Final Thoughts...after two weeks of being back!

Well, it's been about two weeks since we got back from our trip to Seattle. There have been a lot of things that have been racing through my mind about what our group learned and what we took away from the mission trip this year.

I think one of the biggest things that we learned this year was that there is a need for service across the country, but more importantly there is a need here locally. Many of the students left Seattle with a renewed passion to serve and help and share Christ by their actions. But they came back with a desire to not only do that on a week long mission trip but to do that in their own communities and neighborhoods.

I was blown away by the response of one of our students from this one week in Seattle. He was so impacted by what the guy at the homeless shelter said that he has brought this ministry back to New Albany. Tonight, actually, he and his small group are going to serve at the Dwelling Place in New Albany, IN. It's so awesome to see our students bringing the heart of serving back to their own hometown.

We did see a lot of our students grow in their spirituality as well on this trip. I think the daily devotional and the download time at the end of the night helped this a lot as well. We did get to share with a lot of people why we were there and what we were doing which led into some of them getting to share the Gospel! It was eye opening for them to see a different way to do ministry as well. Churches in the western part of the US do things a lot differently than we do here. I think it's awesome that they get to see that at their age and get to experience the fact that there isn't just one way to do ministry or one way to share the Gospel with people.

All in all this trip was an amazing time for our students to see and show Christ in their lives. I pray and ask you to join me in praying that God would continue to move through our high school students and continue to challenge them with what they are going to do with their lives! Thank you all for your prayer support while we were gone and before we left! I can't tell you enough about what that means for the overall trip. To have a solid foundation before we even leave is just unmatched by anything else in this world. God is truly good and blesses us beyond our worth!! Thanks!!

Much Love,

Jameson

Students' Thoughts

On the way home, we asked the students and the leaders to give us their thoughts on the week they had just experienced. We asked about the change in their spiritual lives, physical lives, and mental lives. We hope you enjoy seeing what our students have learned and how they have grown!

Scott Beck: I gained a new appreciation for all that God has blessed me with. I've also grown into a better understanding of the fact that God works in mysterious ways.

Rachael Bailey: I've seen God work in wonderful ways. First, we went from working with Shanee when she didn't really seem to want us there to becoming good friends with her. And the second time we were at her house, she was telling us how she needed a car, and then Robyn called and said there was a car for her! And even though I was tired and sick feeling all week, I never got tired of going to help, which is a big deal for me. I normally only want to help when it was convenient for me, but I haven't felt like that this week.

Drake Jones: I found a new beginning in Seattle. I made new friends and got closer to some old ones, but the best part about this week is that we all learned more about ourselves - like that God has picked me up and carried me most of my life, and no matter where I go or what I do He loves me and is there with me, and because of Him I can climb any mountain in my way.

Andrew McGinnis: God showed me that I don't have to be something special or different to help people - that I'm me, and that's what I plan on staying. He showed me that I CAN overcome the troubles of the world.

Sarah Jecker: While we were in Seattle, God showed me that it doesn't matter how different people are or where they come from, they just need love and Jesus. I realized this while I was helping Shaney and when we were at the homeless shelter. In the end, it comes down to the fact that Jesus created us all to worship Him. It doesn't matter what your background is. :)

Anonymous: While on this trip, I realized that there really are hundreds of people living on the streets. It was so sad to see all the homeless people sitting on the sidewalks asking for food or money or even both. When we went to the homeless shelter and sang for everyone, I got very teary-eyed. It was so heart-breaking to see all of those people watching us and waiting to eat a meal. I thought it was moving when one of the homeless people would close their eyes and pray.

God also showed me on this trip that missionary work is serving God and others no matter how small the task is. At times on the trip, I would feel like the work I was doing wasn't enough to make a difference since it wasn't the same work we did in Baltimore. But after talking to a leader and doing my devotions, I realized that everything I did made a difference whether it was big or small.

Ryan Collins: God has shown me that no matter where I am or where I go, I can make a difference. I have also seen that no matter how big or small a project may be, it also makes a difference in peoples' lives. An example of this was while I watched Brittney's kids (Dominic, Micah, and Jaden) outside, I glanced inside and saw her sleeping. I then wondered how long it had been since she was able to sleep and not have to be awakened by the kids or have to worry about them getting in trouble while she slept. I saw this as a cool thing because I allowed her to sleep in peace while I was watching her kids.

Tyler Collins: On this trip, God has taught me that I need to be more helpful to people that are in need no matter what they need because I am a Christian and I am called to do so.

Anonymous: On this trip, God has taught me that I need to go outside my comfort zone and help people a lot more, even if it's just a random stranger, and evangelize more. I also learned that I have a lot more talent than I think I do.

Trey Condra: On this trip, God taught me to be grateful for what I have. These people have stuff, but not much. Also, I need to go outside my comfort zone and not only just to be a helping hand, but to socialize more.

Rachel Boesing: While in Seattle, I learned thankfulness. True thankfulness. I got to serve and hang out with a family with 4 kids, ages 3 weeks to 8 years old. I heard the 8-year-old say that his dad was in jail. This is their daily life, while I am pigging out at home with ice cream and facebooking, they are currently fatherless! I have learned that the need is close. Very close. And real.

Violet Herrmann: While in Seattle, one of the main things I learned is that we are very blessed. God has blessed us with so much that we don't even realize. I also realized that because we are so blessed, we can go half-way across the country to help other people and show them the true love they can have, Christ's love. Although this was my first mission trip, God has really opened my heart and mind to how much you can change someone's life just by helping them with little things. God has really put a passion in my heart for helping people. It's been an amazing experience.

Andrew Johannes: On this trip, I gained a lot of perspective about how much I really have. Seeing single moms with four kids and homeless people with nothing at all has really opened my eyes. I was also challenged to make a difference as we return home to Indiana.

Jessie Wise: While in Seattle, I was spiritually exhausted because I felt that no one would appreciate the work that we did on Tami's house. But I prayed about it, and God showed me that although someone may not show their gratitude, we were planting a seed in Tami's life. This trip helped me to be less selfish and to be thankful for what I have. At the homeless shelter, it really touched my heart that people who have little or no possessions can still be grateful to God for what they do have.

Tyler Lacure: I was humbled by God this week. For a few days, I was a little upset because I didn't feel like my work mattered. I was working behind-the-scenes, and (being an attention-seeker) I did not like this. I felt like my work was less important because I wasn't getting noticed. During download time, God broke me down, and showed me how selfish and arrogant I was being. I learned that all serving is important, and that God has a perfect purpose for putting us where He does.

Tee Kinchius: While talking with two homeless men, I observed a homeless woman being given a "new" pair of shoes. She tried them on, but they were too small. She continued to lace them and, after seeing the shoes she took off, I understood why. While I moaned and groaned about my feet hurting all week, she chose the pain of shoes too small for her over having holes in her soles. God continues to show me how selfish and spoiled I am. While hanging with and helping someone fun is all well and good, it is not the reason we came. We came to help those in need. As the guy from the Spanish mission pointed out, those in need are everywhere... even in our own group.

Kathleen Himmelheber: Throughout this trip, I have learned to appreciate what I have. I have learned patience. There are so many occurrences on this trip that really touched me on a spiritual level. The homeless shelter was a huge eye-opener for me. I now have a better understanding and greater compassion and desire to help these people. I can't wait to see what I can do with all that I have learned.

Hannah Waters: I have been taught many things on this trip; the main thing, however, is humbleness. This trip has humbled me to realize that I am no better than a simple homeless person. I've just got things way easier than they do. Seeing the dirty house that my group cleaned and going to see homeless people made me realize that I have so much that I normally take for granted. I have come to a full understanding of the term "out of your comfort zone." I am so thankful, though, because what I did this week was eye-opening and challenging and I know it has strengthened my relationship with God. What I'm bringing back with me is that I will never look at a person and think of myself as higher than them. I'm going to start doing things I'm uncomfortable with and talking to people I wouldn't normally associate with.

T.J. Miguel: I really enjoyed this trip. I love serving God and people, and I really felt I did both this week. Thanks for giving me plenty of work, Jameson!

Lucas Mays: This mission trip has been as rewarding as I expected. Tensions were high at times - like for me at the yard sale, I got mad due to peoples' bad attitudes and some people not working. I also enjoyed serving those whose houses we were at. The work we did may have been difficult, tedious, and boring, but it was all worth it when we saw the looks of gratitude. I enjoyed so much being able to be a light to others and show Jesus through our actions. I can't wait until next year when we do it again.

John Williams: This trip is something that I needed. God has called me into some form of ministry and what that is, I'm still not totally sure. I had the opportunity to take on and accomplish many responsibilities and see ways that God is working in students' lives. I have realized that God has given me a heart to love those who are hurting and those who are lost. I have also realized how dang sinful I am. I am truly selfish, impatient, and well... depraved. I thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ for His forgiveness. Thank you, Jameson, for this amazing experience!

Autumn Sellers: During the yard sale, I got to experience the appreciation from parents and children for all that we had done. Something that has been shown to me repeatedly is the greatness of our Lord God. He created this whole world with His hands and even the most complex creatures were composed with a purpose. I definitely learned that even though I have not found my purpose, I definitely have one. I need to find it, and I hope I can find it with the Graceland students! I love y'all!

Ally Lacure: God showed me that we need to love others before we can help them. If we love them, they are halfway to recovery.

Ben Rogers: God has shown me exactly how meaningful the most thankless job can be to some.

Katie Glover: I've learned that there are a lot of people worse off than me, and I should be grateful for what I have.

Jeremy Sumners (Coach): For several months leading up to the Seattle trip, my personal time with Christ has been dry. As I laid down on the floor to sleep one night and prepared to complain about the situation, God brought to mind the countless homeless people that I had encountered driving around Seattle for four straight days. God convicted me of the fact that I had been very self-centered while on the trip and, really, in the months prior as well. God is sovereign over and bigger than any situation any of us will ever encounter. He taught me once again that I have to live in obedience to His sovereignty.

Flight Info

Flight from Seattle to Phoenix: 937

Flight from Phoenix to Louisville: 3515

Southwest Airlines

Kristen's Day (Saturday)

A couple Sundays ago, Pastor Scott had a quote in his sermon that said "Never aim for a target you can hit" and at first I didn't really understand the true meaning of this quote, but after the first 4 days of Love Out Loud-Seattle, I think I can actually wrap my mind around what that quote truely means.

On Wednesday morning I headed out with my group to Tacoma to start organizing what our director Robin called a "yard sale". We had no idea what was really in store. Tee Kinchus, our fantastic group leader, was even completely blind going in and none of us expected to open a double car garage door to find an ENTIRE garage stuffed to the breaking point with clothes. New born clothes, toddler clothes, kids shirts and pants, womens shirts and pants, mens shirts and pants, baby clothes from 3 months to 18 months and everything in between. To say I was overwhelmed would be the understatement of the year. I turned to Tee and said that there was no possible way to sort all of these clothes in time for the massive Yard Sale Saturday. Not with only 5 people, not with only 3 days and not with this many clothes! However, we had to try so we started the monotonous and discouraging task of piling up clothes, folding them, sorting them into sizes, and putting them back into toppling piles on the shelves. On Wednesday alone we spent 6 or 7 hours doing the same thing over and over and when we closed the garage door that night I was completely and utterly discouraged. It seemed that we had done absolutely nothing in the many hours we spent there. We hadn't even touched the adult clothes yet! And our group was switching with another group the next day and wouldn't be back until Friday...

All day Thursday I thought about how much we still had to complete and hoped that the other group was making progress. I kept asking God how in the world he could have expected us to finish a project so huge and the more I asked and the more I thought the more disheartened I became. I dreaded going back and I dreaded the thought that I would have to face the fact that, even though we tried, we weren't able to finish... and that killed me. I went to sleep Thursday night just praying for something miraculous to happen and that when we opened that garage door in the morning the magical sorting fairy would have visited that topsy turvy garage and everything would be sparkling and perfectly stacked and sorted. (I always was a big fan of Disney movies...)

However, to my great dissapointment, when we opened the garage door on Friday morning, no magical sorting fairy had visited and the task ahead still seemed impossible. So, I thought, "Ok God, I'm completely overwhelmed and this seems to impossible. But please, please, please, please help us get this done." At that moment I took charge. I was terrified that someone would get angry or offended and would think I was trying to be the big guy in charge, but I knew this had to get done and that we had 6 hours that day to do it. Luckily we had an amazing group of not 5 but 8 girls who never judged my bossy leap into action but took action and immediatly did anything I asked without a single complaint. We not only finished sorting and folding every single article of baby or kids clothes but also every piece of adult clothing as well; All completely willingly and with a happy heart. I was blessed with an amazing team that had come on this trip completely willing and ready to serve and I love each and every one of them for it.

But there willingness didn't stop there. On Saturday at the yard sale they all helped set up the tables and when we were all done at the end of the day they helped bag clothes that Step by Step was donating AND paciently delt with me as I reorganized the entire garage just because I'm anal. But when I sat down in the middle of the garage floor that was completely empty and free from unsorted bags of clothes I couldn't help but be proud of myself and my team and be absolutely in awe of God. He really never gave us a task that was impossible, my human mind just couldn't comprehend his plan.

The task that Robin set before us on Wednesday was not a target that I or my group could ever hit alone, but I've been able to comprehend even more this week that with God, absolutely nothing is impossible.

Work Day 3

My goal for this was to have students write this blog every day after the first day. That however has been really hard because of the demand for sleep here lol. So, here I go again. I hope to have one of them write it tomorrow though!

Today was another awesome work day capped off by an amazing experience here at Harambee at night. Our groups all went out with a purpose this morning and that was too see their jobs to completion. When it came to 3:30, we were supposed to be done and heading back to Harambee for showers. Every one of our teams was done by then except for two small teams finishing up. It was a God thing for sure to have all of our stuff done! The "Hoarders" house is completely done and looks AWESOME! The moms have been helped and blessed by the services we provided. The church looks awesome and is done. The yard sale is set up and ready for tomorrow!

There is no way to describe what God has done through our students this week. It continues to amaze me what they have shown me...SO MUCH HEART! They are tired but continue to do SO much. I am just reminded at how much I am blessed as a student pastor to have a group like this. God is truly great and, honestly, too good to me!

Tonight was pretty cool! They had an open mic night here at Harambee that we got to participate in and it was....well let's just say that our students were dancing, performing, and having an awesome time! We had about 4 or 5 students get up and sing, rap, and read poetry. It was just the spirit lifter that we needed! We had Levi Mays get up and rap with the guys here while John beat boxed for him. Kristen, Katie, and Ben sang a song each. Autumn read a piece of poetry that she wrote. It was just a great time for us to relax and have some fun. They had multiple performers from here rapping, singing, and reciting poetry too. While they rapped, we danced and displayed out whiteness from Southern IN very well! It was quite awesome. So, don't tell pastor Scott that we danced, ok?

We love you all and miss you all! Continue to pray for our strength and energy because, even though it was fun last night, we didn't go to bed again until about 12:30! We love you all!!

Much Love!

Work Day 2

Hey everyone! Sorry the blog hasn't been updated the past two nights. It's totally my fault! It has just been extremely late nights and early mornings. That said, if this post isn't coherent, it's because I am not focused very well haha.

Day 2 of our work went pretty much like day 1. It was a great day of serving the moms of Step by Step. I had an awesome time with my group at the "Hoarders" house. We got through the other two rooms and the kitchen and bathroom as far as cleaning all the stuff up. We found some pretty nasty things in there but it looks SO amazing to see nothing on the floor. It's incredible how it looks like a home now! I can't wait until tomorrow when we get all new furniture and get to scrub that kitchen down and see white again!

John and Mallory's group went back out and worked at some of the mom's houses again and worked at a local church most of the day. They did an excellent job and the church just went nuts over what they accomplished.

Jeremy spent the day with two or three students picking up and delivering all the stuff for the yard sale. He has had one of the most stressful jobs this week because of the demand on him. He is an awesome man and is pretty much like a GPS when it comes to Seattle roads now.

Tee spent the day organizing and getting the yard sale stuff ready. She has a daunting task of getting this thing ready for Saturday. She has grabbed the bull by the horns and done an excellent job with getting it ready! They are almost done and will probably finish tomorrow!

Josh and Amy spent the day doing laundry and being a handy man around the home of another mom with Step by Step! They are replacing doors, hanging pictures, doing load after load of laundry, and a whole lot of other stuff too.

I will tell you this as I finish up...Every leader and student has done an AMAZING job this week! It has been awesome to see them truly serve their Lord and Savior. They have put all their hearts into every moment of this experience and since they have, they are exhausted. Please be praying for strength and energy for our students! They really need it right now and to persevere until Saturday afternoon when we have a little bit of down time. Thanks!!

Much Love!

Work Day 1

Today we started our first day of work. It was an incredible day here...sunny, 76 degrees, and a slight breeze. We started with breakfast bright and early at 7:15. Then the students all had their devotions and quiet times. After that, they packed their lunches and we headed out to the work sites.

We have four different groups going to four different locations. Amy and Josh were leading a group and went to work at a single mother's home. They did yard work and cleaned and organized a bunch of clothing for her kids. They also spent the second half of the day at a local church. They did a lot of yard work there and will continue work there tomorrow.

John and Mallory led another group. They spent the first half of the day at another single mom's house. They also did yard work and worked within the home as well. They also did some childcare. Their group also went to the local church to work.

Tee and Jeremy's group spent the day organizing the yard sale items for Saturday. They spent the day in a barn organizing clothing and toys and a whole lot of other stuff!

Caitlin and my group (thank you Monica), went to a home of a lady who used to work for Step by Step. The home is kind of like an episode of Hoarders. There is a path from the front door to the back door and that's about it. We went in and cleaned it out today. We got through two and a half rooms and it was incredible the difference it made! We will be there the rest of the week and keep you updated with pictures!


After work, we came back to the church and headed out for showers. After showers we had our download time and many students had a chance to share what God has shown them over the past two days! Then it was bed time because they are all WIPED out! So, good night and we will see you tomorrow!!

First Day!!

WE ARE HERE!!! We had an awesome day of travel yesterday! From check-in at the church to going to bed last night was so smooth. God really had us in His hands because we got through check-in at the airport and security without anyone getting flagged or searched! It was awesome!

The students who have never flown had a great time too. Just seeing their faces as we took off for the first time was great! I sat in front of Sarah Jecker on the way out of Louisville and she was great to watch. Her face was priceless when the engines started and then we started down the runway. We had some other students like Kristen Keller, Trey Condra, and others who hadn't flown either.

Once we landed in Vegas, we had about 20 minutes in the airport to hang out and most students went to get some type of food. They were getting $7 ice cream bowls and $8 subs! Welcome to Vegas. We left Vegas and landed in Seattle without any hitches as well.

Once here, we de-boarded and headed to baggage claim. Then got picked up by the church members here and arrived at Harambee. We got here and ate dinner which was an awesome lasagna meal. It was so great to see how they have all gotten together to feed us and help us this week! After dinner we had a little meeting with our coordinator Robyn from Step by Step.

After that, we went to take showers which was another blessing. After a long day on the airplane, it was so awesome to get clean and wash all the funk off! Then we came back to Harambee and everyone was absolutely exhausted! Sleep ensued shortly after that!

It was a great day and night! Thanks for checking in and keep checking in in the morning because that's when it will be updated (about 1 or 2 your time)!

Much Love,

Jameson

Seattle Training 201

This coming Sunday, June 20th we will be having our last training session before we leave TWO days later. We are 5 days away and time is ticking! Here is the info in case you missed the meeting or lost your papers. Enjoy!

6 More Days!

We have LESS THAN A WEEK before we will be leaving for Seattle! We are so excited and I know many of students are looking forward to this trip so much! I have had the opportunity to talk with some of the students that are going on the trip and they are fired up. I love seeing God work in their lives to prepare them for what is coming and He is really doing that now. We continue to pray for God to give us opportunities to share our faith with those around us while we are there. One of my big prayers is that EVERY student would have the chance to lead someone to Christ while we are gone. I have also challenge our students to do the same!

This past Saturday we had the chance to take 34 of our students and leaders to work at a maternity center in downtown New Albany. We got to do a lot of the same work we will be doing in Seattle so it was a great prep for our trip. We organized donations, cleaned windows, did some landscaping, painted and patched holes in some walls, cleaned and organized the kitchen, and some other odds and ends. It was a great time to come together as a group and get our minds focused on serving!

I am SO incredibly excited about this next week that I can't wait to get on the plane. It will truly be an awesome week that is blessed by God! Please continue to pray for us!!

Seattle Training 101

Last night we had our first training session for our mission trip. It was a great time to get together and get focused on what we are doing in Seattle and why we are going. For those who missed the meeting or if you lost your papers, here is all the info that we covered. We had 10 of our students give their testimonies which is awesome to be able to hear them talk about their story! I love hearing our students voice that! So, check out the details below!!

Where Are We Staying?

While we are in Seattle this summer, we will not be staying in a hotel like we have over the past two years in Baltimore, MD. This summer a church has opened their doors for us. We will be staying in their facility which is actually a renovated community center. The church is called Harambee. This phrase means, "“Together pushing forward” in Swahili. It is a church plant in Seattle and is involved with a community called Soma. This community meets together in what they call "Gatherings". These are much like our church services but they look a lot different. They use a missional community model to live out their faith and their Christianity.

Many of these terms are foreign to us in the eastern part of the US. Much like we experienced in Baltimore, church takes on a whole new look, feel, and type when we get outside of what our own personal experiences with church. Churches vary in the way they reach their communities and their specific cultures and this is just one example of that. One of our goals in our mission trips every summer is to open our students eyes to the different ways of reaching people for Christ. The way we do it here is not the only way to reach unbelievers.

Here are some links for more info on...

Harambee

Slideshow of the Church

Soma Communities

18 Days and Counting

I can't believe this mission trip is only 18 days away! I am SO pumped and excited about what God is going to do with our group while we are in Seattle! For those of you who don't know, we are working with an organization there called Step By Step. Here is what they do:

"Step by Step has been serving women since 1997. We currently serve pregnant women and new mothers in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties. Our nurses, dietitians, and counselors will visit your home, providing medical care and connections to health and community resources. We work with all expectant mothers, including women struggling with substance abuse. We believe that pregnancy is a potential time for positive change, and we aim to support and guide mothers through this transition, helping you make one positive step at a time toward changing your life and the future for your child."

We consider it a privilege to be able to be involved in a Christian organization that seeks to help struggling mothers and mothers to be. While we are in Seattle we will be working on a couple of different projects. They are as follows:

1. Working to clean and organize 6 different homes or apartments of families with Step by Step
2. Doing yard work and installing a fence at these homes as well
3. Organizing and working a community wide yard sale and cookout for the families
   
4. Working with the Seattle Union Gospel Mission
5. Working at Step by Step facilities to organize and do facility maintenance
   
6. Providing training sessions for the moms and childcare for the children
7. Cooking and serving meals to the moms and children

I really feel like God is working in this trip in a BIG way. We have seen how He has provided for us over the past 7 months of preparation. God is SO good and continues to blow us away with how much He is doing behind the scenes to allow us the opportunity to go on this trip!

We have our first training session this Sunday so check back early next week for all that information. Thanks and continue to pray for us and our preparation to leave!!