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
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
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
-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
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
Friday, July 29, 2011
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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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.
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