Greetings on this late Saturday night/early Sunday morning from the Denver, CO area.  Our team met at N-side about 2pm on Saturday to pack and leave.  Before leaving town, we were blessed to have Bro. Kevin come and pray with us to get us on our way.  We had little trouble actually getting to Indianapolis to catch our flight.
We had several with our group that this was their first time to fly.  So, a variety of emotions went through their mindset.  Making it through security was not a problem, but once we got on the plane, for some it was a little different.  The flight was good and quick, although a good bit of turbulence.  But overall we made it safely (about 20 min. early) and connected with Kevin and his daughter Olivia.
We got our vehicles rented, and made it safely to our hotel.  The team as a whole was pretty tired. 
Been pretty neat to talk to some hearing of why they came on this trip.  One shared of how they wanted to learn to share Jesus in different ways that would be considered non-traditional.  One shared how more than anything they just wanted to serve.  And another shared how they were anxious to see what God wanted to show them.  Overall, some great hearts that are open to what God may do this week. 
The pic below was from some of our group getting ready to get their plane tickets in Indianapolis.

 
Sunday's Schedule....8am - meet at Highway Church in Boulder to assist with set-up.  Highway is a church plant that meets in a local high school.  More on them in Sunday's entry.  We will assist with set-up, as well as needs during service time, and finally tear down.  The rest of the day should be open for naps, and some sight-seeing.
Thanks for your prayers!

Well, it is the afternoon of the last complete day here in Greenville, SC, and to be honest, we are tired. We just completed the last day of missions and have an evening service, overall large group game time, and then a final Bible Study and challenge on Sat. morning. So, although close to finished, still a lot to go.

Some may wonder what we do in our free-time. Well, as I type, Michael and Emily are playing Jenga with one of the Fuge staff folks. Those of you that are Jenga enthusiasts, the tower will more than likely fall before I am finished typing. The tower is leaning drastically, and they had moved 27 blocks. Ooops, game over. Back to the blog.

So, our church group time last night was amazing! During worship we were challenged with the question of "Is our Christian walk a hobby?" By that, we mean, do we just go through the motions and nothing more than that takes place. Anyway, following that challenging question in worship, we went to our church group time and spent time discussing this question as well as how God was at work throughout the day. One instance in particular, a student was sharing about a struggle going on within their mission group. Another student then began to share some scripture that they had studied that morning during their quiet time. The passage was clearly a word from God for that moment for that mission group. Hard to explain, but God's glory being seen.....WOW.

Well, will stop for now. Possibly get in one more blog entry this evening.

Well, as this writer gathers in the student center at North Greenville College, the weather outside is hot, and storms are off in a distance. Humidity to the max....or something like that.

The week has been challenging for several of our students. LIstening to them share about their mission experiences last night offered a variety of experiences. One group finished pulling tree stumps out of a yard for a transition house in the Greenville area. Next they were going to be painting. Another group was going to an apartment complex to do children's ministry. THey were expecting about 30 children, but in turn had about 50. At the same time, a different group went to a different complex, expecting the same numbers, and only 4 children showed up. Another group spent time at a retirement center sharing ice cream and personal life stories. With each student have seen moments of encouragement. Those come either by something they have grasped in the worship services, something they have grasp in their Bible Studies, or understanding what it means to have a desire to see people know Christ. Very cool.

In worship we were challenged with a simple question.... Is our calling more important than our comfort? We took a look at the story of Saul and how Ananias was told by God to share with Saul. A true uncomfortable moment for sure, yet fortunately, he was obedient to God.

Will have stop there for now, as the computer battery is running low and storms seem to be drawing nearer. Thanks again for your prayers.

Well, good Wed. afternoon to you. It has been a somewhat beautiful day here in SC, yet hot. Although, as I write now, there is a nice shower going on outside. So, on to the updates.
Last night during our worship time, we were challenged. One, we sang songs and heard from God's word on "Love". Really took a look at our own lives and were challenged with the thought of "as we have accepted Christ, have we been so transformed that we are constantly seeking and desiring a precious touch from God.
Following our worship time, we had church group devo time (which was partly spent celebrating Michael's bday), and talking more of the worship time as well as our daily mission tracks. Something that was obvious in listening to the students share was that each had made personal connectiosn with various children, sr. adults, and other team members while on their mission tracks. Various ones had the opportunity to directly speak with folks on the mission field, or watch and be challenged as others on their time unashamedly began conversations with folks about their spiritual walks.
In the evening, FUGE had the "County Fair". Basically we were encouraged to come dressed up in various county fair attire, while enjoying a variety of games. For kicks, we gave each of our group some "Billy Bob" teeth to wear.
Haven't had the chance to hear from students as of yet on their mission tracks today, but do know a few of them (Dawn specifically, have gotten sunburned).
Thanks for your prayers.

One full day completed

Well, it is Tuesday afternoon and we have just returned from doing a day's worth of mission work around the Greenville/Spartnburg area. But let me get you caught up to speed on what all has happened.

We actually got on the interstate out of Etown by 6am. We arrived safely in Greenville around 2:30pm for our week of missions. Upon arrival, we got registered, in our rooms, and had dinner. Students had an opportunity to sign up for what mission track the wanted to participate with this week. We then had a brief worship/kick-off time before going and meeting with our Bible Study groups for the first time. The first meeting is always an awkward time, cause students see what group and mission track they are connected with. To think that they will be doing missions side by side with these total strangers throughout the week, can be a bit overwhelming. But, our students did great for the most part in adapting and accepting.

We got to bed about 11:30. I was really proud of our group. Literally when lights out hit, they were out close. Not just lights out, but actually trying to sleep. Some stayed up a little, but at least were quiet. That is great compared to some groups that are here. So, we then moved into the mission work.

We have students that are doing some yardwork at a nearby transition house. We have some students that are going to a nearby apartment complex to do games, Bible stories, and the like. We have some students that are making the rounds visiting nearby nursing homes and retirement centers.

Here are some thoughts from some of the students from their mission work...

"It's more encouraging this time to see how some of the kids are really there to learn about God as opposed to just have fun. One of our mission group members got to talk to a kid at length about some things they were going through."

"I got to ride in a wheelbarrow today while doing yardwork."

"Jonah 2:8"

Personally, there were a few things that I got to see. One of our students was doing door-to-door survey work. One house they went to happened to be a church member of the church the survey was for. Our student got asked (along with his partner) to visit on the front porch with the lady for awhile and just talk. Was really cool to see.

Another one of group members happened to be at a retirement center visiting. She is not one to flaunt that she can play piano, and truthfully few know. One lady at the center was asking if any in the group played piano and could play a few songs. Turns out, the one from our group was the only one that could play. After a little encouragement, she got on the piano and played away. And was more willing to do so as she kept playing and people joined in song.

This is the first day and should be the first of several exciting days to come. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!

Today, our adventure begins

Well, the day is finally here. It's 4:30am and our team pulls out for Greenville, SC in just an hour for an exciting week of missions and ministry. Can guess that the week will bring joys, frustrations, challenges, accomplishments, decisions, humility, servanthood, and so much more. And funny thing is, that will all probably take place before we even arrive at North Greenville College for our M-Fuge week to begin. haha.
As I personally look at the name of each person going, just get excited thinking of what all could very well happen within their life this week. Someone might become a leader this week. Someone might have the opportunity to lead a child to Christ. Someone might have the chance to sit with an elderly person to offer hope in the midst of what seems to be a hopeless world. Someone might have the experience this week of just sitting and listening to God. Would guess that all of us at some point will be following the example of Isaiah (chapter 6) simply crying out to God "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty".
Those of you that are joining with us on our journey through prayer this week, thank you. Wanted to let you know who to be praying for. Our team is: Philip, Dale, Will, Michael, Grady, Tree, Dawn, Emily, Jessica, Courtney, Macie, Silence, Lindsey, Amber, and Rebekah. We greatly appreciate your prayers!
Well, time to hit the road!

Well, it is the Friday morning before M-fuge and we are getting last minute items together.

We have a group of 15 of us from Northside that will be headed to Greenville, SC to serve with M-Fuge (a mission camp based through Lifeway). Students from all across the southeast will come in to serve throughout the greater Greenville/Spartanburg area (the pic to the side is of downtown Greenville that someone posted on facebook recently).

We will do our best to update this blog during the week, to keep you posted with what is going on during our journey. Thanks in advance for your prayers!

Those of you going, be sure to get your notorized release form turned in (it's a must). GO ahead and start packing as well, but leave the kitchen sink at home....please! We will leave at 5:30am, as we have a nice LONG drive ahead of us.