On January 18, Nashville First sent eight members to the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala to partner with Volunteer Baptists International to lead a three-day children’s camp. Forty children attended the camp, and eighteen children trusted Jesus as Savior!

Using LifeWay’s ‘Twist & Turns’ VBS curriculum as our guide, our leaders taught each rotation prepared, prayerful, and with passion … and using an interpreter! Scott Payne and Melinda Matthews taught the Bible study on Peter’s encounters with Jesus. The children learned songs in Spanish, with Joe Fitzpatrick and Joan Lehning leading the music rotation. Kyle Meadors taught recreation and had a ball playing soccer relays and tag games. Shannon Meadors and Cheryl White guided the group through crafts which included tie-dying t-shirts, beading bracelets, and making Polaroid picture frames. All were a big hit. Trevor Brown caught all the action on camera capturing over 3000 photos and videos which will be shown at The Gathering on February 18.

The gospel was shared multiple times through the rotations and during worship. On Saturday evening, an altar call was given around the evening bonfire. Our hearts were full of gratitude as boys and girls came forward to give their lives to Jesus. The night ended with our VBI hosts and children singing “How Great Thou Art” in Spanish. Thank you, church, for your prayers and gifts that made this trip possible. Our God is indeed great!

View photos from the mission trip below, click to enlarge: