DC Mission Trip
Wednesday, July 19, 2017-Day 4
Bill Garner
I am writing this blog post en route to Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. We are more than half way through our time together in D.C., but so far, our experience has been nothing short of amazing. We thought it might be a good idea to let our mission team enjoy some extra sleep this morning. Of course, with high school students, a sleep late day usually means an excuse to stay up late the night before, so needless to say, not everyone caught up on his sleep. However, several of the guys mentioned to me that late night talks are opportunities to get real with each other and dive deep into intentional conversations about what really matters. In a world of superficiality, these ambassadors for Christ are not afraid to be authentic with each other. That is quite rare in the world of teenaged males.
We ventured over to the Smithsonian National Zoo for a time of sightseeing and lunch, and then we headed over to Anacostia and the Woodland Terrace neighborhood for the third day of our kids’ camp. Day three was definitely the most difficult. Just to give you a little background into this community, Woodland Terrace is the most impoverished neighborhood in Anacostia. Most of the children come from single parent homes, and it’s rare for a father to be present in their lives. Many of the children are exposed to circumstances that are truly heart-wrenching. For example, at today’s camp, a child who had been incredibly enthusiastic Monday and Tuesday was noticeably quiet and visibly disturbed about something. As Jack (not his name) and I began to talk today, he opened up to me that his uncle had been stabbed last night in his house. This particular home houses at least 10 children—brothers, sisters, and cousins. Sadly, violence along with drugs and teen pregnancy are common issues that these children are surrounded by on a daily basis. From the outside looking in, our task of bringing hope to this community seems impossible. But isn’t that what God does best? He’s takes a seemingly hopeless circumstance and opens an opportunity.
For this week, our high school students have been pouring into the lives of these children, and we do this is the name of Jesus because it’s the name of Jesus that is above every other name. In the gospel of John, Jesus made a number of “I Am” statements to declare the power that He has over every area and need of our lives. In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Just prior to making this claim, Jesus had performed the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. In this miracle, we see that not only does God have power to take care of our physical needs—hunger and thirst—but he also has power to meet that hunger and thirst that all humans have for significance, purpose, and unconditional love.
In John 8:12, Jesus makes yet another “I am” statement when he says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Shortly after saying this, Jesus would have an encounter with a blind man, and he demonstrates power once again not only over physical needs, but he also has power to help all of us see God for who he really is. Later in John 11:25, Jesus boldly makes a claim that He has power even over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
As we taught these lessons to the children, our prayer has been that they, too, will discover and experience the supernatural power of God to help resurrect a community that has been decimated by poverty and brokenness. After each lesson, the children participate in a craft activity and discuss the verse of the day. We try to save time for some discussion at the end, but weather combined with a pretty boisterous group has proved challenging. However, our high school students have embraced the task of planting seeds in the hearts of these children, so we will wrap up our final day by setting aside some extra time for intentional conversations and prayer. We know our time here in D.C. is short and our influence is limited, but we believe the promises in Isaiah that state, "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
After camp, we boarded the bus, sweat and all, and headed over to Camden Yards in Baltimore for a time of fellowship. We enjoyed “All You Can Eat” seats in the left field Picnic Perch, and it was just another opportunity to build community. We even have a true Oriole fan on our mission team. David Stone was sporting his Oriole apparel, and just in case you were curious, Baltimore won 10-2.
We wrapped up the evening with another late-night team time. Vann Walthall, Will Christopher, and James Childs had an opportunity to share their testimonies and then receive encouragement and affirmation from their peers. In a teen culture where tearing down and ridiculing others is the norm, these young men are experiencing the power of what real affirmation and Christian encouragement looks like. It’s a blessing to witness the authenticity that takes place in this setting. One of our chaperones, Bigtime Ministries board member Bobby Chandler says it best. “I wish more parents could see what I am seeing.”
Bobby Peterson closed the evening with an exhortation to our team. He called all of us to take this momentum that we have created here in D.C. and advance the cause of Christ in Mountain Brook. In Bobby’s words, “It’s time to flip the switch.”
Cars Chandler spoke up with these words. He stated, “It doesn’t make sense for us to focus on one week in Washington D.C. when we have so much power and influence back at home in our own community. These men are fired up and ready to change the world. I am so proud of them, and it has been an honor to serve alongside them. One of my greatest joys is to see students that I have taught follow Jesus and grow as disciples. They truly are a blessing.
Bill Garner
