We just finished our nightly meeting with the mission team and I must say that it was one of the sweetest times I’ve enjoyed on this trip. Even as I type this, people are sitting here hanging out and sharing testimony and things God has done in their lives. Hearing my husband read and talk to the group, pray for needs, encourage the kids and say how proud he is of them and how they are working hard, hearing the testimonies of things that happened or people we came in contact with, hearing James Russell get excited because Mr. Dale declared that he and Seth have become men and seeing Alan and Mr. Dennis hobble around like two old men after a game of ultimate frisbee is a wonderful thing to sit back and watch, cry and laugh about. I am amazed by God and how He changes lives and brings people together. This mission trip is such proof of that. All of the stories and the different places we have come from may be different but the end result and the place God has brought us to can only be summed up in one word- GRACE!! Mrs. Julie was talking tonight about being convicted when we heard John Fisher talk about the goal of Mission Fargo during orientation. He told us that they are focusing on reaching people through strategic living and purposely being in places and building relationships with servers in the places we frequent or be sure to get their name and ask for their table when you go there to eat. It could be getting to know your barista at Starbucks or any place you go all the time. If we are going to make Jesus famous, we need to be His light AT ALL TIMES, not when only when are on a mission trip. I think our team has certainly been convicted and focus on this even when this trip is over.
Sorry to ramble, now to recap today….. we officially started working today. We spent the morning split in two teams between the Dakota Boys Ranch thrift shop and The Salvation Army. I was with the team at The Dakota Boys and were helping sort, restock and organize the clothing in the front while the other volunteers were in back. Glenda, the manager, was telling that they are Christian agency that helps house at risk kids and help needy families and you could tell they are commited to this goal. They were so thankful for the help and they needed SO much more. We are sending a team back to tomorrow as well as sending part of the team back to finish some painting that they started at the other site as well finishing the roof and sides for a building at The Salvation Army.
We broke for lunch (and I was able to get a 30 minute nap) then split into teams of three and did prayer walking and surveying the area as well as promoting the community picnic that we are doing on Wednesday. We are so excited about spending time getting to know more people in the community. The team here is amazing and I know we are forming some long lasting friendships! We’re already planning a weekend trip where the interns can come and hang out in Spring Hill!! John, Abby, Jeremy and Pam have been awesome are great in rolling with all of the changes and taking care of our team. I truly see the heart they have for Fargo and I know God has some great things in store! Everyone on our team worked hard and served well. I think they are making The Bridge proud and representing well! I’m so thankful for these servants that I am honored to serve with.
I guess I’ll close for now and go play some cards with the girls. I close with this- We were riding on the bus and James Russell randomly says…. “So what if the hokey pokey really IS what it’s all about?” Classic James, I love it!!! Look forward to another great day tomorrow!!!
Shi
P.S. Shi is in another room playing cards…and it’s my job to update pictures on the blog so I had to add the one of her and the big box of hot dogs…cause we all know if hot dogs are wrong Shi don’t wanna be right!! (hee!! hee!!) Love and Miss you all back home…MBea
I LOVE this post. Would love to be there to share in the joy, pain (Alan and Dennis hobbling around), and the laughter. Make Jesus famous up there, but come home soon!
We miss you all!