WorkcampNE Reflections

This past week, I was up in Maine with 15 students and 3 other adults for Workcamp New England. Basically, it is a service project week for high school students. If it helps, think of it as a mission trip right in the United States. Ever year, the location changes, but the purpose is still the same — to serve others in Jesus’ name.

Several church youth groups come together for a week. They are split into separate work crews, given an assignment, and let loose. During the day, we worked on painting home, roofing (what my crew did), fixing decks, and building ramps. Some crews even worked inside houses on various projects. In the end, we were able to serve about 15 families. Combine that with the week before (you get to choose which week you go), and we helped about 30 households in Maine.

I am so proud of our students. Some of them have been a part of RCC or another church for quite some time, while others are brand new to this whole thing. I was able to see many of them grow closer to God and each other this past week. Many also showed some new levels of maturity. I cannot wait to see what God continues to do through them throughout the year!

During the week, we were given the option to give “care cards” to each other. After writing these encouraging notes to each other, we placed them in an envelope. At the end of the week, you were given your envelope, and finally able to read your cards. I would like to share a few of mine with you. I do not do this to show conceit or anything like that. I just wanted to say thanks to those who wrote them. Also, I hope it helps you (my readers and prayer-partners) know how you have been partnering with me.

• “You are so helpful in so many ways, and I am so glad I have gotten to know you.”
• “You are really devoted to God and seem to have a great heart.”
• “Your questions really made me think. I learned a lot this week and I’m glad I came.”
• “You were one of the factors that helped me to develop my relationship with God.”
• “You are so encouraging and fun to learn from.”
• “You are so gracious, kind-hearted, and good natured.”

These are encouragements that I will keep for, perhaps, all time. They are what keep me doing what I do. They are ways that God reassures me this is what He wants me doing. If you do not have a folder or someplace where you keep encouraging messages like these, I urge you to start one. They are awesome to come back to, especially in tough times. Thanks to all the students and parents who have encouraged me along the way!