The team had another wonderful day here in Beckley, WV! Here are some of the exciting sites our teams had the privilege to serve at:
Group 1 (the "Zion Zingers") were at a new work site today where they got to serve a couple named Mary and Mike Williams, who are older and aren't able to keep up with some of the greater needs of their house. The group spent the day getting to know the couple while power washing their house, cleaning up their back yard, and filling in a large hole with gravel in their driveway. While the work was fulfilling and Group 1 has been handling the workload this week with incredible joy, the true highlight of the day was getting to talk and get to know Mike and Mary. They were so thankful and sincere for our presence there and our group was soaking up the stories and wisdom that they shared.
Group 2 (the "Appalachian Aces") was back at Energy Express reading, writing, playing and serving both the children and the faculty on site. It's clear the students at Beckley Elementary are connecting with the team, calling us their "new best friends" while exchanging secret handshakes. It has also been so fun to encourage them and their imaginations in creative writing exercises and prompted art paintings. After lunch we went to Mr. Charles' house to help paint a couple of his bedrooms. God has sustained an incredible enthusiasm in this group all week, with willing hands to serve and joyful hearts in their labor.
Group 3 (the "Rocky Rangers") got the opportunity to serve at Ms. Jean's house! She had the kindest heart and welcomed us into her home with open arms. During the morning, the group teamed up to complete various tasks: made beds, organized rooms, took out trash, dusted, and vacuumed. We also finished up the sanding of her back deck that Group 2 had been working on the past few days. Throughout the day, we were able to hear her story and see God at work in her life through the difficulties and pain. She truly modeled what trusting in His faithfulness looks like. After lunch, the team tackled staining the deck. With rain in the forecast for the following day, the girls wanted to finish no matter how long it would take. They joyfully worked 2 hours after our scheduled time to make sure it was finished. It was so encouraging to see their willingness to serve and sacrifice their shower and free time! We can't wait to return to her house tomorrow!
Group 4 ( the "Himalayan Homies") spent the day at Harper Mills nursing home interacting with the residents! The group walked up and down the halls stopping by bedrooms saying hi and listening to all of the wonderful stories the residents had to offer. After participating in the morning exercise the girls then spread out with some sitting in the dining room chatting it up, some helping residents get to and from their rooms, and some sitting in the hair salon as different people sat down to get a new hairstyle for the day. After lunch, everyone met back up in the dining room to watch the afternoon movie and then shortly after played in 4 exciting rounds of Bingo where the girls helped the residents win prizes!
Group 5 (the "Pyrenees Pals") were at the same camp they have been at all week. Today, they took around 80 kids to see Despicable Me 3. Following the movie, they headed back to the Heart of God church to serve lunch to the kids. The group is super excited to return tomorrow and continue building relationships with the kids there. It has been inspiring to watch the group grow both in their relationships with one another and with the Lord.
All of the groups met back at the 4H camp after their service projects for a few hours of free time and dinner. Great conversation occurred at the dinner table before it was time to depart for a worship night at the Heart of God church. An incredibly lively and moving service followed. The congregation was moving and clapping to the songs and encouraged the kids to pour their hearts into the worship. Afterwards, we came back to our housing site for porch time. We heard a talk from Tommy as we studied the parable of the sower from Mathhew 13 about the kind of "soil" we have in our hearts so Jesus can plant the best seed. Closing the day with good small group time and fellowship, our team is prepared for a packed and fun final day of service here in Beckley, West Virginia!
