The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians that he is pressing on toward the goal to win the prize that God has called him to accomplish.  That goal was to live a life that honors Jesus Christ.  Paul acknowledges that he has not accomplished that goal, but he is putting all his efforts into attaining that goal and urges the readers of his letter to join the race with him.  Paul believes in companionship and wants to pursue the prize with the people of God.  This race is not a solitary race.  Paul urges the church to join him in the reaching the goal of following Jesus Christ.

            This Sunday we return to our regular worship schedule and Sunday school returns to its 9:45 time.  Public school is back in session and summer vacations are coming to an end.  Today is a special day for us, the church to commit ourselves to the values and vision of our church.  Together, all of us to join the race.  As a church we value God, Faith, Family, Equipping, and Serving.  We believe every single member of this church is called to embrace and live out those values. Now not every member will be here today but if you are reading this then most likely you are here.  So I hope with confidence and determination you will affirm with your whole heart the values of our church and to commit yourself once again to Jesus Christ the head of this church.  It is my prayer that we will run the race together and call every member of this church to join us.

Yours in Christ,

Steve

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God’s Calling
Rev. Robert H. Lapp, August 22nd, 2010
Scripture: Psalm 71: 1-6, Jeremiah 1: 4-10

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Can You Be A Christian Without The Church?
Rev. Steven E. Hein, August 15th, 2010
Scripture: Psalm 24, Hebrews 10: 19-25

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We Will Serve the Lord
Rev. Dr. Sam Murrell, August 8th, 2010
Scripture: I Chronicles 28: 6-10, Joshua 24: 14-18

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Where My Treasure Lies
Rev. Dr. Sam Murrell, August 1st, 2010
Scripture: Colossians 2: 20-23 and 3: 1-4, Luke 12: 13-21

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Theological Framework for Mission Teams

St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church Mission Committee:

Members of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church enthusiastically involve themselves in mission. We do mission in the name and spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. We provide opportunities for persons of all ages to make a difference through serving others and sharing their faith. Learning and serving go hand-in-hand because we need to understand people in order to help them. Jesus calls us to be in relationship with others as we work together for healing and justice. Jesus calls us to share our faith with others so that no one will be without a word of hope and grace. These biblical criteria shape our work:

Hospitality: “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40

When we go on a mission trip, we go where we are invited. We are the guests, and we learn from our hosts. We honor the many opportunities for partnership within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and with other churches and organizations.

Humility: “Live in harmony with one another, do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.”  Romans 12:16

We do not engage in mission because we are superior to other people. We are not better Christians or smarter people. In mission we share what we have, even as we receive what our host offers.

Justice: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18

Our goal in mission is to increase self-development and mutuality in ministry. It is to help people help themselves to live safe, healthy, and capable lives and to strengthen the Christian faith in ways that are culturally appropriate and meaningful.

Equality: “If one member of the body suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” I Corinthians 12:26

The mission team experiences what it means to be the body of Christ together. All members of the team are essential to the group’s unity and its mission. Every person is equally valuable and has work to do. In the same way, we are also equal to those we serve in mission.

Compassion:    “And who is my neighbor? …The one who showed mercy. Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:29, 37
We expect that mission will change us. Mission not only helps other people in the world. Mission transforms us. It increases cross-cultural awareness and decreases selfishness and materialism.

Simplicity:    “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Mission trip accommodations should be safe and clean, but not luxurious. Food should be simple and wholesome. The choice of activities on a mission trip should demonstrate good stewardship of time and money.

Conviction: “For we do not proclaim ourselves. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
We share the truth of our faith openly and honestly, without manipulation, but with trust that Jesus Christ will shine through the witness of our lives.

We Share By Supporting Mission Co-Workers:

Andy and Ellen Collins, Thailand ~ Working with the mission organization, Interserve, Andy and Ellen use professional computer and communication skills to serve people of Thailand.

Sherron George, Brazil ~  A long-term mission co-worker with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Sherron serves as a mission interpreter and educator.

David and Susan Hudson, India ~ Mission co-workers with the PC(USA), David and Susan work not only in India but also in other Middles East and Asian countries.

Mike and Nancy Haninger, Congo ~ PC(USA) mission co-workers, Mike and Nancy offer medical and health education.

Ken and Anne Haugh, Germany ~ Working through Wycliff, Ken and Anne serve as translators and educators in Europe and the Mediterranean rim.

Romildo and Viviane Sena, Brazil ~ Working with our partner church in Manaus, Brazil, Romildo and Viviane pastor a small congregation along the Amazon River.

We Share By Working In Partnership With Other Churches and Organizations:

Faith Ministries, Mexico ~ For many years we have provided prayer and financial support and sent mission teams to build homes near the border and to build relationships of friendship and understanding.

Malawi Mission ~ Working closely with Rev. Silas Ncozana, of the Presbyterian Church of Central Africa, we build fresh water wells and we are particularly connected to supporting a school to feed and educate street children of Malawi.

Maues Mission Partnership, Brazil ~ With the Petropolis Presbyterian Church in Manaus, Brazil, we support its ministry to communities along the Amazon River. Besides financial and prayer support, we build wells and send our members on medical and teaching mission trips. We also occasionally receive visits from the Petropolis Church leadership.

Tabasco, Mexico ~ The Presbytery of Coastal Carolina has a partnership with the Presbytery of the Gulf of Mexico, of the Mexican Presbyterian Church. We are in the process of exploring a deeper connection with that ministry.

West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps (WVMAW) ~ Members of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church built one of the mission centers used by WVMAW to alleviate unsafe and unhealthy conditions of poverty in the region.. Each year we send a building repair team to continue that work. WVMAW director, Rev. Joan West-Stewart, is a former member of SACPC.

“For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers
but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.”
Joshua 22:3 

Mission Is… Hospitality…Humility…Justice….Equality….

Compassion… Simplicity… Conviction…

Sharing

Mission is sharing – sharing our lives, our labors, our love, and our faith. Our Mission Ministry focuses upon mission in the world and the work of the wider church. We also help to support our students preparing for Presbyterian ministry. (Another church committee, Service and Outreach, focuses upon volunteer service and financial support within the Wilmington community.) There are many ways we share mission at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. Share with us!

Spiritual Life

The ministry of the Spiritual Life Committee is to encourage faith development within the congregation, helping people to connect both heart and mind in personal relationship with God.

“…we would search for God, and

find God, for in God we live and

move and have our being”

-          Acts 17:27-28

Current and Upcoming Spiritual Life Activities:

June 2nd – August 25th: Beach Walks:  Wrightsville Beach Acess #4 ~ Every Wednesday at 6pm

Spirituality Retreat at Fort Caswell: October 15th – 17th: 

COME!! RENEW YOUR SPIRIT…. Join us for a fall retreat: “Scarred by Struggle-Transformed by Hope”  October 15-17, 2010 at Ft. Caswell, North Carolina Baptist Assembly Conference Center, located on our beautiful NC coastal waters.  This retreat will be facilitated by Sister Carolyn Gorney-Kopkowski, OSB from Erie, PA.  She has 25 years experience as a retreat facilitator and has a Masters degree in Creation-Centered Spirituality.  Cost is $80. Space is limited, and full payment is required to confirm your registration, on a first come, first serve basis. Register by contacting Catheryn  762-9693 x229 or cthomas@sacpc.org.  Deadline for registration is September 15, 2010.   

 Ft. Caswell Registration Form 

Resources

LUMUNOS… The Light Unto My Path

Lumunos is the name of our prayer room, a quiet space for individual or small group prayer, meditation, and reflection. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Christian Education wing of the church. The theme of light reminds us that in Christ, we see the light of our lives, the truth, the hope, and the connections. Light guides our way both inwardly and out into the  world.

 DEVOTIONAL LIBRARY

In the Lumunos room is a selection of devotional literature. You are welcome to borrow these books or to use them while you are in there. Please respect the books and return them in a timely fashion.

SPIRITUALITY RETREATS

Each year the Spiritual Life Ministry offers retreats for rest and renewal of body and soul. Retreat themes have included: Creativity, Hope, Balance, Journeys, and God’s Good Earth.

MEDITATION GROUP

On Thursday mornings, 8:00 – 9:15, a small group of men and women meet for quiet meditation.

STILLPOINT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

Another spirituality group is a class that meets during Sunday morning education. Stillpoint members spend a brief time sharing fellowship, then move into a time of meditation and reflection.

His trip and stay are being sponsored by the Mission Committee and we feel privileged to have him in our congregation.  Silas will be preaching Sept. 19^th at all of our services, Sept 26^th at the 10:50 Contemporary service and on Oct. 3 in the Traditional services.   He will be staying in the homes of three members of the mission committee. 

Kay and I were most fortunate to have Silas host us when we have gone to Malawi. We have found him to be one of the most impressive people we have ever encountered.  So one of the desires of the Mission Committee is to share Silas with as many of you as possible over the 3 weeks he is here.  So if you would like him have him at your home for lunch or dinner, or take him to a play, a movie, boating, or golfing (he loves to golf), or take him to the mountains for a day or two, I hope you will do so.  If your Sunday school class or circle or small group would like to have him teach I hope you would extend an invitation to him. 

Catheryn Thomas the administrative assistant for the Missions committee will be coordinating his schedule, so if you or a group would like to spend some time with him please call her at 762-9693 ext. 229 or email her at cthomas@sacpc.org.  Several events are already on his schedule so I encourage you to call or email soon.

Rev. Steve Hein

            What is going on in the Old Testament book?  This is certainly an allegory.  Hosea lives about the same time as Amos and both men are directed to speak to the northern kingdom.  Although all may seem well in the land as the nation is experiencing 50 years of prosperity, a closer examination shows a people who are wandering far away from the God of Abraham and Moses.  So, the depiction of Hosea and his wife is a picture of God and the nation.  In spite of the wandering ways of these people, God has made a covenant with them and will not let them go. 

            One might find this kind of covenantal love beyond our human reasoning and will.  Continual adultery ruins marriages.  As one begins to delve deeper into this unreasonable love, we begin to see that this is not essentially about our marriages and bad behavior.  This is a story about each one of us and our relationship to God.  Rarely a day goes by, or even an hour goes by, when either by action or inaction, or by what we think in our minds, we betray the God we say we love and adore.  Yet, we hear the message of the Bible that despite our failures and shortcomings, God loves us!!  Human love is so dependent upon the reaction of the one we want to love.  It is very difficult, and I would say almost impossible, to love someone who continually and constantly offends us. 

            So God, through the prophet Hosea, reminds us how different, how unreasonable, His love is for each of us. Think about this, just as Hosea paid a price to redeem his unfaithful wife, so Jesus paid a price to redeem each of us.  This is unreasonable LOVE!!

Yours in Christ,

Steve

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Welcome to the Youth Choir Music and Mission 2010 New Orleans Tour Blog. Our group of 26 is working hard to prepare for both music and mission in New Orleans. Just 11 days to go before our team of 26 will head south to begin what promises to be a tremendous journey for each of us. Having returned from a pre-tour visit, John and I witnessed the devastation still there. It’s hard to believe that after five years the mark of Hurricane Katrina is still firmly planted on the city. We are looking forward to lending our hands, our hearts and our musical talents. We hope you will follow our blog so that you can share in this great opportunity for us. -Sharon Miller

 WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2010  

  Almost all of the Youth Choir Mission Team attended today’s rehearsal.  One more to go!  You won’ t see me in this photo because I was behind the camera.  Our last get together will be next Wednesday afternoon.   We’ll be ready!  SO much excitement filled the room today.  17 Youth Choir members & 9 adult Chaperones will be divided into 4 groups who will work hard each day & hold 4 worship services during the week.  Devotions will be held each evening before we sleep.  What a great way to end each day!  Sharon & John Miller have really worked hard organizing this trip for us.  Our Tour booklet are so organized.  Their hard work is SO appreciated!   What a great group!   Keep your eyes on this Blog for updates next week & each day we are away.  Get ready to enrich your lives through the work of this devoted group.  – Robert McIver  

Day #1 – SATURDAY, July 24, 2010    

6:30am – Depart church parking lot  for RDU airport. 

1:19 pm (2:19pm ILM time) – arrive in New Orleans.

Afternoon – Visit French Market & French Quarter.

6:00pm – Dinner at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, French Qtr.

9:30 – Devotions & Chaperone meeting

Thank youTommy Wallace for driving the church bus to RDU & Rita Pasquariello for driving your van to carry the overflow!!! 

  Today we went to the French Market and French Quarter.  There was probably someone selling at least something you wanted to buy.  The humidity was overwhelming.  Any air conditioning (like cars or dorms) felt great.  After shopping (for at least 5 hours), we went to dinner (considerably less time) at this awesome pizza place.  The had pizzas made with every topping possible to imagine.  Overall its been a good day.  –J.T  

Day #2 – SUNDAY, July 25, 2010

9:30am – all attend church – St. Charles Ave Pres Church

Noon – Hurricane Katrina self guided tour – van caravan

Afternoon – Aquarium, WW II Exhibit, Downtown walking

Dinner – Venezia Italian Restaurant

9:30pm – Devotions & Chaperone meeting

What a great worship service!  You should see their full color 8-page bulletin & what a beautiful church!  Man, their Gloria Patri & Doxology really moved out.  I figured their organist had somewhere to go in a hurry after the service.    The Sermon, “A Matter of Life and Death”, was fantastic & so timely when considering this week’s  journey! 

The “Christmas in July” feeding project was cancelled because of the unknown outcome of Tropical Storm Bonnie that came through during the night Saturday & Sunday morning.  This is an outdoor program & rain was predicted throughout the day on Sunday.  God kept us safe from this storm & we experienced very little effect. 

The Hurricane Katrina self-guided tour was so sad.  We saw homes with writing on the exterior walls to signify the state of the utilities & whether there were any occupants at the time of the inspection as well as the date of the inspection.  Some even listed the number of those who died in the homes.  We also saw a home with a message in large white writing on the roof asking for help easy for helicopters to see. 

After the tour, some of us went to the Aquarium & others road the ferry & walked among the streets of the French Quarter.   Devotions this evening were really good lead by Team #2.  We’re all excited to begin our work tomorrow.   – Robert McIver

Day #3 – MONDAY, July 26, 2010  

6:45am – Leave for Operation Nehemiah for 7:30 group orientation.

8:00am – 2 vans to do interior demolition at old hospital, St. Margaret’s, converting it into nursing home.  2 vans to Pray the Word Say the Word children’s ministry project.

Evening – Dinner with chaperone groups.

9:30 – Devotions & Chaperone meeting

Yesterday I went to the World War II Museum. Our outreach plans changed due to Tropical Storm Bonnie. God is good and we were really not in any harm. Wow! I realized how little I know about something so important. I could have spent days in there!  I’m thankful for the people who made our world a much safer place. I must thank my friend Claude Blanton for all of our conversations about that time period. There was a 4D movie  we watched  about the war narrated by Tom Hanks, as if we were part of the experience. Snow fell on us during the winter etc. Great attraction if you have  a chance to be in this area. 

We also went on the Hurricane Katrina tour. It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years when you drive around and see the house destruction  and ride on these broken streets. We can’t let them think they’ve been forgotten….because it sure looks that way. Where is the help and where is the money going is what we keep wondering?  The image that I can’t get out of my head is driving down a damaged street and seeing a cement sidewalk parallel to the street and the sidewalk  leading up to an area that you knew once had a house sitting on it  still in place. The yard is mowed and maintained  with no house…just hopes and dreams to one day rebuild! I wonder where their home is now. Very sad….and then there is the oil mess and NASA jobs being lost. How much more can they take?  

We just finished our first work day . Part of our group is working at a children’s camp at a church called Pray the Word, Say the Word. Pastor Jose is very dedicated to her neighborhood and protected by those who know she is working hard to do good for the neighbors.Just to give you an example..Yesterday she said she had 30 to forty kids for the camp and held a Food Pantry day. 150 people stood in line for hours to get food as she handed it out. She handed out the food and provided  the care without any help from others. She held out her arms as I walked up and said God always takes care of me. I put all my trust in him. I shake my head in all of this and wonder how I will make it. .and here you are.  I left today with her putting her arm around me saying,”I want to help these children, will you teach me how to help them learn?” What a challenge after seeing the surroundings and materials. I must go…….Too much to share    -Vickie Lapp 

 Today we were sent out to do our mission, the mission that God had chosen for us.  I went to work with some of the kids that are in New Orleans.  Many of them are very talent and have many different gifts.  They’re not much different than us at all.  We spent the day getting to the kids and the are great! Things are picking up here! – Bailey Pasin  

The other half of us went to St. Margaret’s to help with a huge demolition project. St. Margaret’s is a nursing home in New Orleans that is offered only to people with a total annual income of under $2000! There were several churches sent to work at St. Margaret’s and it was truly organized chaos. With their goggles, gloves and face masks on, our youth eagerly picked up crow bars, hammers, shovels and brooms and helped clear an entire floor of a hospital that was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. It was absolutely a situation in which initiative needed to be taken and our youth did so with vigor. I am so very proud to be a part of this mission trip and to be with the youth from our church. It’s only Monday and I have truly seen God work through them on so many levels. We are truly blessed. - Tracey Torello 

Day 4 – TUESDAY, July 27, 2010

6:30am – 3 vans leave for S. LaFourche in Cut Off, LA to unload an 18 wheeler of food & supplies for shrimpers & fishermen who lost jobs due to oil spill.  1 van to Pray the Word Say the Word Ministry.

6:00pm - High school vans to New Orleans Mission to serve homeless.

8:30pm – Entire group to Rock N’ Bowl for some fun until 10:30pm.

Wow…this was a hard working day!  20 of us traveled 1.5 hours to Cut Off, LA (yes, Cut Off!), to unload a full 18 wheeler of food & water for shrimpers & fishermen who no longer had jobs due to the oil spill.  Everyone worked SO hard unloading the truck & putting supplies in the cars that came by.  It took over 4 hours, but how rewarding to give out so much food & water to so many who are in need.  There was a line of cars for as far as you could see.  The sad part was leaving the facility & seeing a note taped to the window, “We are out of food vouchers”.   We have SO much to be thankful for!

The other van went to Pray the Word Say the Word to continue their work.

We all had a great time bowling at Rock N’ Bowl this evening.  I’m not quiting my day job to become a professional bowler!  I think I may be better at installing gutters since this is where I spent most of my time.  – Robert McIver

 Day #5, WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2010

7:15 – 2 vans to the Lea Price house to remove Chinese sheet-rock.  2 vans to Pray the Word Say the Word. 

3:30pm – Youth Choir leads worship at Lazarus House.

6:00pm – Youth Choir leads worship at New Orleans Mission (homeless shelter) & eat there afterward.

9:30pm – Devotions & Chaperone meeting

Day # 6 – THURSDAY , July 29, 2010 

7:15 – 2 vans to the Lea Price house & 2 vans to Pray the Word Say the Word.

4:30 – Fast food dinner

7:00pm – Youth Choir leads worship at Rivarde Youth Correctional Ctr. (An eye-opening experience!)

8:30pm – Ice cream!      

9:30pm – Devotions & Chaperone mtg

      Today half of us went to Pray the Word Say the Word and the other half went and worked on lady’s  house. I went to Pray the Word Say the Word. We worked on cleaning the closet and bookcase. We played with the kids too. All of us are really going to miss the kids, we have all grown real close soo fast.     Samantha  

We had a meaningful day  with Pastor Josie at Pray the Word Say the Word. She is an amazing lady who gives 250% to the children in the neighborhood with a smile on her feet. She gives to others when she is in such need for herself. She’s about to lose her house and car,as well as her brother’s house , (who recently passed away) yet she keeps smiling and going on for this high drug and high crime  area. Robert spent the day trying to help her with local people to get this worked out to help her. She is loved by these children and they respect her so much because she provides a safe place for them during the day. There was a ten year old girl shot at the public pool they go to nearby one day this week. We don’t go to the pool.  It was beautiful to see John P. up on a ladder with a child teaching them to cut tree limbs off. They were so proud to help.   We have definitely been out of our comfort zone but so blessed by this lady. She doesn’t charge anything for them to come to the camp but has no money coming in to help. Say a prayer for her. We have lots to be thankful for in our families. Pastor Josie said our youth had done the best job helping and being role models for these children out of the four years she had volunteers. I’ve been proud of them and their work to build a relationship with people very different but with so much in common. God is good.    -Vickie Lapp  

What an eye-opening experience it was to sing in the Youth Correctional Center!  Many, many kids ages 12-18 are here awaiting trial for something serious they have done.  We traveled down several very secure & grim halls & were somewhat tense as the heavy doors closed behind us with no where to run.  The Correctional Center Chaplain advised that some will be in jail for the rest of their lives.  The number in attendance was small (approx 50) compared to the hundreds in this facility.  It was truly sad to see so many young faces in the crowd & we were wondering what offenses they were charged with, but we had to remain a safe distance.  Needless to say, this service was stressful, but our youth did an extreme job presenting the word of God.  I am very proud of all of them for doing such a wonderful job.  The ice cream stop afterward helped relieve the stress.  The evening devotions have been awesome & this evening’s was incredible (lead by our group!).   With needed rest, we’ll be ready for our last mission day to give it our all.  – Robert McIver

Day #7 – FRIDAY, July 30, 2010

7:30am – 2 vans to the Lea Price house & 2 vans to Pray the Word Say the Word.

5:00pm – Dinner at Ye Olde College Inn

7:00pm – Closing sharing session & devotion at Tulane Univ courtyard.  Lasting almost 2 hours.

9:00pm – Ice Cream at Creole Creamery!       

I have never done so many things in one week; for the past three days I have been working on a Katrina victim’s house.  In this house we have had to tear down sheet rock carefully so we would not mess up the brand new wires and pipes that were just installed.  I don’t know if you have ever worked with sheet rock but it is MESSY.  I have had such a great experience working on this lady’s house.  Today sadly was our last day working on the house.  The homeowner was so thankful that we had come and helped her; I wish I could have stayed and helped here finish her whole house (she has to put up new sheet rock before she can do anything else).  This trip has had a very big effect on me, I have grown so much in my journey with God.  I can’t believe the trip is already over.  It’s time to pack for Wilmington already.  Please pray for a safe journey home tomorrow! Jesus Loves You!   -Kinsley Morgan  

Day #8 – SATURDAY, July 31, 2010

Morning – Each group choose what they would like to do

12:30pm – Return vans to airport.

2:10pm – Flight leaves New Orleans Airport.

7:05pm – Arrive at ILM. 

What an incredibly memorable mission trip!!!  The high schoolers & middle schoolers were just fantastic!  They worked hard, sang beautifully, got along extremely well, & never complained.  It was SO hot & humid, unbearable at times, but everyone carried their load.  You can bevery proud of your children.  They are all just wonderful!  And the chaperones…what a fantastic group!  Our faith was strengthened by the many experiences.  We are grateful for the support of the Mission Committee as well as members of SACPC.  Thank you all for believing in us & what we were doing.

NEEDS:  This mission trip is “not” over.  I will continue to work on Pastor Josie’s financial situation in hopes to save her  brother’s home (who passed away about 2 years ago) as well as her own home from foreclosure.  We are researching refinancing opportunities on her own home & selling her brother’s home.  She receives no outside financial support & uses her own retirment to run Pray the Word Say the Word ministry, a ministry taking care of elementary aged children teaching them the word of God & preparing them for real world situations.  The building is located in a high crime area  exposing the children to many adverse situations. 

Oven/Stove:  While we were at Pray the Word Say the Word, we found that her oven/stove was inoperable.  She cooks items at her home & brings warm food in almost daily to feed the children, some not knowing where there next meal will come from.  We are working on finding a replacement oven/stove with hopes to work through a local Lowe’s. 

Car:  A major expense for Pastor Josie is her monthly car payment.  We are working on trying to find a way for her to give her vehicle up, but she will need a replacement vehicle.  If anyone has a second hand car or knows of someone who has one they may like to donate, please let me know.  Arrangements are already in place to have someone pick up the vehicle & drive it back to New Orleans to Pastor Josie.  Please help us spread the work about this.  Feel free to contact me if there are an questions. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful mission team this year & I hope we will take a larger group on another great adventure in two years. God has blessed us with wonderful young people who will one day be the leaders of our church & country.  May God bless all who attended this year’s great adventure!  – Robert McIver