Not Without You

A Turning Point at the Laundromat

Jill Nelson, White Bear Lake attender

After 25 years of marriage, I found myself going through a terrible divorce, and I ended up moving back to White Bear Lake. During that difficult time, I had just started a new job and found a place to live. I had nothing but some clothes and a few personal things, so it was definitely a blessing that God helped me find a place to live that was completely furnished.

This was a very emotional time for me, and in addition to the divorce, my two sons were not talking to me. I didn't have much hope.

Though my new place was fully furnished, I didn't have a washer or dryer, so I had to take my laundry to the Laundromat in White Bear Lake. One day while I was there, I started talking to a woman who was washing her comforters. I told her my story about the divorce I was going through and how my sons were not speaking to me. She was kind enough to lend an ear and then she handed me a card--an invitation to attend Eagle Brook Church.

That was five years ago!

Now, I just recently got married to Greg--and he and I are greeters and also serve on the Volunteer Central team. I have a townhouse, with a washer and dryer, AND I have my sons back in my life. I make sure to carry Eagle Brook invite cards in my wallet wherever I go. You just never know who might need one and how it could change their life.

I was able to find the woman who gave me that card--Karen Anderson--who happens to also serve at the White Bear campus. She teared up a little bit. She had barely remembered even being at that Laundromat, but that encounter sure did change things for me, and God knew exactly where we both needed to be at exactly the right time.

Real Hope and Love After Divorce

Heather and Trey Hemmingsen, Lino Lakes attenders

I am so thankful for this church! Each week the message is relevant and the music is powerful. I'm a divorced, single mom, and people always tell me I should be at a smaller church where I can be ministered to, but I can't leave a church that has really ministered to me in some of my toughest times.

Pastor Bob talked about waking up with a sadness thinking, "This is not how I pictured my life." It's so trueÉ Who grows up thinking they are going to be a divorced, single mom? Not me, that's for sure!

In 2005, my husband left me. I was devastated. Not only that, but I was two months pregnant, and as thrilled as I was to be having a baby, I was not excited about doing it alone. I learned fast that when everything seems to be falling apart around you, all you can do is cling to God. He is the one thing that is constant and true.

When my son was born, it was by far the best day of my life. I could not have asked for a more perfect end to what seemed like the worst year. I know God was then and still is in control of my life.

Forgiveness toward my ex-husband was a must from the very beginning. I heard a pastor preach on forgiveness and the healing that comes through Christ when you forgive. It's so true! Though the loneliness that comes after divorce can seem unbearable and at times God seems far away, I know "God works for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

God has great things planned for my life. If I put my full trust in him, he provides everything I need. I have a wonderful son, a great place to live, a great job, friends, family, and a wonderful church! So thanks EBC for being exactly the church that I need!

Pizza and a New Plan

Richard and Jackie Walters, Lino Lakes attenders

My wife and I moved to Hugo from southeast Wisconsin with our two children seven months ago. A unique opportunity came up at my long time employer of 16 years. It was a difficult decision to leave friends, family and church to move to a city where we knew almost no one.

We prayed for guidance, and one day, God spoke to me through my pastor's message. The sermon was about growing and getting out of your comfort zone. I felt that I had not been growing in any areas of my life, and that my family needed more. We needed a change, but I was not sure this was about more than my job. I decided to trust God and surprisingly, my family was very supportive of the move.

The move went smoothly and we immediately started looking for a church, but nothing felt quite right. One Saturday night, we were discussing this over a pizza at Wise Guys. An EBC member overheard our dilemma and invited us to attend services the next day with them. Although we were blown away by the style and teaching, we were not sure we could get used to the size. How would we get to know anyone? After a few more visits, we realized that God was speaking to our hearts, telling us this was our new home. We soon realized that the weekend worship was the highlight of our week and that we wanted more.

We attended the New Orientation class, as well as the Leadership Summit. We also discovered that we had EBC neighbors, and we've started a small group with them.

The 40 days during the Awaken series were quite amazing. We have been reading and journaling and praying. All things we have found difficult to find the time for.

Every day, I can see changes in our family. He is changing us from the inside and filling us with his knowledge all because we have found the time to be still. We have been more patient with each other, better listeners, and more open with each other. Our destructive habits and attitudes are being replaced with good ones. I know God is preparing us for greater work and filling us with his will.

A New Tune Toward Tithing

Jeff and Debbie Gjerde dig out of debt and find new purpose in life.

Many years ago, my pastor gave me my first guitar and extended me A LOT of grace. But, when I was in college the church part of my life fell away. I ended up on the road and sang/played guitar professionally in a country rock band, all the while carrying God on a long kite string. After almost three years of six nights a week, I called it quits after discovering some Christian music and telling the band I'd like to explore other avenues.

The next year I was living on bread and macaroni noodles. One night I was watching TV and heard an Arkansas preacher's message. I quietly prayed with him one night and gave my life to Christ. That's when I felt like my life took a 'bend.'

My wife, Debbie, and I moved to Nashville in '98 to pursue more of a music career. I began to add Christian songs to my shows at the bars as a small form of ministry and witnessing. I now see that as part of my career as I travel at my gigs. It leads to some good conversations and that's what I pray for most. Matthew 9:12-13 is my motivation for this kind of witnessing.

I really began to feel God being an active part of my life when I was convinced we should start tithing (giving 10% back to God). We were roughly $30,000 in debt and making a combined income of a little less than that annually. We were starving artists! So it would indeed be a test. God took care of us with His money.

My wife discovered Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University that Eagle Brook now recommends, and talked me into going to his seminar. Dave talks about tithing as an act of obedience and had us so fired up we paid off that mountain of debt off in roughly five years. I earnestly urge those who are Christ followers who aren't truly tithing to give God a chance in this area. Let Him prove it to you that He "will pour out a blessing so great you won't have room to take it in" (Malachi 3:10).

We moved back to Minnesota and now live in Blaine. We began attending Eagle Brook a few years ago. We became small group leaders a year later and have a wonderful group that we love. I started serving as a group coach this year and have a passion for small groups. Debbie has been serving in Children's Ministries and is currently pursuing a role in financial counseling.

Eagle Brook has introduced us to some amazing people. I've been blessed to lead worship a couple of times at the Union Gospel Mission. Our marriage has grown stronger through the messages at EBC. Our 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son love the kids ministry and my son surprised me a month ago when he came reciting all of the fruits of the Spirit!

We're excited about what God's doing through Eagle Brook and in us, and look forward to a campus in Blaine that we can invite our friends and neighbors to. We're in!

More than Just Sober - Changed

Liz Fure, Lino Lakes attender

Looking back, I've always had God in my life, but not a relationship with Him. I got into drugs and alcohol at a young age, and at fifteen and a half, I was raped by a family friend. I turned to my best friend's church at this time, and I rationalized my continued using by going to confession every week. So began my world of denial and running.

I ran myself right into the Marine Corps, but it didn't last long as I continued using. About a year later, when my boyfriend and I found ourselves broke and homeless, we found out I was pregnant. Somehow through the haze and sickness, I stopped all the abuse and went home. I wish I could say that's where my life turned around--but addiction is addiction.

In July 2000, I got married, but not for love. I did it because my heart was broken beyond repair, and my mind was telling me stability was the best I could ever have. Unfortunately, I married another alcoholic. In a final attempt to make things better, he went to AA and started attending a Bible study. God was changing him, and when I went to check out his Bible study, I knew it was the real deal.

I took my last drink on January 8, 2008 and started attending AA. I was clean and sober--but I wanted to be more than just sober--I wanted God in my life. That's when I received an invitation to Eagle Brook.

The guy who gave us the grand tour was so excited about Eagle Brook. "How can anyone be this jazzed about church?" I thought. But then I realized why he was excited. No church I had ever been to worshiped like this. And the message--it was in plain English! The pastor was talking to me and explaining God's Word! I thought it was great and couldn't wait to go again.

My son Chris would often attend EBC with me, and one weekend when 9 am seemed way too early, and on Chris' only day off, we found ourselves speeding to Eagle Brook. It was a communion weekend, and time and time again, I had regretted Chris not being able to take it because of his disbelief. So, it was to my total shock to watch Chris pick one up. I snuck a glance to see with tears in his eyes, him trying to figure out what to do. God was right there, and at that moment, Chris closed his eyes and I saw him begin to pray.

At that moment, it was worth all the pain and madness of the last nine years. With sadness and joy, at that moment, the broken marriages, the rape, what other people thought of me--it didn't matter. It was as if Jesus' suffering all finally made sense.

Since coming to Eagle Brook, I not only found a church I feel safe in, I feel a part of it. We are the church and I look forward to the journey.

'Now We Can Be Welcoming and Kind for Others'

Sydney Lacher (age 11) and the Lacher family

My dad grew up Catholic, and my mom grew up Lutheran. We heard about Eagle Brook in 2001. We went a couple of times and my sister and I just loved the kids programming. We started to want to go every weekend. Then we actually started to go every weekend.

Then, a couple years later we decided to belong to the church and all got baptized. We started giving regularly to the church and started getting involved in things like small groups and weeknight programs. Then Lino Lakes campus opened. We started going there, and my mom decided to get more committed to the church and started to volunteer at Information Central. Then a little later my sister decided to volunteer in Kid-O-Deo. Then when I was in fourth grade I started to volunteer at Club K-Rock. Then my dad started to volunteer.

Now at this time my mom, Pauline, is an Info Central coach, and my father, Steven, volunteers at the Info Central desk. My sister, Jordan, helps in the crawlers room, and I, Sydney, currently volunteer at Club K-Rock every Sunday at the 9 & 11 am services.

Volunteering at this church has made such a difference in my life. I have come closer to God, and have made new friends. People at the church were so welcoming and kind. Now we can be those people for others.

Passive Beliefs are a Thing of the Past

Scott Van Dale, White Bear Lake campus

I have, to the best of my knowledge, had faith that there is a God for most of my life of 49 years, and have to some extent attended church occasionally to profess my faith. However, since I met my wife, and started attending Eagle Brook, I have learned more about actually being a true follower of Christ than I ever could have imagined possible.

My passive beliefs in the past, and my feelings that God would not take care of me because I did not meet certain expectations are now a thing of the past. I know now that God simply wants me to follow the path that he will guide me along, but it's up to me to have the faith in him, and to stop trying to be in control of something I have no control over.

I have learned that putting the Lord first before everything else in my life, and relying on him, is the only way I will successfully make it through my test here on earth, and that by celebrating my faith in him through baptism was the greatest start to a fulfilling life for me and those close to me.

The Road to Surrender

Megan Augustin, White Bear Lake Campus

I grew up in a Christian home, went to church every Sunday, and got confirmed. I have always known what it means to follow God and to be a Christ Follower, but it wasn't until I left for college that my faith was challenged.

I grew up close to my parents and friends. I was always very dependent on other people and what they thought. I never liked being alone, but people left and moved on. I no longer had those people around me and I found comfort in other people. When I found that comfort, I would hold onto it as long as I could, and when they left, I would move on to the next person.

All throughout college, I met friends that I could talk to about God, and Christ was in my life, and I could see him, but I was not with him. I would pray and worship God, but I would never give my whole self to him. I knew that that was all God wanted from me was me, and no one else. He wanted me to let go of my comfort and hold on to him.

Soon, the people I was holding onto started to hurt me and I held on even tighter. They would tear me down and my heart hardened. I ignored the feeling and tugging from God, and let those people use and hurt me over and over again.

It wasn't until I hit rock bottom, that I lost it. I didn't know who I wanted to be anymore and I felt like I had fallen so hard that I could never get back up. I knew the only way I was going to get back up was from the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God.

This past year, I have attended Eagle Brook, and I have found my way back to God. He has become my everything. He is and will always be the only one that can heal me. He is the only one that knows the real me, and my heart. He is the only one that can comfort me, and I live only for him.

Christ has changed the way I live my life. He has changed the way I look at myself and how I look at my relationships. He has also changed the way I treat other people. I want Christ to control my life, even though sometimes it is still hard to let go every day. But weekly, I have to surrender everything to Him and remind myself that I am made whole and am holy through Christ.

Couldn't Get Through a Service Without Crying

Kristin Kugler, Lino Lakes campus

When I was a senior in high school, I took a class called Bible's Literature. The name of the class was deceiving, to say the least. It consisted of people from all different religions coming to share with us about their beliefs.

I found myself saying, "Oh, that makes sense." Then that eventually led to, "Who says I am right and these other people are not?" Things slowly faded from there.

I moved away from home and became involved with a group of hippies. No one cared what I did or who I was--I fit in. And that's what I wanted more than anything. Throughout those 20 years, I dabbled in many things like astrology, paganism and crystals. I smoked pot, tried other drugs, and did everything that "hippies" did. I even became pregnant just two months after meeting a guy.

A few years later, my dad became a born-again Christian, and kept talking about God and sending my son Veggie Tales stuff. My siblings and I were uncomfortable about it. Shortly after that, I met a guy who was Catholic, and I wanted him to stick around, so I checked out some churches in the Yellow Pages. That's when I found Eagle Brook.

When I went that Sunday, people seemed like they were being all nuts for God. I thought they were crazy, but I also saw people who looked different. They weren't like the people I went to church with in my small town.

I went back to Eagle Brook a few more times, and I couldn't get through a service without crying. My son also loved it. He was nine at the time and the only church he had ever gone to was for a wedding or a funeral.

Then came September 11, 2005. I had just lost my job and things were not going my way; and that day in church, God did an amazing thing in me. As Pastor Bob was finishing his message, he asked us all to stand and said, "If you want to invite God to be in your heart from now on, and you want to accept him as your Savior, say the following prayer with me."

So I did. He asked us all to look up if we said the prayer, and I did and he looked right at me and said, "Welcome you and your son to the family." I looked over at my son, and he was looking up at him too! That was a better feeling than any drug I had ever done. It was better than any man I ever thought I loved. GOD loved ME! He had made me who I was for a reason, and he had given me purpose. I've recently been baptized and now serve on the Tech Team. God is changing me.

No More Worries Over Finances

Jerry (and Donna) Neumann, Lino Lakes campus

My wife and I had never really tithed before. We used to give "x percent," and then we'd try to increase our giving by one percent each year and "stair-step" our way up. After one of Bob's messages (a couple of years ago), we read a small book that was handed out called Fields of Gold by Andy Stanley. It was just what we needed to hear.

Donna and I decided right then and there to take the plunge (for one month anyway) and give our ten percent--even though we have two kids in college and I get paid on commission.

Literally that day, God has blessed us with a peace that passes understanding and we don't worry about finances like we used to. We'll admit, for a couple of months, it was a challenge to write the checks; but, we've managed to downsize quite a bit. We've tightened our belts, removed some clutter, and surrounded ourselves with products and services that bring us joy, rather than keeping up a cable bill for TV that we don't watch, and isn't worth watching anyway.

This new way of giving has enabled us to rely on God more and more each day. Thank you for the inspiring approach to giving. We're not looking back!

A Christ-based Life Adds Up

Adriann (and Jonathan) Kell, Spring Lake Park campus

I grew up going to church and was very involved there throughout childhood and high school. It was in ninth grade, when I went to Bible camp with a friend that I really discovered that having a relationship with Christ was more than just going to church and being involved. I accepted Christ into my life and decided to live a life led by him.

Throughout the rest of high school, I remained involved at church and chose friends that helped me grow in my relationship with God. During college however, I really felt that I lost touch with my faith and I spent most of my time in friendships and relationships that were no longer Christ-based.

When I finished college, I distanced myself from that life and those people and really desired to reconnect with Christ and start over in my journey to follow him. I met my husband two years ago--we were both teaching math at the same school--and we started going to Eagle Brook.

Through my relationship with my husband, and the example he has set, I have rediscovered my personal relationship with Christ once again and I've begun to live a life led by Christ. Together, we strive to keep Christ at the center of our marriage as we grow in our faith. Soon we'll be welcoming our first child!

We enjoy being Team Leads in Club K-Rock at the Spring Lake Park campus, and have also enjoyed bringing family members and friends to Eagle Brook. We continue to grow through this church and the ministries offered. As teachers at Blaine High School, my husband and I are blessed to be able to show God's love to our students each day in our classrooms, and we are even more passionate about our work with children than ever before. We're looking forward to a new EBC campus in Blaine.

HEALED HEARTS AND MARRIAGE

Angela (and Nate) Brandt, Spring Lake Park campus

I was raised by a single mother. She took me and my siblings to church, and at 9-years-old, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. At a very young age, I began smoking and drinking—and I also lost my virginity. I was being pulled in two different directions, and I wanted to fit in.

When I was 15, I went to a party where I met my husband, who was then 21. Even though it was inappropriate, we began dating. When I was 18, we got married, and I was so happy. Unfortunately, I forgot to include Jesus. Instead of making a covenant before God, we plopped it down before a judge.

Over the years, we worked on our careers and went to college. We tried some churches out, but none seemed to be a good fit. When I was 22, I had an affair. Nate later forgave me after some marriage counseling, and then we found ourselves pregnant. Dylan was born with pnuemmothorax, and both of us nearly died in the hospital. I developed severe post-partum depression, and nearly committed suicide afterwards.

You would think after a series of traumatic events like this, I would remember that Jesus was my Savior; that I would put my trust in him and let him work in my life. Not a chance.

Nate and I were overwhelmed—and on top of that—we had no marriage. We had no spiritual foundation. We were constantly on the go and trying to make ends meet. I knew that I loved him, but love wasn't enough. He became angry, and I became bitter—and I began to realize I hated who I had become even more.

We got involved with other people and basically lived as roommates. After 12 years, we finally separated. At first, I was happy. I thought my problems were finally gone—little did I know, I was part of the problem. I started drinking a lot and was convinced I could handle it all on my own.

That's when God put someone in my life that woke me up. The woman that takes care of my son during the day decided to share her testimony with me, and how by putting her trust in Jesus as her Savior; she has been able to hang on during the tough times in her life.

I went back to church and heard the song "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman, and for the first time since I was 9-years-old, I gave Jesus Christ control of my heart again. I was in tears, begging God to do something to make me whole again.

My prayers were answered. My heart began to change and I felt joy. Nate started attending church with me too, and accepted Christ in December. We got back together shortly after.

Now, we attend Eagle Brook every week and are small group leaders to a married couples group. We have learned so much, and we now know that our marriage won’t work without God in the center. Sure, it's still difficult at times, but now we have him to help us through. We've also learned to pray together, and treat each other with respect. I know that God has healed us and brought us back together.

SERVING GOD; SUPPORTING EACH OTHER

Doris Schaffer and Marian Brodersen

Doris Schaffer (7-year attender) and Marian Brodersen (14-year attender) met six years ago at Eagle Brook's 55+ Encompass Seniors Bible Study. Now, along with 20 other ladies (many of them their closest friends), they arrive at the EBC office each Friday, ready to stuff programs for the weekend. It's their act of service—and they love it.

The past few years have brought challenges with cancer—for both of them. They've gotten through all of it by trusting in God, and being a support to one another.

"I don't know what I would have done without the prayer and support," said Marian. "My friendship with Doris and the other women has been such a blessing and encouragement through all of this."

They both admit that they've never been part of a group that has gotten along so well. "We laugh together. We cry together. We talk about the messages from the weekend and go through the Weekly Discussion Guides together as a group. We're a very tight-knit group."

Not only do they get along well, they do life together. "Many times, 'the girls' would gather around the two of us, and hold us and pray for us. I could feel God working," said Doris.

Doris also knew it was a "God-thing" when one of "the girls" was working at the hospital she ended up at for her operation. "She knew I was there and asked if she could bring me to my room and be with me and they let her. She prayed with me and was there through it all."

They both agree that God has blessed them with each other, and he's also helped them to remember that HE is in charge. Doris gave Marian a prayer card to remind her of that. It reads, "Good Morning Marian. This is God. Your life is in my hands today and I will be handling all your problems—so relax and have a great day." Both ladies have this prayer memorized, and it's a testament of how they live their lives.

Debt-Free Living

Jason and Shauna Crow

We've always appreciated Eagle Brook's efforts to make people more aware of how to honor God with their finances. The world is constantly bombarding us with images and slogans that make us believe more stuff or bigger stuff equals more happiness. And so many people have fallen for this lie and lived beyond their means to keep up with the "Joneses."

I am a strong proponent for debt-free living, and I love how Bob, Jason, and Jason speak the truth in their sermons about living debt free, giving back to God, spending less than you make, and being a good steward of the resources God has provided.

When we got married on June 24, 2007, we had over $30,000 in student loans staring us in the face. We agreed to get out of this debt before pursuing things like a house, new (used) car, big vacations, or other luxuries. So, from day one, we laid out a budget for each month and stuck to it to achieve our goal. We definitely had to make sacrifices, and it wasn't always fun when we ran out of money in a certain category, but we knew we were honoring God and doing the right thing in paying down our debt.

Throughout this time, giving back to God was a priority for us, and we always made sure that category was fulfilled in our budget. And God certainly blessed us through it all with full-time jobs, part-time jobs, cars that work, and food on the table.

As of October 25, 2008—16 months after we started—we paid off $32,874 in debt and are now debt-free! We consider it such a great blessing to be debt-free, especially in the current economy. The news is certainly not pleasant to listen to, but we know that we are financially secure despite the falling stock market. Just as Bob said this past weekend, it's great to know that being a "chump" has put us in such a great position.

A WALKING MIRACLE

Peggy Meisch (and Jack Anderson), Lino Lakes campus

As a child who grew up in North Dakota and attended a Baptist church in a small farming community, I never dreamed that I would be the recipient of a miracle.

I had just arrived home during an especially stressful time at work and was running to the house from the mailbox, when I suddenly stopped and called to my husband, "I am going to fall!" I collapsed in his arms, not breathing and without a pulse. His daughter performed CPR in the rain while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

Finally arriving at Fairview Hospital in Wyoming, it was discovered that an aneurysm had burst in my brain stem. I was transported to Regions Hospital by a helicopter. Reportedly, I died a number of times in the helicopter, but the medical staff on the helicopter was able to revive me. Only three percent of people who have an aneurysm burst in their brain stem live.

I was in a coma for five weeks. During that time, I had two life-threatening staph infections, with my body temperature peaking at 107 degrees. Tests showed I'd also had a heart attack and five strokes.

Once I started to recover, my husband was told to look for nursing homes for me, since I'd definitely have almost no brain function left. They also warned him that my personality would not be anything like it had been previously.

BUT, people were praying for me! People who didn't even believe in God were praying for me. And God decided that He wasn't ready for me to come home yet.

After five weeks in a coma, and three weeks of rehab, I returned home. I had to re-learn how to walk and write, among other things we often take for granted. I was improving each day.

Then, six months later, I had a follow-up angiogram. It caused two more strokes.

Now, three and a half years later, I have not improved much, but God has been using me in my diminished condition.

We had been attending a small church near our home, but the music and sound system was so bad that my damaged hearing could not tolerate it. We began attending Eagle Brook on holidays. Neither my husband nor I ever dreamed we would like a large church, but we feel very much at home at Eagle Brook.

My brush with death brought my stepdaughter closer to God. I invited her to Eagle Brook and now she and her family are also attending. We all love it. The sermons are down to earth and relevant to real life. The messages hit home to both those of us who grew up as churchgoers, as well as to those new in the faith. The music is totally awesome and we thank God for Eagle Brook!

SOMETHING WAS MISSING

Steve Pisca (with co-workers Randy Kuchenmeister and Steve Rensenbrink), Lino Lakes attender

I grew up in Wisconsin in a traditional Catholic family that was active in church and serving God, but I always felt that something was missing. I never felt a personal relationship with Christ, but rather felt like I was going through the motions and not be challenged spiritually.

I moved to Minnesota to attend college, and upon completion, married my college girlfriend. A year into marriage, my wife struggled emotionally with past family scars and abuses, and quit the marriage. I felt devastated and ashamed. Not knowing where to turn, and spinning out of control, I prayed for God to help.

Not too long after, a couple of co-workers kept telling me about their awesome church. They invited me to attend an EBC service and I accepted. From the first message there, I felt connected—as if the music and Bob were speaking just to me.

I then joined DivorceCare, and once completed, helped serve others by working with at risk children in the Confident Kids program. From there, I joined a small group and found myself engaging in spiritual conversations and challenges with peers.

Three years later, I am happily married and just had our first child. I serve at EBC, got baptized, am active in a married couple's small group, and find myself growing in relationship with Christ every day.

PROGRESS AND PRIDE IN MOZAMBIQUE

Mark Von Grey, White Bear Lake campus

Pinch me. Is this really Africa? The Eagle Brook team which consists of an eclectic group of eight is welcomed by friendly World Vision hosts. Over bumpy roads, we venture far into the bush to visit the area that our sponsored children call home. It's called Mugeba, a small town but also the name of an entire region within Mozambique's Zambezia Province and home to some 55,000 people.

Driving from one World Vision project to another, we get out of the vehicle amidst a crowd of beautiful faces singing, clapping and eager to shake our hands. The model is inspiring—people get to improve their own lives, work to provide food and basic necessities for at-risk children in their own area, and help themselves up and out of the oppressive poverty they’re under.

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the entire trip came as we met with a group of people infected with HIV/AIDS. For me, the reality that these people are no different than us really hit home. They love, they have concerns about their children—hoping their futures will be bright and painless, they struggle with finances, have dreams, search for God, laugh and cry just like we do.

It was a great privilege to visit the children we Eagle Brookers are sponsoring through World Vision. Last year, my Papaito's skin was ashen and flaky, his belly distended from malnourishment. Now, he looked much, much healthier. Perhaps the most important part of this meeting was the realization that the child we sponsor is real and is being impacted daily by our individual and our church's contribution. Click here to read the full report and see great pictures of the trip.