Group 2 went back to our main work site where they continued to paint primer on the entire exterior of the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Group 2 continued the work begun on the previous day and started to prime the second half of the building that we had not been touched yet. Watching 12-14 year old kids work for six hours painting a church building is one of the most inspiring sights. God was clearly present in them as they diligently worked to complete as much of the building as they could. Praise God for using one of the most unexpected age groups to prime a church building. In addition to the painting, Group 2 was once again impressed by the kindness and servant-attitude of the lead pastor. During lunch, Pastor Burgess came out and actually helped the team make its sandwiches for lunch. Then he proceeded to once again surprise the group with ice cream sandwiches. Praise God for men like Pastor Burgess that are eager to share God's love and be a part of God's work in the world no matter what age or size it comes in.
After the day of work, both Groups headed back to the housing site to clean up and get ready for dinner. Everyone enjoyed a little free time filled with volleyball, soccer, basketball, conversations, and devotionals after dinner before Porch Time. Following free time, the entire team gathered together for Porch Time to share stories from the day, sing worship songs to God, and listen to a talk. Watching kids break out of their comfort zone to sing worship songs and join together praising God was another powerful memory from the day. Then, Philippe Warren, who is a rising Senior at the University of Virginia and one of the leaders on the trip gave a message about one of the biggest lessons he has learned over the past four trips that he has come on to North Carolina. He used Matthew 25 to help the team understand where to look for Jesus while on this trip. He highlighted two main places where Jesus shows up: in the "least of these" and in us as we are Jesus to others. The "least of these" are people that are desperately in need of help: financially, physically, or spiritually. Matthew 25 shares a beautiful truth that as our team serves the "least of these" they are actually serving Jesus himself. However, Jesus is not only in the "least of these" but he is also present in the team as they let God's Spirit guide them each day. Immediately following Porch Time everyone split up into their small groups where they continued to discuss the lessons taught to them through Philippe. Finishing the night with small groups once again gave great moments of praise to God as kids shared personal stories from the day and challenges they have face in trying to follow the lessons in Matthew 25.
It truly has been a day filled with praiseworthy moments that the team can't wait to continue experiencing the rest of the week. A final reminder that you all have an opportunity to gather for prayer and praises on Wednesday night starting at 7pm in the SM Worship Room at the Chapel. Jeff and Kelly Clark will be leading the time for anyone that wants to join to lift up both the Philly and North Carolina teams to God.
