CHLOE ESPINOZA, AIMer to Greece

Interview by Editor Virginia Aguilera

What motivated you to be a short-term missionary to Greece?

The number one thing that motivated me to go to Greece would be God's calling. Coming from a missions-based church, Pastor has always taught us saints to be a good steward and that the generous shall prosper. Ever since God blessed me with a job, I've had a heart for the mission field in a financial aspect, but I never thought about going to the actual missions field myself. I didn't think that was for me until I truly felt God calling me after our Missions Conference of 2022. I knew God was preparing the way and calling me, but I felt that confirmation strongly that Saturday night of the conference.

Describe the specific activities you engaged in while you were in Greece?

Some activities I engaged in were helping the praise team in worship and assisting Sister Moreno with any duties that needed to be done such as: making baskets for our special guest speakers and helping with the small toddlers class. I would also help teach Bible studies to our junior high and youth class and touched on some graphic designing.

What challenges did you encounter during your missionary trip?

Much of the challenge that I encountered during my mission trip was the spiritual aspect of everything. There were different strongholds and different battles to fight. Something that one of my mentors told me was that, "When God has called you as an ambassador of God to a specific place, you are now there to fight on the battlefield." I couldn't agree with her more.

Did you face any language barriers during your trip?

If so, how did you overcome them?

Greece is a country where many of the Greeks know a lot of English. Many of the schools in Greece actually require the children to speak and write in English because it is important, and many English speaking people come to the country of Greece. There were only a few times there was a language barrier, but at those few times there was always someone to help translate for myself and for my other friends that were AIMing with me.

Share a memorable or impactful experience from your time in Greece that significantly influenced your desire to be involved in missions and/or strengthened your faith?

One experience that impacted my faith forever was visiting a small daughter work church in Greece in the little town called Piraeus. This church's services were translated in both Greek and Spanish. There were at the most about ten people who had shown up to the service. My heart truly felt so overwhelmed by the beautiful people. The church was very small, and they had only two singers,

Sister Karla and Brother David. Sister Karla would sing beautifully in Spanish, and Brother David would sing while playing the piano. His brother would also play the drums, and that was all the church needed. The people there were so hungry for God, and it didn't matter if there were 10 people or 10,000, God moved so mightily. God showed me that there is so much beauty in simplicity. I will forever remember that beautiful church.

What lessons did you personally learn from this missionary trip?

The two most important things that I learned was: One, this life only matters if you have a personal and intimate relationship with God and two, there is nothing better than God's love for His people. Without the pure and precious love of God, we will get nowhere in this life or in the next. I felt that God showed me that those things were the only things that mattered in this life.

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How has your experience in Greece influenced your future plans for missionary work?

I am so privileged enough to say that my missions experience was so great. I was blessed with one of the greatest missionary families and with one of the best churches and people in Greece, but with that being said, YES! My dream is to go on many more AIM missionary trips, LORD willing, and next time for longer! I don't believe that this was the first and last missions trip for myself, but I believe that this is only the beginning of what God has called me to do. Anywhere can be the mission field, and my answer is, Yes!!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering participating in a short-term missionary trip?

To anyone who is contemplating to go to a short missions trip, I say GO!! If God has called you for this, then I encourage everyone and anyone to go! Of course, with your pastor's approval and much prayer and fasting. But if God has given you all those green lights, then I say GO forth!! Sometimes stepping into something like this can be intimidating, but you will not regret it. If God is calling you, then it's time to answer, and He will be with you every step of the way. God bless!

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