In the last several years, I have taken time off to go to the kids camp at my church. After last year’s fire where half of the camp burned, a lot had to change. Since space was an issue and less kids could go, less counselors would be needed. Bottom line, I challenged myself to find another way to serve where I could be helpful and stretched. I was blessed to be able to help this year with Mission Abilene, a local mission trip for the middle school youth of my church. Mission Abilene consisted of several “mission projects” in our local community, including Love and Care Ministries, lots of yard work at the church, the Food Bank, and a free car wash for the community. It was incredible to hear the updated info on some of these incredible ministries. Love and Care Ministries serves the poor in Abilene. Did you know they served 497,000 meals last year in their soup kitchen and gave away 16,000 articles of clothing? They also provide free showers and give away 50 pairs of socks and underwear per day! Also, we helped sort and organize food at the local food bank. More than half of the families served have incomes lower than the federal poverty level and some are even homeless. All of this is happening in our local community. It was a honor to donate our time to such worthy organizations where people serve (many of which volunteer) our city in these incredible ways on a daily basis.
One of the most impactful things for me to see was some of the kids I have known from years past helping in the children’s ministry now in middle school growing further in their faith. These middle schoolers really have a heart for The Lord and despite some of the physical labor we did, I did not hear one complaint. I also had a chance to talk to a man named Shabbota who is living in a rehabilitation home and has been off of drugs for two months. I got the chance to tell him God loves him and encourage him. All in all, I really enjoyed chaperoning, driving, and serving with the youth. I am thankful for the opportunity to take time off from work to serve. Now I am ready for some vacation time. We are off to camp in Colorado for several days!