August 2005
Greetings,

Memories of our youth group’s mission trip to Savannah, GA are still very fresh in my mind.

At every turn God was revealing Himself as the AWESOME GOD whom we know as Father.

It began with the tremendous prayerful and financial support we received from ‘y’all’ starting back in September.

Through rain, which was torrential at times, and sunshine God provided us with safe travel.

Unlike Joseph and Mary who found no room for them in the inn, we found the doors and hearts wide open at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Hopewell, VA. We received rest, sustenance and love refreshing our bodies and souls.

God blended three groups of youths and adults from NJ, Virginia and Alabama into a caring, supporting and serving community.

Like Jesus who journeyed to some unexpected places and came face to face with many unlikely people we too found ourselves in unexpected places and coming face to face with many unlikely people.

Our awesome adventure was done in the spirit of

John 12:26
“All those who want to be my disciples must come and follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And if they follow me, the Father will honor them.”

We journeyed with Jesus, stepping out of our comfort zones, by loving the elderly and disabled, painting homes, partnering with Union Mission, 2nd Harvest and Salvation Army. By working, playing, eating, laughing, crying and worshipping together we grew closer to God.

Remembering how God journeyed to this earth to be with us through Jesus Christ. Remembering how Jesus journeyed to the poor, to the cross for us, we journeyed into the community each day to bring the love of God to those we served.

The 90 degree heat and 90% humidity did not stop us from “shouldering our cross daily and following Jesus.”

Our adventure ended with a foot washing worship service. When Jesus tells us to “wash one another’s feet” He is telling us to love other people the way He loves them. This powerful worship service reminded us that we washed feet this week.

I am certain that our Savannah adventure strengthened our faith and increased our desire to follow Jesus in our life.

In Christ’s Service