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There are less than two days remaining on the mission trip. Tomorrow is a bit of a short day with the kids, and we are having a bonfire at the beach.
Amazing things are happening in our group. The spirit is moving, and God is working on our hearts.
We are so fortunate to be able to witness to the kids through the soccer camp. We got to have more dialog with the kids today about Jesus and putting our trust in him. After soccer camp, some common grounders took the kids swimming . Time with the kids was good, and the common grounders were able to bond with the kids. The kids have all expressed their sadness when they learn that soccer camp is ending tomorrow. During family time we got to hear stories about how the kids are opening up to us. It's breaking the hearts of our leaders. God can use tragedy for good, and to bring glory to him.
Today hanging out with the local youth group was fun. We put on a BBQ for them with hamburgers and hot dogs. Lars was cooking just fine and dandy until Brian took overand caught the barbecue on fire. The common grounders joined the youth group for a game of "bigger, better." Each group of 5 or 6 starts with a paper clip and goes door to door in the neighborhood trading up for items that are bigger or better than the paperclip. The groups came back with a personal computer, a refrigerator and a basketball hoop, and a really sweet modular couch, which actually won the prize.
Family time is bringing everyone in the group closer. As we share stories about interactions with the kids, and processing that we have done with each other, we are building lasting relationships.
Our prayers are still that we would be following God's will for us while we are at this camp. Please continue to pray for the kids that we are serving. Pray for their hearts, that they would be genuinely receptive to the Holy Spirit. Pray for the leaders as we guide discussions and answer questions. Pray for us as a group, that we would be wholly loving to one another as we share with each other and build community.
Let God's will be done. Praise God for this group and the things he has done.
Check out the Common Ground Facebook page for pictures!
God is good. The Holy Spirit is moving!! It is really exciting to see this first hand.
We kicked off the morning with Soccer Camp with the kids. There was a small amount of drizzle, but we were still able to play through the drills and sing the songs well. Today was the day that through the skits and the curriculum that we introduce the kids to Jesus. We taught about why God sent his son, and why his sacrifice on the cross is the most important decision that can ever be made. Please be in prayer for the kids as we to lead them to Jesus. Pray that they would have open hearts and that we would have loving, serving, willing hearts and attitudes as they ask us questions. It is so exciting that we can preach the Gospel.
We are seeing change in our group. Everyone has acknowledged that being in a place of servanthood has really brought about inner reflection on our own selfish desires. It is not our first instinct to be uncomfortable and serve others. Pray for us as we fight to be loving and kind, and serve with a willing heart.
One of the stories that was brought up today by Becca Moran had to do with a little girl that she was playing with today. The little girl mentioned that she has seen wolves more than once. When Becca asked her why, the little girl explained that her mommy and her live in the woods.
Stories like this one have really struck home with the team. We are beginning to see the kids open up about their home lives and be more honest about the troubles that they face. It has really shown that we are truly blessed and that our problems pale in comparison to the problems that other children face.
We met up with the local youth group around 7 and had a really great talk about the gospel. It was good to be able to connect with other believers and share with them. We played the bean bag game and the team agreed that after tonight, we were really starting to connect with this youth group. In Acts, we see how the early church would send people to strengthen the church in other cities. It has been really cool to be able to participate in this.
Day 4, and common ground is ready to rock and roll!
Setup was great. The team is really getting the hang of things, and we were ready to roll in 10 minutes.
Soccer camp is really fun. We stretch and warm up before we get started. Then we take the kids through a series of drills. We are teaching kids trapping, passing, and shooting. The kids are on a 5 minute rotation. Once everyone has been to all the stations, we sing songs, and watch Common Ground put on some skits. We are teaching the kids about how important Jesus' sacrifice for us is. After the skits, we have a bible lesson for the day. We discuss, and pray. Then we play soccer!
Dinner was a bit of an adventure, and can only be described by a picture...
After dinner, the team was playing kickball in the field. Lars and Jerry joined us from PDX, then it was shower time! The team debriefed and it was time to hit the hay.
The whole crew started the day off with Church, and after a little running around, eventually found a place to eat lunch. Today was a transition day; we are preparing for the first day of soccer camp. Students are rehearsing lines and practicing games and drills for the week ahead.
The team got to eat dinner and then go to showers, which were ten miles away!! Only three people could shower at a time, so it took a little while to rotate through everyone.
Tomorrow is the first day of Soccer VBS. Please continue to pray for the mission team. We came here to serve, and we want to represent Jesus Christ well.
The team set out this morning at about 9:00 AM for Rockaway Beach, OR! There were no troubles loading the vehicles. Today was the garage sale at Elim so the whole crew got to say goodbye to many of the community members that have been praying for us as we prepare for the trip.
The drive was beautiful, and the team stopped at Pizza Hut to refuel before moving on.
Because of a family emergency, Lars is in Minnesota. He will be visiting family there until Tuesday and will rejoin the team for the rest of the week. Julie and Wes are also meeting the team in Oregon.
Keep praying for all of us! Thank you all for your support!
Here is where you will be able to see prayer requests and updates about our trip.