The Potomac Team

We Praise God for a wonderful summer

2007-07-31T09:56:00.001-04:00

We praise God for an absolutely wonderful summer of ministry on Operation Barnabas. We started out with 90 teens and 16 adult leaders on three teams and I am thankful to report that we returned with that exact same number!

Being a part of ob is one of the most challenging summers a student is ever going to face, also, it is typically the best summer of that young person’s life. The opportunity to learn from God’s Word, apply it every day–with Christ followers and those who are not yet Christ followers-- is an exciting way to live!

I’ve heard some cynics say, “Yeah, that’s fine for a while—but ob is an artificial world and you can’t really live your life that way all the time except on a tour like this.” Really? Who says you can’t? Personally, I think those who say these kinds of comments don’t live with the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. And they usually have no desire to verbalize their faith and that’s a lousy way to live the Christian life.

I know that it isn’t reasonable that you live with 35 other people and keep up the same pace during the rest of the year that ob goes during the summer, but the rest of it? I beg their pardon, but I think one can. And should. And that is the only reason that the adult leadership and vision casting team at CE National spends so much time preparing and investing in teens through ob.

To live to share Christ and encourage others and to serve anyone who needs it? That’s not a goal of CE National or Operation Barnabas for just a summer—but rather for a lifetime.

Thank you for your interest in an ob 2007 team. It was an incredible experience and we trust these 90 teens are never the same. If you know of any high school student who loves Jesus, has leadership potential, and is active in their youth ministry/church, encourage them to consider Operation Barnabas in 2008 or in the future by checking out www.cenational.org and clicking on the ob logo.

Serving Together,

TK
Timothy Kurtaneck
Director of Operation Barnabas
CE National

A Day of Hurricane Relief to End the Summer

2007-07-19T16:22:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day.

This morning started at 7Am with breakfast.

The team left at 9AM to do some Hurricane Katrina Relief. The students worked hard at pulling lots of weeds, throwing away lots of debris, and a few other odd jobs to contribute. The students worked hard and came back for showers at about 3PM.

In the evening the team left for some hang out time at the mall. There we ate dinner and relaxed together.

Late in the evening we had a formal candle light ceremony on the beach. The theme of the ceremony was 'committing to take it home'. Here the students committed to keep growing in the Lord and to take what they've learned here on tour back home and put it into practice.

Tomorrow we will spend some team time together until the afternoon when all three Operation Barnabas teams will be reunited. After our day and a half of reunion everyone will head out to Momentum 2007!!

This will be our last blog of the summer. I would just like to officially say thank you to all of the faithful Potomac bloggers! God has really done a work in these teens, and our prayer is that they will continue to grow in the Lord.

A special Thank You to all that you parents who have willingly sacrificed for your student to be here this summer. We recognize the fact that this Operation Barnabas tour would not have been possible without your help.

May the Lord Bless you and Keep you
-The Potomac Team Leaders

A Message from the Director of Operation Barnabas…

2007-07-19T13:09:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much for looking at the ob 2007 reports and photos. I so appreciate the Operation Barnabas leaders taking the time and energy to keep us all informed and sharing prayer requests for the teams. Of course, the major focus of these adults has been upon the ministry training of the 30 teens entrusted in their care and ministry in the churches and communities where they visited. I publicly commend them for doing an outstanding job this summer. When a report or photos were not able to be posted, it was not because of the leaders lack of effort, but rather the inability to connect the computer with the internet due to circumstances beyond their control.

All of the teams are now in “the South”. They have had incredible ministry starting in Lancaster County, PA, throughout their travels on the east coast, and have finished up by doing ministry in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. All three teams will be converging on the University of Southern Mississippi campus on Friday afternoon, July 20, to begin their final debriefing meetings and to prepare for Momentum 2007. We thank the Lord for providing safety, incredible ministry opportunities, and the spiritual growth of each student. We are thankful that God will continue to complete the work that He has begun in each of these young people (Philippians 1:6).

We thank you for your interest and your prayers for these special teens and appreciate your support of them as they return home.

Serving Together,

Timothy Kurtaneck

Operation Barnabas

CE National

Wednesday - 7/18/07

2007-07-19T02:51:00.000-04:00

Students help unload a food truck at the church.

Jackie L. works on doing laundry.

Andrew S. heads off to do a job.

The team hears about, and sees, some of the destruction caused by Katrina 2 years ago.

Students look at the Katrina Memorial, which was set up by people from Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

ob'ers walk through areas where buildings used to stand and where debris still covers the ground.

The long, skinny white object near the front is a pole that used to stand straight up.

Students look at a building where the entire 2 bottom floors were wiped out from flood waters.

Johnny S. sits on steps that used to lead up to a building.

Students spend time thinking about the damage of the hurricane and praying for the people who were, and continue to be, affected.

Tuesday - 7/17/07

2007-07-19T02:22:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our "camp" in Mississippi!

Students assemble tents to be used for multiple purposes.

Jen A. and Andrew R. help clean up and organize materials from sheds at the church.

Kelli W. sorts through odds and ends.

Kristen A. and Jackie L. sweep out a shed.

After getting cleaned up, students spend some time with God.

After a Wal-Mart run, Matt and Jes H. enjoy some lunch.

Students listen as stories are shared over dinner.

Andrew S., Josh K., Mike, Andrew R., Johnny S., Daniel D., and Sam H. after communion.

Annie M., Monique A., Lindsey B., Bri D., Elizabeth G., Erica S., and Stacie.

Heather S., Jackie L, Kristen A., Kimmie L., Hannah B., Jenny, and Jes H.

Matt, Jake R., Jay D., Aaron C., Ben A., Joe H., and Alan D.

Connie, Kelli W., Jen A., Ashton R., Beth F., Morgan M., and Sam M.

Monday - 7/16/07

2007-07-19T02:03:00.000-04:00

Stacie and Kristen A. spend time talking during the long bus ride down to Mississippi.

Aaron C. and Joe H. help the team memorize a Bible verse.

Hannah B. hands out notes from the encouragement box.

A small group of students study God's Word during the bus ride.

Jes H., with the help of some friends, puts on a puppet show for the people riding in the luggage truck, as well as the rest of the traffic within viewing distance.

Annie M. and Sam M. babysit Joe H.'s fish.

Water bottle says: "Don't Drink (My fish's home)."

Josh K., Morgan M., and Jay D. hang out and have fun.

Students play games during the trip.

Elizabeth G. and Beth F. take some time to relax and catch up on sleep.

Sunday - 7/15/07

2007-07-19T00:44:00.000-04:00

Human puppets (Morgan M. and Ben A.) sing about creation during the Sunday school hour in Buena Vista, VA.

A flute duet by Kristen A. and Samantha M.

Monique A. shares her testimony.

Morgan M. talks about what God has been teaching her.

During the offering, Ashton R. plays and sings a song.

Jake R. does a great job in giving his sermon.

Jes H., Lindsey B., and Kimmie L. act out a skit.

After church, Annie M. lends a listening ear.

In Covington, VA, at the first night of "Teen Week," Allan D. talks with some of the leaders.

Andrew R., Lindsey B., Kristen A., and Heather S. portray how everything we say affects those around us.

Students act out everyday tasks for a skit during the program.

Teen Week in Covington, VA

2007-07-18T10:44:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone for their prayers. The only bus problem we have had the last number of days, but have not been able to fully diagnose-- is starting the bus after the engine is hot. Because the Lord had us in Buena Vista, VA, (where for years they made these kinds of buses!) we had capable church people able to assist us. While it took some ob leaders time and attention, there was no ministry time lost and the men who helped us showed us how to get the bus started an “alternate way” until we get to Momentum. PTL for His provision!

Sunday morning our team put on a program for the First Brethren Church in Buena Vista. Jake R. did a fine job on his sermon. Kelli W., Morgan M., Monique A., and Hannah B., all shared testimonies how God has been moving in their life during this summer on ob.

We ate lunch at the church then headed off to our next stop: Teen Week in Covington, VA. Teen week is a evening Bible Camp for junior and senior highers. Once arriving at Teen Week, we did a program filled with pantomimes trying to show the importance of following Jesus and living a life that is not controlled by the typical sins (drinking, partying, sex, etc.) committed by teens today.

We spent the evening at the Grace Brethren Church of Covington. There the team watched a Moody Bible video and Mike P. challenged the students to make a decision about full-time vocational ministry. God has been at work all summer long and we wanted to give the students an opportunity to respond to the calling placed on their lives by Him. We asked them to make a commitment that night, if God had called them, to serving full time in the ministry. Amazingly, about half of the team committed to give their life to full time ministry. Praise the Lord!

Pictures for this day of ministry we will posted at a later time. Thank you for your patience.

Slowing Down in Southern Mississippi

2007-07-18T09:58:00.003-04:00

Since leaving Covington, VA a few days ago, the Potomac team has been officially 'debriefing'.

Debriefing- This is the part of tour when as a team we begin to do a lot of reflecting and learning how to successfully transition back into the local church.

During the summer our teens have traveled all over the East Coast, serving God in many different forms. The pace set has been fast and focused. Fast because of the constant traveling and ministry. Focused because of our strong emphasis on having a 'ministry mindset' and seeing 'opportunities' to be a servant.

As of 3AM yesterday the team arrived in Southern Mississippi. Since arriving we have made a Wal-mart run, had a teaching time on 'taking it home', and partook in the traditional three-fold communion.

Please keep in prayer for our students that they would be learning about how to make a successful and smooth transition back into their youth group and into the local church.

Pictures for this day will be posted at a later time, hopefully today! Thank you again for your patience.

Potomac and Pool Parties Go Well Together

2007-07-14T21:52:00.000-04:00

Here on Team Potomac we are all about the pool parties.

This morning began with some manual labor here at the Buena Vista First Brethren Church. The students spent most of their time painting and cleaning up the left over mess from the VBS that was here all week.

After manual labor the students had some teaching times from the Word. Matt W. shared about the 'Fruit of the Spirit' which dealt with how God cares more about developing our character than us being comfortable in life. And Mike P. spoke on Grace Brethren Distinctives.

In the evening the team headed off to a local community pool. But before swimming we enjoyed some good eatin' and had some fellowship time with the Buena Vista First Brethren Church family.

The night ended when host families picked up their students at about 8:30.

Please pray for us tomorrow as we drive down to Covington, VA. The bus has had some engine problems the past few days so prayer for that would be appreciated. Also tomorrow is Sunday, which will conclude our final Sunday morning service together as a team. So pray that we go out on a good note!

Andrew and Jake paint one of the church hallways.

Josh does some multi-tasking.

Team building through the "pole game" in between teaching times.

We finally got it!

Mike teaches about Grace Brethren distinctives.

Sam Johnny and Jake visit with people before dinner.

Jen and Kelli mingle after dinner.

Team Potomac enjoys a swimming race.

Allan hangs out after swimming.

Christians at the Carnival

2007-07-13T23:12:00.000-04:00

So today was Friday the 13th. And God is still good, even on this notoriously superstitious day.

The morning started off with some manual labor. This consisted of washing the church bus and random house keeping chores.

Stacie Fay spoke to the teens about the importance and how to disciple someone younger than you. She spoke especially about Timothy and Paul's relationship. Also sharing about the importance of discipleship was Jake R.

Lunch was at the church. We had sandwiches, Mmm. . . with cheese.

The evening was fun. Students blitzed the neighborhood inviting everyone to a carnival that was going down at the local First Brethren Church. While out in the community Ashton R. got to lead someone to a first time decision for Jesus.

The carnival was a blast! The students had lots of opportunities to mingle with the church family and even a few locals. The ob'ers put on a few programs and then had some fellowship
time with the church family here.

The evening ended at about 8:30 when students left for their host homes.

Please be praying for the persistent growth in students and leaders so that we can look more and more like Jesus Christ.

"Workin' at the bus wash."

Bri., Hannah, Monique, Andrew, Jen, and Kristen put together toys to be used during the carnival.

Ben, Josh, and Erica wash the church sign.

Lindsey cleans up the church's gym.

Jackie and Ben work at the "horse race" area.

Interacting with kids during the program at the carnival.

Allan takes charge of the bowling area.

Beth helps a boy toss a penny into a cowboy hat.

Jen strikes up a conversation after the VBS program.

Bus Breakdowns (emphasis on the plural Downs)

2007-07-13T22:49:00.001-04:00

Well today was an interesting day for the Potomac team.

The morning started off fairly normal, we cleaned the Virginia Beach Community of Grace Church and hit the road for Buena Vista, our next stop. As planned, we stopped for lunch then drove for a few hours. And well, that's when things started getting a little 'interesting'.

We pulled off the highway to get some gas and for a quick restroom break. We told the students to move quickly because we had a tight schedule to keep. So a few minutes go by, and that's when it happened, or should i say, didn't happen. Everyone was loaded on the bus and so the bus driver at the time, Stacie, turned the key, and nothing happened.

So Stacie turned the key again. . . nothing.

Again. . . nothing.

So after some prayer we had everyone unload the bus. The leaders met and started making phone calls in a stage of frantic confusion. None of us knew the first thing about working on a diesel bus engine.

A few hours go by. And we are still at the same gas station... broken down.

Finally, a mechanic showed up, sprinkled some magic dust powder on the bus (for a more technical term I'll say he 'ghetto rigged it' and 'jumped it' with some jumper cables).

At last, we are on the road! And we were excited, Buena Vista GBC, here we come!

Well a few hours go by, by this time we are about an hour or so behind schedule and we were in need of another break. (I know what you're thinking. . .Another break? Hey, when you have 30 high school students who still don't have full function over their bladder there's not much you can do!)

So we stopped at a gas station. Unloaded the students, refilled the gas tank, loaded the students back on, put the key in the ignition, and . . . you guessed it! Nothing!! We had broken down again!

This time it took us about 3 hours before we got the bus started again. And by around 9PM we finally made it to Buena Vista.

So, from a human perspective this day was a disaster! We missed a half a day of ministry and we spent some money on needed bus repairs. However, God had a plan.

During our travels, or should I say, travel rests, the students got to share their faith several times with several people at the gas stations. A passing by woman, (by God's grace) bought everyone snacks because we had missed dinner. She spent at least 40 dollars in snacks for us.

So people heard the gospel, people were minstered to, and our character was tested. So again I ask myself. . . was it really a terrible day?

You decide.

God has His plan, and we can only follow it day by day, hour by hour, break down to break down.

Please pray for the people who heard the good news this day. Please also pray for our ministry here in Buena Vista.

Students pray for the community in Virginia Beach, VA.

Hannah B., Annie M., and Ashton R. pray in the church parking lot.

Sam H., Kimmie L., and Kelli W. on their prayer walk.

Anyone know how to fix a bus? Help!

Aaron C. and Allan D. noticed the opportunity to clean some windows.

The convenience store gets a little sparkle and shine as Bri D., Joe H., and Jackie L. wipe down counters.

Kelli W. and Ashton R. shake out a rug at the gas station.

Learning about "taming the tongue" during some down time.

Praying for the bus at the 2nd break down.

"Thank you very much" for blessing us with snacks!

Virginia Beach BABY!!

2007-07-11T23:36:00.001-04:00

Today was the team's day off!

And what a day it was! The students loaded up on the bus last night (having no idea where they were going or what they were doing) and headed to the Grace Community Church of Virginia Beach, VA.

This morning the leaders had the students believing we were going to do manual labor all day, then surprised them before breakfast by telling them our real plans for the day.

We went to the beach for a few hours in the morning and afternoon. Next we came back to the church to get ready and change into 'nice' clothes (and what I mean by getting ready is spending more than 5 minutes on themselves) and went the a local mall to hang out until evening when we took them all to Olive Garden for a nice sit down meal.

It was a wonderful day off!

Please pray tonight that the students would rest well and make a good transition back into doing ministry for the rest of the summer.

Beach volleyball, anyone?

Students get competitive, while still having fun. :o)

The gang poses for a photo.

Hanging out on the beach.

Monique gets some extra reading in as she relaxes on the sand.

Mike, Connie, and Ryley go for a walk.

Sam, Joe, Andrew, and Aaron visit with an employee at the mall.

Stacie hard at work.

Team Potomac has much to be thankful for!!

Unique Nursing Home Visit

2007-07-10T23:41:00.000-04:00

This morning the Potomac team went to a local nursing home. This one, however, was a little different than your typical nursing home. It is a home for the elderly who have little support financially. So to put it plainly, the home was not very nice. In fact, during the program the room(inside the nursing home) we were in was about 80 degrees due to not having a functional air conditioning system(remember these are sick and elderly patients being cared for). In fact, some of the students had a full time job simply by getting the patients enough water to keep them hydrated during the morning-afternoon heat.

The patients were very impacted and encouraged as a result of our ministry there. A theme when we were leaving was 'Ya'll (remember we're in VA) gotta come back again now ya hear?!"

I tend to usually shy away from boasting about decisions made for Jesus because I think that every witnessing opportunity is a success and when we only celebrate first time decisions we tend to get discouraged when we don't see immediate results. However, let me say this, today at least two first time decisions were made today due to our ministry! (both decisions were made by the nurses at the home) And that is something to really rejoice about!

In the afternoon the students left the nursing home and headed to the James River. While here not only did the team get to cool off in the water, but almost every students claimed to have some kind of spiritual conversation while there. A few students who had great conversations with people were: Joe H, Heather S, Beth F, Briana D, and Sam M.

From the James River the team headed back to the church to grab a late lunch and to do some manual labor. Half the team stayed back at the church to work on chores while the other half went out into the community to share their faith.

Today the students planted a lot of seeds. Please pray that God would water them and send out other Christians to reap the harvest.

Beth F. visits with a man before the nursing home program.

Aaron C. and Kristen A. spend time to get to know people.

Kelli W. enjoys a conversation.

Andrew S. talks with the staff.

ob'ers interacting with people.

Heather S. and Lindsey B. help clean one of the offices at the church.

Some guys get out cleaning supplies so they can work on the church.

Potomac Puts on Park Program

2007-07-09T22:03:00.001-04:00

Today students arrived at the church at 9 am. An hour with God was the first thing on the list of things to do because of our long day of ministry yesterday. (This is our way of teaching the students that taking time to spiritually recharge is necessary.)

Next the team was sent out into the community to do seven minute servant projects for people. Although serving is important, our main goal is to show God's love to people in doing chores, but also to have an excuse to go door-to-door so we can share our faith with people.

Lunch was back at the church. The students watched a Way of the Master DVD then went back out into the community to pass out fliers and to put on a park program. During the park program Jess H, Johnny S, Kristen A, Kimmie L, Josh K, Sam H, Annie M, Heather S, and Andrew R did a great job at acting out 'Girl America' as a pantomime that acts out what can happen when we put our identity in Christ.

In the evening the students came back to the church for some teaching and debriefing times.

The host families arrived to pick up their students at 8 pm.

We thank God for the cool conversations we got to have today as Jess H. and Monique A. both got to share their faith with two Jehovah Witnesses.

Please continue to pray for divine appointments as we attempt to share the gospel so that all might be saved.

Thanks to all of you prayer warriors out there who keep interceding on our behalf, we really appreciate it!

Andrew S. spends time with God to start the day.

Jay D. during his hour with God.

Josh K., Ben A. and Kimmie L. pray before going around to do 7-min. servants.

Bri D. and Joe H. clean a house during their service.

Students pray about the afternoon program.

Hanging out and dancing around during the program.

Beth F., Johnny S., and Allan D. mingle with some students.

ob'ers hang out with kids from the community.

Erica S. and Elizabeth G. share the Cross Illustration with some girls.

Playing games with kids after the program.

These girls visit with Monique A., Jes H., and Jen A. under the shade of a tree.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

2007-07-08T22:55:00.000-04:00

Today the students had a full day of ministry along with a little bit of travel.

The morning started off a bit on the early side with students being dropped off by host homes at the church at 7 am. From then until first service at 8:15, the students did some cleaning and practiced choir. The team had two services in the morning.

At about 1 pm the team loaded up the bus, prayed with Pastor Steve and Pastor Wagner then headed out! Our next stop: Richmond, VA. The trip there took about three hours. Pretty good timing for a big blue bus if you ask me!

Once arriving at Richmond the church family hosted us as their guests to a good ol' Sunday evening pot luck. Next, after some delicious food, the team put on their third program of the day.

Doing their sermons were Johnny S., Aaron C., and Andrew R. The three of them did a great job.

After meeting the family here at Richmond GBC, the students headed out after their program at about 8 pm.

Please ask God to use us as an encouragement to the church here in Richmond. We will be going out into the community in the morning and afternoon trying to share our faith and invite them to a program later in the day, please ask God to bless our efforts.

Andrew R. gives his sermon.

Jake R. shares his testimony.

ob'ers visit with church members between services at the Calvert Co. GBC.

Aaron C. during his sermon.

At Richmond, Andrew S. enjoys visiting over dinner.

Sam M. and Heather S. get to know some of the church family.

Volleyball with some of the youth.

Worship to God through song.

Johnny S. gives his sermon during the 3rd program of the day.

Out in the Community, Evaluations, and Teaching Times for Team Potomac

2007-07-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

Today the ob students and the Calvert County GBC family gathered together for breakfast. After some good food and fellowship, together they blitzed the community. A few groups handed out fliers for an upcoming VBS, some of the groups went on prayer walks, and the rest handed out bottled water near the local beach.

Upon arriving back at the church the students listened in as Matt W. shared from Revelation 14.
Next was lunch and mid-tour evaluations. We greatly appreciate the prayer because God, without a doubt, blessed each meeting with the students. Our prayer now is that the students positively respond to their evaluation so that they may grow to be better Christ followers.

Then after lunch and evaluations the team headed back to the church and had about 4 hours of teaching times. First was Matt W. and Jenny J. about 'worship as a lifestyle'. Next was a Moody 100 video about stepping out of your comfort zone to serve Jesus. Lastly was Mike and Connie P. discussing what it means to be a godly couple serving Him in full time ministry.

For dinner the students had some team time and even prepared their own dinner. Spaghetti was the dish of choice and after eating the students had some hang out time in order to build deeper relationships as a ministry team.

Please be in prayer tomorrow as we have 3 programs that we are doing; two here in Calvert and one more in the evening at our next stop in Richmond, VA. Ask God to use us to encourage spiritual growth and fellowship here at these two churches and that during our programs these students would have a heart of worship as they act out dramas in attempt to creatively teach spiritual truths to God's Church.

Breakfast with the church family.

Ben A. and Jen A. during the prayer walk on the boardwalk.

Sam H. and Monique A. pray for people who do not know Christ.

Mike P. and Johnny S. pray together.

Bri D., Beth F., Elizabeth G., and Annie M. walk and pray.

Some of the ob'ers and church family members hang out after their time in prayer.

Students hand out free water to people who pass by them.

Dinner preparation by Hannah B. and Ashton R.

Serving the Disciples of Christ

2007-07-06T23:22:00.000-04:00

Today the students ate breakfast and headed off to Washington DC to serve in a ministry called D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ). This is a church plant in the inner city targeting children and families for the gospel.

The D.O.C. during the summer functions like a summer day camp for kids. We spent a majority of our day here just hanging out with these kids. The team helped show God's love by giving lots of hugs, piggy back rides, and playing games with the children. We also did two programs in an attempt to act out spiritual truths that can be easily understood.

In the evening we made our way back to Calvert County GBC for dinner. After dinner the team had some teaching time led by Stacie Fay about 'stewardship'. She spoke about being a good steward of all the things God gives us, including this summer and the relationships around us.

At 8 pm the host families were here at the church to pick up the students and take them home for the night.

You can be praying for the leaders and students as tomorrow they will be engaging in a long day of mid-tour evaluations. Please pray that the students would be sharpened and encouraged by these evaluations. Also, the evening will be filled with lots of teaching times, so please ask God to be speaking through the leaders who would be speaking and the students who will be learning.

This will be a long day so please ask God to give us strength.

Johnny gives orders during the game "the captain is coming."

Josh K. shows the Cross Illustration to some boys.

Leaders are learners -- asking questions of Pastor Kevin.

Samantha M. plays games with some kids.

New hair styles for the girls!

Kristen A. meets some girls.

Kimmie L. and her new friend.

Daniel D. becomes a human jungle gym.

Two boys get to "hang out" with Ben A.

Annie M. and Josh K. meet some students.

Joe H. gives piggy-back rides.

Jackie L. finds a buddy.

Elizabeth G. sits with the kids during the program.

Singing about our awesome God!

Heather S. during her hour with God.

Erica S. spending time in the Word.

Discussing stewardship in small groups.

July 5- Impacting Inner City D.C. for Jesus

2007-07-05T18:53:00.000-04:00

Today was an amazing day of ministry!

The Team woke up at 8 am, ate breakfast, and headed out to the bus.

We traveled about 45 minutes or so until we arrived in Washington D.C. There the team met up with Pastor Steven. Pastor Steven is the pastor of 'About my Father's Business' church. This is a church that is heavily focused on evangelism (and the phrase 'heavily focused' is an understatement).

Pastor Steven shared with us his passion for reaching lost people. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we certainly felt inspired by his stories and heart for evangelism.

Next we ate a short lunch, then got all prayed up and headed out. While out, we engaged in worshiping Jesus by feeding the poor, sharing our faith, and lots of prayer for the people and city of D.C. During 5 hours of ministry we handed out about 200 packed lunches and even more bottled water as we followed the example of Jesus by hanging out with the lost and lonely here in Washington.

The evening ended with dinner, a teaching time, and 'Way of the Master' DVD.

The students headed off to host homes at 8pm.

Please ask the Lord of the Harvest to raise up churches on fire for reaching the lost here in DC. Also, please be in the prayer for the growth of the many, many seeds planted and cultivated by our ministry here.

July 4- The First Team All-American Award Goes to. . . Team Potomac

2007-07-05T18:47:00.000-04:00

I would just like to take this time to inform all my bloggers out there that the Potomac Team is the most patriotic Operation Barnabas team, ever. Want proof?

The morning began at 7:30 and unlike the other two mornings which began with a hose shower, this morning was off to the right start(well if you discount all the new bug bites for the guys who slept outside the night before). The Winchester GBC family showed their hospitality by welcoming us into their homes for showers. They also surprised us with pancakes and fruit for breakfast! What a morning!

After packing up, the Potomac Team said their good bye's and headed out for the next church- Calvert County GBC, MD.

A few hours later the team was greeted by Pastor Steve Howell and the youth group. Once arriving the team spent the next few hours listening to some great teaching times: 'Encouragement' by Jenny J., and 'Spiritual Gifts' by Mike P., and a Moody 100 video challenging everyone to live life in absolute submission and radical obedience because of the cost of being a disciple of Jesus.

Next would be something to remember for each student. Everyone loaded up the big blue bus and headed out to. . . you guessed it. . . fireworks at the Nation's Capital! While half of the trip was spent on the bus, the students were also exposed to their first Subway ride of the summer. On the subway, as usual, the team was intentional about starting spiritual conversations in an attempt to share their faith with the local subway riders.

Once arriving in Washington D.C. the ob'ers walked over to the Washington Monument and waited for the Fireworks to begin. (Thus proving that the Potomac team is by far the most Patriotic team; I mean come on, how much more American can you get than watching fireworks in DC?). While waiting for the fireworks show to begin, the students were again very intentional and on mission about sharing their faith with people. (And if you're still debating whether we are the most patriotic ob team, let me add that next to us was a concert by none other than John Cougar Melloncamp himself.)

The fireworks were awesome! They were definitely the grand finale of my day! (sorry, i couldn't resist).

July 3- "True Religion..."

2007-07-05T18:41:00.000-04:00

Today the Potomac Team had a cool opportunity. In the afternoon, the ob'ers headed out to a local Nursing Home. Here the students were intentional in building relationships, initiating prayer, being an encouragement, and last but not least: being a good listener. O, and they put on a program too.

The morning began with a refreshing hose shower, followed by a few hours of manual labor. The ob'ers helped be an encouragement to the church here in Winchester by: pulling weeds, cleaning the church, making props for the upcoming VBS, and washing vans (after which we decided to wash our bus as well! What can i say- the bus needed it, and students had free time!)

After the nursing home visit, the team had a pizza with the church and put on a program. This was out first outdoor program, so it was cool to see the students have to adjust to the different conditions (i.e., the puppet stage almost falling down due to the wind-whoops!)

(pictures for this day are on a separate post)

Finally, the team had some hang time around a bon fire in the backyard of the Winchester GBC. So we took advantage of it fully by making lots and lots of s'mores!

The guys also took advantage of the beautiful weather and outdoors by sleeping outside under the moonlight.

Pictures!

2007-07-05T13:23:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your patience with pictures! Here are some photos from the past few days:

During the morning service at Palmyra, students did a pantomime about getting stuck in sin.

Singing and dancing for Jesus!

Allan D., Aaron C., Monique A., and Kelli W. sit with kids during our children's program.

Jake R., Jen A., and Morgan M. act out "Joseph's Story."

Ashton R. shares her children's story with the kids at the chuch in Palmyra, PA.

Students act out Jesus' miracle of feeding the thousands with 1 small boy's lunch.

Aaron C., Sam M., Ashton R., Andrew S., and Allan D. (front) sing about prayer.

Hannah B. interacts with some girls.

Jay D. explains the cross illustration.

Annie M. shares the message of salvation through the cross illustration.

On the bus from Palmyra to Winchester, Ben A. spends time reading his Purpose Driven Life book.

At Winchester, VA, students use a pantomime to show how Jesus can heal broken relationships.

Team Potomac expresses sorrow through speech choir concerning Jesus' death.

Monique A. gets to visit during dinner after the program.

While in Winchester, students work on decorations for the church's upcoming VBS.

Students cleaning up the kitchen.

Our big blue bus and the church's van needed a little wash job.

Kristen A. and Samantha M. visit with a few women at a nursing home.

Josh K. talks with a man before our program.

Heather S. has the opportunity to encourage two women.

Back at the church for dinner with the youth group.

Playing soccer after dinner.

Some of the girls find a place to sit and meet new people.

Andrew S. and Kristen A. enjoy great company.

At Calvert Co. GBC, students spend time thinking about their individual spiritual gifts.

Eating pizza with the youth at Calvert.

Jake R. hangs out with a guy from the youth group.

On our way to watch the fireworks in Washington D.C.

God bless America!

Dancing for Forgiveness

2007-07-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Last night, our Senior Leader, Mike Pumphrey spoke to us from God's Word.

The passage was First Corinthians 10. His main point was that our heart is like an 'Idol Factory'. God really moved in such a way through this message that when it came time to respond to Him in worship I was amazed to find most students worshiping, not in words and song, but worshiping by falling on their knees and crying out to Jesus for forgiveness. After a few songs, symbolizing repentance, the students rose to their feet and sang with all their might, thanking God for His grace and forgiveness.

After spending some time singing and dancing (yes we were literally dancing for joy) the leaders decided that it would be a great idea to celebrate what God had done. And after some discussion we decided that there would be no better way to celebrate than to celebrate with food! So the team loaded up on the bus and headed out at about 11 P.M. for Sheetz.

With all this said, yesterday was an amazing day.

The morning began with some manual labor. Then after working up a sweat pulling weeds and washing the bus, the students had their first experience with showering with a hose.

The evening consisted of several teaching times, dinner, and a much needed Wal-Mart run.

Finally, after the celebration stop at Sheetz, the students quickly headed off to bed here at the church.

Please pray for grace as the students continue to live lives of service to Jesus. After last night, a lot of decisions have been made as barriers of the heart were broken down. So please ask God to enable idol-free lives here on the Potomac Team.

Third time's a Charm!

2007-07-02T00:41:00.000-04:00

Today Potomac had a second consecutive Sunday of three programs. The students surely will sleep well tonight as they spent most of their Sunday doing programs and building relationships with people from the Palmyra GBC(PA) and the Winchester GBC(VA).

The morning began with two programs at the Palmyra GBC in Pennsylvania; one program for the main session and one for the children's ministry.

After the programs the students did some mingling and said their good-byes and headed south for the Mason Dickson Line. We drove for a few hours then finally arrived at our destination: Winchester, VA.

On arrival, the students did their third program of the day here for the youth and adults at the church. Next, we ate dinner with the church family here. Finally, after dinner the team took part in a local tradition here in VA. The neighborhood has a tradition of gathering early and having a pre Fourth of July celebration with a carnival and fireworks that our students also took part in. The team was encouraged to mingle with people and to have a mindset of sharing their faith. The results were a lot of great conversations and God even saved someone tonight through one of our students, Praise the Lord!

Please ask God to use us to be an encouragement to the people here, as we will be here for a few more days.

(Due to circumstances, pictures will be posted in a few days or asap).

Potomac in Palmyra

2007-06-30T22:42:00.000-04:00

This morning the Potomac team got some work done! The team split up into three groups and headed off to do some manual labor wherever it was needed. One group led by Stacie F. went to a nursing home and did some cleaning, especially with the outdoor furniture. Another team led by Matt W. helped pack and move a family from the church here in Palmyra into a new home. The dad was sick and in the hospital so the team served Jesus by helping to meet their needs. Lastly, a team led by Connie P. and Jenny J. stayed here at the church to clean up after a great VBS event last night.

In the afternoon a family from the church kindly invited us over for a pool party. We quickly accepted the invitation after a long morning of manual labor and used the opportunity to build relationships with people from the church and also to cool off a little in the pool.

The evening was filled with teaching and learning. First up was Mike P. teaching the teens about what the Bible says about 'Confrontation and Discipline'. Then Stacie F. led a teaching time about 'Priorities and Discernment'. Our prayer is that God would be teaching the students about important topics that Scripture addresses, all summer long.

Please be in prayer as the students leads worship here tomorrow at Palmyra. We will also be doing a program for the children's ministry. Right after the program we will be leaving for Winchester,Virginia, so asking God for safe travel would be appreciated.

Josh gets to use power tools (with caution, of course).

Lindsey B. and Kimmie L. support decorations during tear-down.

Sam H. and Andrew R. help in cleaning up VBS materials.