Pictures from Mission to the City

As promised, here are some pictures of our time.  Of course, I can't recreate how special and meaningful our time was through just images like these, but hopefully, you'll get the idea...

Thanks again for joining us on the journey...

New Life/Regeneration Churches meeting to start the convoy up to MN

We were hosted by www.theurbanrefuge.com.  

A great church and wonderful people.

Abi figured out how to get there.

Our uniform for the week.

 We manned water-balloon catapults during the festivals in local parks....

...and poured a concrete pad for a bike rack at the church.  =0)

Again.  A wonderful time, and a great way to be reminded again of God's heart and power.  Looking forward to next year.  I hope you can join us.

Sandy (for Abigail too)

Day 5. Worship and Home

Our trip wrapped up with a worship service this morning at The Urban Refuge, our host church for the last 5 days.  Great energy in the worship service and a great sermon by visiting pastor Brent Know on "Breaking Free From the Power of Sin".  Great perspective.  Convicting, yet practical.  You can hear it here...http://www.evergreenchurchmedia.com/uploads/audio/Urban_08-03-14.mp3

After saying goodbye to the friends we'd made this past week, we hit the road.  Tired, but content.  Once again reminded that we serve a God who is bigger than our dreams, more powerful than our fear and more passionate than our desires to see lost people saved.  He was working these last few days.  We were just tools in his hands.

On the pensive 4.5 hours home, I began to imagine what a MTTC project could do in Cedar Rapids.  What could happen if God pulled together a team, right here in our home town?  Perhaps next year?

Keeping it short again this evening.  Up for work at 6am tomorrow morning.  I'll continue to share over the next few days, as we transition back into real life again...just with a refreshed perspective on our role in the daily grind.

Sandy.

Day 4. Collapsing and Contemplative

Well. Here we are. The last night of our trip....and I don't remember the last time I was this tired. We've worked our tails off the last 3 days and we're exhausted. But its a ”good tired”.

This morning was spent as a course marshal on a children's triathlon event here in town. You can read more about it here.   http://www.miraclesofmitch.org/page/show/489303-miraclekids-triathlon

Great event. Kinda makes me wish I was a kids again.

It felt meaningful to shout out to the young riders from the side of the road, especially the ones with beet red faces bringing up the rear. I was one of those kids once and know how it feels to be left in the dust of our more naturally athletic counterparts.  I had my bike with me and was able to ride 100 yards or so to cheer on the last kid. I think she appreciated it.  She seemed to enjoy a small burst of energy.

I also appreciated the tags the kids had pinned to their shirts. Instead of wearing numbers each participant's name was displayed. As they passed, I was often able to quickly read their tag and encourage them by name.

I was struck again by just how formative these experiences are for all kids. That we as adults need to cheerlead for our kids in a world that won't.

I will write more in the coming days, but one initial conclusion of my experience on this trip is this. I might know a bunch of stuff about a bunch of stuff, but my actions are what really count. As a (or a few) wise person (people) once said, "People don't care about what you know until they know that you care"

It's easy for me to postulate about theories and philosophies about how things should be done.  But it's not so easy for me to get stuck in and lead the charge into action. I'd like that to change.

So I'll be taking some time over the next few weeks to think more about that, and what that should mean for me personally as I continue to grow in my walk with Christ. I'd appreciate you joining me in prayer on that journey.

I'm also looking forward to the drive home with my favorite 9 year old. I expect she's got some nuggets too.

Good night Friend

Sandy (for Abigail too)

Day 3. Concrete and Changing Names

Today had 3 unique experiences. It was a long but good day. It's late now so I'll keep this one short.

Our first activity was with the team that worked at the Urban Refuge (www.theurbanrefuge.com) church building. Abi working with the painting team, while I got to mix two of my passions (serving the church and biking) by pouring a concrete pad for a bike rack outside the church. They have a lot of folk ride their bikes to church... Nice.

After lunch we threw an outdoor party for the local Boys and Girls Club of America. We prepared free food and games. It's was neat to get to serve so many kids (estimate 200), and greet each of them as they grabbed their hotdog and cup of water.

Our final event was serving at a community event in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul (renamed by the folk working there as ”Godtown”).  Here's a link to an article that does a better job than i can do of explaining the groups history and mission. Incredible.

http://twincitiesrefreshed.com/godtown-ministry-aims-to-transform-frogtown-community/

Thanks again for joining us on this adventure. Your prayers mean that God works in people's lives. Right here. Real people. Changed lives. Christ glorified.

Sandy (for Abigail too)

PS. Still having issues with posting pictures from my phone. I am taking lots though. I will plan on posting a slide show when we get home.