As we wrap up our missions trip and reflect on all that God has done, our hearts are full! We are so thankful for each of you who have prayed and given to make this trip possible. Below, each team member has shared a short testimony of what they saw and learned during our time in France and Spain.
Mallory Brainard
Flying into the airport at Barcelona was such an exciting moment for me. The anticipation of the work ahead as well as the joy of finally being in a country that I waited four years to visit charged me with energy at the start of the trip. I was surprised to recognize at the end of the trip on the way back to the Barcelona airport that none of that excited energy spurred me toward an eager return home. Something felt unfinished. In reality, something IS unfinished. The ministry remains in France and Spain. Each church we were able to help for a short period still stands in need of more laborers, more prayer warriors, and more daily encouragement. Though the calendar tells me that the mission trip is complete, I recognize it as only the beginning of my involvement with missions. I am in no way finished with ministry. Over the past few weeks I have re-learned that ministry takes place in the context of service. Because the churches in Europe have smaller congregations and often the people are less open to the gospel, daily ministry may be as simple as sharing fellowship with other believers or janitorial work in the church building. I believe that God recognizes each menial task of service as an opportunity for His glory. Though I may never see fruit in the lives of European people as a result of my service there, I pray that encouragement was shared and seeds were planted. Going forward, my prayer is that God would lead me to serve full time in a ministry such as one that I was able to connect with these past weeks.
Jonathan Cortez
On this mission trip to Spain and France, we had the incredible opportunity to meet local Christians and hear about the struggles they have. During that time, we also were able to put the gospel message in many mailboxes and do maintenance work. I believe the most valuable thing I learned on this trip is the need and hardship in Europe. Europe is often forgotten about due to its high development and economy. This is what makes it a first world country that is often overlooked by missions projects. This factor has greatly increased the need for mission and churches in Europe over the past couple of centuries. The common beliefs in Europe stem from either tradition (Catholicism and Islam) or intellect (humanism and atheism). These foundations create a difficulty in witnessing because it requires the common man to either change his way of life or admit human knowledge is not an adequate foundation for beliefs. I definitely learned that due to the small number of Christians in Europe, and the large number of people, Europe is a continent in great need. All the people we visited with asked me to pray for them as they church plant, and I would ask you to do the same.
Caleb Doering
I learned how European missions are different from third world countries. Because Europe already has everything that they need, the missionaries can’t use the usual methods such as medical clinics. They have to use camps to attract kids, and they can only use those for two months of the year. The rest of the time that have to make relationships with the people they are trying reach out to. They have to preach using their actions and daily life. Because the people in Europe don’t think that they need help, it can be very frustrating for missionaries as they watch months go by without seeing anyone get saved. I also learned that I can be an advocate for them back in the States. I can tell people about the challenges that they face as a part of their daily life and I can influence people to support the European missionaries even though they don’t have the spectacular numbers of people getting saved that missions boards or churches may be looking for. The last thing I learned is how easy it would be partner with the missionaries and to give them a boost of encouragement. It could be a simple as coming to visit for two weeks and just being a general handyman so that I can free up that time for them to minister to other people.
Katelyn Francisco
I have learned that the culture in Europe is not very welcoming to the Gospel because of the influence of Catholicism. It’s sad to see how much Catholicism has hurt the Jewish culture and people in general in Europe because of all of the persecution they have gone through. Besalu, one of the last towns we went to, even has a plaque on a wall of their city telling about how they got rid of the Jews. They walled off the Jewish section of town since the town didn’t want the Jews there anymore and by doing so, drove the Jews out of their city. There are so many instances of this persecution that make what the missionaries to the Jews, like Didier Silberstein, so much more important than what I thought previously.
Natalie Giffin
I wish I could say that on this trip that I gave more than I received, but the truth is that I have been blessed in so many ways by so many people. I can hardly begin to explain all that I have learned. Europe was amazing, the history so vast, and the architecture and landscape absolutely beautiful. And yet, as we visited churches and talked with missionaries, I learned that it is a place in desperate need for the Gospel. I realized that for Christians, Spain and France can be very lonely places, full of trials and discouragement. Before this trip my attitude towards European, first-world countries had been one of indifference, assuming that they had everything they needed, including the Gospel. But I was wrong. There is no place so well off that it does not need to hear the good news of the Gospel. But just as Jesus said, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, even so the fields here in Europe can be very hard. But God is good and always makes a way! How amazing it was to meet missionaries and pastors who pour so much into the ministry and to worship with believers from around the world. Being joined by the two French students (Matthieu and Jonathan) was so encouraging, seeing as other young Christians fight for the Faith in their own country. I don’t think I will fully comprehend all that I have seen and experienced on this trip for a long time, but I am so grateful for the time I’ve had here and for the people I have met. I hope some day they know just how much they have taught me.
Andrew Hicks
It’s been a true joy to interact with local churches in France and Spain. One consistent takeaway after speaking with each of the pastors and missionaries is the significant amount of time it takes to grow a church and ministry in these countries. The missionaries in Iceland expressed the same sentiment. The church leaders must be involved in their communities for very long periods of time to establish relationships with the people to grow the church. Granted, this involvement is common to most if not all ministry situations but especially so for European nations. While such outreaches don’t typically yield the greatest numbers of salvation testimonies and display the same dramatic influence on the communities as those in more remote countries due to a more nonchalant view of faith, the need is real, and there are countless souls in need of the Gospel in Europe. This experience has really given me a greater perspective of missions. Meeting the pastors, missionaries, and locals involved in their churches has added faces and personality to global outreach for me. These are people who have devoted their lives to furthering the Gospel, some in their home country while others not. This added perspective has been an incredible blessing, and I am very thankful to have had this opportunity.
Nate Hogan
This missions trip was extremely eye opening in several ways. The Lord utilized this missions trip so as to showcase multiple ministries within France and Spain. In France, the camp we visited in Larrode was a huge blessing to me. The Knickerbockers and Livingstones were amazing hosts and their love for the Lord shone through in every interaction I had with them. I fell in love with their ministry, and should the Lord give me the chance, I would love to return to help them with their work for a time. Throughout this trip I felt encouraged to approach everything with an open mind, and because of that, I felt the Lord work in my heart towards missions. While I may not feel called to be a missionary at this point in my life, I absolutely feel the Lord’s calling to be a blessing to those He has called to the mission field as their work can be challenging but necessary in our world.
Emily Houk
I thank God for the 2023 France/Spain mission trip I was blessed to be a part of. I was able to have several opportunities to translate from Spanish to English and vice versa. I was also able to share how God led me to become a teacher with the students at Synergy International. I had told the team leaders that I preferred not to drive, but things happened, and I ended up being a driver. I really enjoyed the time I spent with other team members on our commute to Barcelona. God really showed me that even in things that may seem small or unimportant, He can still use you to do amazing work. Though I graduated from PCC 5 years ago, I was very grateful to go on another mission trip with YOM. It was great to see some old and new faces. The team was excellent, and they blessed and encouraged me. Though I learned from the missionaries, I also learned from the other team members. My prayer, as well as the prayers of the missionaries we visited, is that all of us who went would be more open to sharing the gospel with the lost world. It may not be France or Spain, or even in Europe, but looking beyond your community to those outside of it. I’ve always felt that there was a great need in Europe, and it seems intimidating; but it has been amazing to see God work. From sharing gospel tracts to laying floors, from singing in churches to praying for one another, as well as visiting a variety of different ministries, this trip has really been a blessing to me. I know it’s additionally been a blessing to other team members and to those who we were able to minister to and serve alongside. I’m so thankful to those who financially and prayerfully supported each one of us. Through all the crazy traffic, long layovers, and many flights, God’s protection has been evident. Being with the 2023 France and Spain YOM mission team has been such a blessing in my life, and I will never forget the blessings and the joy that God has shown me while being here.
Rebekah Levander
This missions trip was different than what I expected it to be and opened my eyes in many different ways. Firstly, my eyes were opened to the deep spiritual needs in Spain and France. Although Spain and France are first world countries and there are not significant physical needs among the people, the spiritual needs in Spain and France are profound. The spiritual need is very deep in these countries, largely affected by the deep history of persecution in the church. As we toured the cities in Spain and France, we stopped at historical sites and stood in the very places where Christians were persecuted and martyred for their faith. This trip challenged me to look inward and to ask myself if I would have the boldness and courage to stand for my faith if it was a question of life or death for me. It is my prayer that all of us would be able to stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ.
Secondly, my eyes were opened to see how incredibly blessed I am to live in a country where I am surrounded by a large community of believers, especially young adults, which is something you don’t find in Spain and France. Missionaries and pastors devote their entire lives to ministry in Spain and France and watch their churches barely grow to have 20-30 members. I have no doubt that God is working through the ministries in Spain and France, but the hearts of the people are hardened to the gospel, and there is a significant need for spiritual revival in both countries.
Thirdly, my eyes were opened to the beauty in the diversity and unity of the churches in Spain and France. Although the churches were small, they were made up of people from many different nationalities, backgrounds, and walks in life. My faith was encouraged, standing in the presence of so many different people and sometimes not even understanding their language but simply feeling united through the faith that we shared in Jesus Christ. It felt like a little glimpse of heaven lifting our voices in praise and worship to God in different languages. I look forward to the day when we will all stand and sing praises around the throne of God together!
I could say so much more about this trip, but I will conclude simply by saying thank you so much to all who supported the team financially and through prayer! It truly was an eye-opening experience that has changed my perspective in many ways, and I am so thankful to have been a part of this team and the ministries in Spain and France!
Kate Manchester
Safe to say that this trip has been nothing like I expected. when I first decided to sign up, I wasn’t sure what was in store; however, I knew God was leading me to put my trust in Him and go out of the country to serve. We started in Spain, but quickly moved on to begin our missions in France.
We visited multiple churches, passed out literature, painted walls, cooked, put in flooring, and explored the wonderful country of France. Along the journey, we had two French men with us… Jonathan and Matthieu. God really showed himself through them, and they, along with the people of France showed me how beautiful it is to be around fellow believers. Even with a language barrier, I have never been more humbled and blessed by Christians.
After leaving France, we came back to Spain to serve at a Christian school… that really struck my heart. Teaching children about normal school subjects, while also teaching them about Jesus… wow. Honestly, I didn’t think I was selfish or prideful, until I started my journey on this trip. As Americans, we are so lucky to be surrounded by churches and Christian schools and colleges. For example, there’s 250+ Christian churches in Pensacola, Florida… and under 100 in ALL of France.
Safe to say, God has shown me more than I ever thought would be possible. I want to thank my fellow team members, and also the team leaders who made this possible! As well as the pastors who took care of us, and showed us the love of Christ through them.
There are three words that God has put on my heart… “So Will I”. I will never forget what I have learned, but also what I have seen and experienced. If the people of France and Spain can hold so true and strong to God, no matter what, then why can’t we as Americans?
Phillip Mifflin
The Lord used this trip tremendously in my life. We got to see some amazing sights and visit some of the world’s most beautiful cities, but those things aren’t going to be what stick with me the most. All of the different missionaries, national churches, and various ministries we came alongside to help and to learn from are where my fondest moments came from. A personal highlight was driving 5 hours alone with Pastor Didier Silberstein, as I used that time to pick his brain about missions and to just get to know him. I also feel that I’ve truly made some lifelong friends with my fellow missions-minded teammates.
Looking back on the trip as a whole, it has been amazing to see how God has drawn me and the team as a whole closer to Himself. I have learned so much on this trip that I know I will be using in my own personal ministry in the future. I want to thank the Lord for His provision and protection, and I want to thank each and every one who played a part in fulfilling the Great Commission by supporting us through your prayers and giving!
Sarah Pletcher
Europe is a challenging mission field that may not often produce tangible rewards. Following the Protestant Reformation, many Christians separated from the Catholic church and put their faith in the Word of God; however, in many places across Europe, these Bible-believing Christians were completely or nearly eradicated by being driven out or killed by the Catholic church. As a result, Catholicism was the only main religion in Europe for centuries. As people began to recognize the lies of the Catholic church (the only religion they have known), they have rejected all religion. This philosophy has been engrained in the European people for generations.
This rejection of God and all religion presents a challenge for missionaries in Europe. It often takes years, even decades, of building a relationship with someone to lead them to the Lord. Churches are small, and there are not many of them; most Bible-believing churches have fewer than forty believers. It often takes a lifetime to effectively plant a church. Because there are rarely impressive numbers to report, missionaries may struggle to raise support or may become discouraged. However, missions is not about numbers. While Bible-believing churches in Europe might be small in number, they are strong in faith and in love for one another. Because missions, especially in Europe, is primarily based on relationships, it is a long-term commitment and may be challenging or discouraging at times. Yet for those who choose to stay the course, the reward, while it may not be counted, is great.
Jonathan Pulfer
Jonathan and his brother Matthieu are French university students from Pastor Didier Silberstein’s church in Marseille, France. They joined the team during the ministry in France and part of the time in Spain.
First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude to the organizing team for being able to take part in this missions trip! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!! During this trip, I had the opportunity to discover more about my own country. Indeed, in Paris and Saint-Gaudens, you have enabled me to visit churches I’d never been before. It was truly encouraging to discover in each of these churches French people, young and old, who want to serve the Lord! Another great blessing for me was the friendship with every participant on the trip. The fellowship with young Christians from across the ocean was unique and so enriching!
Matthieu Pulfer
Matthieu and his brother Jonathan are French university students from Pastor Didier Silberstein’s church in Marseille, France. They joined the team during the ministry in France and part of the time in Spain.
I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this mission trip. It was extraordinary to make friends so quickly with students from another continent. During the trip, I was encouraged by everyone’s willingness to serve the Lord, whether it was distributing gospels in mailboxes, doing repairs in church rooms, teaching at the school in Spain or just talking. I was able to rediscover my own country and get to know churches that I had already heard of but had never visited (Paris, Saint-Gaudens). Many thanks to all the organising team for including me in this wonderful adventure. I hope to see you all again very soon.
Ava Schiau
This trip has been one of the best things I have ever done in my lifetime. From Larodde, France, to Girona, Spain, and all the places in between, God has worked in our group. He has blessed us and grown us through it all. It was saddening to see the spiritual need of Spain and France and how closed off everyone is to the Gospel and how we take advantage of the spiritual freedom in America. It was truly a humbling experience. It personally helped me fix my focus on heavenly things… and the earthly things are dimming quickly. We met two amazing, godly French guys, and the trip would not have been as great without them. God truly has been blessing us! Gloire a Dieu!
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
Alyssa Silliman
Being able to go to Spain and France on a missions trip was an amazing opportunity . It was so encouraging to see how the Lord worked in many of the churches we visited and that our team was able to be a blessing to them while we were there. One of my favorite parts of France was staying at a camp in Larodde with Pastor Didier, the Knickerbockers, and the Livingstones. The camp’s mission was very encouraging and their passion for young people to learn about Christ. Another part of the trip that was very encouraging was working at a small Christian school in Spain. We were able to teach kids English and answer any questions they had. This trip has really opened my eyes about missions and the need for Christ in Spain and France. I’m very thankful I was able to be a part of our team in helping spread God’s Word through these countries and hopefully there will be many saved from our short trip to Europe.
Makenzie Silliman
This trip has been a tremendous blessing in so many ways. It was really encouraging coming as a group of young people who love the lord and be a testimony to every person we met. Each person we met showed so much kindness and gratitude for our being there, and told us how much they appreciated our being there and staying strong in the faith. I really loved working in Synergy International Christian School because we got to come as a group of Christian young people who love the Lord, and we got to share that love with them. It burdened my heart to hear Jonathan and Matthieu say their goodbyes and tell us how lucky we are to get to go home and go to a Christian College. Often times we take a simple thing like attending a Christian school for granted, when others would give anything to be able to do the same. Being in Spain and France really opened my eyes to the need for the reaching of young people, and meeting young people from Spain and France who love and serve the Lord faithfully really encouraged me that the Lord is still doing a work and will continue doing a work. I pray for the people of Spain and France that they would find the Lord and seek to love and serve him, and for the Christians to continue in the faith and continue to reach others for the cause of Christ.
Meg Swank
I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to go on this trip! It was such an amazing experience for me to be able to travel with this great team throughout France and Spain. On this trip we had the opportunity to visit multiple churches and see the differences between the American church and our Christian family in Europe. We also had the chance to spend time with two French brothers who traveled with us. It was refreshing to see that even in a very Gospel-closed country there were youth who were passionate about serving the Lord. In Spain we were able to work with Synergy International Christian School and teach English in primary classrooms as well as teaching medical and science seminars to the secondary students. It was great to see a group of young Christians attending school together at one of the very few Christian schools in Spain. Overall, this trip was such a blessing for me as I was able to see and experience Church culture in Europe. I hadn’t realized what a spiritual needy place it was, but this trip helped me see the great mission field here.
Crislyn Woods
Coming on this mission trip I really had no clue what to expect. I knew we would be visiting several missionaries and their respective churches, but I did not know what we would be offering to the people. I was a little nervous heading to France and Spain not knowing French or Spanish, but I was and am confident that God can use any person in any way as long as they are willing to go. I would love to explain each stop and each missionary we visited, but this update will serve as a highlight to a few of my brightest take aways. First, it was refreshing to me to meet so many people on fire for the Lord. Seeing their enthusiasm for spreading the gospel and simply their joy for life was an inspiration to me. It was also encouraging to witness the work the missionaries put in to building churches both by material and by attendance. Finally, but by no means least, I am beyond thankful to have met every one of our team members. Each person brought their own unique flair to the team. As I type this final update on the flight heading home, I thank God for allowing me to go on this trip, to make life-long friends, and to have a reenergized spirit for spreading the Word whether in Europe or back in the states.
Carlos Alvarez
From this trip, it is clear that God is working but we often fail to appreciate it until we actually go to the field. People say that France and Spain are graveyards for missionaries, but this is not true. It is clear that God is still working and we need to keep praying and supporting the work here. The pastors and missionaries we have met have impressed me. Their faith is unfeigned – they are living the Gospel. My time here has motivated me to be faithful.
One major highlight for me was the Christian camp ministries we saw. Because there is almost no Christian education and very few young people in churches, Christian camps are a huge part of ministry in Europe. They provide an opportunity for young people to be evangelized and edified. Again and again, we heard testimonies from adults here in Europe that they got saved, got called into ministry, met their spouses, and grew in their faith at Christian camps. Supporting Christian camps provides a way to meaningfully invest into the growth of the church here in Europe. I was particularly touched by the needs at Camp Eben-Ezer in Girona, Spain. They are specifically praying for God to provide the funds necessary to bring the camp buildings up to code so they can expand their ministry. As God allows, we look forward to working with them and other camps in future years.
Heather Hartkopf
Over and over on our trip, we saw the good hand of our God upon us! Our original plan was to visit churches in two different cities in Spain. As we spoke with pastors and missionaries, our plan expanded into a trip that covered more than 3000 kilometers, 5 different countries, and 15 different ministries. We have spent time with pastors, missionaries, camp directors, and ministry leaders who have answered the call to be laborers in the harvest fields of Europe. Our eyes have been opened to the vast spiritual needs here and our hearts have been burdened to pray. Only God could have put together an experience like this!
We always pray as we assemble missions teams that God would bring the right people together for the work and God answered that prayer very clearly this year. Team members stepped up to give testimonies, distribute thousands of tracts, play the piano, provide special music in three different languages, teach an impromptu Bible club lesson, present STEM content to secondary students and nursing content to primary students, put up a tent with most of the parts missing, repair vehicles, paint walls, lay flooring, and countless other tasks. Their eagerness and readiness to serve was a blessing everywhere we went. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have worked with each of them.
Adam Watt
Exploring missions in another country is always eye-opening and convicting. I enjoyed traveling to different ministries in France and Spain that were led by either national pastors or American missionaries. The unique difficulties of ministry in Europe surfaced, specifically related to the secular and apathetic nature of Europeans who have shunned religion because of the recent exposure of Catholicism’s evils. Pastors have to take a unique approach to win the trust and friendship of people in the hopes of leading them to the Gospel. Churches are also diverse with many who immigrate from South America or Africa filling the churches; yet the Christian bond and unity with them is instant. One lesson for me is not looking at these ministries with an “American” mindset or methodology but understanding the challenges and opportunities of each culture.
Additionally, one of the biggest blessings for me this week was the young people on our team. I was encouraged and refreshed by fellowshipping with and hearing the testimonies of our young people. They desire to do great things for God, and I continue to pray to that end! In our thousands of miles of travel in the vans, we had great discussions about the Bible, theology, and the Christian life….as well as a lot of fun!! (They taught me how to take good .5 photos!) The team refreshed and encouraged me to continue serving the Lord in my current ministry. Keep on praying for our students as well as the ministries in Europe!