Ultimate Workout Has Ultimate Results in Paraguay

In early August Maranatha Volunteers International’s annual project for teenagers—called Ultimate Workout—concluded in Paraguay. One-hundred 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 health-care 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,” trip organizers said. “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, organizers shared. “While tending to faith communities’ needs for quality worship spaces, construction volunteers experienced a renovation of character,” they said.

A Word From Participants

“I feel really inspired that a group of us teenagers . . . can build a church for God’s people to use,” said participant Jessie Pagna Disso, who is 16. Emilie Vogel, 15, agreed. “I like working out and pushing myself. So that’s definitely been fun, and there are a lot of heavy things there that I have to lift,” she added.

While assisting health-care professionals at medical and dental clinics, teens were empowered to shadow professionals, with the possibility of understanding what a career in this sector would be like. 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,” Hunter Cicle, 15, shared. “I’m definitely considering going into the dental field as well as the medical field.”

Trystan Ray, 17, said that “along with making me a more mature person. . . . I’ve learned to provide the correct medical care.” He added, “You want to be able to tell them that they’re loved and also that God loves them.”

Noah Kim, 15, said he felt inspired by the project. “It has 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,” he said.

Jereli Fajardo, 14, said that when they got to shadow doctors, “it’s very cool because of how they explain the type of medical situations, and I find that very interesting.”

Ultimate Workout is catered to volunteers at an age defined by new pressures and responsibilities, Maranatha leaders explained. “Stepping away from the cares of home, teens leading Vacation Bible School were reminded of childlike joy,” they reported.

“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!” added Caleb Tache, 17.

A Support System of Positive Influences

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.

For Abigail Dewild, 14, it was important to meet new people. “I’ve made some pretty strong friendships—people I can laugh with, but people I can also pray with,” she shared.

During morning and evening worships the group was able to connect spiritually. Additionally, mentors listened to their questions and provided advice where appropriate. During Ultimate Workout 12 teens chose to follow Christ through baptism.

“When I came out of the water, I felt happy,” said Helen Bautista, 16. “I felt like I had just got adopted. I felt like His child. I felt like what I was doing was the correct thing, 100 percent.” Winter Cherry, 17, also shared her experience. “I’ve been away from Jesus for a little bit, and it’s been awhile 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—that He’s always going to wrap His arms around me when I come back to Him—makes me so glad,” she said.

The Role of Ultimate Workout

According to Joel Duran 18, Ultimate Workout helped him grow spiritually. “There are tons of people who struggle as Christians, you know? No man is perfect in this world, and everyone has their regrets in life. But Ultimate Workout helps you become a better person and uplift your soul,” he said.

For more than three decades the Ultimate Workout has provided high school-aged teenagers the opportunity to flex their physical and spiritual muscles, Maranatha leaders reported. “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,” they shared. “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.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Maranatha Volunteers International news site. Maranatha Volunteers International is a supporting ministry not affiliated with the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church.