VBS Mission Trip 2019 #2

We are still here and still serving. I am writing this while the kids are hearing the Gospel message from our youth team. It is great knowing that this whole week Jesus can be changing lives, but specifically tonight they are getting to know who He is and what He did for them, for us! I know it is a message that many of us reading this blog have heard. On some level it can be the same old story, a piece we repeat from memory because we know we should. On the ground here we are also facing the depleted energy levels from our busy week. We could easily say, “I am tired…maybe I’ll share that message tomorrow.” It is always an option to wait, take the easy way, and pray that God will make the message heard from someone else. God is powerful enough to make the rocks cry out if we don’t, but that should spur us on to be the ones to share the message that I know He wants us to do.
 
In a sneak peak of the message I will be sharing on Sunday, I want to remind of us of time when Jesus was sad, worn out and tired. Jesus has been performing miracles, and at this point in Matthew 14 has just heard that John the baptist, His friend, has been beheaded. From an earthly perspective, it is time to get away. He deserves it. He needs a break. He wants to cash in on His bereavement/sick days. And yet lo and behold there are people coming to where they are. They are hungry and the tired disciples are giving Jesus the reasons why they should just move on. It is at this point in the life of Jesus that we see Him feed the 5000+.
 
What have you done when you thought you had nothing left? What do you think God has been trying to get you to do but your excuse has been that you were too tired, too worn out, too sad, too….? We will be looking at this passage from Matthew 14 and some of these questions on Sunday at CABC, but for now I hope we are all able to restle with them. Our team here, thought tired, is still making connections and building relationships with people. We have more to do, and so do you. Ready to jump in?
 
-Pastor Josh

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VBS Mission Trip 2019 #1

What to say? It is always the question I have when I come to the task of putting our experience into words. For those who may not know, our Youth Group has ventured out on our 4th VBS Mission Trip to Erie, PA. We kicked off our service yesterday by worshiping with two different congregations and kicking off a VBS program for the kids of Crossroads Community Baptist Church in Erie. Some of our group were very excited to see kids they got to know during past trips. Others were not totally sure what they signed themselves up for, but jumped in anyways. With close to 30 kids we were able to see familiar faces and get to know new ones.
 
The theme for our week is “ROAR.” In short, no matter what life brings us, God is good! These teens are stepping up, serving God’s kids, and making an impact in their lives for the kingdom. It is quite a privilege to watch our youth share their talents and faith with these kids along with seeing the kids get excited about God being good in their lives. This picture above gives you a small glimpse into the joy I get this week to watch God work in and through this generation!
 
There will be more pictures to come, more stories from the front, and more impact made as the week goes on. For now I just want to leave you with the verse I have challenged the teens with.
 
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” – Philippians 2:5
 
Our impact on others for Jesus is so much greater when we have His mindset leading us. What do you need to do today to build your Jesus mindset?
 
-Pastor Josh

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