Hello Everyone,
So far things are going pretty well. It’s amazing that
during the meetings leading up to the trip, no one from both churches would
socialize with each other. For the most part, we only talked within our own
groups. Now, most of us have become very close. I have met some great kids that
I think we can have a great relationship with in our walk with God.
Now about the trip. Today, we went to two different church
services of the two organizations we are working with. The services were very
different from what I’m used to at our church. At We Will Go, it was amazing to
see all the people that they welcome with open arms. Most people are in serious
poverty and have a sad and rough background. The couple that run the
organization, David and Amy Lancaster, are the nicest couple. They have heard
God’s calling and they look at the best in people. Today, Amy welcomed everyone
that walked in with open arms, greeting all the children that came in with hugs
or some greeting. When we were at dinner, I got the chance to meet this man.
After he graduated from high school, he went on to join the Air Force. After his
service, he went through the struggle of two divorces. Through this difficult
time, he still kept his faith with God. In fact, he started teaching us about
God’s amazing and miraculous power. That was something that I wasn’t expecting.
VBS starts tomorrow, please pray for all to go well and give
us the strength to strive through despite the heat or whatever challenges we
face. I’m excited for what the week will be like, I can’t wait to share more
about my experiences when I get back.
Sincerely,
Max Mogavero
Today our group spent the day worshiping God. We visited two different churches, neither of which were a
style we were used to at home. At the church from “We Will Go”, we sat under a
gazebo and sang for a long while. It was such a different experience than what
we were all used to at home. In our churches in the north, we tend to keep to
our selves, but here in Mississippi the people raise their hand while singing,
the singers in the band break out into different parts and people talk out loud
while the pastor is delivering the sermon in agreement. The occurrence that
stuck out to me the most was when we were at the Common Ground church. Towards
the end of the service the pastor had us all get out of our seats, form a group
with people we didn't know and pray together. This stood out to me because it
reminded me that as Christians we are a community, and it’s amazing to be able
to gather together under one roof, not knowing each other and all worship the
same God and not be afraid to talk to one another. When we had dinner later in
the evening with members of the community, we dined with prostitutes, thieves,
missionaries, and believers. We all were together, talking and being open about
who we are and what are story was. But the most important thing about all of
that was that nobody judged, but we prayed for each other. I feel as though
often times in our world people forget that they need to support one another.
As Christians we need to remember to do this too, whether it’s saying “hi” to a
neighbor or its letting a person with a colorful life into our church doors,
loving and accepting them as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
-Alexis Smith
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