NC Update - Day 1

Our first day of the work project went very well as we began the process of digging 3 separate septic systems. The hard, clay-like dirt of the North Carolina mountains made for a slow process, but by the end of the day we had almost completely finished three trenches, each 18 inches deep and around 3 feet across. But there's still plenty to do over the next few days! Several more trenches need to be dug, lines need to be laid, and holes must be refilled. We are currently enjoying a little post-dinner rest/shower time before we have our evening activities: worship, a brief message about incarnational ministry, and small groups.
Please pray for safety and perseverance as we continue our work project tomorrow. We were not able to meet the people whose homes we are working on today, but we are hopeful to build relationships with them as the week continues. The team is working well together and spirits are good. Check back tomorrow after dinner-time for another NC team update!

DC Team Update #1

The DC team just returned from our prayer tour of Washington DC.  We witnessed first hand the contrasts and contradictions that exist in the city.  One minute we were praying for some of the most powerful people on planet earth and the next we were praying for a nameless homeless person tucked away in a shelter.  The disparity between the powerful and the powerless is massive here.

All Chapel Student Ministry mission teams follow a process on their respective trips called, "expose, engage, impact."  What this means is that we spend a great deal of time learning about and getting exposed to our ministry setting, before we attempt to impact those we came to serve.  Tonight was the perfect beginning to our trip.  We were exposed to all that is Washington DC.  We learned its history, viewed its monuments, prayed for its leaders and learned about its struggle with poverty.  This time will prove invaluable when we begin to engage in the lives of those living in DC tomorrow and as we ultimately hope to have an impact on this city to God's glory.

More to come Monday night...

NC Team - Safe Arrival

After many bathroom breaks and lots of re-fueling, the NC team has arrived safely in Weaverville, NC! We are all settled in and about to head to bed in preparation for a fun week of service. Our work project for most of the week will be to dig septic systems for three separate househoulds. Although the three families are pretty closely related, there seem to be some broken relationships between the homes. Please continue to pray for our team, that we would be able to share the light of Jesus through our service to these families, and that God would be working in us and through us this week.

DC Team Travel Update

The Washington DC mission team has arrived safely in our nations capital.  We just finished our orientation for the week and are heading out to dinner.  Each night we will be eating at different family owned ethnic restaurants in order to experience DC in its fullest cultural expression.  

Later tonight we will take a "prayer tour" of the city.  We will drive all around DC learning about the city and praying for the people we will be serving.  Please join us in prayer tonight for DC and for our team.

More to come...

Returning Home Update #2

Everything is currently on time for both travel groups.  However, please continue to check the hotline for the most up to date information because I may not always have internet access to update the blog.

The seniors and sophomore boys will arrive in DC around 10pm. They will arrive at the Chapel between 1 and 2am tonight.  Please call the hotline, 757-880-6429 for up to date information on their arrival in Williamsburg.

The juniors and sophomore girls will arrive in DC around 12:20am tonight.  We will arrive at the Chapel between 3 and 4am.  Please call the hotline, 757-570-0292, for up to date information on our arrival in Williamsburg.

We are all excited to see you and share will you about everything God accomplished in us and through us on our mission trip.

See you tonight!!!

Returning Home

The Seniors and Sophomore boys have boarded their flight bound for Houston.  The Juniors and Sophomore girls are at their gate and will begin boarding any minute for our flight to Miami.  Refer to the previous blog post regarding travel info for your child's travel information.  We will be updating the phone hotline as our estimated arrival time becomes clear.  Please call the hotline for your child's group for the most up to date information.

Our time at the debrief site was wonderful.  It was awesome to hear the students process their trip and watch the lessons they learned on the trip sink deeper and deeper into their hearts.  God always showed up on our trip at just the right time.  He was faithful to reveal Himself to throughout our entire experience.  In light of God's faithfulness, last night at our final Porch Time, we discussed how we did not find God in Nicaragua.  Rather, God found us through orphaned and abandoned children in Nicaragua.  What a trip!!!  To God be the glory great things He has done.

Trip Update # 6

Tuesday proved to be an incredibly powerful day on our trip. We returned to our sites from the day before to pray with those who minister full-time, year-round at the locations. The groups returned to the church in VeraCruz, the dump, and Nueva Vida, the refugee camp and stood along pastors in prayer for the lives that are reached in these places. We lifted up the children and the leadership, praying for strength, grace and for the fulfillment of God's promises.  The team had an incredible time experiencing partnership with these ministers and the power of God connecting his people across the globe.  It was such a great day - and a tremendous way to start wrapping up our time here.

After lunch we threw a Goodbye Party for the children at Casa Barnabe - complete with pinatas and lots of good times! We then loaded the buses and headed out to the Debrief! We are currently at the Debrief, safe and healthy and processing what has been an amazing trip. 

Please refer to former blog posts for the return travel information for your student. We leave the Debrief Site at 9am tomorrow morning and will begin updating the Hotline as arrival times approach. 

Thank you for your prayers and partnership in this trip! We can't wait to see everyone and share our experiences!