They started off with a 30 minute delay, waiting for the Youth Leader and his family (who I heard had to drive back to their house for someone's missing pillow??!!) Anyway, they soon found out why they got a late start. On I-10, a pickup truck in front of them blew out a tire and our group stopped to help them change it. Not one of them were able to get the spare tire released from underneath the truck. It should have just come loose after releasing the latch, but it wouldn't budge. Randy and Tate (one of our Youth leaders) began praying, and so did at least one of the kids in the van. As soon as they were finished, literally-as soon as they said aloud, "In Jesus' name we pray, amen!", the tire dropped to the ground! This was with no one touching it right then, by the way! How exciting! The family they helped were on their way to Mexico to help build a church! Praise God!
While in New Orleans, 4 of our youth were saved during the course of the week! One of them accepted Jesus after a very emotional and spirit-let foot-washing ceremony.
One of the other kids asked to pray over an injured man who the paramedics were helping. One of them ( a very tiny, petite young lady) fell THROUGH the roof of a house they were working on and landed ON HER FEET - with no injuries!!! Praise God!
(if you can't read this - the headline says "through the roof!" The kids and adults connected on a level that gave them a bond that will last a lifetime. I really would have loved to be a part of that, but am so glad that Randy and Ciara got to experience it! I have a new love and appreciation for all those who went, just from the stories I've heard about the trip.
I'm looking forward to next summer, already, so that we might be able to go on a "Family Mission Trip" and all experience God working in our midst to the degree that this fortunate group from The Connection got to be a part of.
Thank you to all of you who supported Randy and Ciara to make this trip happen for them. You made a difference in both their lives because of it, and mine, as well.
Till next time,
