Each year we venture out across the country as a Youth Group to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus.  Sometimes we travel by bus or sometimes we travel by air, but the purpose is the same no matter how we travel.  The purpose is make a difference in the name of Jesus.  The hidden purpose is for us to grow closer as a group.  In the famous words of Laurie Anderson," we travel so far to grow so close."  As we journey, we wonder, what is going to happen this year?  What is God going to do through me?  What new friends is God going to place in my life?  Can I make a difference?  These are the questions we face each year on Mission Trip.  Having been on nearly 24 Mission Trips with Stanley, I can tell you each year there are powerful things that God does through each of you.  This year was no different.  We spent a week at the Dream Center and we spent a week in Louisville, Kentucky.  Each trip had it fair share of God Momements.

    When you step back and look at all things you experienced, where were the moments that you saw people through the eyes of Jesus.  What were the moments that you experienced the power of Jesus in your daily work experience?  You have to be careful and watch and listen for the Miracles of Mission Trip.  Sometimes these miracles of love don't come in the way of "look at me look at me", but more in the thin silence of love.

It may happen when a student gives her shoes to homeless woman, but doesn't really tell anyone, it may happen when a girl befriends girl sitting in a corner of a gym (this girl went on to write a note to our group saying this was the best day of her life!).  These are the miracles of Mission Trip.  There are so many more!  I need to thank all of you who gave a week of your life to the people that we serve, and giving a week to PCOS.

Since you are reading this, please try this exercise...

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NRSV)

The LORD said, "Come, _____, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.

Then the word of the LORD came to me: Can I not do with you, ______, just as this potter has done? Says the LORD. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you, ____________, in my hand.

 Place your name in the blanks....allow the words of God become more personal and know that God has you in His mind.

May God awaken you today..may you see God in all that you do..may you see  your family, friends, and the everyday people through the eyes of Jesus......Peace to you!