Testimonials
Participants in Spearhead mission work don't just learn about the cultures they visit and the people they minister. They have experiences that change their life and their faith. Along the way, they also have a lot of fun. The responses below come from recent Spearhead participants - read on to hear more about their views on the program and some of their experiences.
“My year in Mexico completely changed the course of my life. I have been able to apply what I learned in Mexico in every aspect of my life and ministry everyday since I left. I would highly recommend YearOut to anyone who in thinking about any type of ministry or missions.” (Diana Wood, YearOut 2001-2002)
Why did you come to Mexico?
“I went to Mexico with Spearhead because I believed in its philosophy of missions--especially the partnering with the Latin Church and working under and alongside the Latin leadership. I knew God was calling me to missions, but I needed something that would make the transition smooth and a time to figure out the specifics of how God was calling me--while living and ministering in the context of the Latin culture. Spearhead fit those needs for me. God used the Spearhead YearOut program to help guide me in my next step of missions service.” (Tamara Depew, YearOut 2001-2002)
“I found out about LAM and they directed me to the Spearhead program. I prayed about it and felt that was the next step God was calling me to, for full time missions.” (Janette Smith, YearOut 2001-2002)
“It was all God! One day I just found myself telling my sister I was coming to Mexico, but I hadn't really even considered it.” (Gina Ciampaglia, Summers 2002 & 2003)
“I came to see and experience God in another culture. To be reminded that God is not the "god" of just white middle class Americans as our society likes to portray. People have said that if you stepped out of the USA you'd find that there are so many other religions that there can't be just one God. Well, I wanted to see a different nation, tribe and tongue praising Him and ministering in His name. And I did.” (April Funchess, YearOut 2002-2003)
What is one way you have become more Mexican?
“I noticed that I take more time to visit with people and enjoy the friendships in my life. Plus, I really love spicy food even more now.” (Nicole Breimeir, Summer and Fall 2002)
“Mexicans are carefree, don't tend to worry too much, and because of that they tend to not be time oriented, but people oriented. I've tried to take on that trait some days more than others!” (Janette Smith, YearOut 2001-2002)
“I've learned the importance of relationships.” (Gina Ciampaglia, Summers 2002 & 2003)
What was one of your most embarrassing moments in Mexico?
“I always had a problem getting the gender right on words. I once preached a whole sermon on "la reina de Dios" ( the queen of God) instead of "el reino de Dios" (the kingdom of God) that was pretty embarrassing.” (Diana Wood, YearOut 2001-2002)
“FYI: "Te amo" and "Te llama" are different phrases.” (Nicole Breimeir, 2002)
“When I told a middle aged man I was interested in him, but I meant to say that it was nice to meet him.” (Gina Ciampaglia, Summers 2002 & 2003)
“All the times---and there were enough to say "all"----that I fell down the metro stairs in my dress up shoes and panty hose!” (April Funchess, 2002-2003)
What was the most interesting context in which you shared the gospel?
“Being a gringo (a white North American), you definitely tend to stand out in Mexico. So it's not uncommon for a stranger to approach you and ask where you are from and why you are here--which makes for great opportunities to share the hope and love of Jesus. Maybe the most interesting context in which I shared the gospel with someone was on a bus. It's easy to strike up a conversation with someone--you have a captive audience. And I have found the Mexican people in general to be extremely open and receptive to the gospel--and coming from a gringo just piques their interest all the more.” (Tamara Depew, YearOut 2001-2002)
“For my winter ministry, my roommate and I were sent to a tiny indigenous village in Michoacan. One of our ministry goals was to share the gospel with all 100 households of the village. In order to relate with the women to whom we were ministering, Emi and I learned an intricate form of Mexican embroidery to do along with the women of the village as we talked and shared the gospel. Much sharing was done over our little cross-stitched patterns as the women were happy to teach us new stitches and listen to what we had to say at the same time.” (Diana Wood, YearOut 2001-2002)
“After finishing an evangelism activity God prompted me to strike up a conversation with a guy on the bus next to me wearing an upside-down cross. With my broken Spanish I enquired about his faith and listened as he spoke of hypocrites in the church and I told him how Jesus felt the same way. I shared about the bible and that he should read it for himself to learn the truth about Christ's love and his sacrifice for us.” (Nicole Breimeir, Summer & Fall 2002)
“Most interesting?? Clown shows...something my closest friends would never imagine I've done. It was also interesting because I hardly spoke any Spanish but was still able to share the gospel through the show or trying to explain the colorful bracelets that represented salvation.” (Janette Smith, YearOut 2001-2002)
How did God use you in Mexico?
“I think one way God used me in Mexico while working with Spearhead was to help bring unity to the body of Christ. I think God is extremely pleased when we are able to look beyond denominational "boundaries" and truly work together as a team--that's when God shows up with His spirit of unity. Living with a Mexican family, I think God used me to help encourage them as we prayed and shared together throughout the summer.” (Tamara Depew, 2001-2002)
“In San Miguel, Michoacan, God used my ministry partner and I to evangelize an entire town, pastor a church, disciple a whole family and start a thriving children's ministry. It gave me a whole new meaning to the verse, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!"” (Diana Wood, YearOut 2001-2002)
“He used me to step out and speak to people even though I didn't feel comfortable. He used me to share and teach His Word to the people I came across. And He also used me to just listen to the people and learn from them as well.” (Janette Smith, YearOut 2001-2002)
“God used me to attract several people to the church through English classes who otherwise never would have set foot in a church.” (Gina Ciampaglia, Summers 2002 & 2003)
“I'd answer that by saying "How didn't He use me in Mexico!"” (April Funchess, YearOut 2002-2003)
How did God change you in Mexico?
“I arrived in Mexico an immature, self-centered high school graduate, more proud of my personal achievements than anything else. Within weeks, God totally reconstructed my heart and world vision. He made me into a servant. He gave me a heart of love for the lost and a love for preaching His word. He showed me the power of prayer, disciple and the unity of His body. God changed me into a multiplying disciple, ready to disciple others in their faith.” (Diana Wood, 2001-2002)
“My heart is sensitive to people in the USA that do not know English now after being in another country and not knowing the language.” (Nicole Breimeir, Summer and Fall 2002)
“He changed my life spiritually, emotionally, physically...in every aspect. I will never be the same again. God did an amazing work in my life while I was in Mexico.” (Janette Smith, YearOut 2001-2002)
“God changed me in Mexico by teaching me to focus on people rather than tasks. This has been immensely helpful in my role as a fifth grade teacher.” (Gina Ciampaglia, Summers 2002 & 2003)
“He changed my idea of what "missions" is supposed to look like. He showed me that how things are are how things are supposed to be, and that you waste time and energy fighting that and saying "this is not how it was SUPPOSED to be!"” (April Funchess, YearOut 2002-2003)
What is one thing God taught you during your time in Mexico?
“God taught me a lot about humility. It is not by my own strength or wisdom that I was able to accomplish anything in Mexico, but by His grace alone and by His power working through me. When I arrived in Mexico I didn't have a college degree or any seminary training, but God didn't need that for Him to work. He used my weaknesses to show His glory. He preached through a girl with a fear of public speaking, He used me to preach, teach and evangelize, even through I felt so inadequate. God taught me what it means to, "do everything through Him who gives me strength."” (Diana Wood, YearOut 2001-2002)
“I learned that missions is not about going to another country, the people there, or even about being called to be a missionary, and that it is about total committed obedience to Christ. I thought God sent me to Mexico for the people, the need, the church, and found out he sent me for Himself. He wanted to teach me about his ability to use me even when I felt useless. He showed me that being a missionary is a way of life not a career change. He used a mission experience in Mexico to reveal to me that as a Christian my life calling is loving Christ so much that I radiate his love, share his promise, and obey him, with out question, everyday of my life.” (Nicole Breimeir, Summer and Fall 2002)
“To rely on Him as my strength...not my comforts (family, American things I couldn't have, my own church, everything) I had to turn to Him in all things...even though I sometimes took the long way to Him.” (Janette Smith, YearOut 2001-2002)
“God taught me the importance of reflecting on his work and the promises in His Word.” (Gina Ciampaglia, Summers 2002 & 2003)