2011 Lessons in love

Sisseton 2011 is now HIStory. Here is a lesson learned by one of the families who went on the trip:

One of the reasons we joined the Sisseton missions team this year was for the sake of our children. My husband and I believe that the most significant and lasting thing we can do with our lives is to share Jesus with the people around us, and we want that to become part of our family's identity. We want our kids to know that this is what our family does - we share the love of Jesus. And we wanted our children's eyes (and our own) to be opened a little bit more to the world around us.

When we first shared the idea of a family missions trip with our kids, they were totally on board. This will be fun! This will be like when we tell our friends at school about Jesus, or invite someone from our neighborhood to AWANA! We know how to do this! Let's go!

It didn't take long for them to realize that sharing the love of Jesus doesn't always fit into the predictable, neat, little box that they're used to here at home. Throughout the 5 days that we spent in Sisseton, our children started to come up to us in tears, sharing their broken little hearts:

"Mom, the kids are making fun of my name and being really mean to me, and I don't know why. It's hurting my feelings."

"Mom, that girl just insulted Dad and was really disrespectful. Why can these kids act like that?"

"Mom, that boy just hit me...hard!...and it's my birthday today. I thought my birthday was supposed to be fun."

"Mom, why are these little kids - just 4 or 5 years old - running all over town all day long? Where are their parents?"

"Mom, that little boy over there looks hungry. Can I go give him a banana for breakfast?"

Over and over again, my husband and I gently took our kids aside and explained to them that this...this...is what it means to show the love of Jesus to a dying world. Jesus forgives us, even when we don't deserve it. Jesus forgives us, even when we hurt Him deeply. When we extend that forgiveness to others around us, they get a taste (possibly their first) of God's unconditional love. And when we see the gaping needs in another's life (neglect, hunger, poverty...), we have an opportunity to respond in gratitude for the blessings that God has poured into our lives, and then to reach out and share those blessings with those in need.

This week, as a family, we saw the heart-breaking reality of emaciated lives, starved of love and hope - both young and old. And, in turn, we were given the chance to pour the love and hope we've been so richly blessed with back into those hungry souls. I pray we made an impact. I know that we were impacted. We came home with eyes that don't take our blessings for granted quite so easily, with hearts that beat a little more deeply with compassion, and with hands a little more willing to selflessly serve. And as we wrap these experiences up into our family identity, I pray that we will be able to more effectively serve our mighty God - no matter where He leads us.

(pseudo)-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Team 2 took on an extreme painting project this past week. We tackled the SAC parsonage in 1 afternoon. The pics pretty much say it all.

Before

After

CCC VBS Donations to Sisseton VBS kids

The CCC VBS encouraged kids that attended to donate a school supply to the kids in Sisseton. I have to say that the kids were not only excited about receiving these items but they even remembered this from last year. I had kids coming up to me on Tuesday asking me if they would be getting school supplies the next day.

Here are a few photos of the CCC kids that were in Sisseton helping put all the items in bags so they would be ready for the kids to pick up and take home. The kids worked very hard at this and did such an awesome job! We passed out over 50 "very full" bags of items to the kids in Sisseton.

The Finished Bags...ready for the kids!

Just a few pics...

Day 6 of VBS

We finished up VBS with 39 kids from Sisseton! Our leaders from CCC were kept on their toes yesterday morning and worked hard.

As we finished up our time in Sisseton we had a few projects left to finish up and then some cleaning and packing before we all got back on the road.

One of the most important things that we try to do in Sisseton is to build relationships with the people there. This year we didn't see as many of the adults in Sisseton (at least during the 2nd part of the trip) as we have in the past but the days that we did see them it was important to drop what I was doing and make sure that the time I had was spent talking with them. Sometimes being a "Type A" person requires me to step out a bit of my comfort zone and initiate that conversation rather than focus on the list and tasks that are waiting for me. One of our devotions that we had during our morning before we got started for the day was done by Joe in our group. He talked about how he wished he would have spent more time with one of his friends by actually talking about the things that are important in life rather than having some of the conversations that seem to be more on the surface of topics. Meaningful conversations require effort but are so worth it when you really think about how important we spend our time with those we come in contact with.

One opportunity that we had that just sort of came together was the campfire on Tuesday night. What a fun time this was! I learned some new games, riddles and jokes but also got to talk with some of the people that stopped in from Sisseton. We got to reconnect, talk about the kids and previous years that we had been in Sisseton and even got a few ideas from those in Sisseton for what they want from CCC in the future. It was great to be able to talk with them again and hear some of the things that they need or what they are thankful for. I also got to spend a few moments with some of the adults on Wednesday as they were sitting outside while the kids were in VBS.

Building relationships and connections was a focus for being in Sisseton and having a lasting connection with the kids is something that I have wanted to see happen since we started going to Sisseton. I have seen some of the kids grow up and follow in the steps of many that are being taken in this town and always wonder if we kept up a relationship through the year if this would have helped them at all. We did find a way this year to try to establish a lasting connection with the kids...pen pals. Not only are some of our CCC kids excited about this but some of the Sisseton kids are as well. We have a list and hopefully will have some great letters being sent back and forth from our kids to the kids in Sisseton!

Everyone from CCC is either now back in Rochester or off to their next adventure.

Friends and Fellowship

Saturday Night in downtown Sisseton. Free Concert-in-the-Park featuring Out Of Time. The band was kind enough to make the trip to South Dakota to perform for the community. They have a great message and they let kids know that its cool to spread the word via musical testimony! It was hot, and the bugs were biting, but the band was dedicated to their task and the community and volunteers were the better for it!! Thanks Guys!

Vbs day 4

Team 2 made it through day 4 of vbs in Sisseton! This is actually our first day of vbs as a group but day 4 for the Dakota Alliance Church with our CCC team. This was a new experience for about half of our CCC families.

We had over 20 kids from Sisseton and it went really well. We had a bit of rain and since our gym is the outdoors we just have to go with the flow. We got a few sprinkles on us but it felt good.

We had great songs for the kids, and great crafts, and tshirts to tie Dye for those that still needed to get a shirt and a drama of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The little kids had their own storyline too and did a great job adjusting to strangers. We ended our morning with lunch for everyone. (thanks to everyone making and planning the meals... Big job for all these people!)

A few things that stood out for me today were simple things but also observations of the lifestyle that the kids in this community have and are living.

First, the kids were welcomed today with fruit being held on a tray by one of the leaders. Some of the kids were pretty shy and timid when they were dropped off and just weren't too sure of us. Food is a great way to help kids to feel comfortable and there may have been a few that were hungry. This detail wasn't on any plan but was just done and was such a great idea.

Second was the attitude and lifestyle of some of the kids. I am not really sure if I can describe this well with words but you would recognize this distinct "attitude"that some of the kids have. Deep down I don't think that the kids that are acting up really want to be that waybut are truly craving attention. Example... Two girls who had already gotten their free shirt last week said they didn't get one and needed a shirt (although one was wearing hers). They went back and forth with me and then in the end was going to throw the nice clean shirt in the dirt rather than gently hand the shirt back. Not a big deal to me either way how I got the shirt back but I knew the girls were lying and couldn't let them get away with that. We had a brief and direct chat which indicated the expectations I had for them that day and then they listened and handed me the shirt. Now, I can't say that they listened to the rest of the leaders that morning because I know they didn't. I did find the girls trying to steal shirts just as they were getting picked up today and had another brief conversation with them. They knew what they did was wrong because if they thought it was right they wouldn't have run with the shirts in their hand. Once they saw that I knew what they did, and they handed the shirts over without much else to say to me. I did make a connection though because one of the of the girls did talk to me about how her moms car was almost stolen yesterday by a guy that was drunk who went into her car. I wasn't sure what my response was supposed to be to that but she felt comfortable telling me something that happened to her and her family.

Example 2 is of a 4 and 5 year old I met at the park on Saturday. The kids were having a tough time keeping away from the band as they were practicing and even spit on me a few times. I don't think they did it because they didn't like me but because they wanted to see what I would do. The kids hung around me for about 3 hours without being far from my side. I learned about where they lived, and where they were going to kindergarten or preschool, and what they did all day, who was in their family, and etc. While we chatted or played the kids were great! I turn my back to give my own kids some attention and the kids were back with the drummer messing around or trying to get into the rooms I said were off limits. No one came to check on these kids, see who these strangers were hanging around their kids, and who was giving them piggy back rides and pushes on the swings. Nobody! And these kids were 4& 5years old. One of the CCC kids said it best to summarize what she saw, "these kids are just out here by themselves? Don't they have rules? Even in my neighborhood I have boundaries. "

I reminded my kids today that during VBS on Tuesday they should find a new friend that lives in Sisseton. they can help show that Jesus loves them just by being their friend. The adults are doing the same thing... Just being available to listen to anything that the kids want to tell us along with some guided direction :)

JESSICA

Sunday Services Dakota Alliance and Sisseton Alliance July 31, 2011

Yesterday, Sunday July 31, Teams 1 and 2 from CCC attended church services at Sisseton Alliance church. A testimony was given from a church member from Sisseton Alliance and her journey from living in Columbia and having a child born with special needs and her journey in becoming a Christian and bringing her here to the United states so her son would be able to receive care that he required. Our children had opportunity to attend Sunday School.

At 12 noon, teams one and two attended the Dakota Alliance Church. Hannah and Darin provided us with beautiful worship music for the service. Pastor Richard message in brief for the blog version, God is the potter, we are the clay, and sometimes we begin again through difficulties and then remade again through the Lord Jesus. Our continued relationship with Jesus is very important.

After services both teams 1 and 2, church members and people from the community gathered for a pot luck lunch.

Team one then began preparations to make the journey home. Saying "See you next year" instead of good bye. I had opportunity to talk with a new person as she waited outside the church. I had not seen her all week, but she shared that she was going to a city in Nebraska, a city where the people are happy. A happy city, and then she told me about the last time she saw her sister and the events that happened. I listened, and rejoiced to God that she felt comfortable with me in sharing.

My favorite part of the trip was after the concert on Saturday, Tim and I went to the DQ and arriving at the same time were 5 children under the age of 5 with their caregivers. Enjoying ice cream together and seeing their smiles as I brought them over cones was priceless. Making friends with their caregivers, I hope will be a continued relationship.

Despite the illnesses, the hospital stay for Claudia, the Lord carried us through and gave me lots of great ministry ideas for next year.

For more information about Sisseton Alliance Church go to http://www.sissetonalliancechurch.org/

Joyfully,
Christine and Dan Jensen

Concert in the Park Saturday July 30th Sisseton, SD Kids with Band Members Out of Time Photo

VBS & Viruses, Concert & Concrete, BBall & BBQ

As Matt and I are getting ready for our final day in Sisseton, I think about the weeks of emails and meetings to talk VBS, building improvement projects, meals, donated church pews and furniture, school supplies, then trailers and coolers to get it all here. All the lists, spreadsheets, and trips to the store made by the hard-working volunteers.

Then we got here, and our team started getting hit by this 24-hour bug. It never hit everyone at once. It was a blessing in some ways. First, it told us it was probally not something from the food (whew). But in the bigger picture, it also forced a lot of our healthy members into roles that weren't listed on any spreadsheet. The guys stepped into a bigger role for VBS the day the ladies were sick. (I am glad no one was taping our music session that day...) We had five amazing kids step up to help me fix a meal, when I couldn't find the can opener without help. Our two men most experienced in building projects got sick at the same time, and other guys stepped up to get it done. Maybe the bigger blessing of this nasty bug was that while planning is great, we learned we're all here to follow God's plan. I wish He would have emailed us a spreadsheet, but until that happens I think everyone should be amazed at everything that was accomplished for His glory this week, and be ready for more this week!

I am grateful for the 'man week' that I could spend here with my son Matthew, but I am just as grateful for the times spent with my church family that live both in Rochester and Sisseton. I'm grateful for time with unchurched elementary kids we might have to send home on Wednesday, but by Friday those kids were hanging off us asking to help with projects. I'll remember the couple little boys that would never talk or play at VBS, but were laughing after an exhasting round of nerf football at the family concert in the park.

Just getting ready for worship with our Sisseton family on our last day, and found my To-Do list. Still a project that did not get crossed off, but I'm praying that our Team#1 accomplished everything on God's spreadsheet for us! Time for church - leaving MY list in the trash....

PRAISE
1. A great concert by Out Of Time last night. I think it was a great encouragement to the community and built friendships.
2. Many of our Team#1 folks are feeling better for the trip home.
3. The CCC pews are in place at Dakota Alliance for services today.

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Continues recovery and safe travels for those driving home today.
2. Protection from illness for those remaining in Sisseton this week.
3. God's love shown to the children attending VBS Monday-Wednesday mornings.
4. Safety and sucess for those completing other projects in our church homes here.

JL

Blessed by a homeless man

I wanted to share something interesting that happened tonight. After the concert Jeff and I had the opportunity to buy a meal for a man who probably wasn't going to have one for a while. We took him to Subway and bought some food and afterwards he asked us for money for beer and cigarettes. We told him no and asked where we could drive him. He tthen requested that we take him to a local bar. I thought to myself, why on Earth would I help someone like this? It's at this point that Jeff reminded me of a story we had just heard last week from Jerry about the impact something as small as two soccer balls can have long after you are gone. By Jeff simply saying, "2 soccer balls" I was reminded of why we're here and of God's greater plan in everything that we do. This homeless man truly blessed me today

-CW

Thank you for your Prayers

We are so grateful for all your prayers. Most of the kids and moms who were sick on Friday are feeling better today; however, some of our team one men have been sick today as well. We do know that it is a difficult and fast virus; but do not know the source as of yet. Test results should be in today or tomorrow for our Claudia. As you can see from pictures, she is feeling much better. Continue to pray that team 2 members stay healthy.

Looking forward to the 2 Church services tomorrow. I cannot explain how refreshing it is to have the second team here to continue the Lords work that began on Tuesday when we arrived.

Pray for safe travels as our team 1 journeys home tomorrow afternoon. A lot is going on today so check back for more information on the basketball tournament and the concert in the park.

Joyfully,
Christine Jensen

Dinner At Dakota Alliance Church

Picture Update Friday Night and Saturday Morning

Urgent Prayer Request!

Over the past day, 4 of our young volunteers have come down with bad stomach flu while serving in Sisseton. One was bad enough that she needed to be hospitalized for rehydration. The source of the illness is unknown at this time. The other half of the team is due to arrive later today so please be praying that the 4 kids that are sick would get well soon, that no additional people would get sick, and that these families would be able to continue serving despite these setbacks.

Women's Fellowship Dakota Alliance Church

Vacation Bible School is underway for the week for the past two days here in Sisseton. We have been making a lot of new friends through singing, and learning about standing firm in our faith. We began the day today early at 8am with a group meeting and devotions: Shining a light for Christ.
Arriving at the church, we quickly begin preparations for the day. Vacation bible school begins around 10am. Today was our turn to make lunch for VBS kids, parents, Dakota Alliance members and for our team members. We have been thankful for all the prep work for the lunches and dinners. We have a binder that Elizabeth and Amy created step by step to make the process easy. Today we had sloppy joes, grapes, watermelon and and cake for dessert.

Vacation bible school opens with prayers and lots of songs. Our girls taught the chidlren actions to the songs such as "Saved by grace through Faith." and "Lord I lift your Name on High." Praising the Lord through worship has been blessed this week. I enjoyed watching some of the vbs kids learn the actions and smile today.

Children enjoyed the bible story Daniel in the Lion's Den and created beautiful masterpieces of sand art.

New picnic tables have been assembled and painted are are beautiful.



Prayer requests:

Women's Fellowship tonight we have a a spegheti dinner, devotion, games and a stamping craft.
In the past the event has been attended by 6-10 women.

Prayers for the team members health and safety they pour cement under the shelter.

Prayers the message of Jesus reaches many hearts.
Claudia is sick with a stomach bug. Pray she will be able to participate tomorrow for VBS

Thank you,
Joyfully,
Christine

2nd Team Prep

The first group is in Sisseton now and have been working hard with VBS, projects and making connections with those that live in the area.

The second group is making their final plans now before heading out on Friday. Here are just a few of the decisions that went into this missions trip:
1) Can you imagine packing enough food for 50+ people (not including VBS kids, families, Dakota Alliance attendees, etc.)?
2) A few of the pews from CCC that were taken out last weekend have already been delivered to the Dakota Alliance Church and I can't wait to see what those look like in their sanctuary. I heard that a lot of measuring went into making sure that these pews were placed just right in the trailers so we utilized every available inch.
3) VBS...the theme, the lessons, the music, the crafts, the games, advertising from 6 hours away, prepping the crafts where I believe someone in our group may have broken a bone doing this specific task. Sisseton doesn't have the computer system to check-in kids that have registered for VBS...in fact, no one registers for VBS or pays. We don't really know how many kids to anticipate that will be part of VBS this year in Sisseton but know that we will see a few of those that we have met in the years past and am sure we will meet some more great kids!


As I look at our couch (which is our collection site in our home for what needs to go to Sisseton) I see lots of VBS supplies that we will be bringing for day 4,5 and 6 of VBS in Sisseton. We will be talking about Elijah on day 4, the Good Samaritan on day 5. On day 6 we will be having a few of the CCC kids that are on this trip presenting the gospel message to the kids at VBS. We have a drama that will be our lesson for the morning and it is all tied into the colors of a bracelet. Our entire 6 days of VBS leads up to this special decision that each child can make that day.

Our kids have also been asking a lot of questions. This is our second trip as a family to Sisseton and they are very excited to be going back. Listening to our kids ask questions about what they should do and how they can help has been encouraging. Their lessons from AWANA and while they have been in KidCity have been flooding their minds and they are anxious to be able to be part of this group and tell the kids that they see the stories that they know.

We will put up some photos and updates while we are there so you can also experience Sisseton!

Journey to Sisseton, SD

God is good all the time.

Philippians 4:1 "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends."

Our family begin the journey to Sisseton a little early. This is our families first trip to Sisseton and our children's, Claudia (8) and Tim (14) first mission trip. We are praying that the Lord will bless many people in Sisseton.

Planning to go to Sisseton, we really wanted to share with our children some important Minnesota/Dakota history. Our family was able to pack up and drive to Mankato, Mn. on Monday morning. We found the memorial site for the 1862 Dakota conflict and on the site is a Public Library. This was a very sad memorial of the 38 Dakota warriors who were sentenced to death. After the conflict, changes that occurred included the exile of the Dakota people from the state of Minnesota.

The first memorial reconciliation ceremony sponsored by Native Americans was held in Mankato November 5, 1978.

On the site of one of the memorials is a public library. Tim and Claudia were able to find books to check out and then can return in Rochester.

In the afternoon, we drove on to Pipestone, Mn. We arrived too late to go into the museum, but explored the trails and the beauty of the Prairie.
We located a beautiful hotel Calumet Inn also known as the St. James on the Prairie.

Our family will arrive in Sisseton this afternoon to meet up with the rest of team 1. We are looking forward to unpacking and settling in for the week. We will be meeting as a team at 8am for a devotions Wednesday with Pastor Richard before we begin.


Prayer requests:
Thank you for prayers for our team and that we work united and under the will of the Lord.
Safe travels for team one today July 26th.
Healing and trusting relationships built.
Joyfully,
Christine Jensen

Less than a week...

We're only 6 days away from sending the first team out. What's the deal with this weather? I honestly believe it's God's way of preparing us for Sisseton. I've also heard the temperature here is hotter than Phnom Penh, Cambodia which is where our brothers and sisters are serving at the same time we are. In fact we have one family that has split themselves in half so they can serve in both Cambodia and Sisseton. Very cool.

Well we've got our final planning meeting tonight. Everyone on the team is really working hard to ensure we have a great trip this year. I'm proud to be serving with each and every one of them.

Please continue praying for us! The needs in Sisseton are great and there is much work to be done. Specifically, please pray for GREAT turnouts at all of our ministry events. Historically this has been a concern but we know the people are there and that God will lead them to our events. Also keep praying for the struggles within the community. Suicide rates are way up at the moment and there are people within the churches that are dealing with serious medical conditions. We can't let this keep us down. God will overcome!

For Him,
-Chris

Ready or not...

Less than 2 weeks to go. Everyone is busy finishing up last minute details. This week we are purchasing construction supplies, sending out advertising materials, getting VBS crafts, games, and music ready, preparing to perform, purchasing food and preparing meals, and countless other tasks. I'm very proud of the effort our team has already put in this year and look forward to serving with all of them. The trips this year will truly be a blessing to the community of Sisseton and they will, in turn, continue to bless us.

Here we go again...

This year marks our fifth trip to Sisseton SD as a Christ Community Church mission team. We have made many friends, planted/trimmed a few trees, washed a few cars, sang more than a few songs, roasted countless bags of marshmallows, repaired/built a few buildings, and have sown many seeds that God is watering. This summer we want to reconnect with those friends, roast even more marshmallows, and complete all the projects God has on our 'to do' list.

This is a photo of the 2010 Sisseton team, praying for God's direction in our endeavors. Won't YOU join us in prayer for the people of Sisseton (whom God has died for), for all the plans and preparations for the trip, and for God's kingdom to grow from this adventure?