Mission Possible

Carter and I are on a mission. Well, we aren't ON it yet, but we are counting down the days. Next Friday, on June 28, we'll be heading south to the Ozark Mountains.

Booneville, Ark., to be exact.

There will be 11 of us from our church making the trek. I will be driving a van full of girls and Pastor Josh will be driving a van full of Carter and the rest of the girls. That's right. Carter and 8 high school girls. Good thing we know God will be watching over us!

There was another boy going but that is still up in the air. Either way, we are excited for this mission trip and what we can do... and what it will do for us.

We are working through an organization called YouthWorks, which has based their program before in the town of Booneville, which is approximately 4.5 hours west of Memphis and 3 hours northeast of Little Rock. In other words, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, but near the Ozarks.

Our mission in this town will be to work with the many families who struggle with low incomes, unable to meet basic needs. Our group will be one of many serving as the hands and feet of Christ in this community as we assist with home improvement projects and children’s ministry. We may be painting homes or other projects may include yard work, community beautification, building cleanup or any other project that will serve individuals in the community.

All in 90-plus degree weather.

Oh yes, it's going to be way warmer than we experience here in Wisconsin, where I've only gotten to wear shorts twice this year so far. We will appreciate home, appreciate our air conditioning and, with the spirit working with us, appreciate everything we are blessed to have!

It's going to take us 14-16 hours to get there. We'll leave on my birthday and drive the 7-8 hours to St. Louis, where we'll stay overnight at a church there before moving on to the next 7-8 hours down to Booneville. Good thing gas is cheap! 

Well we know it's not. There will be expenses of food and fuel for which we are still raising funds. I'm only going to ask this once -- and please don't feel obligated -- but if you are interested in supporting our trip financially, you can "invest" in it by purchasing a $25 stock certificate, signed by our mission students and redeemable for a nice treat later this summer. Contact me if interested. Checks can be made out to First English Lutheran Church. We are also accepting prayers of support, too!

Remember, don't feel obligated. We will be going no matter what. Somehow God always finds a way for us to do his work! To learn more about the program in general, visit www.YouthWorks.com. 

Thanks for listening!