I'm still working on catching up. So, I'm skipping to Wednesday.
Last night we worked on our service for Sunday. I met with the youth to figure out who is talking about what and to get their thoughts down on paper.
Sometimes, during the whirlwind of an event, the actual impact of it all gets lost. Leading a group of teens, being in charge of it all, I sometimes don't get a chance to focus on the present. That's what I miss about having a very small group. I am not saying I want to go back- the more youth I can help build their relationship with God the better. But, there is something to be said for having a small group and more time to connect. Anyway, it seems that now I find out the impact later more so than at the time of the event. It happened during the famine and it happened Wednesday.
We divided the famine and mission trip into different events or days. Each youth picked something to talk about. Then, they started writing. Once they started writing, they seemed to be intently writing. There was no writer's block- they just wrote. The first one to finish announced he was done and I had him read it. He gave the specifics very well. But, then I asked him why it was important and how it had impacted him. And, that's when he spoke from his heart- the words I wanted them all to share. I quickly wrote it down so he'll be able to share it Sunday. It's not always easy for teens to share from their heart- adults are the same, I guess. But, when asked, these youth are able to. And, that's when I hear where God has worked in their lives. Putting aside all of the silliness, the times it was a struggle to get them to pick up after themselves, the arguments between friends and siblings together for long periods of time, they truly understood why they where there. They truly learned from the people they encountered last week. And, they truly do want to share God's love with those they encounter. I call that a successful mission trip!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Last night we worked on our service for Sunday. I met with the youth to figure out who is talking about what and to get their thoughts down on paper.
Sometimes, during the whirlwind of an event, the actual impact of it all gets lost. Leading a group of teens, being in charge of it all, I sometimes don't get a chance to focus on the present. That's what I miss about having a very small group. I am not saying I want to go back- the more youth I can help build their relationship with God the better. But, there is something to be said for having a small group and more time to connect. Anyway, it seems that now I find out the impact later more so than at the time of the event. It happened during the famine and it happened Wednesday.
We divided the famine and mission trip into different events or days. Each youth picked something to talk about. Then, they started writing. Once they started writing, they seemed to be intently writing. There was no writer's block- they just wrote. The first one to finish announced he was done and I had him read it. He gave the specifics very well. But, then I asked him why it was important and how it had impacted him. And, that's when he spoke from his heart- the words I wanted them all to share. I quickly wrote it down so he'll be able to share it Sunday. It's not always easy for teens to share from their heart- adults are the same, I guess. But, when asked, these youth are able to. And, that's when I hear where God has worked in their lives. Putting aside all of the silliness, the times it was a struggle to get them to pick up after themselves, the arguments between friends and siblings together for long periods of time, they truly understood why they where there. They truly learned from the people they encountered last week. And, they truly do want to share God's love with those they encounter. I call that a successful mission trip!
Blessings,
Jennifer
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