God has again showed his amazing mercy and love through these churches, students and leaders during their missions trip to Baltimore, MD. They worked at some great organization like My Brother's Keeper, Samaritan Women, Rockglen Nursing Home and Stillmeadow Church itself and created an atmosphere of genuine people who love Christ and love community members by doing whatever they could to make them smile (even if it was just a little smile). The praise reports that came back from these organizations made me feel that not only did they get a chance to serve but they got the opportunity to learn as well. Throughout the week, we even had family groups go prayer walking and go fellowship with the local recreation centers and that even showed God's unfailing love. Conversations brought life to people, prayer & singing allowed people to get out of their comfort zone and the relationships that were built was truly inspirational to see. One of our BUMP students made a connection with a teen named Marques at one of the recreation centers just by playing basketball and having fun with him. Marques came to Stillmeadow early the next day so he can help serve with the BUMP teams at the organizations they were going to that day. And to top that off he was at vacation bible school every night ready to receive whatever it was the Lord was teaching him. How amazing and God-led is that!
Even though the team experienced a number of great things they also experienced some challenges from the community that shocked and disappointed the BUMPers. But, with prayer, deep conversations with fellow students and leaders and times of affirmations they overcame the challenges and glorified God by not giving up. I praise you all who went through those challenges and know it was very inspirational to me witnessing that.
The week of vacation bible school was also great. We started off the beginning with big numbers of people attending and throughout the week the numbers declined but the BUMPers never got discouraged in my book. If anything they saw this as an even greater opportunity to connect with people on a more intimate level. Through the skits, lessons, games, crafts, music, dancing, RAP BATTLES (which became the highlight of the nights for everyone), etc. God really showed the community that they are loved by people they do not even know coming to serve, teach and hangout with them.
BUMP week two was awesome to say the least. This group not only combined three churches into one but we had students in this group that came from junior high all the way up to college. But with the blend and familihood and maturity they all exemplified no one would have even questioned their strong ties to one another.
BUMP this summer has truly opened my eyes to growth in myself that I have learned from the students, leaders and in April herself and her wonderful team back in MN. God truly knew this would help me for my upcoming years in the things he has me doing. Grateful, grateful, grateful and thankful is what I want to express to the BUMP program.
To the BUMP Baltimore teams (Church at Charlotte, Salem, Montgomery, Christ Community EFC) continue to service communities around the world and show the love of God. The outcome of your service truly changes the lives of people (not only have I experienced it myself with your service to me but I have witnessed the change in others)
Love You All
Syerra Meadows
BUMP
No comments:
Post a Comment