When asked if the guys had any input about today for the blog post, the response was, "It was fun!" Those are good words to hear after the first day on a mission trip, and they sum up the attitude of our hard working team. The student leaders were bounding (and rebounding) with energy from morning to night, and I have personally heard comments from several members of the church here how much they appreciate their positive attitudes that they bring into their work with the VBS kids.
Princeton Church of the Nazarene, where we are staying, did quite a bit of pre-registration before we came and their work yielded a strong turnout. We had 76 students between Pre-K and 6th grade attending VBS today (the elementary school has just under 200 students total - so that's not a bad ratio!). Everything ran smoothly - from a fun opening skit that had the kids cracking up and throughout all the various activities such as crafts, a lesson, recreation, etc. Each day of VBS has a big question that all the grade levels teach, and today's big question was: Who is Jesus?
Our service project involves lots of weeding at the church as well as a yard barrier project that involves measuring, cutting, digging ruts for, and placing railroad ties. During our family time one of the themes that a few people shared on was how these labor intensive activities are very physical, but they also have a deeply spiritual side as well. God displayed his deep love for us by giving up his only son as a sacrifice to atone for us. We have this great opportunity this week to reflect his love in the act of giving up a few comfortable hours in service for other members of the body of Christ.
At youth outreach we had about 8 youth join us for ultimate frisbee, scripture reading, music, and a talk by one of the student leaders. I find myself wanting to name the students who are doing outstanding jobs, but the truth is that there is not a single student on this team who is not pulling their weight and going beyond what is expected. I was also very impressed with the wisdom the students showed in the reflections and scripture each student brought to family time tonight. We talked yesterday about the purpose of this trip being to glorify God, and glorifying him through teaching and service, fellowship with one another, and going deeper in our personal relationships with God. Each of the student leaders has set a goal for themselves in each of those three areas and are mindfully reading scripture, praying, and engaging with others with those areas in mind.
Please pray for continued energy for everyone and that the student leaders continue to push themselves to make this time spiritually meaningful.
2 comments:
Dear Ben and Potlach Team,
I am (tearfully) inspired by reading this account and am so proud of our First EPC youth for desiring His glory above everything else. Keep it up, all of you! And Ben, keep the inspiring reports coming...great reading.
Judy Allen
I loved reading this--as a parent it gives me great joy to know that my son (and the rest of the team!) are being challenged so in their spiritual life and taking so much to heart. My prayers are with you all and I look forward to reading more of what the Lord in doing in Potlach and in the FEPC youth!
Kim
Post a Comment