CCA Bahamas Missions Trip

Goin' Home

2012-01-08T04:33:00.000-08:00

It has been a week to remember. It is impossible to put all that God has done in and through our students into words. The best way for one to hear and understand all that God has done would be to hear it from those that experienced it first hand. So be prepared for some long conversations, much laughter and some tears of joy.

On behalf of the entire leadership team, I would like to thank all of the parents, family members, and friends that have supported this mission experience in prayer, as well as financially. Our missionary journey is now complete, but our discipleship journey has just begun.

Smooth Transitions

2012-01-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Both teams experienced smooth and safe travel today. Mr. Fanning's travel team arrived in Eleuthera on time and actually was able to exchange hugs and words of encouragement to their classmates as they disembarked the Fast Ferry. Mr. Fagin's travel team arrived back in Nassau and enjoyed a great pizza feast when they arrived at the ALC. Our night concluded with Bible study around the camp fire. I was blessed to hear what the Lord had taught these student missionaries while they served in Eleuthera. School outreach, beach evangelism, All Saints camp and work projects are on our agenda for Friday. Looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do as we strive to Know Him and Make Him Known.

Amazing Day

2012-01-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

The 8th grade student missionaries went to Adelaide Primary school today. This school is located in one of the poorest villages on the island, but has some of the dearest children in the world. Our students led an assembly that included worship, dance and a students testimony. After the assembly, our students had the opportunity to face paint and do balloon animals while they shared the Gospel. We spent a few hours there, but it only seemed like a few minutes. Our students were reluctant to leave because they wanted to continue to love on these young children that needed so much attention.

I received word from the Eleuthera camp today. Unfortunately, their Internet connection is not reliable. As a result, they have not been able to make any blog postings. They will be arriving back in Nassau tomorrow night, so I will get you caught up on them at that time.

The evening came to a close in Nassau once again around the camp fire. During the worship time, the students began to answer the challenge that was given to them on Monday evening. The challenge w to throw off the sin that so easily entangled them. They would do this by confessing that sin to the Lord and then placing it in the fire. The object that represented that sin was a simple pine cone. One by one, students tossed their sin into the fire, never to be picked up again.

Our time concluded after a great Bible study. Josiah Graves shared on God's grace and taught on the two prodigal sons in Luke 15. It was powerful and had a profound effect on all of us.

As I write the happenings of this week, I am filled with encouragement in my heart. I know that many of our student missionaries have been forever changed. As always, I am blessed to witness the transformation of these students, as they begin to practice the faith that they have been taught most of their lives.

Winds of Change

2012-01-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

The sea breeze has picked up considerably here in the Bahamas. As the wind blew east ward, it took half our team to the island of Eleuthera. They arrived there safely and had a full afternoon of ministry opportunities.

Ministry continued at the ALC and All Saints this morning, however, a new ministry connection was presented to the student missionaries in the afternoon. The ministry teams were separated by gender and taken to centers for boys and girls. The residents of theses centers are here due to some poor choices on their parts. While at these centers, the student missionaries shared their faith through personal testimonies and activities. (the girls shared a dance at the girls center and made salvation bracelets with them) Our adult leaders were blessed to see the students take the lead in in praying with the residents.

In the evening, the students shared in an illustration that helped them have a greater understanding of the blessings that each of them share: their faith, families, and homes. Mr. Fanning led a great study of God's word around the fire.

Tomorrow looks to be a promising day of ministry and growth for our student missionaries. Please continue to pray that the Lord will continue to prepare the hearts of those we will share the Gospel with this week.

We are on our way!

2012-01-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

Our team arrived in Nassau safe and sound. The first group to arrive hit the ground running. A ministry team of about 23 prepared lunch for the residence of All Saints Camp. As they fed the residence, the students took the oppotunity to share the love of Christ with a smile and attentive ear.

The travel teams were reunited for dinner. The students and leaders had a wonderful time of

fellowship as they shared a Bahamian feast for dinner. After dinner, the teams enjoyed a time of worship, followed by a charge and challenge for the week.

We are excited to see what God has in store for us each day, as we seek to Know Him and Make Him Known during our time of ministry in the Bahamas.

An Early Start For Next Year

2011-04-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Fund raising has begun! Even though the Bahamas Mission trip is 8 months away, our student missionaries partnered with the student missionaries of the high school and the Daily Grill to provide coffee, water, and breakfast pastries to those that attended the Easter services held at Lockhart Stadium. All proceeds will go to the students that served at the sun rise service and the 9:30 AM service. Each student served with a smile on their face as early risers worship the Lord together while the sun broke the eastern sky. Thanks to all of the students and parents that served this day.

Our students have also hosted a car wash in recent weeks at the Chick-fil-a in Coral Springs. If your student has not had the opportunity to serve (and raise funds), do not lose heart. Fund raisers for the coming school year are being prepared and our student missionaries will have multiple opportunities to serve together and raise funds for their missions experience. Students will also be provided a list of ideas they can do to raise funds on their own this summer. They will also work on a support letter in Bible class this August.

Our leadership team is excited to see the enthusiasm and teamwork the students are expressing at this early date. I am confident that they will do amazing things for His Kingdom as they prepare for their journey begins to become student missionaries. Please continue to pray for the students and the leadership team, as we plan and prepare this trip.

This is Life Changing

2011-01-06T04:24:00.000-08:00

Many challenges can come when sharing the Gospel because there is a very real enemy that is fighting for the souls we are trying to reach. Wednesday had a few challenges, but the Lord was faithful and He opened doors to share that we did not know were even there.

One of our teams was scheduled to go to a children's home. When they arrived, the administrators acted surprised to see them, but did give them some things to do around the property. These projects only lasted an hour and our team was left with several hours before the children would arrive from school. The team leader heard the ringing of school bells near by so he went for a walk to see where it was at. When he found the school, he walked in and met the principal and noticed a large Bible on her desk. He told her what our students were doing and asked if there was anything they could do to help them. She said they had no projects, but she would call an all school assembly and our students could share with them. The students planned on ministering to 22 children that day, they ended up sharing their faith with 700 children! They were also allowed to go into the classrooms 2 at a time to give their testimonies. Many children prayed to received Christ. Making Him known.

So many God stories took place yesterday that I can not do justice to. One team shared at 2 other schools, others served their fellow classmates by moving their luggage from the camp to the hotel, others served the people of All Saints lunch. Each opportunity to serve has a story, each student has a perspective. Only God knows the eternal impact. And that was just during the day. The Lord poured back into our students last night during our fire time. Many came away with a greater understanding of who they are in Christ. Knowing Him.

Our teams switched locations last night so they will have new experiences today. Please continue to pray for the harvest and that our many workers will be ready.

For this is the will of God

2011-01-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

The theme for our missions trip each year is "Knowing God and making Him Known". We are digging deeper in this theme by looking at what God's will for our life is. Each morning and evening we look at God's word to find out what his His will is. Last night we had a dinner illustration on how God desires for us to be concerned for those in the world that do not know where their next meal is coming from. It is called the feast of nations. Through this meal students were able to experience how the majority of the children feel each night before they go to bed each night, which is hungry (don't worry, we fed them again before they went to bed). Through this illustration, many students commented during their small group time that they will be grateful for the food they have at home and try not to be so picky. Another student thought she was not going to get anything, but was grateful when she was able to have a bowl of rice during our meal time.

Today, we will be serving the orphan and the poorest children of the island, fulfilling James 1:27 so that we may have the relationship that God desires us to have. Thanks for your messages. I will share them over breakfast and dinner today.

We Made It!

2011-01-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

At 9:00 this morning, the remainder of our student missionaries arrived in the Bahamas. We spent the morning getting our room assignments and sharing a meal together. After lunch, we were joined by our first group at the Adventure Learning Centre. They had the opportunity to do their morning devotions together on the beach and then spent a few hours at the Straw Market. After our dinner this evening, we had a great time of worship and Bible Study. We are now turning in for the night after a long day of travel. We look forward to a full day of ministry tomorrow, as our 5 ministry teams will work their way across the island meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the children of the Bahamas. We will try to post some photos from our day tomorrow, and possibly provide some quotes from our students.

Training Started Today

2010-11-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Our student missionaries had their first taste of ministry training today, as we divided into groups that are focusing on a specific form of outreach (evangelism, sports, drama, creation, dance, clowning). These separate groups will be combined into 5 outreach teams that will canvas the Bahamian Island of New Providence. The students are beginning to come together as a unit to be used for the glory of God. Above are some photos of the recent on day spiritual retreat. Please continue to pray for our student missionaries and those that they will be sharing the Gospel with.

Audio of Parents Meeting Now Available!

2010-10-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Recently, an informational meeting for the trip was held on the campus of Calvary Chapel. Understanding that some families may not be able to attend the meeting, an audio recording was made and is now available. Simply visit the missions page of the CCA website to listen to the complete meeting. A link to this site is available on this blog.

Also available on the CCA website are upcoming fundraiser dates. You will find these dates located on the Missions page of our website. The first is a car wash this Saturday located at the Chick-fil-a on University Drive in Coral Springs. So bring your dirty cars to be washed and have lunch while you wait.

If you would like to get real time information for this missions trip, you follow us on twitter. You can find us at CCABahamas.

Bahamas 2011!

2010-09-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

A new group of student missionaries has arrived at Calvary Christian Academy! The Class of 2015 is currently being prepared for the adventure of a lifetime, set to take place in Nassau, Bahamas in January 2011. This blog is your source for all things Bahamas. Set it as a favorite and check it often so you will have all updated information concerning the missions trip.

Pics from our week

2010-02-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

Due to the weather, or internet connection has not been working right. Therefore, we have not been able post photos. These are some pictures from the past 2 days.

His ways are not our ways

2010-02-25T04:50:00.000-08:00

For the past 4 months, the leadership team for this missions trip has been planning a day of outreach at Goodman's Bay, which is a "local" beach. However, each week of this trip the weather has presented us with a different agenda. Last week it was the cold weather. Yesterday it was rain, rain, and more rain. The rain began while we were at the Straw Market. Due to the rain, we decided to take the students to the aquarium at Atlantis. As we entered the complex, Mr. Fanning and I prayed that the students would see the stark contrast between the world of poverty and need they have witnessed this week and the world of extravagance they were entering. The students enjoyed their time there, even though the rain turned into a thunderstorm. After our time there we took many students back to All Saints. It was an experience in extremes. Students witnessed those staying in a 5 star resort and still not satisfied and then compared it to those that were living daily in a room that was 9 foot by 9 foot and were content because they were alive and they had Jesus. Our time of discussion about our day after dinner brought tears to my eyes as students made statements that reflected my prayer as we entered Atlantis.

They Lord taught us all some great lessons on Wednesday. His ways are higher than our ways and this day took place just as He planned it.

Lessons Learned

2010-02-24T05:53:00.000-08:00

Our students were faced with both spiritual and physical challenges. The physical challenge was the work projects around the camp. These projects help the ALC to effectively serve the children of the Bahamas. They run camps here in the summer that provide a place for children to come and be fed through the word. For many, this camp is a place to get away from the difficulties they face each day.

Our spiritual challenges took place with our time at All Saints Camp and at our feast of nations. For the past two days our students have been feeding the residence of All Saints with a simple lunch and then would come back and have a meal just like mom would make. Last night however, instead of a large meal our students ate a meal based on the card that they selected randomly. Some ate very well, most ate only beans and rice or just rice. The purpose of this illustration is to drive home how blessed each of us our and that God has placed us in the position to bless and serve others with our resources and the Word. Our time of reflection around the fire was refreshing as many students shared how they now understand the blessings they have and how they intend to be a good steward of what God has blessed them with. After our time around the fire, students were given the opportunity to go back to the kitchen to eat again. Some chose to do so, as we encouraged them to do. However, some chose to go to bed with the feeling that most children around the world go to bed with each night. (There were no leftovers from breakfast today as everyone went back for seconds)

Today we will go to the Straw Market for a few hours and then we will do a Love Out Loud at the Beach. (We will post some pictures from this tonight) Please pray for our students as they share the love of Christ and share they Gospel.

Photos of Day One Week Two

2010-02-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Day 2 has brought us a light breeze with plenty of sunshine. Thanks to all that prayed for clear skies today. The pictures shown above are from our first day of serving at the ALC and our team building activities from this morning. Our second team just finished making lunches for the people of All Saints and are loading up the bus even as I write this. Tonight will be our Feast of Nations. Please pray for our students as they walk through this real world experience together.

We look forward to pleasant weather tomorrow as we do our Love Out Loud at Goodman's Bay.

Safe and Soggy

2010-02-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

Trip two is in full swing. We brought the rain from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau, however, this did not keep our student missionaries from completing their first day of service to the people of the Bahamas. As we did last week, we divided our students in to two teams. One team went to serve lunch to the residence of All Saints. This team spent their time praying, singing and feeding this special group of people.

The second team stayed behind at the camp to continue the work on the landscaping project that week one began. All I can say is that the battle of the cactus continued and it lost (but I still came away with few needle pokes). Tomorrow the teams will switch places so both groups will have the opportunity to go to All Saints. We will finish our evening with a very special dinner for everyone. We will have pictures tomorrow morning.

An amazing morning!

2010-02-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Our team divided today so we could minister to two special needs centers. Each group went beyond their comfort zones and loved on some precious children.

We painted faces, made ballon animals and played with the children. They did an amazing job being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Worship

2010-02-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Change of Plans

2010-02-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

Day three was a beautiful winter day in the Bahamas. We stuggled to get out of the 50's yesterday. Great for going to the Straw Market. Not so great for a beach outreach. Our plan was to share pizza and the Gospel with the locals, however, the cold kept the Bahamians from our outreach so we had to change our plans. We sent our girls back to All Saints to serve the residence a meal and to read the Word with them. When I say serve them a meal, I mean actually feeding some of the residence because they are unable to feed themselves. A handful of girls read the Bible to someone because he doesn't know how to read. These same girls were amazed at his knowledge of the Word, even though he couldn't read. They were also challenged to read and know the word more for their own walk with Christ.

The guys were challenged in another way. They went back to the ALC where they had to face a series of walls to overcome at a team. One wall was 15 feet high and they had to figure out on their own how they all could make it over. Later, as they reflected on this, the guys stated that they recognized how that they needed to rely on God and others in their walk with Christ. One said that whenever he faces something that is huge and that he feels he cannot overcome, he will remember the WALL and know that he is not in it alone.

Day 2 Pictues

2010-02-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

Just a few images of our student missionaries serving at our camp sight and serving lunch to the residence of All Saints.

One Proud Parent

2010-02-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

I have often said that the students I serve become like my own children over time. I grow to love and care for them and desire God's best for them as they grow to be the young men and young women that God has created them to be (Eph. 2:10). Tonight, was one of those moments that make every parent proud. As we sat around the camp fire discussing what the Lord had taught us today, I stood in amazement at the depth of the things your students were saying. It was like they were growing before my eyes. Our time was completed with worship. As we sang our final song students began to stand up and raise their hands in praise to their Savior. Tears were in my eyes as I could only stand there and watch as a proud father would. I thought of how each of their parents would feel if they could be present to witness this. Then I thought of how blessed their Heavenly Father must be to hear the praise meant only for Him.

Tomorrow will be a day of some fun as we go to the Straw Market in the morning and then to a local beach/park to do a Love Out Loud outreach. I anticipate many praying to receive Christ as your student missionaries lead them in a Gospel presentation.

I do have to apologize. I fully intended to post some photos today, but our Internet has been acting up and I am unable to access it from computer. I will try again tomorrow.

Serving Him together,
Michael Ellis

Safe and Sound

2010-02-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well, the day we have been waiting for has finally arrived. At 4:30 this morning, half of the class of 2014 assembled at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale to being the mission that they have been preparing for all year. From check in at the Church to the check in with the airlines, and even with our time spent with Customs, our first day has ran like clock work. And the glory all goes to the Lord.

Our student missionaries are settled in to their cabins and are already busy with their first ministry projects. Half of our team is at All Saints feeding the residence lunch while the other half is trying their hand at... well we will call it gardening (More like pulling weeds!). Tonight, we will come together as a team for dinner (spaghetti) and then we will take a walk over to the Adventure Learning Centre to see the planetarium presentation. Our student missionaries will have the opportunity to experience the ministry that takes place everyday here in the Bahamas.

Please continue to pray for the ministry that will take place for the remainder of the week and for the lives that will be impacted for Christ over the next two weeks.

More tomorrow plus pictures!

Flight Info

2010-02-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Below is the all important flight information for both trips. Please note the early arrival time. We are being required to arrive at the airport 3 hours early each week.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Gates will open at 4:30 AM
Bus will pull out at 4:45 AM sharp
JetBlue # 1791 departs Fort Lauderdale 8:00 AM arrives Nassau at 8:56 AM
JetBlue # 1792 departs Nassau 3:50 PM arrives Fort Lauderdale at 4:52 PM (Saturday, February 20, 2010)

Monday, February 22, 2010
Gates will open at 4:30 AM Bus will pull out at 4:45 AM sharp
JetBlue # 1791 departs Fort Lauderdale 8:00 AM arrives Nassau at 8:56 AM
JetBlue # 1792 departs Nassau 3:50 PM arrives Fort Lauderdale at 4:52 PM (Friday, February 26, 2010)

One week from Trip One!

2010-02-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Our time to leave on the first trip is quickly approaching. Please continue to pray as students prepare for ministry and gather their final finacial support.

Preparing the way

2009-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

The 8th grade class had the opportunity to get away from campus for a day to draw closer to each other and to God at the ONE Day Spiritual Retreat. Pastor Topher Harrison challenged each of them to "Do what they know (concerning the Gospel) so that they could be dangerous for Christ". The Lord provided the perfect day for students to compete in team building games, fellowship with one another, and be fed through God's word. Our students are now being taught how to share their faith with someone and how to lead them to Christ in their Bible classes. Please pray for the students as they are being prepared to be student missionaries.

Parents Meeting Highlights

2009-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great turn out October 3rd at the parents meeting. Thanks to everyone that was able to be there. If you were unable to attend, here are a few things you need to be aware of as we look foward to this amazing missions opportunity.

Dates: Trip One, February 16-20

Trip Two, February 22-26

Parent Missionaries: Thats right, missionaries not chaperones. This trip is not for everyone and due to space, we cannot take every parent that would like to go. If you would like to apply to be an adult leader please contact me (michaele@ccaeagles.org) and I will make sure you get an application and inform you of the process.

If you would like to be involved in the planning process, please let us know. We would be glad to have the help.

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So here are a couple of thousand to give you an idea of what this trip looks like.

Serving Him together,

Michael Ellis

A New School Year Brings a New Group of Student Missionaries ti CCA

2009-09-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

We are of to a great start to our new school year! Which means we have another group of 8th grade students being prepared for the mission field. That's right, February 16th-20th and February 22nd-26th, the class of 2014 will embark on a short term missions trip the Bahamas. This trip may seem far away, but it will be here before you know it.

I want to encourage parents and students to be frequent visitors to this site as it will be a primary source of information for the trip.

A quick reminder: We will have our parent informational meeting Saturday, October 3rd in the auditorium of CCFL. (Located next to CCFL main church office) It Begins at 4:30 and will conclude at 5:30. I look forward to connecting with you!

Serving Him together,

Michael Ellis

Middle School Vice Principal

CCA