Lessons from the Mountains: I thought I would share a few experiences from our mission trip to Montana. In everything we did, we lived out our faith...here are a few.
> : I’m 15 feet off the ground, with my feet in what Jeremy says is a great foot hold (yeah right!) and my hands are barely holding on to the rock wall in front of me. I have a harness around my legs and waist with a rope holding me in place. If I let go of the rock, won’t I plummet to the ground at breaking speeds? I must now fully place my trust in Jeremy, who is belaying, and Matt who has the end of my rope. The Point: God wants us to fully trust in Him, even when our own human minds tell us not to. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
> : “Oh my gosh, I’m exhausted, I’m taking a 10 second break!” This came from my mouth many times as we neared the end of our hike to McGuire Lookout at the tippy-top of a mountain. A few times I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to make it to the top, and I know others around me were feel-ing the same. It was then that the encouraging words came, “We’re almost there”, “Just think how fast it’s going to go on the way down”, “You can do it”. The only way I made it to the top was from the encour-agement from others. The Point: We are never alone as we go through the struggles of life. God prom-ises to be with us every step of the way and offers encouragement, rest, and sometimes even a push. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:2
> : We spent three days with 45 children at Vacation Bible School. Even be-fore we began the Bible lessons and activities, the kids were clinging onto our youth. Why? Because the youth were interested in them, wanted to be with them and genuinely cared for the kids. Watching this made me think of the quote from St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words”. The Point: Many times, sharing the love of Jesus with others can happen without even opening our mouth. As our youth did, and as Jesus did during His ministry, showing compassion and love to others is very powerful!
In Christ,
Emily <><
Emily’s Expressway to the Word!
Thank you for your support of the youth and adults that went to Montana this summer! Your generosity in fi-nancial support and constant prayers will not be quickly forgotten. We had a wonderful trip as we lived out our faith in everything we did! I encourage you to ask ques-tions of the people that went to hear their own story of the trip.
IS THIS YOU?? The Board of Education is seeking Sunday School teachers for the fall in various age groups. The commitment level would be for one year, however, it can be done as team-teaching with someone else. If you are interested, please talk with Emily, Eileen Kangas, or anyone on the Board.