In early August, Maranatha Volunteers International’s annual project for teenagers–called Ultimate Workout–concluded in Paraguay. One-hundred and twenty-two participants offered service in varying forms. They laid block walls for the Km 40 and Campo 9 Church buildings, painted the Km 8 Church building and a school playground, distributed groceries to several families in need, led Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs, and helped healthcare providers treat 450 patients at medical and dental clinics. It’s a long list of accomplishments, which doesn’t begin to cover the project’s most profound instances of transformation. These occurred within the hearts and minds of the teens who served. By the trip’s close, 12 volunteers chose to be baptized, displaying their dedication to Christ among new friends and mentors.
Team members left their areas of service forever changed. While tending to faith communities’ need for quality worship spaces, construction volunteers experienced a renovation of character.
“I feel really inspired that a group of us teenagers … can build a church for God’s people to use.” — Jessie Pagna Disso, 16
“I like working out and kind of pushing myself. So that’s definitely been fun, and there are a lot of heavy things there that I have to lift.” — Emilie Vogel, 15
While assisting healthcare professionals at medical and dental clinics, teens were empowered by the possibility of a career in this sector. They discovered the power of empathy that heals much like medicine.
“I was really looking forward to it all week, and I finally got an opportunity to pull out a tooth … I’m definitely considering going into the dental field as well as the medical field.” — Hunter Cicle, 15
“Along with making me a more mature person … I’ve learned to provide the correct medical care … You want to be able to tell them that they’re loved, and also tell them that God loves them.” — Trystan Ray, 17
“It has almost increased my want to become a medical doctor in the mission field, because you get to meet so many people. And it’s just such an uplifting experience when you get to interact with them.” — Noah Kim, 15
“I feel like when we get to shadow doctors, it’s very cool because of how they explain the type of medical situations, and I find that very interesting.” — Jereli Fajardo, 14
Ultimate Workout is catered to volunteers at an age defined by new pressures and responsibilities. Stepping away from the cares of home, teens leading VBS were reminded of childlike joy.
“One of my favorite things about Ultimate Workout is the VBS–being able to hang out with the kids and play games, do crafts, sing songs. This year I brought my ukulele so I was able to sing songs with them with my ukulele. And that’s just been a blast!” — Caleb Tache, 17
The trip introduced high schoolers to a support system of positive influences. Its uplifting environment guided introverts out of their shell and connected everyone with new friends.
“I feel like once I get home, I’ll be able to talk to other people easier because this group is just really nice. And that kind of gave me the confidence to start talking to people that I know less.” — Emilie Vogel, 15
“I came into this not thinking I would meet very many people … but I was so wrong. There are so many different types of people here. It’s so inclusive here. I’ve made some pretty strong friendships–people I can laugh with, but people I can also pray with.” — Abigail Dewild, 14
During morning and evening worships, the group explored spiritual truths. They also experienced the listening ears and thoughtful advice of caring mentors. The 12 teens who chose to demonstrate their decision to follow Christ through baptism, did so with the support of this uplifting community.
“When I came out of the water, I felt happy. I felt like I had just got adopted. I felt like His child. I felt like what I was doing was the correct thing, a hundred percent.” — Helen Bautista, 16
“I’ve been away from Jesus for a little bit, and it’s been a while now. I’ve been in my own world. And just hearing that God has always been there for me–even when I’m not thinking about Him. He’s always going to wrap His arms around me when I come back to Him.”       — Winter Cherry, 17
“There are tons of people that struggle as Christians, you know? No man is perfect in this world, and everyone has, you know, their regrets in life. But Ultimate Workout helps you become a better person and, you know, uplift your soul.” — Joel Duran, 18
For more than three decades, the Ultimate Workout has provided high school-aged teenagers the opportunity to flex their physical and spiritual muscles. Stripped of electronics, parents, and other familiar comforts, volunteers step into the mission field in search of a fresh perspective on the world, relationships, and God. During the project, volunteers live in spartan conditions while building a church or school, coordinating outreach for the local community, and strengthening their personal connection to Jesus Christ.