Our Abante family can plainly sense the pain of the people in Puerto Rico due to the devastation caused by both hurricane Irma and hurricane Maria. Beloved friends and family are still on the island with little to no communication and a small amount of resources. Former colleague and Puerto Rico native, Stephanie Rodriguez was in contact with us the … 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
Outreach in Arenales
Arenales, Puerto Rico When Jesus enters the room, he displaces the darkness, and creates his own space.Janessa Watson There are opportunities to serve people all around. If you take a close look at your neighborhood, you will find projects that need attention, and people in the community who are willing to work, but simply need direction and motivation. Recently, the … 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
Robinson School Chapel and Camps
San Juan, Puerto Rico “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”Nelson Mandel The statement is true, however, one could venture to say that Love surpasses education as the most powerful weapon to change a person, and as a result the world. For instance, the team had an opportunity to put that statement to the … Read More
Invited
San Juan, Puerto Rico The team often interacts with different organizations, ministries, and churches while in Puerto Rico. One of the ministries they served with was Las Tribus youth group, at ACM La Cumbre church in San Juan. Under the direction of youth pastor Dorita Ayala, Las Tribus has become a vibrant group of young people who find joy in … Read More
Juvenile Center Ministry
Dorado, Puerto Rico World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.Dalai Lama Members of the Abante Team visited a Juvenile Center in Guaynabo, PR where they could share the love of Christ with juveniles who come from different walks of life. These young boys … Read More
Ministry at Wesleyan Church
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!Abraham Kuyperg The team ministered at the Wesleyan church in Caparra, under the leading of pastor Luis Colon. The service was a celebration of this church’s missionary endeavors, and their many years … Read More
A Day in Old San Juan
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Old San Juan is a window into the Puerto Rican culture and its origins. The Spanish influence is vivid, and embedded into the structures, the colors, the food, and the music. Even the cobble stone streets, the fort, and the ruins are a reminder of the Spanish colonization of the island. On November 19, 1493 … Read More