The Blessing of Serving

Why do we go??? After a weekend of being up to my waist in bloated rotting meat, diapers, foul smelling oatmeal (seriously that stuff is amazingly foul!!!!! I will never be able to choke it down again) thousands of diapers, wet carpet, soggy drywall and filthy insulation I have to ask that question.

There are a lot of answers that fall in to several categories-

Selfishly I enjoy being in the midst of disaster (I know that sounds bad and it probably isn't PC to say). Honestly, it is an adrenaline rush to be there. To some degree there is this badge of honor that comes with heading in to danger and going where others don't want to be. I also always come back from these trips changed. Seeing God work and the faithfulness of His people in the midst of their own tragedy is a personal journey that leaves me with a new sense of His provision and care over my own life.

Philanthropically there is a sense of nobility and human responsibility in being there helping those in need.

Theologically there is a call that we see in the Word of God to put others needs before our own. We obey Him when we serve in the lowliest of ways. We represent Him and plant the seeds of His love and Message when we act in love.

You may decide to go for any or all of those reasons but there is another that we usually gloss over...Community.
When we serve together God opens doors and brings a new deeper sense of community to the team that serves. This weekend I was able to spend time with some really amazing people that God has brought here to Adventure. In the midst of the filth and hard work we had time to share our stories and create memories that will create community in a way that nothing else can.

If you are trying to figure out how to connect...if you are wondering how you can move from the fringe of Adventure then I want you to know that these trips are a perfect opportunity.
If you are feeling down and struggling with the weight of your own problems then this will help you gain perspective as you see God's provision in the midst of tragedy.
If you wonder whether God is near, if He really cares, if He is really active then come see and be His hands.

For whatever reasons you decide to go, just realize ahead of time that you will come back changed.

We head back next weekend. We are going to leave on Saturday @ 8am and probably again on Sunday @ 1:30pm. Check out Tony's blog for more details and feel free to contact us with any questions.