Day eight: Half way home

Well we are in Memphis safe and sound and praise the Lord it was a smooth day of travel. We were up early packing and cleaning and we managed to get on the road fifteen minutes early. Breakfast was very simple consisting of pigs in a blanket and cinnamon rolls. The kids were given the opportunity to fix a sack lunch if they so desired or they could buy lunch when we stopped. The kids were amazingin their clean up efforts no complaining or lack of involvement was observed. In fact as they finished their assignments they pitched in and helped others. The only problem we had was it seemed as if everyone's luggage had expanded.

As we arrived in Memphis we were greeted by a significant storm but it was short lived as it moved through the area quickly. Everyone was on their own for dinner tonight and it was nice not having to cook.

After dinner we had a great time of sharing as the kids reflected on the week and God's work in their lives. The kids encouraged one another, thanked one another, shared high points and low points. It was a great conclusion to the week.

Tomorrow the plans are to be on the road by 8:00am (avoiding the troubles we had the last time we were here) and arrive in Beaumont around 6:00pm. We are looking for ward to being home!

Day Seven: Our final day of ministry

Today was the last day for BYBCs and block parties. No one was looking forward to saying goodbye to the children. At the end of today's BYBCs the ministry teams served the children pizza which they thoroughly enjoyed. The children were so disappointed to see us go and wished we could stay or come back next week. So many of these kids have so little positive influence in their lives.   After all the goodbyes were said and the teams returned to the church it was time for lunch and some down time. The kids were offered the opportunity to go shopping for souvenirs and those who were not too worn out took advantage of the trip. The group went to a local mall for a few hours and I think for most it was disappointing. The rest of stayed at the church in hopes of catching up on some rest.    I know for the kitchen crew we are feeling the length of the week and  Thursday was a heavy prep day. The time had come for everyone's favorite meal consisting of pork loin, fried rice, green beans, and egg rolls. Everyone dined sufficiently and I know for me I have to regain some surrendered ground in the weight department.   Our final block party at North Point was cut short due to inclement weather. No sooner had we gotten set-up and it began to cloud up with thunder and lightning and we had to break everything down. So, it was back to the church for a time of sharing and reflection about what God had done throughout the week. I think all of the kids have had a positive growing experience through good situations and some trying situations. The kids have done extremely well and have represented God and Westgate beautifully. You would be proud!!!   It is off to bed for tomorrow begins early, fast, and furious.

Day six: Lakota Point & Creation Museum

Today was an extremely busy day. The day started off as usual with our kids conducting BYBCs at their respective sites. The BYBCs continue to go well and new children are coming each day.


After the BYBCs we had the opportunity to visit the largest Creation Museum in North America. The museum is located in Petersburg, KY. and is about 45 mins. to an hour away. So in order to have as much time as possible the kitchen crew (the most important people on the trip) had sandwhich fixin's, chips, fruit, and water set out so everyone could make a lunch and get on the bus for the drive over. But, before all of this could take place the kitchen crew had to wash, dry, and sort 265 t-shirts.


The drive to the museum took us out of Ohio across a small portion of Indiana and into Kentucky. The museum was very interesting in its display of the six days of creation, depicting the fall of man, the great flood, and the effects of sin upon mankind and the world. The kitchen crew had to depart at this point while the others got to tour the planetarium.


Once everyone was back at the church we ate dinner and cleaned up and were off to Lakota Point for the block party. The event was very well attended and the format was the same as the previous block party and as usual the kids did a great job.


Once we were back at the church it was time for a Bible Study led by Bro. Jeff. It was over John 13:1-17 which is the depiction of Jesus washing the disciples feet. Hopefully it will help us all to go one step further in our spiritual walk. Afterwards it was a race for the showers, down time and finally bedtime. Tomorrow holds many more opportunities...

Day five: BYBC and King's Island

Day five has come and gone and it has been an incredible day. The attendance at each of our BYBC sites increased drastically and there is a significant interest in spiritual things. Some of the children are keenly aware of the effort that has been made for us to be here with them. Our kids are doing a great job ministering to these children being sensitive to the conditions in which they live. You would be very proud of our students.


After a hard morning of work it was time for some fun. King's Island is a local amusement park and we invaded it with a fury. I have never seen so many rollercoasters in one place and I am sure I will feel everyone of them in the morning. Liliana Burrets definitely gets the award for enjoying the park the most. She was determined to ride as many rides as possible and I believe she achieved her goal. Everyone had a great time and it gave the kids an opportunity to expend some energy and let off some steam.


After the park we returned to the church and had a time of Bible study and testimonies. The kids are really making some great connections with the children in their BYBCs. After this it was time for showers and final preparations for Wednesday and now we are off to bed. I have not forgotten about the link for the pictures and as soon as it is ready I will pass it on. So much to do and so little time to do it all. Until tomorrow...

Day Four: BYBC & Block Party

Today we began our ministry at three multi-housing complexes here in the Mason area Meadow Ridge, Northpoint and Lakota. The teams were out early setting up tents and getting all of their materials for the day set-up and ready to receive children. Between the three teams we were able to touch the lives of 45 to 50 children. The North Point team could have used the Peppers as most of their children were from West Africa and most of them spoke a form of French and very little English. All of the teams came back to church excited about how the first day went and are looking forward to the days ahead.


After a great southeast Texas lunch of gumbo the teams made preparations for Tuesday and then had time to themselves to nap, hang out, play cards or in the gym here at 1st Mason. The church has been very hospitable and the pastor has gone out of his way to connect with our kids and our adults.


Tonight was our first block party and it took place at North Point and the children really turned out for this event. We served sno-cones, popcorn, cotton candy and there were a number of inflatables for them to play on. The choir did a mini concert which the children really enjoyed and we gave away several door prizes. There were probably close to 75 people who attended the block party and I believe they all had a great time. After saying goodbye and cleaning up it was back to the church for dinner and clean up some time to wind down and then off to bed. Day five will be here before we know it.


Sorry there are no pictures, we are going to download all of them and send you a link so you can see them all instead of just a few.

Day Three: Ministry begins

After a long day and a late night Sunday morning came early but like the troopers they are the kids were up and ready to go. After breakfast and a short drive to the church all the sound equipment was unloaded and set-up for rehearsal. We attended church at 1st Baptist Church Mason which is also our hotel for the week. During the service the choir led in worship and did an incredible job as always. Following the service it was off to lunch and afternoon activities.


1st Baptist Mason

Cottingham Retirement Center

Visiting with the residents

Sponsors helping w/ choreography

Leading in worship @ 1st Mason

Our #1 fan at Cottingham

A traditional 4th of July dinner

Food is a vital part of Mission Trip

The 3 most important people on the trip

Canvasing the apartment complex


After dinner we had an incredible prayer time as we prepared for the BYBCs and we look forward to sharing with you the ministry that will take place.

Day Two: Will anything go our way?

Everyone was up bright and early (except Adam Martin) making sure they were fed, loaded and ready to go. Only one problem the bus decided it was not ready to go it was deader than a door nail. So there we were in Memphis, TN. on the 4th of July weekend in need of two 24 volt batteries. Fortunately we were still at the hotel and not out in the middle of no where.

So, what do you do in this situation? Pray? No, you play MAFIA, for three hours!!! Our kids were great no whining or complaining just going with the flow. About 11:00am we were on the road again making our way to Cincinnati. After about 8 hours of driving, a couple of stops for meals (of which some of the sponsors were late getting back from dinner), and a couple of minor traffic jams we arrived at our destination. Pulling into Cincinnati we were greeted by multiple firework displays which I am sure were just for our benefit. Once we arrived at the hotel it was unload the bus and straight to our rooms and straight to bed.