Blessing and Beauty in Devastation

Catch up with the First Reformed Church (Sully) IMAPCT team in Abaco for their final update! ChyAnne shares about the beauty of the island, found both in its people and its culture.

What a week it has been on the beautiful island of Abaco! We have experienced the highs and lows that I’m sure each Impact team does. Though we have seen so much devastation, the beauty of God’s tropical creation surrounds us and the blessings shine through the Bahamian people and their faith.

Today we started off with our wonderfully made breakfast at camp before heading to the place we have all become so fond of, Pastor Stephen’s house. Some finished up yard work, others touched up paint and a few of us were inside doing small projects as the plumbers worked to restore water to the home. Though we wish we could have done more, we left with content hearts seeing Pastor Stephen’s eyes twinkle as he gazed at the progress his home has seen over the last 2 weeks.

Next we visited a local all Bahamian-made souvenir store and the best ice cream shop! Back at camp we did odds and ends to close out our week and the year for Camp Abaco as the next group will not be here until January. After spending the week here, I think I can speak for all of us by saying we are so happy to do anything we can for this place that will forever be near and dear to our hearts.

 

— ChyAnne

Related Posts

The Beginning of an Impact

Rise before dawn with the First Reformed Church (Sully) IMPACT team for a challenging sunrise hike and a surprising discovery about ‘charcoal hands.’ Dive into the unique culture of Marsh Harbour, from local markets to a mysterious 300-foot-deep natural freshwater pool hidden in the Abaco forest, and finish the day with fresh seafood by the beach. Read the full story of this unforgettable day, told by Jager!

 

Read more
Grits and Guava

From the sweet or savory grits of a Bahamian morning to the delicious, unexpected taste of guava, join Laura Fikse on a journey that explores hydroponic farms, local traditions, and the powerful lesson of the Unmerciful Servant. Discover the flavors of Abaco and ponder the true meaning of forgiveness with the First Reformed Church (Sully) IMPACT team!

 

Read more
Pursuing the Dreams Within

Hear from Leah, a member of the First Reformed Church (Sully) IMPACT team, as she recounts a day in Abaco with a man named Stephen, who rebuilt his 20-year dream for a community hub six times—even after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Discover a powerful story of perseverance, faith, and the true meaning of child-like vision.

 

Read more
Paint and Praises

Catch up with the First Reformed Church (Sully) IMPACT team! Brock and Tyler share about their day of painting and sanding a pastor’s house, the vital role of the local community center, and the impact of spending time and playing basketball with children at a nearby school.

 

Read more
First Day and Sharks to Sea Shells

Join us in Abaco for the latest First Reformed Church (Sully) IMPACT team update: The mission is in full swing! Read Katelyn Nikkel’s reflection on their intense first day of travel and outreach, and then dive into Asher and Kraig’s account of day two, featuring an unexpected shark sighting, sharing hope with local families while distributing food, and enjoying fresh coconuts at Crossing Rocks. Get the full scoop on the team’s powerful start to their ministry and their amazing Bahamian adventure.

 

Read more
Heights & Depths of Your Yes

Hear from Char, a member of the Freedom Fellowship IMPACT team, as she shares her final reflections from a week in Abaco. Learn how saying ‘yes’ to what was asked—even when it meant confronting deep-seated fears of heights and depths—led to a powerful new understanding of peace and God’s comforting presence in the midst of fear.

 

Read more