Thursday

Posted: 2008-07-24 11:31:36

First, let me correct a mistake from yesterday - attendance on Wednesday was 48, not 30. WooHoo! Also, we had at least 7 prayers of salvation. Today, the team is working to find and hand out Bibles to the children who became Christians this week. We have a HUGE praise -- beginning Wednesday morning the group was able to take HOT showers. Yay! We have been given use of the locker room facilities at a nearby Catholic school. Better late than never! Last night's activity was going to a river (not ocean) and enjoying the water and a bit of sun. Tonight is Parent's night so the group will be preparing their rooms and the rest of the church to show off what the VBS kids have been learning. As many of the kids are not from this church, this may be the first time many of these parents have been to Grace Baptist Church. PLEASE PRAY that the parents would come tonight, and that they would feel welcome, and see the value of teaching their children about God. One great result of our time here would be to draw new families into the church. Please also pray for good sleep tonight for all of our drivers, especially Pastor Ben, who will be driving the bus for 12 hours tomorrow. See you soon!

Plan of Salvation Day

Posted: 2008-07-23 14:35:40

Wednesday is the day the leaders tell a story and give the plan of salvation to the children. I haven't rounded up all of the stories yet, but here is what I know: The numbers were down today to around 30 children. There were at least 5 children today who prayed to receive Christ!! Some were praying to receive Christ even around the craft table! One little boy looked up at his leader and said "I don't want to go to heaven." The leader asked why, and he said he wasn't ready. After a little talk, they discovered that he just didn't want to go to heaven NOW!! She assured him, that by receiving Christ you are only prepared to go to heaven, but not required to go now!! He sat for a few minutes, and then told her he was ready to pray. Praise the Lord! I'm trying to gather a few more stories to post. Later today the group will be going to the beach to play in the sand and waves. It isn't a warm beach, but nevertheless the power of God is so evident in the sound of the crashing waves and the millions of grains of sand. Please pray for perseverence and endurance till the end. The leaders and youth alike are weary. Please also pray for the health of the whole team - there have been a few colds going around.

Great Start

Posted: 2008-07-22 10:46:21

The week started out great with a rocking good time at Grace Baptist Church. There were almost 40 children who came to our first day of Vacation Bible School. The youth did a great job of teaching, acting,singing, playing, and loving on the kids. We were told that most of the children who came are not regular members of the church, so we are encouraged that the gospel is reaching unchurched kids, and that after we leave, there may be new families added to the church! This morning is rainy and cold, but the kids are still having a blast outside popping ballons, playing "kick the can" and wearing themselves (and their leaders) out! Please continue praying for kids to show up and for a hot water heater in the showers. Also, each evening Pastor Ben is leading the youth in worship, small groups, and challenge to the group. Please pray for growth in unity, spiritual maturity, and purpose as a group. Here is a picture of the teens leading Worship:

Beginning of VBS

Posted: 2008-07-21 11:58:28

Today we had a great kick off for VBS. Here is a piture, and I will try to include more details later in the day.

Weekend Update

Posted: 2008-07-20 09:00:30

Good Morning! To give a quick update: Friday was spent at Redding Water Park. First the youth endured what was planned as a three hour trip, but turned into a five hour drive to Redding, California over mountains and through forest fire smoke. They had a great time at the water park for an hour until it closed unusually early. Then the group went to the Redding Aquatic Center – which had a water slide, a kiddie pool and water playground, and diving boards. Unable to find an alternative route back to the church, the smoke was still thick and in the dark the teens were able to see fires in the distance – both cool and spooky! They arrived back at the church at 1:30 am, and were rewarded with a late wakeup on Saturday morning. Saturday started with a 9:00 breakfast and devotional time, and then the youth headed out for another day of canvassing the neighborhood for VBS recruits. Today they received a very positive response and found more families at home than during the weekdays. Prayer Requests- for the entire time our team has been in Eureka, we have had no hot water at the showering facility we are using. The youth have had a great attitude about it, but it has been a trial. Please pray for a new hot water tank to arrive and be installed on Monday. Sunday – Right now it is almost 9:00am and the team is working to try to hide all of the luggage, clean the floors, and prepare the church for worship services.

Door Knocking

Posted: 2008-07-17 20:39:05

The youth had a great day today going door to door throughout the neighborhood inviting children to come to Vacation Bible School. There were many positive responses, and several families who said their children would be there, which is so encouraging for our kids. The weather is: Chilly! The teens are pulling out their jeans and jackets. Looking forward to: The water park on Friday. (Considering the chilly weather, this might be a test of character and perseverance.) I'll try to have some pictures posted for you by Saturday morning. Pastor Ben says attitudes are great and the kids are doing a great job!! Thanks for your prayers.

We Made it Safely!

Posted: 2008-07-16 20:00:00

It is now Wednesday evening and the kids have done great. We had another long day on the road. We took the 199 and 101 along the water. We travelled from Grants Pass to Eureka. We had a great time. We enjoyed dinner at Roundtable Pizza. Tonight our students will be putting together door hangers to use tomorrow when the students go out to survey the neighborhoods. Please pray that God will prepare the hearts of the kids to come to the Vacation Bible school. There will be another blog posted this evening.

Grants Pass

Posted: 2008-07-15 20:00:00

After a long day on the bus we safely made it to Grants Pass, OR. We will be headed out tomorrow to Eureka, CA our final destination.

Welcome to the Stateside 2008 Blog

Posted: 2008-07-07 10:28:32

You have reached the blog for the 2008 Stateside missions trip. Trip updates will be available as time permits. Thank you for your prayers and support!