JOSHUA RECOBS
Hendrix College

(by Brian Rejer: Hendrix College Sports Information Director)

CONWAY, Ark. -- Hendrix College sophomore Joshua Recobs (picture) probably did not realize how much of an affect the earthquake that hit the small city of Pisco, Peru on August 15, 2007 would have on his life. A two week mission trip to the collapsed city showed him the true testament of the human spirit.

The city of Pisco was destroyed by the deadliest earthquake (8.0 moment magnitude) to hit Peru in 35 years. More than 12 aftershocks and a tsunami followed the massive earthquake, resulting in over 500 deaths, 1,800 injuries and 17,000 were left homeless. Most of the destruction occurred in just two minutes.

Recobs joined a Grace Presbyterian Church (Montclair, N.J.) mission team that consisted of 30 people ranging from 17 to 65 years old. The team worked side-by-side with local craftsmen and church members to help rebuild one of the 14 local churches and to minister the children of Pisco from July 18 to August 2. Grace Presbyterian Church raised over $22,000 for building materials, while Recobs helped raise an additional $4,200 in cash and goods to support the team's effort.

"This trip changed my whole perspective on life," Recobs said. "When you spend time with hopeful and joyful people in the midst of a disaster, people who have every reason to whine and cry, but do not, people who could be totally depressed, but are not. All this brings you face-to-face with your blessings and a new appreciation for those blessings."

The Montclair, N.J. native worked alongside Pisco residents to clear away rubble, level the ground and pour a 40-by-60 foot concrete slab that would serve as the foundation of a new church and beacon of hope for the people of Pisco. It took the team a full two weeks to accomplish its task and after completion, the new foundation stood out in a city of rubble. The team's motto throughout the project was, "Do Work, Son!" Each team member inscribed their name in the concrete slab, along with their motto.

"Pisco is a testament to the human spirit," Recobs stated. "The people there have not given up hope and have not lost their joy. To me the most exciting and uplifting part of the trip was the generosity of the people who literally had nothing."

The mission team left most of what they brought on the trip with the natives. Recobs left a valuable tool for the contractors whom he worked with, a pair of work boots. He also introduced a fun activity for the natives, the sport of lacrosse. Recobs brought 20 lacrosse sticks and 20 balls along for the trip and conducted two mini-camps for natives. What they did not expect was there would be ‘kids' from ages nine to 90 playing catch and learning the sport.

"They [Pisco natives] loved it!" said Recobs. "Who knows, maybe some day a Peruvian player in the World Lacrosse Games will remember where he got his first stick."

While the mission team may not have healed the grief or completely restored the city of Pisco, rather, what they did was show the natives that the world has not forgotten them. The mission team helped reinforce their hope.

"I want people to know that there is still a lot of work to be done," said Recobs. "I strongly encourage everyone to go and have the same great experience that I had. Helping the people of Peru will not only open your eyes but have a major impact on your life. I will never forget the experience I had in Peru. Anyone can help."