Serving is a Way of Life
The first time I heard about Kids Alive was from a missionary who spoke at my church during Missions Conference Week back in the fall of 1999. He talked about an upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic which I felt God telling me to go on. The trip to El Arca was a real eye opener. This was the first time I was on a missions trip and did not know what to expect. God used this experience to show me how people in third world countries really live. It is one thing to see it on TV or from a missionary slide show at church, but seeing it for myself really touched my heart.
It was a true blessing to be able to use my God given skills for His purposes. Being able to work and play with the children in the orphanage was another blessing too. Knowing that children who had been "at risk" with no future, now have a great place to live where they are loved, fed, educated and most of all taught about Jesus and His love for them. The people in the surrounding community also seem to enjoy what Kids Alive brings to the area.
So far I have returned six more times, with the last five times having been blessed with heading up the trip for my own church. Seeing others experience for the first time the same things I did is yet another blessing. My family now sponsors two boys at The Ark whom I am able to see each time I go down. My daughter has also been able to go with me on two trips and I hope to also bring my son on my next trip as well.
Kids Alive is definitely being used of God to reach children at risk around the world. They are a quality organization that does a great job in the countries in which they operate. I am looking forward to many more trips to come, Lord willing.
In His Service,
Greg Gunderson
