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Reflections After Peace Makers Trip
"The Peace Makers mission trip to Poland was an unforgettable journey. The warmth of the team, the historical insights, the community interactions, and the emotional experiences combined to create a deeply impactful adventure. I left Poland with a heart full of gratitude and a hope to reunite with the wonderful people we met along the way. This trip has left an indelible mark on me, and I look forward to continuing this meaningful work in the future."
- Ashley, VA.
"As I immersed myself in this experience, I found myself profoundly changed, not only by the opportunity to serve those in need but also by the deepening of my faith and understanding of the world....... As I return to my everyday life, I carry with me the invaluable lessons I learned during this journey. I am inspired to seek out more opportunities to volunteer and make a positive impact on those around me, driven by the desire to reflect God's love in all that I do. ...... This mission trip has not only changed my perspective but has also ignited a passion within me to continue serving and supporting others." - Lillian, BC Canada.
"Poland was a wonderful experience. I learned how to be thankful because of the situations of the Ukrainian refugees. I never realized I was living such a comfortable life until I met those people. ...... I want to spread the Word of God not just in Poland but in America too. I learned how to use my character traits to help impact people’s lives." - Gloria, VA.
"This experience not only deepened my understanding of the region's complex history but also underscored the universal struggles and aspirations that connect us all. ...... The week-long journey was meticulously planned, with each day offering a unique blend of historical exploration, spiritual reflection, and heartfelt interactions with Ukrainian refugees." - Eric, CA.
"Poland is truly a beautiful country with a long history, yet a history of difficulty, suffering, and injustice. ...... Seeing firsthand the stories of Polish Jews through images and videos, looking at little 3D designs and models of their cities, walking through recreations of their homes and synagogues, and reading their words through quotations on the walls were all very impactful and enlightening. ...... Textbooks and videos cannot even come close to impacting people on the same depth as being there in person, and seeing it in person." - Alethia, Cameroon.
"In the week that I was in Poland, I learned the history of Polish Jews, visited places of historical significance, and empathized with the afflictions of those who experience war. I also served Ukrainian refugees from Poland by becoming friends with them, sharing my culture with them, distributing food, and singing songs to ease their sorrow, if only for a moment. Though the purpose of the mission was to serve the people of Ukraine, I have gained as much from those I met as I have given. I learned so much about finding joy in God despite difficult circumstances, and their optimistic natures and bright smiles will inspire me during my own seasons of hardships: to fix my eyes on God, have faith that he will guide my path, and to be joyful throughout it." - Kayla, CA.
"On a broader level, this mission showed me the importance and role of Christian mission in the midst of global conflict. ...... Seeing first-hand how war not only inflicts physical damage but also profound emotional and psychological scars on individuals and communities proved to me how addressing these deep wounds through worship, support groups, and community-building service helps restore hope, trust, and love among those affected." - Diane, RI.
"Our team performed music together in the streets of Poland and at the Ukrainian refugee center. We also performed a Korean song called ‘고향의 봄’ (Spring in My Hometown) to bring hope to the refugees. After the performance, a kind lady came up to us and cried. She thanked us and hugged us, expressing her gratitude that God brought us to the center." - Erin, CA.
"This unforgettable experience was heartwarming and taught me life lessons that you could never learn anywhere else. Seeing how the people of Poland took the Ukrainians in as a family changed my perspective of life and how loving your neighbors is important for peace. I learned about the violent and terrible history of war in Europe and how Poland had experienced the same thing the Ukrainians are facing now. The Peacemakers’ goal was to be friends with the Ukrainians and support them with knowledge but also with excitement and happiness. This journey generated the faith-filled bent of my heart, sparking an interest to serve the Lord with not only our actions, but with our hearts, too. Returning home, I brought back the lessons of being kind and gentle, and being able to forgive with ease." - Brandon, VA.
"This experience in Poland opened my eyes to the immense challenges faced by those amid conflict and displacement. ...... As I returned home, I carried with me the lessons learned, the connections made, and a renewed commitment to be a witness of hope and love during difficult circumstances, just as Acts 1:8 exhorts. ...... The impact of this mission trip will continue to resonate within me as I strive to live out my faith and extend compassion to those in need, both near and far." - Daniel, CA
"Working with the refugee kids and collaborating with my team definitely boosted my confidence and helped me grow as a leader. This experience significantly improved my teamwork, communication, and social skills. ...... This trip brought me closer to God. During stressful situations and moments of nervousness, praying to God always helped me feel better. I've learned to trust in the Lord more, knowing that He has a plan for me. This mindset change has made me less anxious and more relaxed overall." - Eurie, CA
"Before the trip, I had no idea what to expect, but after the trip, I felt inspired, motivated, and changed. ...... This mission trip helped me understand the world and its problems, and how to solve them. ...... If I get another chance to go on a mission trip like this, I would 100% agree to go." - Edwin, VA
"This trip taught me about the differences in how the international community responded to Polish refugees during World War II and Ukrainian refugees during the Russo-Ukrainian War. I learned how various factors like geopolitical interests, economic conditions, and the evolution of international law played significant roles. ...... This understanding has helped me better comprehend past responses and will be invaluable in creating more effective strategies for dealing with future crises." - Siya, CA.
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