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!!!!