Our first day (posted by Jessie)

Today was a great day at Ann’s Grove Church of Christ.

We saw around 125 patients, baptized 3, and had around 25 kids in VBS. I very much enjoyed the day. Everyone did an absolutely wonderful job wherever they were assigned. I worked with Miss Polly with the kids and that always makes my day. I also did some work in the clinic with Kristen, Angie, & our nurse staff. The day went well. The community is so loving and welcoming. I felt like I already knew the church family at Ann’s Grove.

On another note.. I immensely missed my closed toed shoes which are currently on my checked luggage somewhere either on a plane or in an airport. I can’t count the number of ant bites on my feet. Although not having our luggage is an inconvenience, Satan has not succeeded at bringing down our spirits. I believe I can speak for us all and say that we won’t let lack of clothes and food keep us from having a heart for Christ and planting those seeds.

Last night I was in my room thinking of the things I needed that were on my checked luggage, and how angry I was that I didn’t have it. And while I’ve been here, I’ve been reading the book “Just Like Jesus”, and today I read this,

                      “God wants you to be just like Jesus. He wants you to have a heart like his..”

“Jesus’ heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem.The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept throught it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldiers, but not Jesus. He lifted His hand to heal. His heart was at peace. When his disciples abandoned Him, did He pout and go home? When Peter denied Him, did Jesus lose his temper? When the soldiers spit in His face, did He breathe fire in theirs? Far from it. He was at peace. He forgave them. He refused to be guided by vengeance.”

When I read this, I really felt God speak to me about the problems that may come to us this week. Especially the bold part, where it says that even when Christ was faced with an inconvenience, a problem.. He thanked God for it. It certainly helped me realize that I will be just fine without my things for a few days, and the purpose we are all here is much greater than that!

I hope everyone else is enjoying their time here as I am.  We have a great team and I’m thankful for everyone here. We’re going to have an amazing week. Thank you for all your prayers & please continue to pray for the work being done here.

Jessie