by Carolyn, Steven, Caleb & Nathan Judd

On August 8 six Bethany families traveled north to the Esperanza Mission; a wonderful place that is tucked away on a little inlet in North Vancouver Island. Esperanza is a haven for the people of First Nations, who need counseling and a safe place to work out difficulties in their lives.

Together the Judd, Ireton, Hagen, Fosmore, and Windus families, along with leader Mike Christensen, helped build a new building that was needed to house counselors for the mission. There was much to be done as each helped with different projects.

Many of the kids and adults helped put up sheet rock, sand, mud, tape and build. Nathan Judd, age 10 remarked,

“I liked stacking the wood and nailing it to make flooring.”

Daniel Windus, age 8 said,

“I liked using the magic drill (special sheet rock drill) to put up the drywall because it was fun and it was fast.”

Caleb Judd, age 13 commented

“I liked to help cook in the kitchen because I like cooking, and it gave people the strength to work.”

There were many other cooking, landscaping and maintenance jobs to tackle.

Opportunities to relax and enjoy the beautiful mission abounded. The kids really enjoyed fishing, playing in the creek, rock climbing and boat rides. Together, the group saw many wonders of God’s creation. A whale was spotted in the water nearby as well as an eagle that swooped down to get food from the water.

During the rock climbing fun, the kids learned how to trust in a whole new way. It’s much easier to climb down a rock face when you lean back against the rope, trusting that it will hold you, instead of trying to climb down solely on your own power.

The people of the Esperanza Mission showed us over and over again how they had trusted God to bring what they needed: volunteers, building materials, food, financial resources, healing of relationships and many other things. We felt amazed and privileged to be a part of God’s work as we rested and helped at the mission.