About my Mission
Laura Maldonado
How it all Began
It was in the Fall of 2014, I was working one day in the comfort of my home, my eyes were on the computer screen but my thoughts were very far away. "If I am doing what I love and enjoy, how come I feel so empty inside?" was the question going around in my head. I tried to brush the thought aside, but as the days went by, the more I felt a strong burden growing inside of me, making me feel like my life had no true meaning, and no other purpose than only benefiting myself.
While seeking the Lord about it, I came across the verse that says: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)
I was speechless. That was it! God had been putting in my heart that I needed to stop living only for myself, and start returning Him the gifts that He has given me by serving others.
I began to look for a way that I could do this. I really had no idea what the Lord wanted me to do next. But I prayed, and searched, and prayed some more! And it wasn't until March 29th 2015, that He sent the organization Arms of Jesus into my life.
I still remember very well the words of Pastor Sam Martin, founder of AOJ, as he spoke the words:
"If anyone of you feels like God is calling you to surrender your all to Him, lift your hand, and I will pray for you."
Even though he was all the way in Guatemala, and I was only watching the live streaming of his sermon, I lifted my hand along with the others, and my life seemed to take a whole different direction.
As we sang this song at the end, I knew what I had to do next:
It was in the Fall of 2014, I was working one day in the comfort of my home, my eyes were on the computer screen but my thoughts were very far away. "If I am doing what I love and enjoy, how come I feel so empty inside?" was the question going around in my head. I tried to brush the thought aside, but as the days went by, the more I felt a strong burden growing inside of me, making me feel like my life had no true meaning, and no other purpose than only benefiting myself.
While seeking the Lord about it, I came across the verse that says: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10)
I was speechless. That was it! God had been putting in my heart that I needed to stop living only for myself, and start returning Him the gifts that He has given me by serving others.
I began to look for a way that I could do this. I really had no idea what the Lord wanted me to do next. But I prayed, and searched, and prayed some more! And it wasn't until March 29th 2015, that He sent the organization Arms of Jesus into my life.
I still remember very well the words of Pastor Sam Martin, founder of AOJ, as he spoke the words:
"If anyone of you feels like God is calling you to surrender your all to Him, lift your hand, and I will pray for you."
Even though he was all the way in Guatemala, and I was only watching the live streaming of his sermon, I lifted my hand along with the others, and my life seemed to take a whole different direction.
As we sang this song at the end, I knew what I had to do next:
"I'm building an altar for You oh God, to lay my life upon it.
I'm building an altar for You oh God, to sacrifice my all.
I give my whole heart to You oh God,
and choose to embrace Your will for me,
I give You my life for Your glory, take it now I pray."
I'm building an altar for You oh God, to sacrifice my all.
I give my whole heart to You oh God,
and choose to embrace Your will for me,
I give You my life for Your glory, take it now I pray."
About the Arms of Jesus Mission
The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission (armsofjesus.org) is an organization based in Ontario, Canada. And it's purpose is to provide food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, homes for the homeless, and healing for the sick. Besides that, they send teams from North America to participate in medical work, construction, relief, development and evangelism in different parts of the world, including: Guatemala. Where I am from.
Right after I heard Pastor Sam Martin's message, I contacted the organization and shared with them my desire to support the mission. To my great surprise, Dr. Martin himself wrote me back a couple of days later, and my involvement in AOJ began!
About the Arms of Jesus Mission
The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission (armsofjesus.org) is an organization based in Ontario, Canada. And it's purpose is to provide food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, homes for the homeless, and healing for the sick. Besides that, they send teams from North America to participate in medical work, construction, relief, development and evangelism in different parts of the world, including: Guatemala. Where I am from.
Right after I heard Pastor Sam Martin's message, I contacted the organization and shared with them my desire to support the mission. To my great surprise, Dr. Martin himself wrote me back a couple of days later, and my involvement in AOJ began!
The Journey Begins
On October 1st, 2015 I joined a team of 12 missionaries from Calgary, Alberta and went on my first mission trip! A trip that completely changed my life.
I had the opportunity to work at the Arms of Jesus mission close to Antigua, Guatemala as a translator and part of of the missionary team until October 11th, mainly building houses for 12 families, translating, handing out food and clothing, and spending time helping and encouraging the staff and children at the AOJ mission.
After my team returned home, I decided to stay on in Guatemala until November 8th.
During this time I was able to focus more on taking photos and videos of the great need that there is in Guatemala, and the oasis that the AOJ mission is for the children and their families, my desire is that through this photos and videos people may realize just how rich and blessed we are, how much we take for granted, and that there is so much need in the world.
The videos and photos are in editing process right now, and I hope to have them ready to share with you soon!
What You Mean to Me
I am extremely thankful for your amazing support on this immense new chapter in my life. Nothing could have been accomplished on my own.
Your support in prayer has been so evident, the time I spent in Guatemala was physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting, but every day there seemed to be a gift of supernatural strength that I know came from prayers of caring people all around the world. Your comments and messages of encouragement have come at the exact moment and have been like a breath of fresh air.
Some of you even went beyond devotion and supported me financially, it is because of your generosity that this mission was successful.
We were able to witness the smiles on the faces of children that had never before received a gift. We were able to give tearful mothers bags of rice and beans for them to prepare for their hungry families. We were able to give the father a new pair of rubber boots to replace the ones full of holes he had used for so long. All of this and so much more because of your generosity, I assure you that it will not go unrewarded. Thank you from the bottom of my heart....for playing a role in this story!
Is it Over?
Perhaps you're wondering right now if The Mission is over, and my answer is: "it's only beginning!" This wasn't just about me going on a mission trip and returning to the comforts of life after a few weeks. More than ever I am convinced that life is meant to be lived for others, and that true joy is found when you stop seeking your own.
That is why, with the help of my supporters, I have launched a project called "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Smiles", the goal is to sell one thousand photos to collect funds for Guatemalan children in need.
I pray for the day when I can return to those precious smiling children, but I have learned that there is so much to be done for them, even thousands of miles away.
Become a Supporter
or mail cheques to:
Box 808
Milk River, Alberta
T0K 1M0
Canada
Box 808
Milk River, Alberta
T0K 1M0
Canada