Joplin

 

I've been leading two Bible Studies with LSW and LSN girls this summer.  These girls have blessed me and serve because the love of Christ compels them.   We planned a trip to Joplin to serve the community in the midst of their devastation.  We came back a new way.  We came back different.  We came back blessed, hearts wide open, and with a desire to serve more.  We came back worshiping the resurrected God, and Oh How He loves us!  We came back living in praise of the cross.  Often we live in a Good Friday world but the resurrection has happened.  On one of the job sites we found 8 small wooden crosses ready to wear around our neck or put on our rear view mirrors... all in remembrance of the cross and the crazy love God has for us.  They all want to go back and serve.  We came back exhausted but filled.  God is good.  

At dinner one night and on other occasions we stood out.  One table at dinner asked us, "Who are you all and how come you are having so much fun?"  We explained we are with YL of LS and here to serve Joplin bc we felt lead to do so.  He thanked us and wanted to know more about YL.  I can't help but think that this family saw the light in us. 

Matthew 5: 14-16

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.