Tuesday was another full day for everyone.
The SGM and Living Hope teams had long work days and accomplished so much.
The SGM team is digging down the basement floor in the new Sunshine building across the street. Check out the wheel barrel pictures. Hard and rewarding work. As hard as they are working and as dirty as they are getting they might be the team that is laughing together the most.
Living Hope worked in a city lot next to the church. Weeds were as high as 6 feet but no more. They enjoyed the hard work in beautiful weather and were able to really see their progress. Another part of the team worked in the stairwell cleaning and painting. This group works with Pastor Brad and at lunch gets blessed to hear all God has done to bring the church to the place it is. They get to see how many people stop by and how many "interruptions" come into his day. He is ministering at all times to people in need and our kids our seeing how God loves his people and is always available.
Wadsworth (the elementary school) had a short work day. The kids were once again all over the school serving in classrooms with Pre-K thru 4th grade and working to organize supplies. This school is one of many schools in low income neighborhoods that will be closing this year so there is much confusion, sadness and also excitement during this last week. Then The Wadsworth team did their homeless mealshare experience. We will share more about that tomorrow as the other groups will do that experience today.
Here are a few words from your students....
Being with the children's team is great and really eye opening seeing all of the poverty in the schools just me more motivation to help. Everything is going great here! Maddie Griggs
I have been working with an amazing 3rd grade class. i quickly learned that the teachers don't yell because they are mean and want to but because they have to. [the kids were a little thrown but the different ways teachers communicate in the school here - much more firm and loud than the schools back home]. Yesterday I tutored kids in math all day. The one on one time with the kids was amazing. The Lord has been working in amazing ways! We have all been blessed by the kids at Wadsworth Elementary! Nathan Schmid
I have been packing up a closet in the main office of the school. We have been putting school and office supplies into boxes and taking inventory. It has been hard work but it is rewarding to help the administration and staff. This work project is teaching me patience and always having a good and positive attitude. I'm so excited to see God's glory and power as the week continues. Christina Solfelt
Over the past few days, I have seen the joy and light of God shine through each of our students as they minister to children at Wadsworth elementary and each other. It has been exciting to walk down the halls of Wadsworth and see our students one on one tutoring second graders in math, or taking the time to sound out every word in a short chapter book with a student who was falling behind with her reading skills. The amazing thing is that God is not only using our high schoolers to spread his love to the students at Wadsworth, they are also showing us the love of Christ. There is nothing quite like the instant acceptance these children are giving to us through their hugs, sharing of stories and laughter. In Matthew 19 we see how dear children are to Jesus and it is great seeing our young students follow in the footsteps of Christ as they invest wholeheartedly in the students of Wadsworth! Leader Kari
After the work projects we had some team time. We went to Hyde Park and had ice cream. Then walked to a park for some quiet time and then hang out time for a bit before dinner and teaching.
We had our last talk with Joel and he spent some extra time just letting our students ask him questions about all we have covered so far. He knows his bible and he knows how to communicate so well. Many students have commented that his teaching times have been some of their favorite parts of the trip so far.
Today, thank you for praying for our second group as they experience the mealshare, for the Wadsworth team as they have a long work day and for continued positive attitudes and God first mind set of our awesome students!
4 comments:
Loving you all so deeply and cheering you on!! These daily update are like streams of cool fresh water to my own walk with The Lord. I was one of the "freakish parents"......so nervous about this trip. God is doing a huge work in me as well. To trust and obey. To see the calling each of you has this week......to see the joy on your faces as you serve........and to know that your sacrifices and commitment to the folks of the south side are blessing them deeply. You are all putting stones on your path to one day hearing "Well done, my good and faithful servant" - Matthew 25:21. Journey on. Be well. And know that you are being bathed in prayer!
Love in Him,
Alison Gulden
Thank you so much for sharing with us the details of the ministry going on in Chicago. It is awesome to see the pictures and read the words concerning the work that is being done by this group. We are thankful for all who have, and are supporting the members of this ministry through prayer, financial support, and the "behind the scenes" planning and preparation that is involved in a ministry such as this. All given in the name of the Lord, and for His glory. Praise the Lord for all those willing to serve in these ways. We continue to pray for safe travel, good health, and effective ministry during this time in Chicago. We know that God will use your many acts of service this week to bless many!
We thank God for all of you for serving our great GOD!! You are a blessing to so many in Chicago, and can see in your joyful smiles that you are also being blessed. Shine on!!!
Love,
Laurie and Jim Muehlbauer
So great to see these photos of you all! Nathan, it is so quiet without you here....kind of lonely actually! We are praying for the kids you are teaching. Keep serving Jesus with a happy heart! Give each day everything you've got...and them some!
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