Sunday -- Day 4

Day Four -- Sunday, June 28:

It was a day of rest and re-creation. The team led worship, received a briefing on the work week, spent the afternoon bobbing in the waves at Saylorville Lake, and ended the day hanging out with the Ankeny Pres. Praise Team.

I continue to marvel at the great kids we have in Grace Presbytery. They did a great job in leading worship this morning. Jake brought out a few tears when, as part of the opening of worship, said the words "Children of God, Welcome Home!"

Today was a lot of fun, but the group is eager to get past this part of the trip and get into the work! That starts in the morning!

The following reflections come from group members. Enjoy!

A Reflection by Calvin...

Today was one of the most remarkable days of this mission trip that I have experienced. In a small church in Ankeny where there is a traditional and ceontemporary service, the heart of the people here are monumental. The two services were entirely youth-led, and the sermons all showed a small part of the grace that God so often pours into our lives. Out of all the beach fun and church services that we participated in, the greatest moment was our evening worship time. Today I surely saw a bit of God's amazing grace in the bonds that have been created in our mission trip already. I can only hope for more true blessings from this group of loveable people.

A Reflection by Kevin...

Today was a day to remember. In all the mission trips I've gone to thus far, there has never been a day that I have truely enjoyed so early in a mission trip. The day started off with two services that were incredible. I believe people liked my sermon and I am glad that I got to make a little difference in someone's life. The people in Iowa are incredibly kind and they look out for each other. I thought I'd be scared coming into this community, but they make me feel like home. We went to the beach today. I didn't get to swim, but I spent a great afternoon getting to play games with my new family. A true God moment for me was getting to discuss the day, both good and bad. It was a sad moment, but I think it brought me closer to the group. God was here this Sunday.

A Reflection by Christine...

Today was an AMAZING day!! We were able to interact with many of the church members and listen to their praises about the group going to help out in their houses yesterday. We were able to go to the lake and Kellie and I ran into the water quickly because it was freezing cold. There were many chicken fights and there was a 3 person stack on Jason's shoulders. Once we were finished swimming we had a great cook out that was filled with fellowship and a game of Wa. I feel like everyone really connected today and I can not wait for the connections that will be built tomorrow!!