Thursday July 29
Today we began our day with recounting in story form the experience of Christ when betrayed and handed over. We listened intently as the story narrated a brutal yet beautiful picture of a man (God in flesh) as He so selflessly gave Himself up unto death, that we may live. You could have heard a pin drop. The team took time to reflect on God's goodness, love and power. To BE before their King to thank Him and worship Him, to confess and seek His transforming power.
We later took off to Warfield Ky, across the river, to do a free carwash...many were surprised..for real, you don't want a donation? No, we are just giving out free car washes. One team member even took time to stop and pray w/one of the people who stopped by.
We had our last day of camp and it was extremely hard to say goodbye. The MIME team performed the song they had been learning all week, Taylor read the account of Jesus to the cross and then we broke up in small groups..most one on one w/campers to recount the Salvation message using 'silly bands' detailing all the colors that represent Christ blood, sin and more. Many were praying and encouraged. One young man said when he gets home he is going to be baptized by his choosing and is rededicating his life to Christ. The real deal is that he accepted Christ as a child and now is choosing to own his faith as his own, not his families and he is seeking prayer from one of our team members who has pursued him and loved him. Please join us all in praying for him and the others of this community.
Tonight was - I am just not sure I have the right words for it - a very sweet, precious time of worship and prayer! The team laid themselves down, approached the throne and spent time praising God...not asking for anything...just praising Him. We had a time of singing praises and took communion together and prayed some more! One young man remained on his knees w/his face on the ground in prayer for nearly an hour - praise be the Lord! This week God has become so much more real to this team...He is lavishing on us and I can't wait for you to hear from your children how sweetly He has met them here.
We don't just want this to be 'an experience' but a life change, they are determined, excited and perhaps a bit nervous about how that will look in their lives when they return home to the comfortable surroundings and the 'normal' things they are used to doing. The distractions that come w/every day activities, TV, video games, music...here most of that has been taken away. I encourage you all to make your homes a place where they can and you can, stop and make time to just BE with the Father!
I am not sure if I will be able to update tomorrow or the weekend as we are planning on taking off this afternoon for our whitewater rafting adventure. But as soon as I am able I will share as I can. I will be posting notes from the team so be sure to check back; even if it is after we are home!
Thanks for your prayers - it is such a blessing to be a part of the body of Christ. It has been amazing to be a part of this team...they are no longer the same..to God be the glory and praise!!
Follow up after being home for 2 weeks - I asked some of the team to share their thoughts on how they were impacted by their time in West Virginia - here are their responses:
Caleb Heckley
If i had to say something that has impacted me the most of my week in Kermit, WV, it would be how God has caused me to be more conscience of Him.
Wanzie Burden
This Mission trip challenged me, stretched me, and helped me grow. It challenged me, by making me step out of my comfort zone, share my struggles with others, and share my testimony with people who i thought would have a "better" story than mine. It stretched me by making me fully rely on God for direction. With writing a prayer to an unknown team member in the encouragement books, not knowing the schedule, and also having no cell phone or enter net service to keep in contact with family. This was hard for me because i like to know the details and be in control. This experience also taught me to listen to God's voice and guidance in my life and not to just go down my to do list. Finally, this trip helped me grow in my relationship with my heavenly Father. By, loving Him so much that i do not care what other people think of me, if He calls I will answer. I want to continue to grow closer to Him and be a good example for Christ now that I am home. Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your ways O'Lord that I might walk in Your truth, give me an undivided heart that i might fear Your name."
Derek Desjardins
---Something that impacted me on the trip was the clearly evident movement of the Spirit of God. He was stirring in our hearts even before the trip, and we were striving to be moved by Him and obey Him out of love. The Holy Spirit didn't just move in each one of us, but He moved in the group as a whole. The Spirit was dwelling in us together as His holy temple. Our love for each other just multiplied day by day, as did our faith in God as He spoke to us and did great things. Everyone was sad to end the trip and leave each other. We had been so unified on a deep level, and we wanted to just stay together. But the trip wasn't about a cool experience or a fun time or even friendships. It was about God being glorified and us growing into the likeness of His Son. Some beautiful friendships was definitely a part of that though. We had done our work in West Virginia and had realized that God would have continuous work and ministry for us back home. I was just taken aback that this body was so willing to serve and love each other, helping each other to live according to the Spirit
Brandy Desjardins
Ok so something I would like to share about the West Virgina trip. One of the things that impacted me the most was when one night we were purely praising God. That day I was having a hard time really truely believing he loved me or never will forsake me. So I am face down on the floor, praising God, when I feel someone put a hand on me. And...it was like God's hand, telling me he really did love me, and will NEVER leave me. That night I couldn't stop smiling:)
Susan May
I was so impressed with our teens. They did not just go on the trip to have fun, but they had a willingness to serve and to be changed. They faced some very real fears and made themselves vulnerable. They stood up in front of peers and strangers and told their stories. They shared past sins, struggles, and hurts; and they boldly testified of God's love, forgiveness, and rescuing power. They worshipped unashamedly with open hearts, without concern about what others would think. I was so proud of them all for their boldness! Only God knows the impact they have had on others!