Rewind...

...since an update was unable to be written last night...here is a recap of Team Central's July 22nd...

Our second day in Hopewell was just as jam packed with effective ministry as our first day...they really did a fantastic job of using the team to the fullest!  Many thanks to the awesome cooks who spoiled us with pancakes, eggs, sausage and other delectable goodies in the morning!  We sure have had many hot breakfasts these past few weeks and it has been utterly wonderful...

We headed off to the nearby town of Saxton to partner with the Saxton GBC church in community outreach.  Half of the team, along with Hopewell staff, helped Pastor Hall and his family beautify the  community park in front of the church.  They planted flowers...scrapped and swept a brick walkway...and painted five park benches...all in the ridiculously humid air.  We were thrilled to be a part of something so encouraging for the Saxton community and pray that the work done will help the Saxton GBC to become better known and grow in their ministry.  The other half of the team walked to a senior center for a program and time to mix and mingle.  With only half of the students present, creativity was needed in order to have enough material for a complete program.  Word on the street is that Team Central leaders Matt and Jeremy stepped in and performed during the "Job" skit.  Apparently it was hilarious!  Hillary used her talent on the piano to encourage the audience and all of the students loved as Jesus would love.  

After lunch the entire team met up at a local school for a mini carnival and park program.  With rain clouds looming, we prayed that the storm would hold off for the afternoon...and praise be to God...it did!  Despite the climbing humidity and soaring temperatures, Team Central pulled out all the stops and served the community with energy and strength that came only from the Lord.  Neighbors and church members alike came to the carnival...ate popcicles...jumped in the bounce house...and heard the Gospel message.  Julie and several other students were able to pray with people who made first time commitments to the Lord...how awesome is that??  We rejoice in knowing that the Kingdom of God grew a little larger that afternoon...

The students all worked their hardest and with cheerful and energetic spirits despite the humidity and sweat...and let's just say that the bus had quite the aroma once all 34 of us hopped on after a full day in the sun.  Good thing showers were next on the agenda!  Many thanks to the local highschool which graciously offered their shower facilities to us free of charge.  Definitely a blessing from the Lord and we are continually thankful to Him!

We ate dinner with the Hopewell family...loaded the Penske in the rain storm that had been delayed that afternoon...said our tearful goodbyes...and then began the long journey back to Ohio.  We arrived at the Norton church around midnight and the students were told that an additional church had been added to our schedule...because they had an abundance of mulch that needed to be put into their planters and playgrounds.  The students were given a schedule for the next day before Team Central leaders said, "Aw...nevermind.  Forget about that.  Let's just have a day off and play tomorrow!"  Cheers and excitement filled our blue bus and smiles were seen all around...no mulch for us on Thursday!

We worked as a team to unload our belongings in the pouring down rain and began to pray for a sunshine filled Thursday so we could go to the lake and play some beach volleyball...

...to be continued...