Mission Trip Recon
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 03:23PM So it's been a few weeks since a few of us staff members headed south for Pike County. We walked in with a lot of options and very little clue as to what we might actually do with a group of students over spring break in Southern Indiana.
Pastor Don was our strongest connection down there, and he set up a meeting with a group of people that he felt had the "pulse" of the community. Sitting around a table in a Subway, I was floored as a plan (I believe, God inspired) quickly came together. Here's the "rough draft" plan...
CONNECT TO LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS:
Early in the week, we will gather all youth groups interested in teaming with us to host a night of worship and message. So far it looks like we have about 5 of the local churches interested in helping! Our focus for the night will be about "Our Mission Field". God has called TFC's to this field for a week, but has planted the local youth groups there for the long-term. Our goal in all we do will be to help THEM make connections for greater ministry opportunities.
CONNECT INTO THE SCHOOL:
We are trying to make a connection into the school system right now that will allow us to put on an assembly about volunteer-ism. We will focus on the idea that our culture celebrates "heroes" as people who set aside their own comfort and desires to help and protect others. We will then invite students to an after-school gathering for serving the local community.
CONNECT TO THE COMMUNITY:
One of the connections we made while we were visiting was with an organization that helps connect needs in the community to sources of help. We are teaming with them to discover who needs projects done within the community. We will then send out "crews" of students, consisting of TFCers, local youth group members, and those interested from our school assembly to help complete to work.
CONNECT TO CHRIST:
We will host additional gatherings that week for fun events and provide an opportunity for all to hear the gospel. We will invite those connected through our volunteering and local youth group connections.
This is a simple, brief overview of the plan, and much is yet to be confirmed.
Please be in prayer for:
1. Favor with the Pike County School district that we could get connected.
2. Resources and manpower to "do the work" and reach the physical needs of the community
3. Hearts that are ready to respond to the gospel & the call for local youth group members to see their school as their mission field!
4. Financial needs - Students are still earning their money for the trip. They have to raise $400 each to go!
5. Logistics - There are a LOT of details to figure out--especially on our first time out!
Thanks for your prayers and support!
