Charles Ness, Perkiomenville
perkmc@juno.com
“Buenos dias, Hermano Luis.†“Buenos dias, Hermano Ryan.†Thus was the greeting between Ryan Badorf and Brother Luis, construction foreman, as they met each morning for work in the hills of Chile.
Ryan Badorf graduated from Liberty House phase one in July 2006 and is currently in phase two. He went to Chile, November 13-22, 2006, with Perkiomenville Mennonite, to help the Tabernacle of Christ Church in Vina del Mar with the construction of a new church building.
The primary work was to mix and pour cement for the floor of an addition to their church building. Ryan, who works as a carpenter for Dennis Gehman Custom Remodeling of Harleysville, was a great asset to the ministry team. During the trip Ryan took the opportunity to share his testimony one evening at Tabernacle. Everyone rejoiced with Ryan as he shared the story of how the Lord redeemed his life from addiction and hopelessness to being a new free man in Christ. Learning of Liberty Ministries and its discipleship program assisting men coming from prison was a new concept for Tabernacle.
Other highlights of the trip included building relationships with Tabernacle’s youth, singing on the beach of the Pacific Ocean at midnight, and learning to speak a little Spanish. Devon Levengood, Administrative Assistant for Liberty Thrift and I were also on the team.
Ryan regards the trip to Chile as a life changing experience. “Being in Chile helped me realize that God, family, and friends are really more important in life than possessions. I saw people who have much less than I do, yet were content and rejoicing in the Lord. I made some lifelong friends and I hope to return someday. I am so
thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to use my gifts to bless others. So many people at Liberty Ministries, my church family, and friends have given much to me that I wanted to give back by helping othersâ€.
Originally published in Liberty Ministries ‘ Spring 2007 quarterly newletter, this article is used with permission.
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