Williamsburg, KY

Twenty four students and adults travel to Williamsburg, KY, July 16-20 to serve the community and share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Teams will do painting, yard work, construction, singing in nursing homes, sorting and cleaning a food pantry, and much more.  Check back here for updates throughout the week.  I will try and post some pictures of things we do.


Day 1 - Traveling Day

It has been a good first day of camp.  We left church at 6am, and arrived here in Williamsburg, KY around 3:30pm, after several potty stops and lunch.  We registered the students and signed up for our ministry teams, then headed to a crowded supper around 5.  The opening celebration was exciting and upbeat, as over 300 kids from all over the country sang and cheered.  It's gonna be a great week!!

I will try and post some pictures tomorrow.



Day 2 - First Serve Day

  

This morning, we started the day with breakfast, the AM Show (energized morning worship and fun), Bible study, then headed out to work sites at 10am.  Students and adults alike were eager to begin the week of service!  Some painted, some cleaned, some sorted clothes, some crushed boxes, some cleared trees and brush...there was a lot going on. 

I am in a group with James Upshaw, and we are doing kids ministry in a couple local government housing areas.  There were several kids who came out to play and hang out today, and we were told we would probably see more tomorrow, as kids get more comfortable with us being there.  We were at one neighborhood till about lunchtime, then headed over to another neighborhood to do the same thing (football, basketball, four-square, board games, etc).  The games were fun, but most importantly, they gave us the opportunity to build the relationship that will lead to sharing the gospel.  We will go to the same sites throughout the week.

Other groups had a good day too.  Some of our students went to a nursing home, some to cut down small trees, some cut grass, and others did kids ministry and games/rec.  Overall, everyone seems to be having a great week so far.  I will try and post a list of who is doing what ministry tomorrow night. I dont have a complete list with me right now.

We return from the ministry sites around 3, then have some hang time, supper, then worship.  The speaker this week, Robert Smith, is from Oklahoma, and has really challenged students to pursue Christ this week.  Tonight he spoke about the difference in being a fan of Christ and a follower of Christ.  He speaks and relates well to this generation.

Tonight's Nite Life was called Covert Operation, where Bible Study groups completed several challenges to discover the "secret word".  Everyone seemed to have a great time playing those games.

Thanks for praying for the people that we are serving, as well as for God to work in the students who are here. 

   

   



Day 3 - Second Serve Day

Hey there!  It's pretty late here, so this will be somewhat short.  It has been a good day of service in the community, as the students are beginning to really get to know the people they are serving.  During the worship service tonight, the students were challenged to proclaim the gospel in every part of their lives.  We looked at the life of Joseph, and how he lived for God no matter the circumstance, even when it's difficult, even when you can't see the outcome.  Please continue to pray for the students as we dig into the Word each day!  Our camp pastor this week has done a great job at breaking down a passage and making application. 

Night Life tonight was our Spy Night, and some students dressed up.  You'll see a couple pics below. 

I did want to let you know that each of our students and leaders are doing this week.  Here is a list...

Marty Middleton and James Upshaw are doing Children's ministry, working with kids in 2 Housing Authority neighborhoods. We mostly play games and love on the kids in these neighborhoods.

Riley Passineau and Judith Sykes are on a Social Ministry team that has served in nursing homes this week, ministering to the residents there.

Marty Simpkins, Joe Dunn, and Hunter Sykes are doing Games and Rec in some local neighborhoods...having a good time playing some basketball and other games with the kids.

Caleb Ethridge, Noah Willson, and Mitchell Lamb are on a PCY team that has done some mowing, and buiding a wheel chair ramp and a repairing a porch.

Brandon Polk, Sam Dunn, and Patrick Mulcahy are also on a PCY team that has painted a whole house, built most of a wheel chair ramp (had to stop because of rain today), and a picnic table.

Dylan Jenkins, Kyle Overton, and Cole Lamb are on a PCY team that has worked at the home of Arnold and Martha.  Be sure to ask these guys about this "couple"...there is an interesting story about these friends (they are not married/dating...more like roomates).  They have cleared trees this week.  One of the guys on their team has had a couple injuries (not one of our guys).  There's a story behind that as well...be sure to ask.

Lawrence Libby and Jacob Furst are on a PCY team that has done a lot of yard work and repaired a ceiling in a local family's house.

Sarah Daniels and Mary Moody are on a Social Min team that has served in a thrift store (much like With Love From Jesus).  They also helped prepare some crafts for a Creative Min team (during today's rain).

Kent Lamb, Wendy Daniels, and Katie Britt have been on a Creative Ministry team that has traveled to several assisted living and retirement homes to do things like crafts, music, and drama with the residents there.  There are some funny stories from this group as well.  Be sure to ask Kent about his solos.

Thanks so much for praying for this week.  It really has been a good one!!

Heading out to Ministry Sites:
   

   

Hangin out with Hippocrates