There is no amount of words that can describe the thirty-hour travel time that it took us to get to our final destination. However, there are also not enough words that can describe the feeling of shock and awe you feel as you watch through window-seats on either side of the plane the landing road below nestled between two massive walls … Read More
Vessels of Honor
I’ve never been one for much pain. Nor would any of my closest friends or family have labeled me an “adrenaline junky” growing up. I still don’t like roller coasters, and if given the choice, I would choose the safe rhythms of routine with my cozy cup of coffee any day over the unpredictable swirl of constant change and spontaneity. … Read More
What a Way to Begin the 2019 Journey!
Who is Holy Spirit? Is He a person? How do we get to know him and understand him better? These are some of the questions that come to mind when we think of the Spirit of God as more than just a white dove or blazing fire. The truth is that once you understand Holy Spirit, you cannot help but … Read More
Words are Only an Accessory
Serbia is a place that has encouraged my faith and brought much joy to my life. The team and I were greeted with great hospitality and love in both Vrdnik and Jagodina. There was plenty of work to do and the blessings were abundant. During our stay in Vrdnik, we were hosted by Pastor Rale Radovanovic and his wife Daniela. … Read More
Unexpected Adventures
ROATAN After several days of hard labor, the team was blessed to visit the Monkey & Sloth Hangout in Roatan. Playing with white capuchin monkeys, pretending to be a tree for the sake of a sloth, and snorkeling in the world’s second largest barrier reef are all things we didn’t plan when we arrived on the island. God gives the … Read More
Photoshoot Day
CLEVELAND, GA Once again, a new team joins together for a day of flattering portraits and headshots. You can bet there were times you could hear someone saying, “make sure you get my good side” with a silly smile! Although the team has only known each other a little over a week, it’s evident that friendships are already beginning to … Read More
Commissioning Service
The Bridge Church Year Number Seven: Our Little Family is Coming Together Nicely! Whenever you start something, whether it is a new career, a new school, or a new relationship, among other things, there is a certain amount of anxiety that comes with it. For students coming in, there is the stress of leaving what is familiar to engage a … Read More
An Abante Christmas
Songs and singing are very popular at Christmas time in Puerto Rico. People like to carol singing, known as Parrandas (also sometimes called Asalto or Trulla). Friends gather late in the evening (about 10pm) and visit different houses. People are meant to be surprised and woken up by the music and singing of the ‘parranderos’ (those taking part in the … Read More
Amor in Puerto Rico
Dorado, Puerto Rico Like branches on a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.Unknown It was a family reunion time for Abante International! On November 25, the team volunteered to help former colleague, Julian Schlottmann, celebrate his marriage to Anastasiya Kernozhytskia at Ojo del Buey in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Julian and Anastasiya met … Read More
Serving with South Hills
CLEVELAND, Georgia We came to give, just give. We were not expecting anything in return. However, we experienced one of the most beautiful lessons of this journey– How our presence affects others.Antoine Michel At the beginning of the Abante team’s journey in Puerto Rico, we visited South Hills Puerto Rican Campus Church (formerly known as Center Church PR). This is … Read More