Hi everyone! I just spoke with Jeff. They have stopped in Lafayette, Indiana for one last fast food meal together!
Everyone is feeling great and Jeff expects to be back at the Libertyville campus right around ten pm. tonight.
He will be calling me again when they get closer to refine their arrival time, but I would plan on meeting them at the church at 10.
Renee
Hi everyone, it's Renee here! I just spoke with Jeff - they are in Ohio having a delightful lunch at McDonalds.
Jeff is guessing that depending on traffic that they will be home between 10 and 11 tonight.
Please stay tuned...I will keep you updated as they get closer.
The team just left Bluefield, WV, and is on its way back home!
They had a great time at Club (Youth Works service) last night. They concluded the service by reading about Jesus' willingness to serve (demonstrated in His act of washing His disciples' feet) and then washed each others' feet to demonstrate the same desire to serve God and others.
The team is due home between 11-12 tonight. Please plan on being at the Libertyville campus to pick up your son/daughter at that time. We will update the blog as the day goes on and will provide a more specific arrival time as they near Chicago.
Thanks for your continued support and prayer!
In Christ,
Bekah
The team just finished their final day of ministry in Bluefield, WV. They are sad to be leaving but also very excited to return home and serve as they did in Bluefield. "They see this trip as a starting point...not an end point."
God has definitely worked in so many amazing ways. Not only has He deeply impacted and changed the students' lives, He has used them to reach countless others.
Cathi J shared the following about her experience at the sports camp. " We made really good connections with the kids. It's very hard to leave. We can tell that, through God, we really reached them."
The team will begin its trip home tomorrow morning. Please pray for safe travels and also pray for God's continued work in and through the students.
In Christ,
Bekah
The students had another phenomenal day serving at the ministry sites. After they returned from the sites, they went to a train museum and then to Club (Youth Works evening service).
More than any other day, the students bonded as a family. Last night, the leadership team encouraged the students to continue to develop the friendships they established this week and inspire one another to live as missionaries when they return.
Here's what Jeff P had to say -- "The students are doing great. I couldn't be more impressed. Not only are they working hard, they are doing their devotionals, praying for people, and striving to build relationships. It is really good to see. Honestly, I am really impressed by everyone of them."
Today is the last day at the ministry sites. Please continue to pray for the team and the people they are serving. God has really worked in the lives of the students and those they've reached out -- how awesome to see!
In Christ,
Bekah
The students returned from their ministry sites about an hour ago. There are so many outstanding things that could be commented on, but one of the definite highlights is the bonding that is occuring between the students from the different churches. Today, more than any other, the students began developing friendships and really working together!
One of the students shared about a significant ministry opportunity she had today, and I thought I would pass it along. A group of students were serving at the shelter, and a woman walked in. She shared that she had just moved into a new house a little over a month ago. A week after she moved in, her husband had a heart attack, and then, last week, her 27 year old son died of a heart attack. The students prayed with her and were able to assist her with some of her physical needs (furniture, clothes, etc.).
There is no doubt that God is working in lives, and it is a privilege to be a part of what He is doing!
Thank you for faithfully supporting the team and praying for them. Please continue!
In Christ,
Bekah
Good Morning:
The teams are off and on their way to their ministry sites!
Jeff wanted to reiterate how very proud and impressed the leaders are by the students. They are working diligently, giving 150% consistently, and keeping their eyes on the goal. It has been an absolutely awesome week so far!
Jeff shared a great story this morning. He said that Ben G. is practically running the entire 4th and 5th grade sports camp and doing a phenomenal job. In fact, he is doing so well, that the kids are going to him for questions and directions (instead of one of the adult leaders). :)
Last night, the team attended CLUB (the service facilitated by Youth Works). Dave G. spoke and encouraged them to continue to serve as they have been.
It has already been a tremendous experience...and we're not done yet!
Please continue to pray for the team.
In Christ,
Bekah
The students just returned to the Youth Works site. They had a great day, and everyone on the team is continuing to have high spirits and give it their all!
Most of the teams went back to the same ministry sites at which they served yesterday. They are enjoying developing relationships with those they are serving and are even starting to memorize names and hear stories.
They are doing a fantastic job of serving sacrificially!
On a side note, they went on a coal mine tour this evening, and it sounds like they really enjoyed it!
Thank you for praying for the team so faithfully. God is definitely using them in amazing ways!
In Christ,
Bekah
Ready for Today
The team members are doing extremely well. As I type, they are in the process of getting ready to head to their ministry sites. Everyone is continuing to give 150%, and it is evident that God is working through them and in them!
More About Last Night
After the students returned from their ministry sites (around 6PM), they went to Pinnacle Rock State Park, where they were able to view the Appalachian Mountains.
They then returned to the Youth Works building, attended CLUB (the service run by Youth Works), and broke into small groups (consisting of Chapel students from various ministry teams). The small group time was very powerful. Many of the team members shared that they were broken by the poverty they witnessed, and, that having served there, they realize how much they really do have. They closed their groups by praying for one another and for the people of Bluefield.
We will update again this evening. Thank you for continuing to pray for the team!
In Christ,
Bekah
The team had an awesome day!
Over the course of the day, each ministry team served in two of the four ways: at a nursing home, at a sports camp, at the shelter, or neighborhood cleanup.
About The Sports Camp -- This is the last week this summer that Youth Works is running the sports camp, so the kids who have been involved in it are really enjoying their time with the team. Our students have already started connecting with the kids and are really excited about building relationships with them!
About the Nursing Home -- The residents were thrilled to meet the students! When the students entered, a number of them welcomed the students and a few asked, "Are you here to talk to us about Jesus?" It seems they were expecting them and very, very happy to have them there!
About the Shelter -- The shelter is run by Christians throughout the community. As they freely donate food and clothing, the shelter, in turn, donates items to those in need. Tyler R. is one of the students who served at the shelter and shared that it was amazing to see just how much a group of Christians, focused on a common goal, can accomplish!
The trip is off to a great start, and the team is geared up and excited for tomorrow!
Please continue to pray for all of the members of the team. They are doing well, as God is granting them strength and success in sharing His love with others!
Bekah
