Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/444908
territorial newS >> The global language of love I n 2013, Jonathan Avery, divisional youth program specialist for the PEN- DEL Division, embarked on the trip of a lifetime to 11 countries in 11 months. His trip, organized by Adventures in Mis- sions, an inter–denominational missions company, focused on prayer, disciple- ship, and building relationships with less fortunate people from all over the world. Avery and a team of 39 other travelers from the U.S. and Canada visited coun- tries in Asia and in Eastern Europe. They taught local residents English, helped build orphanages, main- tained churches, and prayed for anyone who requested it. In less than a year, Avery had visited Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa, In- dia, Nepal, Thailand, Cam- bodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Moldova, and Romania. His travels gave him a glimpse of the world outside his home of Philadelphia and strengthened his faith in the power of prayer and in the blessings of God. 'God provides' In January, Avery left for Mozambique. "Mentally, the first month was the most difficult," he said. "We had to get used to what we were going to deal with for the next year, such as bucket showers and toilets that didn't flush themselves." Despite the culture shock of being in a new land, his first stop was a rewarding one. He found himself a participant in the creation of an orphanage. "Our con- tact, Eli, found out that in college, I had about half of a semester of architecture. Immediately, anything I said regarding the design, he took into account," said Avery. His presence and knowledge was a blessing to the project, and by the time that he left Mozambique, the building's foundation was completed. Eli's dedica- tion to the project left a strong impres- sion on Jon. "[Eli] doesn't have a job and has devoted his life to the orphanage," said Avery. "He lives completely by faith. Anytime he's needed money for some- thing, God has always provided." 'He redeems' In March, Avery and his team stayed in Muizenberg, South Africa, where they partnered with their contact Malcolm, who is involved with local ministries and churches. Through one of Malcolm's connections, Avery worked with a local afterschool program that hosts computer classes for teens. Instructors hope that youth participation will lessen the brutal gang violence that plagues the area. De- spite the danger of the zone, Avery knew that the Lord would guide him in even the most dangerous of places. "I never felt scared. I knew we were there for God and doing His work. If something 12 January 2015