by Grace Wilkinson
Victoria smiled in recognition, and I did too. It was early August, and we were at the Back-to-School Block Party at the Lynnwood/Lynnridge apartment complex in Elizabethton, TN. She was a young resident of the complex attending the party. I was a member of the team representing our church on the 2009 Family Mission Trip that took place August 6 - 9. Our team was hosting the party. I first met Victoria last summer during the 2008 FMT at one of our Backyard Bible Clubs, and I was so excited to spend time with her again. What a blessing it was to renew our relationship! It was just one of many blessings I experienced on this trip.
A mission team from our church has traveled to Elizabethton for the past three summers to work with Hale Ministries. This year our team was comprised of 29 people representing eight families. The youngest participant was my 4½-year-old preschooler. Our team also had school age children, teenagers, one college student, and several adults, including some seniors. For half of the people on our team, this was a second or third trip to Elizabethton.
Under the leadership of Jason and Elizabeth Rogers, we ministered in many ways completing a variety of tasks. We enjoyed two nursing home visits, participated in prayerwalking around the apartment complex, hosted one block party and three Backyard Bible Clubs at the complex, painted one office, washed one van, filled over 50 food bags, assembled one utility cart, filled and distributed 35 backpacks, gave away dozens of pairs of shoes as the message of salvation was shared, and led one worship service at the Lynnwood/Lynnridge Community Church. Our most meaningful moments were those spent connecting with the people we met and sharing God's love.
We are thankful for the opportunity to minister alongside family members and fellow church members. Thank you for supporting us by providing school supplies, sugarless gum, and toiletries for the backpacks and by lifting us up in prayer.
