FBC Monroe Students Head North, eh! (Day 1)

Today our team of 8 high school students and 3 adult chaperones from First Baptist, Monroe departed for a week of serving alongside residents of Chateauguay, Quebec Canada. We have been looking forward to this experience for quite awhile. For all of the students, it is their first experience with an international missonal encounter, heck for three quarters of our team, it was their first time flying.

            Our trip began with multiple headaches at the Charlotte airport, as there was difficulty with obtaining boarding passes through the airline, and misdirection from security about which “check-in” line we were authorized to enter. Then when we got to Philadelphia for our connecting flight, it ended up being delayed by 2.5 hours. All of the irritations aside, it provided time for our team to gel in light of the unique experiences, and give us a good “first day’ story.

            We made it to Burlington, VT where we picked up our rental vehicles for the week and began the 90-mile drive to Chateauguay. We crossed the border into Canada swiftly and made it to Eglise Chretenne Le Rocher (the Rock Christian Church) around 6:30 PM where we were met by Pastor Daniel Cimon. After a quick unload of bags and gear, we went over to Pastor Daniel’s house where he and his wife Josie displayed such gracious hospitality with a wonderful dinner and sharing of their life-story and ministry in the community. In our group discussion time at the end of the evening, it was mentioned that it was difficult for us to recall a time where we sat around a table for such a lengthy amount of time with no sense of urgency or desire to leave, time spent just enjoying the company of others. The fellowship was filled with laughter, stories, and good food.

            The team has settled into our accommodations in the church and is ready for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we will worship together with the church, and I will have the honor to bring the morning’s message. The service will be entirely in French (except for the sermon which will be translated), and a service in another language will be a first for our students as well. The day will include learning more about the food ministry of the church we are working with, as well as a walking tour of the town. The team is excited for the week ahead, and personally, I am enjoying seeing all of their responses to all of these “firsts.”