Ronan Mission Trip – Finishing Strong…

On Thursday morning we decided to let the team sleep in an hour later since everyone was starting to get run down and tired.  We were also able to schedule in an extra long quiet time for them to be able to reconnect with God. 

In the early afternoon the only things we had scheduled was the team that was working on the renovation project, a couple that stayed back to prepare the church, and the rest of the team was able to go on a prayer walk.  They divided up into two groups that went out to pray for the neighborhood and anyone they came in contact with.  From what I’ve heard these prayer walks had a powerful impact on the team as they saw God working and speaking to them. 

It was a perfect way to prepare for that evenings VBS as we were giving the gospel message.  Not only were we praying in Montana but were grateful to have a team praying all over the world from Washington to Australia.  I know that we could not have seen anything accomplished had it not been the prayer warriors working alongside us.

Prayer team preparing to head out... 

That evening after dinner I decided to join the bus that went out to pick up the students in three different neighborhoods.  I absolutely LOVED this experience as it gave me more one on one time with the kids than I am able to have during the VBS.   

Picking up the kids... 

One of the little boys, Randall shared with me on the ride to church how it was hard being the older brother because his dad was in prison and he had to take care of his younger siblings.  My heart went out to him throughout the night as I watched him struggle.  During craft times they were making bookmarks and he looked up at me and said he wanted a Bible of his own.  We were able to take a couple Bibles off the book shelf of the church and give them to some of the kids.  During game time and snack he seemed really depressed and didn’t want to talk but after the Bible story on salvation his smile was back and by the end of the night he was up dancing and singing his heart out with the worship team.  

Getting to know Randall... 

Salvation message... 

Randall with his new Bible... 

Another boy that I was able to connect with on the trip was Stanley.  He was very rambunctious and need some extra love and attention which I was happy to give him.  I pray that God would get a hold of his heart and transform him from the inside out.  

Loving on Stanley... 

That evening after having a team meeting we loaded the bus and headed to one of the youth’s house for a bonfire.  What a view they had at their house.  Our only regret was not bringing the guitar to have a time of worship.  We did have a great time of fellowship.  

What a gorgeous view... 

Friday morning we had planned a relaxing morning at the lake but ended up taking an adventurous hike to do some cliff jumping.  Some people had to overcome their fear of heights that day just to get to the jump spot… others overcame it by actually jumping.  It was fun watching Pastor Weston as he encouraged those who were struggling for one reason or another.  He has such a heart for these students after just knowing them for five weeks.  

The view at the Lake... as the kids played in the water..!

Garit helping Maria back to the bus...

We had to hurry back to the church to clean up and head over to one of the church member’s house for a traditional Pilipino meal.  Man were we spoiled and she even let us take home goodie bags of food for the team members who chose to stay back and work on the room renovation all day.  

Heaven on a plate... 

You could see how much Satan was trying to attack the ministry that day as a couple of the members had medical issues come up and were not able to come and participate.  The youth really stepped up and took on more leadership roles.  We had lower numbers that day because of the increase heat but those who did come were loved on and kept cool by having a water fight.  

Camdyn and Cassidy leading craft time... 

Brittney and Garit leading games... 

The team finished strong with the VBS and then the race was on to complete the youth room before the night was over.  Everyone was running around doing various jobs and fellowshipping until we were finally able to complete it and dedicate the room with Levi and his family.  It brought tears to many eyes as we showed them the finished product, prayed over them and heard how much we had encouraged Levi to continue on in the ministry.  

Cami painting to worship music... 

Levi, Jen, and the kids... 

Team picture with the youth of Ronan...