LA Mission Trip 2009

Alright, so I feel the need to defend myself for those of you who have been following the blog. Yes, I forgot my shoes in Winnipeg, yes, I bought bright blue shoes that just so happen to be the Crips gang color, but NO, I did not join a gang or get shot by someone who was a part of one. (Although that would have made for a good story.) Speaking of good stories, Tyler Voth and I were offered drugs at the gate of our headquarters. But do not worry, I did what any good leader would do, and got it for half price. Clearly joking J

So, it’s been a week since the mission trip ended and let me just say that I miss it dearly. I miss the students. I miss the leaders. I miss the people we met and the ministries we worked with. What stands out for me is the way our group grew as a team and family. I felt like we were living in true community. It made me think about how church should be. I loved it. Although a large group, we functioned well and grew to love each other very much. I quickly began to see these students not just as students, but rather young people who are looking for and serving Jesus. It excites me to see these young adults take time from their lives to do missions and grow in their faith, because they are the next generation of leaders in the church. I saw many students grow in great ways over our week in LA. I could start listing each student and the ways they stood out in our group, but that would take too long. Long story short, I was very proud of our group.

It excites me to see this growth because it is my hope that they will now return to their lives here at home and be involved in their families, communities and church in a way they may not have been before. I have full confidence in these students that they can make a difference. My encouragement to our group is that as life becomes routine again, never forget the way God worked in and around you in LA. God is here too. The same God that led us to and in LA, is the same God who will lead you here at home.

Thank you to Eastview and everyone that supported us this past year in preparation for this trip. Thank you for your support, finances, and prayer.

Students, even though the trip is over, guess what? That’s right! Senior high starts up in a few weeks, and if you are not there, I will personally hunt you down and drag you to the church. Too far? I don’t think so... J

 

God Bless,

Cory J Bell