her. I'll never forget: this trip, Riverside Church, the Apaches and how I felt God pouring out of each of those people.
This mission trip has changed me, and it wouldn't have been possible without God leading me to and through this life-changing experience.
Tara Ortner. 1st Time Missionary.
Before my mission trip, I honestly felt I had pretty much no relationship with God. I believed that there was a God, but felt that he didn't love me, much less care about me. I always saw the different kids at our church come back from missions claiming that it had been a life-changing indescribable experience, and I wanted this more than anything. This is why I chose to go to Arizona.
As I was on the way to the Steubenville conference only 10 days ago, I remember thinking that this trip would not have any impact on my life at all. Little did I know that I was to come back a changed person. The Steubenville conference itself completely opened myself up to the Lord in ways I never imagined possible; and as I was worshipping with all of our other missionaries, I knew that my life was being changed forever. At the end of the conference, I felt more prepared and confident for my mission trip then I thought I could, and I truly feel blessed to be able to be a part of it.
On the mission trip itself, I began to see the miracles of Christ through both the faith of our missionary team and the Apaches. At the end of only the first day, both of our groups had bonded through the love of Christ, and we considered them part of our Seton family. As the week progressed, I saw so many Apache people with practically no material possessions, but with so much faith! This had a greater effect on me than anything I had ever experienced.
These Apache Christians have abandoned: their heritage, their past, and in some cases their families, just to express their true love for God. Their strength and faith in God gave me more drive to pursue my faith, and touched my heart in many ways.
At the end of the trip, when we were all saying our heartfelt goodbyes, the deacon at the Apache church said that this was not a "goodbye," and we would see each other again. At the beginning of my trip, I may not have believed this, but I now know that anything is possible through prayer. I believe that the power of God will always sustain the bond between our two churches.
I originally believed that God called me to Arizona to save the Apaches, but it is now obvious that I was the one who needed saving. Missions allowed me to let God into my life, and I now feel like a true follower of Christ.
Denise Danca. 1st Time Missionary. Adult
As we boarded the bus from St. Elizabeth to the airport, my heart and mind were filled with many anxieties. Where were we sleeping? What were we eating? Would we be accepted? Would I have the physical, mental, and spiritual strength to do this? It didn't take long after arriving on the reservation and learning about the life of the Apache people that all the fears that I came in with dissolved.
My heart, my mind and my whole being has been changed after working side by side with people I now call friends. After letting go of all the misconceptions about Native Americans, I realized that their only hope out of generational poverty is Christ. They speak from the deepest depths of their hearts and appreciate the simplest gifts. The church is their safe haven, from drugs, alcohol and violence. I was truly touched that they considered us brothers and sisters and they asked us not to forget them.
I truly believe that my eyes see people differently than when I first started the trip. It has made me a better person, and I would hope that everyone else will find a similar experience in their life.
Michael Paffrath. 1st Time Missionary.
This mission journey began for me after I came back from a Confirmation retreat this year. When we arrived back, we all attended the Life Teen Mass that was being held that night. During the Mass, Wes mentioned that there was a couple more spots open on the Mexicali Mission Trip. As usual, I didn’t care about what he said because I had no interest in going on a mission trip. After the mass, I got into the car and talked to my Mom about the retreat and how I thought it was kind of weird and not really my style. My Mom just agreed with me after I told her some of the things that went on during the retreat. After we talked for a while, she said that she wanted me to go on the Mexicali Mission Trip. I yelled at her saying “no way” and “I will never go on a mission trip!” She was persistent though and she told me I was going to go because she felt it would be a good experience for me. I just ended up not talking about it hoping they would forget and I would get out of it just like that. Unfortunately, a week later my Dad pulled me aside in the house to talk. I knew I was going to lose this argument right away because, when my Dad was my age, he was forced to go to Vietnam to fight. After that talk I agreed that I would go on the trip even though there was really no part of me that wanted to go. So days went by and every day I regretted that the Mission Trip was getting closer and closer.
Then, when the Fish Fry came around, I knew that this was for real because I was actually helping to raise money for the Mission Trip. I got the funds for the Mission Trip and filled them out, lying on some parts. Every day the Mission Trip grew closer I kept hoping something would happen that would cancel the trip. When I heard that we couldn’t go to Mexicali, I got so excited because I thought that the trip might actually be cancelled. I soon found out that they changed the location to an Indian Reservation in Arizona and the worry kicked in again. The trip kept on growing closer and closer and every day I worried for at least 30 minutes about different things that might happen on the trip. I was so used to a normal routine and I lived my whole life that way and I didn’t think I would be able to go somewhere where we will be doing something different every day. I just decided to live it up every day that I could before the trip because I doubted that I would return from the trip alive. Then the Mission Trip came around and the night before I didn’t sleep at all because I was so nervous. The day came when it was tie to go and I got ready and went to church. After Mass we drove to O’Hare and got on a plane. We arrived in San Diego and went to the Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference.
At this point I was still pretty nervous about everything. We helped out the staff at Steubenville and then went out to eat. Then we went back to the dorms and fell asleep. The next morning I got up and was still filled with worry. As the day went by I started to lose all my worry and actually have a good time. It was amazing that this trip I had been dreading for so long was actually fun.
Now this Mission Trip is over and I am writing this testimony not only to prove that I lived, but also to give an example that anyone can go on a mission trip. If I can go and have the time of my life, than anyone can go and have a great time.
This Mission Trip has transformed me and helped me to get out of my comfort shell. If I had not gone on this trip I don’t know if I would have ever been able to change the way I lived. I am extremely grateful that my parents sent me on this Mission Trip; they are the best.
Brian Pavey – 2nd year missionary
Open hearted, open minded, and of course open mouthed, our crazy mission group embarked on our next adventure. After experiencing the heartbreak of our team not being able to return to our life-changing people of Mexicali, we decided God pinpointed Fort Apache Indian Reservation for a specific reason. As the countdown ended and we started out, it was apparent that our group was extremely special. We had the ability to do amazing things and unite with God’s help to actually change some lives.
We arrived at the reservation after intense travel and instantly knew this is where we were supposed to be. We were told that the Apache people were extremely shy and reserved so our loud and outgoing group was nervous. When our insane group showed up on the first day, it must have sparked a fire because the people seemed to fit right in. They had their pranks, paint fights, loud worship, and laughing that brought tears and we wondered where the shy and timid people were located.
Our hard work consisted of helping the Riverside Church on the Reservation. We painted, dry walled, worshipped and most of all improved the quality of life. We also did prayer walks, sports ministry, and held a free barbeque. As a group during this time, we grew so close. We had our fashion shows, ninja games, and picture taking. It has felt weird to be in my home not running to the showers or trying to protect the girls from tiny mice.
When I used to think of a mission trip, I would imagine myself as God’s warrior going out and helping many people like superman; rescuing them from their situations, changing their lives, and returning home as a hero. I now feel selfish as I write this, I conclude that it is the Apache people who are the heroes. They ended up changing my life for the better. They live everyday in situations that many of us would consider unbearable, yet they dedicate themselves entirely to God. That blows my mind!
I also realized on this trip how special my family is because I saw so many abandoned children and banished family members resulting from their affiliation with Christ. Many of these people have stronger faith then I do and that really inspires me. Like a leader in our group said, look at the impact these simple people make, and imagine the possibilities God has on the table for us who have benefits and blessings that the Apache people will never have the opportunity to have.
These amazing people touched us all in crazy ways and our team bonded and emerged as a: dedicated, high-energy, spiritual fireball that received incredible graces that enabled us to create incredible memories. I am truly lucky to have experienced the amazing Apache people with an extremely special team and feel the alive, powerful God in everyone.
Tim VanGoethem. 1st Time Missionary. Adult.
There are so many wonderful things that happened during the Arizona ’09 Mission Trip, but the thing that will remain with me forever is the faith of Moe. We met him the day we arrived, and he instantly became a friend. There was something in his gentle nature and dedication to the Riverside Church that just drew me in. I later found out from Brother James that Moe was actually a Navajo Indian who lived more than a 2-½ hour drive away from the church. More amazing, Moe does not own a car, so he hitchhikes from his home and stays with other parishioners when he comes to worship. When I asked about it he simply said “It’s all for Jesus.”
We had the great privilege to spend every day on the reservation with Moe and he inspired me with his positive outlook and willingness to surrender his life to the Lord. There are several examples, but the most significant to me was on Wednesday when a group of us decided to cool off by jumping (or being pushed) into a creek during our lunch break at the Fish Hatchery on the Reservation. When Moe was invited to join, he initially declined and privately told me that he was afraid of water because he could not swim. We stood in silence for a few seconds before Moe suddenly handed me everything in his pockets and ran into the water without even pausing to take off his shoes! On the surface this seems uneventful, but it struck me deeply that he was willing to trust that the Lord would protect him and that he was willing to trust us even though we had only known him for a few days.
As I watched Moe the rest of the week and reflected on his living example, I wondered how often we take church for granted, while church means everything to Moe; how often we choose to skip Mass because we’re tired, while Moe is willing to hitchhike – sometimes for an entire day – in order to worship in his church; how slow we are to accept new friends into our lives, while Moe is willing to run into the water just to join in the fun and be with a new group of friends. I will forever remember Moe and will strive to place the same faith and trust that he does in the Lord.
Taylor Granell. 1st Time Missionary.
This year was my first mission trip. In the beginning of the year, I was dealing with some things in my life that at that point in time felt unbearable. After experiencing all the things that God was doing and watching Him work His ways through people on the Confirmation Prep 2 Retreat that I knew, I was sold. I immediately singed up for Missions wanting more of God in my life. I had slowly started losing God. I started off at an all-time God high and was quickly fading and almost losing all hope.
Within the week that we left for Arizona, I cannot lie; I was scared out of my mind. I wasn’t close to God as I wanted to be and was pretty much just scared of the unknown. I always knew about God and what He was about, but not actually experiencing Him.
When I showed up at Steubenville, a youth conference in San Diego, that was truly the unknown. I didn’t hear too many things about Steubenville and really did not know what to expect. After the first day, we had only a little taste of the worship and atmosphere that Steubenville brought. Going in the second day, I was a little more aware about what things would be like, but boy was I wrong. The second day was so filled with worship and so filled with love for God, we all grew so close as a group. After having such an amazing time at Steubenville, it was time to work God’s love with the local Apache people.
As soon as I arrived in Arizona and was on the reservation, I immediately made a bond with the kids. I could see God glowing through the kids so much! They were just filled with such hope, playfulness, and acceptance that most elders strive for. They didn’t care what we were wearing, what we looked like, or even the color of our skin. They were living for God in ways I will always be jealous of. Throughout the week, the kids taught me to have hope in what God is doing, to accept His love, and worship like a little kid again with my whole heart. These kids have taught me so much this past week and they will always remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Starting off in Arizona, from not knowing what to expect, to being taught more about God than I have ever thought before, was literally life changing. A lot of people say that they come back changed from missions, and it is totally true. We all need to accept God and remember to worship like a kid again.
Anthony van den Heuvel. 2nd Year Missionary.
I was at a confirmation meeting with my sister. Wes said something about mission trips. After the meeting my sister asked me to grab a form so she could sign up for the New Orleans trip. On accident, I grabbed two. So just for fun, I filled out the extra having no intentions of turning it in and going. My parents kept telling me to turn in the form over and over again. So at the time the trip was filled up I turned it in hoping it would stay full. Fast forward a week or two and the phone rang and my mom answered it. She told me that it was for me, so I answered and it was Ann Scott. We were talking about missions and I got really nervous. She told me that my application was accepted and that I would be going to Mexico. I pleaded and begged my parents to let me drop out and not go. Of course, they said no. So now it is less than a week until we leave and my life is on a direct course for disaster. My grades were falling, I was fighting with my dad almost 24/7. I was 100% atheist and doing things just to spite God.
When I go to the Steubenville Conference in San Diego, I started thinking to myself “Since I’m here why not use this as a last chance for this so-called God that people are singing about to prove to me that He is real.” It was Saturday night and the main priest, Father John, was carrying around some gold cross that was supposedly the Jesus guy. Then it hit me “I have to touch this thing.” I had no idea why, but during Adoration, when it came over to me I reached out and touched it. I had this vision of Jesus walking down a street lined with people and I reached through the crowd and touched Him on His left bicep and he stopped and turned his head and looked at me and holding his head as if to say “yes.” After that I broke down in tears and every day since then I have seen that in my mind.
When I got to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, this man by the name of Moe just stood out to me. Later in the trip I learned that he lives on a Navajo reservation 2.5 hours away by car. I also learned he has no car. He hitchhikes or sometime walks that distance knowing God will provide a ride and meals for him. I found this absolutely amazing. From that day on I will think of him and use that as an inspiration to keep growing in my faith and every other aspect of my life.
Anthony Woods. 3rd Time Missionary.
On Thursday night, near the end of the trip, the group was run down, tired, and really getting on each other’s nerves. We went into worship in a bad mood but during that time out, spirits were gradually lifted until we all spontaneously broke out in laughter.
That night we had a hard time sleeping because we were so energized.
It’s amazing how God’s power is given to us right went we need it. All this proves to me once again that God wants His missions to succeed more than we could ever imagine.
Peter Tozzi. 1st Time Missionary.
When the opportunity for summer missions came up, I didn’t know what to do. I knew it was a lot of hard work and it would be difficult. Around January, I knew I was going to go on a mission. I decided to go on the mission to Mexicali, Mexico. I was so excited to go, then in February they decided that Mexico was too dangerous to go to because of drug wars and other things. I wasn’t too sad, but then I got more happy when they said we are going to Fort Apache, Arizona. The day we arrived I was so excited, but a little nervous. I soon was not nervous at all though.
I met a man named Brother James, who was not nervous to meet us at all. He came and told us many stories of his life and his past experiences. He told us about his youngest daughter, Dodda, who has been through much in life.
She was born weighing only 1 pound, but soon gained weight and was able to live. Years later, she was still not able to walk. But as James told us, one night he woke to find an angel in his living room. He said he could see Dodda walking very slowly while holding onto the railing. She approached the angel very slowly, and with one touch of the angel, Dotta ran back to her room and went to bed. James said he was so amazed, and knew it was a miracle from the Lord. He knows that some day that she will be able to talk as well. Then he introduced his oldest daughter Shaq. She was very shy at first, but then began to meet everybody.
In my eyes, this was the best ten days of my life. I loved meeting all the new people and they began to love us as well. I was very sad when we had to say goodbye to everybody. But as James said, “This is not goodbye, this is more of a see you later.” When he said that, I felt so good inside. I know that one of these years, we will come back to Fort apache and see everybody once again and I personally cannot wait.
Mike Daly. 1st Time Missionary.
This mission trip to Fort Apache Indian Reservation was both more fun and tiring than I expected. I signed up expecting large amounts of work but for a good cause. What I experienced was completely different. There was work to do with days spent painting Riverside Church, hanging drywall, and just about everything else in their new addition. This work seemed to fly by more than anything else. It was a tool to get us there for ministry.
We all went to the church on Monday scared of what was to come. We had been told that it would take time for the people to open up, as they were quiet and careful with their words. I was blown away by how we were accepted so openly on the first day.
Everyone greeted us as brothers and sisters many having more to say than our group (which was a major feat that I once thought was impossible.) More and more people showed up until Wednesday, when a celebration we were invited to was held. What affected me the most was the simplicity of it all. People came to the church and had fun. The poverty we had been told about was there but these people had so much joy you couldn’t even tell that they struggle. Whether it was volleyball with the teens and adults or playing on the playground with kids, it was very clear God was influencing them and their lives. I also saw God in the simplicity that night. Back at home, parties are never as simple, and we had so much fun just listening to the music and playing.
This trip has made me realize that true joy can be found in simpler things. Technology serves as a distraction most of the time anyways; as our spontaneous games and one dance party brought more joy than I could have expected.
Jenny Woods. 1st Time Missionary
The first time I really felt God there for me was the second night at the Steubenville youth conference. The first night was okay but the thing that stood out to me the most was that I had already rested in the Holy Spirit. I still really doubted that God was there for me at that point so I started praying off to the side by myself. I said, “God if you really are there, prove it to me not by having my legs shake or randomly crying but by letting me hear you.” I sat there for ten minutes just in silence and then Sara Cooper came and sat next to me and asked me how I am and told me that Jesus loves me and that she does too. I started immediately balling and she held me tight and God spoke through her saying, “You are my beautiful, beautiful daughter. I love you so much and I have always been here for you and always will be. You are here for a reason and I know that you will fulfill it. I love you so much my child and you are perfect in every way. I’m always watching you, protecting you, and most important loving you my precious daughter.”
Right then I knew and never doubted God. He is always there for you all and all you have to do is ask for Him and He will come. This trip was only just the beginning. I knew that God was calling me when a deacon from Arizona’s Riverside Church, Brother James, came up to me and said “My sister (meaning me), save my niece. She wants to leave school. Please convince her otherwise.” He handed me his phone, and I started talking to his niece. I explained how important school was and to never give up even if it is one of the hardest things you will have to ever do. I continued saying that she has to push through it because it will be worth it. When our talk was over, she thanked me and said that she decided to stay in school. Brother James came up to me when I was done with tears in his eyes and said “I have been trying to convince her to stay for the past hour and whatever you said convinced her to stay and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have a gift sister, you have a gift.”
After that I knew I had done something right and God has still so much in store for me to hear and I am ready to listen.
Debbie Guentz. 1st Time Missionary. Adult.
This mission trip to Steubenville 09’ Conference in San Diego and follow-up missionary week on the Apache Reservation in Arizona was better than I could have imagined. I knew I would see some poverty but I wasn’t really prepared for the widespread lack of basic comforts like indoor plumbing and running water.
The Christians on the reservation represented only about five percent of the population (of Native Americans) but to this group of believers, their church is the center of their lives. From their testimonies we learned of their deliverance from alcohol, drugs, and depression. Our Lord gave them hope and therefore a future here on earth and eternity. I felt their love for Jesus and it rekindles my flame of love as well. Praise you Jesus! May You be forever glorified.
Jaclyn Girolamo. 1st Time Missionary.
Before I came on this mission trip had been getting into trouble and I could tell that my relationship with God was basically not a relationship at all. Once the mission trip began I was very scared because I was not sure what exactly I had gotten myself into. When I was at Steubenville I realized that it really was not going to be bad at all. I definitely notice a change in my relationship with God and how to realize to give Him all my burdens and He will always take care of me.
Vic Van Horn. 2nd Year Missionary. Adult
Wow, what a mission trip! I actually witnessed God work through each and every one of our mission team members. He carried us when we had no strength. He energized us when we were weary and tired and because of that we were able to paint a whole church in just a few days. We also developed friendships with complete strangers all in His name. A highlight for me was seeing the cross on top of the church freshly painted and I thought to myself, “This is for you Lord, may you get the glory and the Apache people may have a place to come to worship and praise you.” Then I thought of how much I take for granted being of the Catholic faith and the sacrifices the Apache people have to make just to be Christian. At that point I thought to myself, “Lord you died for me and now I live for you.”
Greg Boyk. 1st Time Missionary. Adult
The Holy Spirit used me as a vessel to deliver God’s message to our mission team members one by one. I gave the Lord’s love through the sense of touch and prayer.
Brendan Sugrue. 3rd Year Missionary.
I planned my mission experience a while back and it was supposed to be in Mexicali. God sort of changed it for me and I wound up in the mountains of Arizona. The experience was one of a kind and it really put me into a TRUE leadership role. God was moving through me at an astounding rate and I was always nervous of making the first move. That week, I stepped out and really felt like a true leader in Christ. This helped with my ministries at Riverside Church. God gave me extra endurance I’ve never felt before and I put it to good use doing drywall. God showed his presence in me in a new way, and I pray it continues in my life. I don’t know what is in store for me in the future but with the gift God has given me, I am prepared for the challenges ahead.
Corryn Kaiser. 1st Time Missionary.
This mission trip was a mind-blowing experience from the start in San Diego to the end at the Indian Reservation. I was told before we got here that these people were poor and lived in run down houses but I never thought that it would be as bad as it was. Some of their houses were the size of my bedroom and their yards were filled with trash and animals that had their ribs visible from malnourishment. But all of that did not matter!
All that matters to the Apache people is God. This was so easy to see especially in the teens. These teens came from houses where all they see is parents with drug and drinking problems but they still get to church and smile. They know that no matter what happens God will always be there to help them along.
If they can do that, why can’t we? We have one little problem and stop believing in God but with these people, the more problems they have, the more they believe in God. This trip has showed me that no matter what happens as long as you believe in God everything will be ok.
Katie Jones. 2nd Year Missionary.
After falling in love with Mexicali on last summer’s mission, I was so excited to go back. Within the last two or three months before we were supposed to leave, the drug violence had gotten so bad, that it was no longer safe to go there. I knew this was God’s will. Soon enough we decided to head to Arizona, I knew it was going to be a great trip but comparing it to Mexico was something I couldn’t get my mind off of.
But I saw Christ in every single one of the Apache people. I made a special connection with the Brother James’ daughter. Dadda. She has cerebral palsy and was not able to speak. She was so loving and when she would look into your eyes and sign to you, God was completely visible. All the people of the reservation changed my life and made me appreciate what I have in my life. There will always be a special place in my heart for the people in Arizona and I will never forget them. God Bless!
Heather Ross. 1st Time Missionary.
God has been more present in my life in Arizona than anywhere else. Not so much in the work I have done but in the Apache people I have met. The Apaches we worked with were perhaps the most inspirational people I will ever meet. Most of them have been “saved” by Jesus from drug addictions and alcohol. They are pressured everyday to go back to their old ways but their faith in Jesus keeps them strong so being with them has strengthened my faith.
One of the people I met was a little girl named dada. She was called the miracle child. She just had this immediate power over you and you could not help but smile. She would hug you and if she sensed something was wrong she wouldn’t let go until you let the situation go. Every time I looked in her eyes, I felt so much love and I could feel God’s presence in her. I feel truly blessed to be able to have met all these people who had so much faith that it caused you to grow in yours. I will forever keep them in my heart.
Dana Christopher. 2nd Year Missionary.
When I first applied to on this summer’s mission, I was so excited to return to Mexicali, Mexico but under unfortunate circumstances, we had to change our plans to Arizona. My heart was crushed. I had looked forward to venturing to where a piece of my heart was.
Our first day working with the Apache people, Brother James came up to us and thanked us for being there and to help improve their church. Brother James was so full of God and had a love for everyone. He began to share his story about his daughter Dadda. She was born with cerebral palsy and had begun to walk only a short time ago. Dada came up to our group with open arms and a huge smile on her face. You could see God shining through in her eyes. Hearing brother James tell her story to us was so touching. He said it was either her or her mother that would survive when she was born. Brother James said he lifted his problems and worries to God. He knew He would take care of it. I began to tear up. Just learning how much love, faith, and trust in God Brother James had for Him.
I hope to one day have ALL my faith and trust in God. I hope to show my children the love God has for them, the way Brother James shows his children.
Megan VanGoethem. 2nd Year Missionary.
When I signed up for missions this year I never expected to find myself on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. This trip has been one of the most: unexpected, challenging, and rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to see God through one of the people that I admire most in my life, my dad.
When I found out he was coming on the trip my entire outlook changed. I was not sure what to expect with him there, and I was a little nervous. The first night of the Steubenville Youth Conference showed me that God put my dad and I together for a reason. I saw my dad on his knees with tears in his eyes praising our Lord and Savior. When asked how he felt, and he simply said “This trip may have very well saved me.” From that moment on, I saw my dad in a way that I never have before. He opened up to everyone, became like a second father to many kids, drove a giant van nicknamed “Block Party” for his loud music, he spent full days dry walling, and he worshipped like he had done it one hundred times before. Throughout the entire trip he had a giant smile that lit up his entire face.
I can honestly say that my relationship with my dad and God has improved so much from this trip. I know now that God has a plan for everyone and everything, and God showed me that through my dad.
Paul Graff. 3rd Year Missionary.
When I first signed up for this trip I expected a lot of sand and a lot of cactus. So, I was presently surprised when our environment was tall mountains, a lot of trees, grass, and rivers. We were also told upon arriving that the Apache people were very reserved, cautious people. Let’s just say I was extremely relieved to find out that they were not.
The people at the reservation were very inspirational to all of us because of their incredible faith and sense of community. I cannot even name both of my neighbors at home, but these people can name their entire neighborhood while maintaining a close relationship with all of their family. Their family was one of the most important aspects of their life, and they considered some of us brothers and sisters. This openness and accepting attitude inspires me to treat people more like family and show more: compassion, love, forgiveness, and openness with those I meet.
Emily Disselhorst. 4th Year Missionary.
“When you’ve fallen on your knees, God has put you in the perfect position to pray.” This is exactly how I began and ended my mission trip to Whiteriver, Arizona: in prayer. Since January I knew God had called me on this mission trip for many different reasons, but it was on prayer that I knew God wanted me to go. Prayer was a large part of my growth this year on missions, it helped me to deepen my relationship with God and strengthen the relationships I was developing. Throughout my time spent in Arizona my heart was broken for the Apache people, for they live in such poverty and they have so little but have great faith in God. God has kept them from giving up on themselves.
This is what I have taken away the most from the trip, that despite my fears, with faith in God, I never have to give up. On Thursday morning five other girls and I had felt the calling to pray but not just a short prayer, but also a day full of it. We were called to do intercessory prayer. We had each person on the mission team write out a prayer request and the six of us sat and prayed for the next four hours. Four hours of prayer may sound impossible, but the six of us were each able to share what was on our hearts and we prayed for the strength we needed. God opened my eyes that day. He showed me that despite my past, I always have a future with God.
In three short weeks I will be going away for the start of my freshman year of college and on the last night of the trip it was made obvious that my mission was not over. The fears of going away to school finally dissolved in anticipation. As we started to close our last night of worship singing “Hungry-Falling on my knees”, God showed me that despite how broken or fallen you may be, when you have folded hands and bent knees, Gods arms are open and beckoning me in.
Barbarian Nancy Venne. 3rd Year Missionary. Adult.
Two weeks before I left on missions, I began to pray for open relationships between us and the Apaches. I had heard many stories of their privacy and how different it can be to interact. This was going to be one of my greatest challenges.
Through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, I felt very comfortable after the second day. On the reservation, I witnessed poverty, despair, and a tremendous love for God. Their material items are minimal but their love for God is astounding. I have witnessed how God has moved in each of their lives. Luke 9:23
Sarah Ruszkowski. 1st Time Missionary.
“Why did you come here?” was the very first question I was asked when I attended a mission meeting. I remember thinking “Seriously?! I have no idea! My mom made me come to this thing.” Months later as I drove away on a big yellow bus waving goodbye to my family and friends, I still pondered on that same question. After the Steubenville Conference, I felt unified with my mission teammates but still longed to understand God's reason for my attendance on the trip. The third day we were on the reservation, there was a large cookout with all of the Apache people. While trying to mingle with some of the older locals, I noticed a rowdy group of people to my right: children! I thought to myself “This is a disaster waiting to happen. If I step foot anywhere near these kids I will drop dead of exhaustion.” However, something told me to walk over to them.
As I did I was immediately filled with their energy and joy. I began to play with them. They laughed. I laughed harder. They laughed again. I laughed harder than I ever have before. While with the children I felt as ease. I didn't need to impress them. I didn't need to be smart or charming or athletic. I just had to be with them. With million dollar smiles on their faces, I looked into their eyes. In an instant, I saw Christ through them. I learned to appreciate their simplistic lifestyle that they seemed to enjoy more than I had ever enjoyed mine. As I layed my head down on my pillow that night, I thought about why I was in Pinetop, Arizona. I can't say I had a sudden realization of the answer to my question. All I know is that I felt at peace. Simplicity and joy was brought to me by a couple of toddlers and I had finally been at peace. Just as big things come in small packages, God showed me the most miraculous works happen through the simplest of moments.
Justin Bartlett – 5th Time Missionary
This has been my fifth mission trip and it has had the greatest impact upon my life. My fondest memory took place on the third night, when I gazed up at the cross on top the church. I looked around and saw our mission team playing volleyball with the Apaches. The band was playing worship music in the background and I realized that you don't need drugs or alcohol to have a good time. All you need it Jesus and a couple of faith-filled friends.
Melissa Gillard. 2nd Year Missionary
My testimony is not of an intricate design, it is not a big adventure of how I found God, sadly it’s not. I simply grew up in faith...not the strongest, but God was still there. I was born and baptized Catholic and then reborn (re-baptized) as a Christian when I was twelve. My family had always been religious and gone to church...but the time I really connected with God was last year’s mission, Mexicali. It was the first time I had FELT the Holy Spirit and God's presence within me. Unfortunately on last years mission I had ended up on a bad note with God, I did not have trust.
But fortunately I returned this year on the Arizona Mission and instantly started over with God. My faith and belief had returned, stronger, more personal, and more intense than I ever imagined possible. I resolved ALL my conflicts from last year and ALL my burdens had been lifted! I am so blessed and thankful I came on this trip, it saved my relationship with Christ. The main event that occurred and that made it all happen during this trip, took place at Steubenville, the Youth Ministry Conference. It was Saturday night, and that night, as hard and terrifying as it was, I truly let go of EVERYTHING and gave it all to God...all my pain and burdens...lifted, given to God. Afterwards I felt such a peace and relief, it surprised me the level of comfort I experienced. The extreme peace came from knowing I didn't have to carry all my pain alone. God is there. Always and forever. He was and is and always will be. GOD BLESS:)
Aubrey Olson- 1st Time Missionary
Before leaving for my first mission trip I was so excited. I was ready to grow and strengthen my relationship with God. I had heard so many missionary stories from veterans so I also couldn't wait to minister and serve others. After the Steubenville youth conference, I felt I had grown allot closer to God but it wasn't until after our first day of missionary work I can truly say I gave my whole life to God.
The deacon, Brother James, of the Fort Apache Riverside Christian Church, shared some amazing Jesus-filled stories. One story that truly impacted my life was about his ten year old daughter, Dada. Dada has cerebral palsy and is such a miracle from God. Brother James explained how he prayed and prayed for his little girl to be able to walk. A few months after Dada's 7th birthday he said an angel appeared and Dada walked for the first time towards the angel. Ever since that moment, Dada has been walking and running and changing people for the better. I really feel that this story can change people's lives who don't believe in Christ. This story is so powerful and proves there is a powerful and loving God.
Throughout this trip I learned how much God can show His love for us, if we accept a relationship with him. On the human side, over the past few days I made a relationship with a man named Moe. Moe has such a deep rooted passion for Christ and loves everything he does. Moe is from the Navajo tribe and he lives about a 2 1/2 hours drive from the Riverside Church. But Moe doesn't have a car, and he gets there by faith and God. Moe is truly an inspiration to me because it may seem like he has very little but with his passion for Christ he has the greatest gift of all. He has really made me come to realize how lucky I am and how much I need to praise God for what I have.
I loved every part of this mission trip and the relationships I made with the Apaches. I feel I am so close to God and this trip really shaped and molded me into a better person. I am so grateful I was able to experience this wonderful opportunity. I can't wait to go on another mission trip next year and I encourage everyone to consider being a part of our summer missions program.
Morgan Gates – Thomas. 4th Time Missionary.
My life has been altered in ways I can't even begin to explain because of this mission trip. I've never felt cared for as much as I do now not only by God but by my friends. Of the four trips I've been on, this trip is the one that impacted me the most.
I told my youth group friends two months before that I didn't believe in God. I tried to quit missions but Wes insisted that I stay and I am happy that he did. God has showed me so many things that I never realized before. The Steubenville Catholic Youth Conference in California was the first time I've felt genuine love in over two years. I was in a bad place before this trip and I thank God that I have been brought out of it.
Tom Kallenbach. 1st Time Missionary.
Before I went on my Confirmation Prep 1 Retreat I had no relationship with God. But after that powerful retreat I wanted to go on a summer mission trip. At first, I wanted to go to New Orleans but after talking and praying about it, God told me to go on the Mexico trip. I was so excited to go to Mexico, it turned out that Mexico was not safe for us to go. This is what brought us to Arizona. It seemed like the perfect choice and it all just went right from there.
I was very nervous to meet the Apache people because Sherry, our mission leader said they wouldn’t open up to us right away and we couldn’t ask too many questions or they would shut down. This made me nervous because I am an outgoing person and have never had guidelines on meeting new people before. Our first day on the reservation, we met a man named Brother James. Brother James opened up to us right away and started telling us his story about his daughter Dada - a 10 year old girl with cerebral palsy. While James was talking, Dada came up to me and hugged me. When Dada hugged me, I started crying. I really needed that hug! God was definitely working through Brother James' daughter Dada. I realized that God really can and does work through all people.
Christina Szocka. 1st Time Missionary
Before I left for the mission trip I wasn't sure what to expect. I had many stereotypes set in my mind. I didn't know if we were going to be sleeping in teepees, or if the Indians were going to be running around with huge headdresses on. Little did I know that every stereotype I believed was going to be proved wrong. I wasn't sure how the Apache people were going to act toward us - a bunch of crazy white people coming onto their reservation. I never expected that the Apache people, whom I could barely relate to and had only known for a few days, could have life changing effects on me.
Their faith in God is something that I envy and thrive for everyday. The Riverside church people base their entire life on God and Jesus Christ. In every single situation, they ask themselves what Jesus would do. They do not want us to have pity for them and they will not accept it. All they need to live is their belief in Jesus Christ. That really impacted me. Another thing that impacted me was that every Apache who wanted to be a Christian had to give up all the Apache traditions and lifestyle, which I couldn't even imagine giving up.
This whole mission trip changed me and made me closer to God. Every single Apache had so much Jesus inside of them. It definitely rubbed off on all of our mission team. God was surrounding and helping us the whole trip and we all felt that.
We grew especially close to Brother James and his family. As we were saying our final goodbyes to James, he firmly said, "This is not a goodbye, this is a see you later!" I believe those very words he spoke are true, because James and his family and every Apache at Riverside Church are now part of our Seton Mission family. I have many nostalgic memories from this mission experience. This whole mission trip was such a great opportunity. I hope I will again have the privilege to see God as I have seen Him through all of these wonderful people.
Danielle Branham. 1st Time Missionary.
I decided to come on missions because for a while I didn't really believe in God, I just thought he was like Santa or the Easter Bunny and later in life I'd find out he didn't exist. So I hoped that if I came on this trip I would find God and be as happy as all my friends who had such a strong faith. All I wanted was to be able to know God was in my life.
Then for the first couple days of the trip I was so scared, worship made me really nervous because I had never seen anything like that before, I just wanted something like that to happen to me, and it never did, so one night at worship I broke down and prayed that God would give me a sign that he was there. Not even a minute after that, one of our teen mission members, Brendan, came up to me and began praying for me. At the time I didn't think anything of it, but after worship he came up to me and said, “I don't know what you were thinking but Wow!” It was then that I realized that was the sign. God had told him to pray for me. I now know that while worshiping, you don't have to rest or speak in tongues to know that God is always gonna be there for you.
I also really saw God at work the moment I met Shaq, one of the pre-teen girls at the Riverside Church. She was such a sweetheart, and right from the start we really connected. I knew that God had a plan for us, and that we'd always keep in touch especially when Shaq gave me a ring that was a half of two hearts. She told me that she would wear the heart necklace I gave her that said "forever" everyday, and that everyday, I have to wear her ring, which I will because she changed my life so much.
Because of her I realized so much, not only my love for God, but so much more. I know for a fact that I will still talk to Shaq all the time, and hopefully God has a plan for me to see her again in the future, and all I can hope is that I helped and changed her life as much as she changed mine!
Sarah Cooper. 2nd Year Missionary.
Letting go is a process. It takes time, effort & determination but most of all, it takes prayer. Last year, I went to Mexicali, Mexico and had the time of my life. I was extremely upset when we left, but so excited when I heard we were going back. I couldn’t wait to go see everyone again, so when I found out that our location had changed because of safety issues, I was incredibly upset once again.
On Saturday night, the second night of the National Catholic Steubenville Youth Conference in San Diego, we had worship and Eucharistic Adoration. During this time, I was on my knees praying God would show me that He was truly calling me to Arizona. It worked. I slowly realized that I was meant to go and I began to let go. But it was still hard. It was sad, confusing and it hurt; but slowly it began to seem right.
On Thursday of the mission trip, I stayed back at the church to do intercessory prayer instead of going on the reservation. A few other missionaries and I collected prayer requests from the mission team and spent four hours in prayer. At the end, each of intercessors expressed our prayer requests and prayed for each other. Not only was I able to let go of Mexicali, but also I experienced prayer in a whole new way. I’ll never forget the people or place of Mexicali, but I know that my work there is done.
As for prayer, I now see it as a conversation between God and I, instead of a monologue of me telling God all my problems and what I want in my life. Prayer is an amazing experience, and through it, incredible things happen.
This trip has had such a great impact in my life, and I’ll always remember it. Thank you, and God bless.
Katie Van Horn. 2nd Year Missionary.
Katie Van Horn. 2nd Year Missionary.
When I heard we would be going to Fort Apache in Arizona, I was extremely excited to see what was in store. In only the first couple days, I was blown away by how friendly and open the Apache people were. They have been through many struggles, but through it all their faith grew stronger. In the middle of the week I was painting their church when instead of taking a break I continued to paint another wall. That whole day I felt like God was calling me to keep going. With every stroke of the brush I felt stronger, less afraid.
I know sometimes we take things for granted, like our church. The Apaches deserve a church just as big and beautiful as ours. We are all God's children. In these past 10 days, I have prayed harder than I ever thought I would. The power of prayer is amazing. This mission was truly something I needed. I experienced God's love in all of the Apaches. My faith has grown and I will always know God is by my side.
Wes Slawson. Missionary Since the Day of Pentecost!
