Operation GO Reports From Volunteers

Thank you for opening your mission to us. This is my first experience in the field with foreign field personnel. I have learned from you how to love others in a very different way. Showing the Jesus film on a dirt yard an hour down a dirt road to walking down that dirt road, handing out the book to Luke in 100°+ weather. You have taught me how important my tithe and offerings are to the work our Lord has called you to. I came to serve, not to be served. - Tim Johnson

Every part of the trip was well planned, making it very easy for us to focus on the work we set out to do. I consider it a great privilege to bring God’s Word to people who, in some cases, have never had access to it or would not have taken the initiative to obtain it. I especially loved trekking across hills and rivers to get to houses far away from the main road. I think that provided a tangible demonstration of the importance of the message we brought and from their faces it was clear they understood. I believe a large percentage of the people were receptive, and many started reading before I ever left. It was a blessing working with the people from Somotillo who helped us pray and pass out the copies of Luke. It was easy to build on the rapport already established by IMB personnel. The food and lodging was good, and the transportation was…authentic. Our trips to the villages crammed into the back of the pickups was a great way to see Nicaragua as the locals see it. We were flying down the road, sun beating on our faces, dust flying all around, each pothole testing our sense of balance. I’m not sure why, but we all loved it. Maybe it was the unobstructed view of the rugged mountain countryside, or the ability to exchange greetings with the people we passed, or maybe the fellowship of hanging in there together, but I think that truly there was just a joy in knowing what we were about to do or had just done. It really was a great adventure with a worthy purpose. - Jonathon Robinson

One of my favorite parts of the trip besides serving God with all my heart was meeting IMB field personnel. I have been called into missions and experiencing the work of IMB workers has been incredible. I have been so interested in missions and this trip really helps me know how much I love doing God’s work. I am sad to be leaving knowing how much work there is to do for God. I am excited about my time on this trip and the other trips I go on, but I can’t wait until my chance to be full-time. Many thanks to Loren and Karen for all they did for us. I can’t imagine the preparation and time they spent to have our team come and work. They truly are passionate about the Lord and the work they do. - Matt McGee

It was a wonderful experience to see the process of how God brings new children into His kingdom. What a blessing and honor to be allowed to bring God’s Word to someone who might never have received it. All Glory be to God. - Greg Pherigo

The day was hot and dusty. Riding to the remote village standing in the back of the pickup filled our senses with sights and sounds that were almost too much to take in. We passed ox-carts, people on horses or bicycles and many walking. The abundance of trees, flowers, mountains, rivers, pigs, donkeys, dogs and birds were all a part of the primitive lifestyle all overshadowed by one big volcano of a mountain that always showed just a trail of smoke. We eagerly hopped out of the truck and divided up and started up and down the mountain trails. We went from home to home passing out the Spanish Gospels of Luke. Each time we handed one to a family, we planted a seed. Even though we looked different, we were greeted with warm acceptance. Sometimes we would circle back through the same area and see many of the people reading the gospel. The feeling of joy at being able to share our faith with so many people was overwhelming. We received so much more than we gave. The work only begins with this type of planting. We realized how wonderful it is to be a part of a team in Operation Go that has a vision to plant, water and harvest - all under the inspiration and power of God’s Holy Spirit. I can see it working! What a joy! - Bob Beams