Urban HANDS

Feedback and Testimonials

Urban HANDS participants usually have a lot to say after their mission experience — here is a sample of what you can expect...

Mission opportunities always exist, no matter where you are
The importance of establishing relationships with people prior to ministering to them
Not to judge others by the way they look
How hindering your comfort zone can be
There is more to happiness than material things
Children are children no matter where they come from. They deserve any love and affection that we can give them.
I learned that skin color does not matter. If you have a common interest with someone, you can be friends.
Now I know I can minister to anyone, it's [about] God, not me!
I have learned that a lot of the things in life we take for granted, and don't realize all the less fortunate people around us that can use our help.
This trip helped me to see another side of faith. Faith in my world is an extra; it's an additional part of life. In many of the families we met, faith is life. It is what gets them through the day.
This mission trip has shown me that not everyone has the same chances that I do in school, church, and other things.
I learned that anything is possible with God by our side. I grew closer to Jesus and my church family over the week.
God is everywhere! Especially in the faces of the "least of these..."
I learned that God does not want us to be selfish or self-centered. He just wants us to love and to be grateful for what we have.

Bringing a smile to the kids' faces
Having someone look up to you
Knowing that I could make a difference in someone's life
The highlight of my week was a child calling me by name and telling me how much fun they had yesterday.
I enjoyed teaching bible study. I felt like the kids truly learned something and that I was able to touch them in a spiritual and intellectual way.
I already knew that God wants us to love each other, but I got to see that in action this week.
(About the poverty simulation) Loved it! It was a great way to start the week off, really helped me pick apart my stereotypes and view all with compassion and understanding.
"God has spoken and called me to a life of action: confirmed a call of social justice, and given me empathy and compassion for the impoverished."

Coming out of my comfort zone.
Realizing that I have thoughts about poverty that I shouldn't have, and I am accustomed to a way of life that is much more lavish than I truly need.
I was so overwhelmed on Monday. The children were so unruly, but by Thursday what an amazing turn around! I think it was allowing God to work to change my attitude.
"[The Poverty Simulation] was definitely hard, but it definitely gives you a good lesson and a different perspective."
To leave the kids was the most challenging part of the mission trip
"[The poverty simulation was] tough — physically, emotionally, mentally — but extremely worth while. It changed me."
"Poverty simulation — I was so outside my comfort zone…but it was an experience I would not trade for anything."