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Climb Aboard to Explore, Connect, Learn, and Serve
In the Peruvian jungle city of Pucallpa, 39 excited participants climbed aboard “El Evangelista.” They were preparing to embark on a five-day adventure that would broaden their understanding of God’s mission and give them opportunities to serve in jungle communities along the Ucayali River. They were welcomed onboard by an international group of missionaries, pastors, doctors, dentists, volunteers, local guides, and the ship’s crew.
Mission Aboard was started by Reach Beyond missionary Américo Saavedra some 15 years ago. He wanted to create a practical cross-cultural missions experience that would impact local communities and inspire and launch the next generation of Peruvian and Latino missionaries into all the world. The annual program is designed to give people the opportunity to really explore missions, connect with missionaries, learn about missions, and serve others. After three consecutive years of canceled trips because of COVID-19, the Mission Aboard team was excited to set sail.
The Mission Aboard group spent their mornings on the boat where experienced missionaries taught sessions including God’s passion for missions, the role of missions in transforming people groups, and a variety of other cross-cultural missions topics.
During the afternoons, the participants served in the communities where they taught Bible stories, talked with villagers, played games with children, and shared the Gospel. Some of the group helped assist the medical/dental team as they treated 479 patients.
The team put together a special program one evening for a local community to give the participants more opportunities to directly engage with the villagers. During the program, participants from each culture shared something that is part of their identity whether it be music, poetry, clothing, or an interesting story. Américo says, “Moments like these allow people to vividly see the best in other people and their cultures and deepen the relationships within the group.”
As the boat made its way back to Pucallpa, the team had a time of reflection, evaluation, and testimonies. Participants were excited about how they could encourage missions in their church and take the Gospel to other lands.
For many of the participants, the end of the adventure was the start of a new lifelong journey. One commented, “After this trip, I will never be the same,” and another proclaimed, “I want to serve the Lord for the rest of my life!”
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