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.”
Praying for your team as God opens their eyes to new things and new places.
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ReplyDeleteBlessed to co-minister with you at FBC Monroe and thankful for your leadership with all of our students but especially my daughters this week. Preach well tomorrow.
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