This years middle school missions trip has been incredible. The students have worked hard and shown much love to the people of Corvallis Church and the City of Corvallis. As our last act of service we helped Corvallis Church put on their second preview service. This involved outdoor setup of a stage, tables, chairs, and sound system. It was more work then it sounds as much of the equipment was recently acquired and need a fair amount of repair and prep to get put together. The group also spent time over the last few days going door to door with flyers inviting neighbors to come out for the picnic dinner and worship service. During the service it was exciting to have Shorelines Ryan McKalson lead worship through song. This was Ryan’s first time doing something of this nature and, even though he had to shake of some nerves, he did an amazing job and impressed all around. After the worship service we helped pack up and load the trailer.
It had been a long week of work so that night we went down town to a gelato shop for a relaxing treat. If you want to hear a crazy story make sure to ask one of the leaders or students about the gelato dance party. This is something no one will forget soon, including those working.
Were on the road heading to redding tonight for a time of reflection before we finish our drive home tomorrow.
Thank you all so much for your prayers!
This years middle school missions trip has been incredible. The students have worked hard and shown much love to the people of Corvallis Church and the City of Corvallis. As our last act of service we helped Corvallis Church put on their second preview service. This involved outdoor setup of a stage, tables, chairs, and sound system. It was more work then it sounds as much of the equipment was recently acquired and need a fair amount of repair and prep to get put together. The group also spent time over the last few days going door to door with flyers inviting neighbors to come out for the picnic dinner and worship service. During the service it was exciting to have Shorelines Ryan McKalson lead worship through song. This was Ryan’s first time doing something of this nature and, even though he had to shake of some nerves, he did an amazing job and impressed all around. After the worship service we helped pack up and load the trailer.
It had been a long week of work so that night we went down town to a gelato shop for a relaxing treat. If you want to hear a crazy story make sure to ask one of the leaders or students about the gelato dance party. This is something no one will forget soon, including those working.
Were on the road heading to redding tonight for a time of reflection before we finish our drive home tomorrow.
Thank you all so much for your prayers!
We have been working hard here on the middle school missions trip and it’s paying off well. We split the team for several hours as we served to other local churches connect to Corvallis Church then joined back together to server Dallas Church, Corvallis Church’s mother church.
As we split one group went to help Suburban Church with several projects around their campus. Suburban has provided Corvallis Church with office space and other aid and it was wonderful to bless those who are blessing others.
The second group went to help another new church plant here in Corvallis. They are only in the planning stages and are yet to come up with a name but they have been given an old church building. As we arrived it was easy to see that the grounds had been really let go of by the church that had once used the facilities. Weeds that stood over five feet high surrounded the building and filled the parking lot planters. The Pastor explain a long “dream list” of their goals for the grounds being cleaned by the end of the year. So far the work was being done by he and his wife and a handful of other helpers. They were shocked to come back 7 hours later to find their year end plans complete. I was thrilled with how hard the team worked and amazed by all we accomplished in one day. (see pics below)
As I mentioned we were also able to help Dallas Church with a project. Quite honestly their request is by far the strangest I have ever had on a trip of this nature and I have seen and heard a lot. I was very tired from a long day of work in the sun as Mike Miller, one of the Pastors at Corvallis Church, was explaining this new opportunity to serve. He was talking along about how helpful it would be and about handing out flyers and connecting to the community. All of these things seemed normal and I has just half awake agreeing my way through the conversation when the word “Parade” sparked my brain. When I asked,”Did you say parade?”, he looked at me and said, “oh are you not interested?”. To this I quickly explained that I was more the just interested, I was very excited. So with that yesterday morning our group marched in the Dallas Or annual city parade. As the Dallas Church float passed by our students handed out candy and flyers inviting all along the parade route to join Dallas Church for service today. The joy on the faces of our students was huge as they waved to the crowds lining the mile and a half parade route. Throwing candy to children and cooling people of with blasts from water guns, riding in old time trucks and waving to the crowds. I know that this memory will last a life time for the students. Our energy added much excitement to the Dallas float and they were grateful for our service.
It’s quickly beginning to feel like this won’t be our last trip to serve the people of Corvallis.
We have been working hard here on the middle school missions trip and it’s paying off well. We split the team for several hours as we served to other local churches connect to Corvallis Church then joined back together to server Dallas Church, Corvallis Church’s mother church.
As we split one group went to help Suburban Church with several projects around their campus. Suburban has provided Corvallis Church with office space and other aid and it was wonderful to bless those who are blessing others.
The second group went to help another new church plant here in Corvallis. They are only in the planning stages and are yet to come up with a name but they have been given an old church building. As we arrived it was easy to see that the grounds had been really let go of by the church that had once used the facilities. Weeds that stood over five feet high surrounded the building and filled the parking lot planters. The Pastor explain a long “dream list” of their goals for the grounds being cleaned by the end of the year. So far the work was being done by he and his wife and a handful of other helpers. They were shocked to come back 7 hours later to find their year end plans complete. I was thrilled with how hard the team worked and amazed by all we accomplished in one day. (see pics below)
As I mentioned we were also able to help Dallas Church with a project. Quite honestly their request is by far the strangest I have ever had on a trip of this nature and I have seen and heard a lot. I was very tired from a long day of work in the sun as Mike Miller, one of the Pastors at Corvallis Church, was explaining this new opportunity to serve. He was talking along about how helpful it would be and about handing out flyers and connecting to the community. All of these things seemed normal and I has just half awake agreeing my way through the conversation when the word “Parade” sparked my brain. When I asked,”Did you say parade?”, he looked at me and said, “oh are you not interested?”. To this I quickly explained that I was more the just interested, I was very excited. So with that yesterday morning our group marched in the Dallas Or annual city parade. As the Dallas Church float passed by our students handed out candy and flyers inviting all along the parade route to join Dallas Church for service today. The joy on the faces of our students was huge as they waved to the crowds lining the mile and a half parade route. Throwing candy to children and cooling people of with blasts from water guns, riding in old time trucks and waving to the crowds. I know that this memory will last a life time for the students. Our energy added much excitement to the Dallas float and they were grateful for our service.
It’s quickly beginning to feel like this won’t be our last trip to serve the people of Corvallis.
Tonight we are serving with Bridge Town ministries in Portland but for the afternoon have had a little fun checking out the city. Many of the kids have never road on a light rail system before and loved the trip to down town. Groups spent time at several shopping centers and art exhibits around Pioneer Square. Soon we will be heading for an evening of work but for now were enjoying games in the square. The amount of spectators our games drew was incredible. At one point we even had large groups cheering for students. The square is the back drop for the local news and the camera guys even came down and filmed awhile. It’s always fun to see what God surprises us with on our missions trip. Speaking of surprises we have been asked by a local church to be part of there group in a parade this Saturday. Enjoy the pics below.
Emily Belanger said the riding light rail is “So much fun!”.
Tonight we are serving with Bridge Town ministries in Portland but for the afternoon have had a little fun checking out the city. Many of the kids have never road on a light rail system before and loved the trip to down town. Groups spent time at several shopping centers and art exhibits around Pioneer Square. Soon we will be heading for an evening of work but for now were enjoying games in the square. The amount of spectators our games drew was incredible. At one point we even had large groups cheering for students. The square is the back drop for the local news and the camera guys even came down and filmed awhile. It’s always fun to see what God surprises us with on our missions trip. Speaking of surprises we have been asked by a local church to be part of there group in a parade this Saturday. Enjoy the pics below.
Emily Belanger said the riding light rail is “So much fun!”.
Day two and the work has begun. Today we got up early and after our bible study we got right to work at Habitat for Humanity. Corvallis Church is looking to establish a working relationship with Habitat for Humanity and we spent time beginning this relationship today. We ripped out the remains of an old community garden, painted signs for and upcoming fundraiser 10k, and post promotion posters in business. The Habitat for Humanity volunteer coordinator was impressed with the speed and quality of our work as we finished well before expect and quickly moved onto future projects at their home center. As we move forward in our week please pray that we continue to work hard and take joy in all we do.
Day two and the work has begun. Today we got up early and after our bible study we got right to work at Habitat for Humanity. Corvallis Church is looking to establish a working relationship with Habitat for Humanity and we spent time beginning this relationship today. We ripped out the remains of an old community garden, painted signs for and upcoming fundraiser 10k, and post promotion posters in business. The Habitat for Humanity volunteer coordinator was impressed with the speed and quality of our work as we finished well before expect and quickly moved onto future projects at their home center. As we move forward in our week please pray that we continue to work hard and take joy in all we do.
Well we are on the road heading to Corvallis OR. At two hours into our 13 hour drive the vehicle I’m riding in has spent most of the time singing and laughing. Please pray that we will have a safe drive today as we cover about 700 miles. Also pray that the students can enjoy this time together and that for many of our new students this can be a time of connection and friendship building.
Check back a few times a day now through Aug 2nd for more updates on the 2011 Middle School Missions Trip.
Well we are on the road heading to Corvallis OR. At two hours into our 13 hour drive the vehicle I’m riding in has spent most of the time singing and laughing. Please pray that we will have a safe drive today as we cover about 700 miles. Also pray that the students can enjoy this time together and that for many of our new students this can be a time of connection and friendship building.
Check back a few times a day now through Aug 2nd for more updates on the 2011 Middle School Missions Trip.
