That they are there to meet a felt need but to bring people to Jesus. It’s relation over task and yet they accomplish so much because God is on the move there! He has annointed this place, the volunteers, and this beautiful family. Doing construction was such a challenge for me skill wise but also with the struggle to find time with the Lord in the middle of all the to’dos and lists. I kept praying.. “God, we need worship time.” The equipment wouldn’t work , the ads would mess up the flow, the kids started talking to each other in the midst, or distarction distraction distraction… On the last night there, one of the base volunteers reminded me of what was so important. God was speaking through him as he said, “Trish, we can worship in many ways and anywhere.” Then, he said “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”- 2 Corinthians 3:17 His reminder helped to release my worry and surrender my plans for God’s plans and once I did what beautiful events unfolded that evening. God is so good.
The group that we led was from Heart of God Fellowship in Missouri. They helped do dry wall, paint, tile, trim, and work at the local food pantry. All of this was wonderful but what sticks in my heart was that last night. I saw one group playing Soularium(A spiritual card game) and diving deep about their struggles and their faith. At another area, the kids and the adults were painting together, smiling and laughing. At a table to the right everyone was writing scripture or encouraging words for one another on a paper with the names of members in their groups. It was FREEDOM! I watched as I saw that God had been working all along. As Sarah said, He is trustworthy. I saw tasks, mounds of people-pleasing I longed to do, and plans but God saw peace and opportunity. Flex was a sweet man that showed many of the kids how to work on the homes. He was like a father figure and so patient. They bonded and prayed over the homes. God was in it! While I was worried about my personal hills and valleys and feeling alone, Dan prayed for me without knowing a thing. He was following the Holy Spirit and speaking life into me when I needed it. Also, using the word “delegate” a lot. (I’m still working on that, Dan) lol. I am a people pleasing gal. The community missionary touched my heart too. Monica, was a recently transplanted local that lost her home and everything. Did she run to safety or comfort? No. She saw a hurting community and decided to dive deep in to help them and continues to do so serving in a way that shows her heart for Jesus! Each of these individuals taught me so much on this trip about God and how to share who He is in a multitude of ways. My lovely co leader, Adrianna really taught me so much. She was co leading but all of her grace, planning, kindness, and patience showed me how I want to be in the mission field. Love you Adrianna.The group of kids were incredible and challenging (I love you kiddos) We took the advice that we should have a youth night while the adults had their own fellowship and wow. It started off rocky and then the floodgates opened. Some kids shared about where they were spirutally and really trusted us with their hearts and thoughts. It humbled me to see they are still so early in their journey and to know the struggles they face. That night we did something so powerful. I read 1 Peter 5:7 ” Cast all your anxieties on Him because he cares for us.” We prayed about what we needed to lay at Jesus’ feet and we burned it in a bucket. Each youth brought up their paper to burn and gave it to God. As Chris Horvath said, “Surrender”, and surrender is what we did, even us adults.
What a powerful time and time of growth and learning. I never liked florida before this trip nor did I feel comfortable with disaster relief but through this God did a lot in my heart. Now, it looks like I will be seeing you again Harlem Heights.. June 17-31. Can’t wait to see what God does in and through all who come to serve Him.
