Last But Not Least Day In Hugo, OK

We began the day back at the park clearing brush down by the Marina.  Ron had a surprise for us and wanted to give us a tour of the lake on the marina boats… So we cranked out a full days work in the morning to have the afternoon off to relax and enjoy the lake!

Everyone was a little tired but pushed through it to get the job done!

We took two boats and then … the 3 hour tour!  One of the boats ran out of gas and then began the adventure… we got towed back!  It really was relaxing and during debriefing it was obvious… it was a favorite time of the day!

Tonight in Boswell, I believe our team was a real blessing to the church community.  Pastor Rick’s wife is a music teacher and fell at school coming down the stairs.  He had to take her to the hospital and missed being with us at his church.  Mrs. Austin is okay, recuperating with a possible hairline fracture and for sure a severe injured ankle.  Please pray for her quick recovery.

Our students were amazing!  Do I keep saying that? In the elementary:

Lexie G, Moriah, Becca, Emerald, Alana, Chris, Christian, Jay, Ricky, Audrey, Jacob and Ken

They put the whole program together; skits, songs, games, a special rap by Mr. Husmann and Jay and Ricky, teachings and questions and answers game!  They ended by spending time with the kids and getting to know them to be able to pray with and for them.

The High School Ministry:

Lexi Q, Sol, Kelsey, Lucas, Colin, Taylor, Sean, Cole and Devon

Lexi, Sol, Kelsey and Taylor shared their own personal testimonies … they did a great job and really connected with the Boswell kids.  They played games that went with their sharing and you could tell by the noise level coming from their HS room… they were having fun as well.

Again, our students were really used by the Holy Spirit to encourage and bring the message of hope!

We had fun during debrief –  the boat ride was the best… especially with the break down.  (we were safe at all times with plenty of life jackets and capable Marina drivers.)  We spent time in prayer for those that God put on our hearts from the day/week…  Then closed with worship.

There are 5 guys that are night fishing for a couple of hours with Mr. Campbell

Oh yes, Ken caught his first catfish every today… we’re thinking maybe a 15lb er.

These leaders have been amazing.  The trip great!  God’s grace and faithfulness … none can compare!

We’ll not be leaving as early as we thought … we’ll start loading at 7 am  and head home.

Our plan is to be at the CP campus by 3:30!  We’ll be calling about 30 minutes out!

By the way … no one wants to come home!  It’s been a great trip … the students have given me all kinds of ideas on how we could possibly accomplish staying one more day.

That’s a good sign!

Eye Witness News

Eye Witness News!

These past 3 days have been full of ‘eye witness’ God moments!

Today as we insulated the self help housing project, Channel 10 KTEN news came to the jobsite and videoed and interviewed us and Little Dixie and the owner of the home.

In the past we’ve been honored to be interviewed by the local newspaper and Little Dixie’s media team.  This year we were honored to have the story make the 4, 5 6 and 10 o’clock news!

Our students worked hard and insulated the house in record time giving the homeowners much needed volunteer hours that they have to have as a part of the self-help program.

When we finished the insulation work project we asked Matt (homeowner) if we could pray for him, “Yes!”  Then  he shared with the team how much it meant to him that we would come all the way to Oklahoma to bless him.  And that young people would do this kind of thing.

When we debriefed tonight we talked about how every day we’ve been here God has allowed us to meet someone new.  Colin asked about the counselor Matt (night before last) that had brought the children to the playground across from our cabins… Matt shared with us about the poverty that is so prevalent in this area.  Students can only go to school for 4 days because there is not enough funding.  The hopelessness is overwhelming.  Mercy ministries are burned out ….  It so moved on the hearts of this group of kids … what is God saying to us about this?  Why did he put these people in our paths? Time to seek and pray and then … obey!

We read Colossians 3: 12-17  …. Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsufferings; bearing with one another and forgiving one another … put on love … let the peace of God rule in your hearts … admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs … whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus … giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

We practiced our ministry time that we’ll be sharing at New Life Church Wed night… then we came back together and ended the night in worship together…

Mrs. G

Sorry about the delay on this blog… non cooperative internet … !

If you don’t hear from me… then pray for internet access and the computer to operate smoothly… (wouldn’t hurt to pray for the computer operator too  LOL)

Monday in Hugo Lake State Park

It was an incredible day watching our team work so hard and accomplish so much in such a short time!

We got to work in one of the same areas that the 10^th grade students worked last year. It was amazing to see how far the work on the handicap trail had progressed since we did the path clearing last year.  The trail is now paved with asphalt so wheel chairs and scooters can easily take a beautiful path through the park wooded area. Handmade wooden benches have been installed and markers describing the flora and the wildlife.  A pavilion has been built at the end of one of the trails and the handicap fishing dock has been finished!

Today we cleared the large area from the pavilion down to the lake… and when I say large… I mean large!  It was a big task and this class ‘kicked it’ in gear and dominated!  Ron(park manager) was not surprised at the dedication of these students (he had worked with last year’s class ) but Gene his assistant was really moved by them.  He told Rick it really ministered to him as he had been working with other young students to build the pavilion.  Even though they got it built, it took so long, and their attitudes, etc were so difficult that it really discouraged him thinking about how this young generation’s work ethics and respect had declined.  Summit students so impressed him, not just with their ability to work hard but with the respect they show their elders and each other.

We had another nice surprise. Johnny Moffitt, Associate Director of Little Dixie Community Action Agency, Oklahoma showed up to meet us and take pictures.  He bragged on the kids and thanked us for coming.  He wanted us to know that our help really made a difference for them accomplishing their goal of getting the handicap trail completed.

Another nice surprise is the sign at the beginning of the trail has a list of the groups that partnered in making the trail happen….  Summit Christian Academy is on there.

Cool!

After dinner we all shared a fun/memorable moment of the day and then went to work on our Wednesday night ministry!  We really have talented young people.

Tonight while everyone was relaxing waiting for dinner to be prepared.  A young man showed up at the open area/playground across the road from our cabins.  He struck up a conversation with Rick and Diane and then they came and got me.

End result is an amazing guy that works with ‘at risk’ kids and families.  He had two of his ‘kids’ with him doing play therapy.  Our kids interacted with them… which was awesome for both our kids and the two little ones.  Long story short… God gave us another contact with GREAT resource ideas for us for the future.

Well  it’s late.  We head to Durant tomorrow to work at a Self Help Housing Project. Our job manager will be Pastor Rick Austin – it’s his church we’ll be ministering at Wednesday night.

Thanks for your prayers

Today was a big day for work… and a big day for the fire ants and thorn bushes… I’m just sayin’

Pray for safe travels tomorrow and continued health and great teamwork to get a lot accomplished!

1 Peter 4:10-11 Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, ^y as good managers of the varied grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, _⌊it should be_⌋ as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, _⌊it should be_⌋ from the strength God provides, ^z so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. ^* Amen

I know I promised pictures… but it’s late and the camera is in the other room where kids are sleeping … will try to post some early in the morning… (in a few hours)