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Since our Tue night swim got unexpectedly cancelled by thunderstorms, we went back to Etna this afternoon to get a dip before dinner. The great surprise was arriving to find that the local Rotary had sponsored Wed as a FREE Swim Day, so our entire team got to swim and shower for NO charge. The group's synchronized diving was a blast for the confused crowd and we heard an incredible story with a Portland connection. (more later)
That evening after a GREAT time playing at the Elementary school field in the community, we planned to just give everyone a quiet evening to themselves. The students vetoed the idea still wanting to have our nightly "Family Time" to reflect on our day and lessons. I'm SO GLAD we listened to them.
Our sharing and praise time was wonderful . . . and no one really wanted to leave. The spontaneous prayer time after that cost us some sleep, but was simply UNFORGETTABLE!! My heart is filled with joy just to recall the good words that were shared. THANK YOU, Lord!
Our teens are stepping out with such courage! What a great sight to behold.
"Father, keep us strong and focused and filled for the return to our families and community."
We DID end up have some "Oregon weather" on Tue which changed our plans. (I spent time during VBS trying to post it all for you in bits, but ended up losing all of it when the blog timed out on me . . . so we may just have to try and piece that all back together for you later).
Short story: despite the changes of plans, God used it for good. Our troops are taking good steps in reaching out.
After a full schedule of VBS, some of our bravest gents tackled the powerwashing . . . with quite a bit of prep to do beforehand. During that same afternoon, we sent some teens into both the towns of Ft Jones and Etna to invite others to join us at the Elementary school field for group games that evening. There were not a lot of people out at the time but we still got to make some contacts . . . and it was great to see the excitement in our teams as they made the effort to reach out to others.
Later a camp in the area provided us with a time slot to get some showers before we had a great chicken / potato dinner provided by one of FJCC's Potluck professionals. It was much appreciated, as usual.
That evening we headed into town to see who we could find to join us for games in the field. We made some contacts with a few passersby, but only one guy, Emit, actually joined with us for our game of Rabbitsticks. It was fun to have him and we're hoping he'll join us again later this week.
Looks like rain is on its way for Tue, so we'll have to see what that does to our schedule. (I suppose us Oregonians will get blamed or the weather, but I'm OK with that. Bring it on!)
Be sure to check out the Blog for Westminster Presbyterian, too, so you can get the updates Wes posts there. We're all working here together!
We have a BIG team of blue-shirted teen volunteers helping with the VBS at Ft Jones Community Church this morning. (Most programs would love the 1-to-1 student/help ratio . . . NICE!) It's pretty good to see everyone finding a place to serve. I love the attitudes I see. Josh just asked again if there was anything else he could help with.
Other jobs on tap for today:
We're ready to invite some teens to be with us tonight for some games and story-sharing. We're looking forward to it. Pray we would learn to be inviting and engaging.
This IS very much a stretching experience, but a very good challenge for each of us. THANKS for supporting us in prayer!
After having an excellent time in our "Road Grip" devotional, we packed up to head out. Everything was looking good until one of the vans started squeeling pretty loudly which I assumed was from having the AC on. Well, it got worse . . and then went away.
Then I noticed the AC light was blinking and the Alternator light came on. Not good! As I figured, we had shredded the AC/Alternator belt. So after finding a place to park, I began looking for an open garage. Not an easy task on a Saturday in Redding.
Eventually we go the van to the Sears Auto Center and got the belt replaced . . Then we realized the alternator really was the culprit all the time. It had to be replaced, too. We're in good shape now, but the recharging day never really happened. We're ready for bed . . . especially me, I know.
We ARE here in Ft Jones now and already loving the place. I'll try to give you more details tomorrow after we get acquainted with the body here.
God is providing for us, by the way: the alternator had been delivered to the store "by mistake" earlier. It could have been a really bad weekend apart from that timely provision. THANKS for your support!
All of us had a good time to be reminded how our time in God's Word and in prayer have to remain priorities with us amid all the tasks involved in reaching out to others. We DO indeed have to stay connected to God above all of our "ministry" efforts here . . . as well as throughout our lives.
We looked at Jer 17 and I was also reminded of John 15:1-15 as well. Good time.
We head out to our locations today!
I just spoke to Wes Trevor who is right now on the road to Sacramento with his crew from Westminster Presbyterian. They'll be spending the night at his childhood home church there before heading on to Redding tomorrow. (You can read up on their progress at: http://youthmark.com/wp_escondido/).
OK, guys, stay safe on the road . . . and we'll see ya soon!
Tuesday night for our final preparation session, the team members shared a short story of how God has been at work in their hearts over the years. Just noticing the patterns was very encouraging to me. Many of them told of a process of growing in understanding and how God brought good things out of difficulties, disappointment and crisis.
SO good to hear. May God use each story to help include others in His Big Story of Restoration and Hope!
You may not think the weather would be wet for a car wash in June, but in Oregon ya just never know. After a sunny Friday, last Saturday was pretty drippy so it was hard convincing passersby to stop on in for a wash. Of course, even with a sunny Tues, the afternoon commuters didn't slow down either . . but it still was a great time. The donations were generous and helpful.
Oddly enough, it seemed the less cars there were to wash, the more water we used. You may have to ask the team how that could be.
We just want everyone to know how much the 2011 Youth Mission team appreciates all of your support. Your generosity (including all of those who supported the youth car wash effort) has been a great encouragement and a big help in meeting our expenses. Thank you for sending us on this mission of growth!
Anyone who still wants to help with the upcoming travel and food costs, please feel free to donate in the same manner. Gifts will be used for any future bills we incur.