Working with your hands

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The Salvation Army’s Hands On program provides college–aged students who attend its churches an opportunity to promote the mission of the Army in other communities and nations around the world. In the process, these young Salvationists temporarily leave their familiar churches, meet new people, and embrace different and exciting cultures.

“Serving God away from my own church was interesting to me,” says Jennifer Goiz, a member of the Army’s Bronx Citadel church in New York. Jennifer’s team traveled to Costa Rica, where they fed the community and visited families in their homes. As she listened to people share about their lives, the ministry became deeply personal to her.

“We weren’t always in the safest areas, but the work I did had nothing to do with me and everything to do with God. He led my steps. I prayed that, even if someone might be closed to me, they would open their hearts to Him,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer also helped in the kitchen at a Salvation Army daycare center. “The people I met there were so grateful for every plate I cleaned. It made me realize that work like this is still God’s work.”

Lydmarie Rivera, who had lost her father earlier that year, began her Hands On experience with difficulties and doubts. During the orientation before the trip, she contracted COVID–19. She further learned that part of her trip would be spent on her home island of Puerto Rico, where she attended the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Guayama.

“Along with emotional and health battles, I wasn’t looking forward to be staying in Puerto Rico,” admits Lydmarie. “But my team lifted me through it. With them, I learned to work in a group. It was new to me to share the weight of responsibility, but it was a necessary lesson.

“As members of the Creative Arts Service Team (CAST), we were creative arts teachers,” says Lydmarie. “In Caguas, Puerto Rico, there were some kids who did not want to be with us, at first. But when some of the children had to end their

session early due to the rising COVID–19 numbers, those same kids cried because they wanted to stay. Our team was also frustrated. The children had worked so hard on their performances.”

Gabriela Ochoa, from White Plains, N.Y., had heard stories about the lives of young people that were changed as a result of ministering in other countries. “In Mexico, my Hands On team helped at the Army’s music camp and children’s center,” says Gabriela. “But it was on the last week of the trip that the work we were doing felt the most impactful.”

Gabriela’s team was assigned to help paint a Salvation Army church, but the work kept them from spending much time with the kids there.

“I wondered if they understood why we are here. Did they think that we’re not paying attention to them because we’re doing this different work?” Gabriela thought. As the team painted, they played Christian music from their phones. During one painting session, the children asked if they could make the music louder for them.

“They began to sing and worship with us, and I felt God in our company. Our team leader had told us to look for the little situations on our trip such as that one, because they are actually the most powerful moments.”

Despite their varying experiences, Gabriela, Lydmarie, and Jennifer agree that their walks with the Lord have been impacted by Hands On.

“Hands On took me out of my comfort zone, but it also had a deep effect on my own spiritual journey. Trust and believe in what you are doing when you do it in God’s name,” says Gabriela.

“I wasn’t prepared to see how the arts can impact someone’s life. But I got to see God in the work I did, and I came back with a different mentality than when I left,” says Lydmarie.

“Hands On showed me that God’s ministry isn’t just in the church,” says Jennifer. “His ministry is also in my attitude towards the day’s work, no matter where I am, and it starts the moment I open my eyes in the morning.”

Bible verses to guide you on your travels:

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” — Mark 16:15 (ESV)

Then you will go safely on your way, and you will not hurt your foot. When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet. — Proverbs 3:23–24 (GW)

The Lord Himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry. — Deuteronomy 31:8 (EXB)

He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because You are with me. Your rod and Your shepherd’s staff comfort me. — Psalm 23:3–4 (EXB)

And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at the table in the kingdom of God. — Luke 13:29 (EHV)

by HUGO BRAVO