Hello From Memphis!

March 18, 2022

Hello Tulsa!

I am writing from Memphis where 30 youth and 6 adult members of our church are blessing the neighbors that we encounter. Our projects have been simple but have also required strength and endurance. My body aches, but the host church is feeding us so well that I have probably gained weight!

We spent the first day divided. Our Senior High girls went to a ministry for women who have been in the “oldest profession” and provided a meal for them and heard their stories. The youth were amazed that their preconceived notions were shattered and they saw the women as real people. The same thing happened to all the other students where they served at Constance Abby. This ministry works with the homeless. We cleaned, sorted clothing, gardened and passed out blessing bags to the men and women. Most of the youth conquered their fears and also prayed over these neighbors.

Tuesday consisted of one team doing more work at the Abby and serving the midday meal. Two teams stayed at the host church cleaning up storm damage limbs on the property and scrubbing the church interior.

Wednesday saw the Junior High working in a neighborhood community garden. The Senior High worked in the host church cleaning and sorting their clothing ministry and continuing clean up of the property.

We have been to a worship service that lasted two and a half hours with lots of clapping and singing praise to Jesus. We have done a prayer service with a horn that opened our time and was all liturgy from the Book of Common prayer. Our students have led daily devotionals and Mark has given amazing sermons every night. I can absolutely say that we will never forget this experience and we have been changed because of it. I can’t wait to see what these amazing youth bring back to you all.

Just a reminder, we have an upcoming opportunity for you to serve just as our students have done during this week. Join us for an intergenerational opportunity for Christ-centered service at our All Church Service Project on Wednesday, March 23 at 6pm. We will be making notes of love and appreciation for Darnaby and Preschool teachers and our homebound members. We hope to see you there!

Blessings,