Intense days filled with various social and missionary activities of impact on the community were experienced during a mission trip to Antofagasta, a city located in northern Chile, from July 9–19, 2023. In this trip, 122 volunteers participated, including university students, professionals in different areas, and students from Adventist schools in Chile and Peru. It was a joint project between Adventist Education and Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS), with the purpose of continuing to spread the Gospel of Christ through practical actions of love and service to others.
Actions of Service to the Community
People of all ages from the seven most vulnerable areas of the city received free medical attention in the specialties of gastroenterology, gynecology, neurology, dentistry, cardiology, psychology, and general medicine. In addition, Vacation Bible Schools, health conferences, evangelism conferences, recreational activities, the restoration of public places, the painting of churches, delivery of family baskets, haircuts, and other actions were carried out.
All this was done during the days of the project called "Mission Trip," which was organized and developed by the North Chile Conference (ANCh) chapter of Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS). In total, 416 people received medical attention, only in the operations and health fairs that took place.
"Mission Trip Teens" with Students from Chile and Peru
On July 13, a representative team of teenagers, made up of 60 students from the mission agencies of Adventist schools in northern Chile and 36 students from Titicaca Adventist School in Peru, began "Mission Trip Teens," joining the project's activities.
This youth delegation supported the work of the health professionals, welcoming people, praying with them at the spiritual care stand, preparing the health fairs, and supporting the logistical set-up of each activity. They were also involved in the painting of a church, the restoration of public places, and the delivery of family care baskets to the most needy households.
Since 2022, the Mission Agency (or AVS Teen Academy) has been implemented in Chilean Adventist schools in response to the mission plan of the Education department and the AVS satellite within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chile. This would be the third time young school children have participated in a mission trip.
Bible Study and Baptisms
In addition to preaching about the love of Jesus through actions of service, there was also a space during the evenings for Bible study through conferences and reflections, where members of the community came in search of a connection with God. Thus, at the conclusion of these evangelistic campaigns, a total of 37 people made the decision to give their lives to Christ through baptism, 29 of whom were baptized during those days, while the other 8 chose Sabbath, July 29, as the date of their new birth in Christ; and many others decided to begin Bible studies to learn more about the good news of salvation, with the guidance of members of the Adventist Church.
"The best thing about a mission trip is what you do. It is a beautiful experience to impact other people, but the greatest impact is the one that is generated in us and the closeness we have with God. We have seen the hand of God in small things and in big things, like seeing people who are going to give their lives into the hands of Jesus," commented one of the volunteers.
Leaders Involved
With the purpose of getting involved in the different activities of this mission trip, the following leaders also arrived: Pastor Dieter Bruns, AVS director for the South American Division; Pastor Charles Rampanelli, AVS director for the Chile Union (UCh); Patricio Figueroa, national AVS coordinator for UCh; Pastor Alan Cosavalente, national AVS coordinator for the North Peru Union; Pastor Jorge Iturra, UCh Education director; and Carol Villarroel, UCh Youth Ministries director.
All the office staff of the ANCh, the organizing and hosting headquarters, were also involved in various support tasks for the fruition of this missionary project.
"For me, it has been very special to be here in Chile because I perceive that people are very involved in the mission. One perceives when the church and the youth are involved in the mission, and that of course, creates very nice results. I think Chile is [experiencing] a very special moment where mission is a priority. Thank God for what is happening here in Chile," said Pastor Bruns.
See more photos of the Mission Trip in Antofagasta below:
Mission Trip in Antofagasta (Credits: Benjamín Photography and Facebook ANCh)
mission-trip-antofagasta-chile-7-1-scaled
mission-trip-antofagasta-chile-13-scaled
mission-trip-antofagasta-chile-5
mission-trip-antofagasta-chile-3
mission-trip-antofagasta-chile-8
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.