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Matt and Naomi Shields are thankful for a fruitful summer of ministry in Aruba. Their youth camp focused on the theme “A Transformed Mind,” and many spiritual decisions were made, including two teenagers making public professions of faith in Christ. The church also experienced the loss of two members, including a teenager and an elderly lady. Though these losses were difficult, the Shields were able to clearly present the Gospel through five funeral and graveside services. 

Thirteen people from Aruba also traveled with the Shields to Mexico for a two-week camp and missions trip. The group ministered in five churches and two teen camps across seven states, reaching more than 500 teenagers. Two young men trusted Christ during the trip. Back in Aruba, Vacation Bible School brought 50–60 children each day, including first-time visitors. Another special highlight came when eight believers followed the Lord in baptism, several of whom had recently trusted Christ.

The Shields have now begun a three-month reporting trip in the United States and expect to visit more than 40 churches while the Hershberger family helps oversee the ministry in Aruba. Meanwhile, plans for their new church property continue moving forward. The first set of building plans is being submitted to the government, with $9,500 of the $15,000 engineering cost already provided. Their goal is to have permits in hand by January and begin construction in 2027.