We have officially arrived down here in Gulfport, Mississippi. We had fantastic travel the whole way through. The flights went well and we got into Birmingham safely. We met up with our luggage caravan at the airport and got a quick bite to eat before we made the 5 hour trek from Birmingham down to Gulfport. We pulled into the church where we will be staying, talked to the pastor's wife for a bit and dropped some of our stuff off.
We loaded everyone back up in the vans and drove down to the main road that runs along the beach here. For awhile we drove down this street just taking in exactly how much damage there was and still is from the Hurricane. We saw entire blocks where houses were just washed away and all that remained was the concrete slab that was the foundation. Giant trees were leaning over, while still some others were completely uprooted. We stopped by what used to be a gated community with condominiums/apartments, something that would be equivalent to Main Street Villas/Apartments back home. The damage that we saw looking in from the front gate was horrific. All the students really began to fully grasp how drastically people's lives were altered.
We spent a few minutes on the beach debriefing the day and really focusing in on why we're down here and how we're going to honor, serve and love each other as well as those that we are here to minister to. The team is ready! They are eager to serve and work hard! They are ready to love on the kids at VBS! It's going to be a great week!
We're turning in for the night, but we will be posting our activities regularly while we're here. If you want to leave a comment for your student or the team as a whole, go ahead and we will try and read some encouraging notes from home!
-Johnny
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19 comments:
Judy, You pulled back the curtain and revealed "missions" to me in 2003. You were kind enough to let me ride a big boat with you. Because of your leadership, I caught the "vision" that week. I was looking at Debbie's "PEOPLE" magazine today and actor Brad Pitt was recently in Gulfport taking in the damage. Well, it's one thing to go sightseeing, but its another to actually DO SOMETHING. Judy-DO SOMETHING ok? Thanks for going down there and leading a team of wild-eyed middle school students into an area that most have already forgotten about. Bring back some sweet stories. I'm praying for you specifically everyday.
John-I didn't get a chance to say what I wanted to say before you took off. I probably will have more when you get back....but let me take a few seconds just to say this to you......"SHOW ME 'JOHNNY KEIM IS A LEADER, TEAM PLAYER, AND HIGH QUALITY PAL?!!!??!!'.....(wait for it)......DING! I'm praying for you each day....focus-and I mean that in a "bring back some quality photos" kind of way. Some thoughtful people got the Mann's a lakehouse for the week, literally...so I'm off to sit and stare at water, with my daughter, maybe I'll see an otter, but I won't be reading Harry Potter.
Love you guys.
Corey
Out.
John Michael,
Was praying for safe travel and God was good and provided that!!! Yea God!!! Sounds like things are still pretty bad down there....Praying that you will lead well, serve well and the whole team will make a difference for the kingdom!!!! love, mom
Hey Judy, Johnny and TEAM....
You matter to me. Your efforts matter. Your attitudes matter. Your witness for Jesus matters. Your words matter. Your behavior matters. You are an important piece in God's puzzle!
Sheila and I will be praying for you every day of your trip.
Kids: Do what Judy and Johnny and your other leaders say to do. They have a responsibility - from GOD - to watch over you, help you, and lead you into a life-changing, world-rocking, high-impact week of service for your KING! Make the job of your leaders a real joy...and work hard for Jesus.
I am so proud of you.
- Poppa "B"
Judy: Could you please call me IF you have a chance at work between 12 noon and 12:45 . (My college is a bit uptight about messages, but I'm in my office then.)
THis is NOT urgent and has nothing to do with what we talked about.
Thanks. Dawn Frasieur (Josh's mom) 574-237-0774
DEAR JOSH, TY, GRANT, NEAL and everyone.
Hope you're having a great time and doing work you can be proud of.
I also hope it isn't as horribly hot there as it is here!
See you soon!
Dawn.
Judy and team,
Hola!
Im so proud of all of you for taking this next step and being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ!.You are all so Awesome and i can't wait to hear personal stories when you guys get back and oasis starts up!I remember being where you are today about a year ago and was it an amazing experience!.Let God use you.Let Him mold you. And don't try to turn any oppurtunity away. If theres something you want to say to a kid say it. It might just change thier (and maybe your) life!. You guys are awesome keep up the good work!
John and evan!
Wow!Word cannot even describe how cheeto (judy its a mexico word they will understand) it is of you guys to be on your second week!I pray that you got Good sleep on the flight down there and God will give you his Glory strength to get through this week!You guys rock!Let this week change you just as much as mexico changed you
I love all of you guys!
Kasie
Johnny Keim,
Hey buddy, what's up? So I was just wanting to know if you want to hang out this week, you know go to Wings or something. Just kidding buddy, It seems like you are doing God's work and that's big time!! Anyway, it's great to see you serving the Lord in Mississppi. John, love on those people down there. You are going to meet so many people in desprite need of seeing and feeling Jesus. Be his hands and feet down there. Be tangible. Actions mean so much more than words. Love on the kids of Oasis, show them how to minister. God wants to use them for incredible things all they have to do is be willing. You have a great heart buddy, I'm so proud of you. Do great things for Jesus in the might mississip! Your buddy...the "N" in NAJAR
I'm so thrilled and feel such support to have leaders like you, Judy, John, Evan, Bob and Karen, specifically. My kids, as well as many others, respond to your love, caring and leadership. I'm so proud of you, Peyton and Dalton, for going out and making a difference in the world! I know your dad is too! I'm praying for you continuously and can't wait to hear about your experiences! Love to all! Lesley Coney
hey team!!! we are so proud of the work you are doing down south, it's amazing how quickly we forget the people involved in katrina and the devistation that they have lived with for the past year. our hope for all of you is that you will never forget what you see and do this week and that you will always remember the ways in which God uses you on this trip. be strong, work hard, and drink plenty of high quality h20...johnny and evan, your in our prayers, we love you and are proud of your commitment to those who need the love of jesus...keep up the good work and stay strong.
patrick & jen thompson
ps. evan, we love your chick pants!!!
be blessed, our church just completed two weeks of teams to the long beach area, not far from where you are. take time to listen and get to know the folks there. you will be greatly blessed i assure
shalom
-g
Hey ya'll just want you to know we are thinking about you and praying for ya. I know that Craig is really excited about this trip and the ministry opportunity he has. I hope that God will use all of you to touch the hearts of the people down there. Judy and Johnny may God bless you both and keep you safe.
Craig's mom
Steph Park
Hi Steph and gang, we are so happy and proud to hear that you made this leg of your adventure successfully. Do the best that you can to serve God and grow from your experiences. Have Fun
We love you
Mom, Dad, Stacy & Gram
Austin Patterson,
Hi ya Austin!!!! I hope you're having fun!!! Don't miss me too much, I know this is hard for you!!! Take Care!
Theresa
Austin Patterson -
Austin, dad and I are really proud of you and all you kids for your willingness to go down there and do God's work. We love you and hope you will open your heart to the people of Gulfport. I love you and miss you so much!!!
Your sister doesn't know what to do without you already!
Love ya,
Mom, Dad and Miranda
Austin Brooks
Hope you are having a great experience. Your mother and I are very proud of you. Even Claire misses you. We love you
Garret and Mission Team,
We are glad you had an arrival with out any delays. We are really proud of you and the team for helping the Katrina victomes at the FEMA park.
Remember the Power Band
Green represents Spiritual Growth "GROW team Go "
This is an amazing oportunity for you to let others know that JESUS will take care in any situation. What your doing is the most important way of showing Christ like behavior.
Nothing speakes louder than ACTION.
GOD BLESS YOU,
Garret L. we miss you allready,
Dad,Mom and Brothers.
I LOVE YOU MAN :)
david payumo...
how are you? this is your sister. i hope you and your team are doing well helping those people who are in need. i'm proud of you! take care and keep up the good work!
Judy-it was hot here today, (MONDAY)so I can only imagine what it's like there. I pulled my chair up the BIBLE-BUFFET and started chewing on some 1st Peter and thought about you. Take the battle to the enemy. Don't let him make the first move-You have authority so use it! Thinking about you and praying daily for strength, leadership, undestanding, patience, and perserverence. Take loads of photos....
John-Show me "It's a boy!" DING! Thinking about you a lot, hoping you are pacing yourself, I am looking forward to YOUR time off when you get back.
Evan Mc-Just who do you think you are? 2 weeks of camp? 2 back2back, (get it?) mission trips? What are you, Superman? No, you are Evan McFarland-a child of God on current assignment. You will see what you are made of in this stretch....I already know, you are a WARRIOR with the sword drawn.
Miss you guys.....
Hi Austin....I hope all is well and you are have the experience of a lifetime. Have any jelly bellies left....haaaaaa. I'm sooooo proud of you!!!! You're on God's Team....no better place. I love you.
Grama Michelle
Hey Trista,
Mom and Dave here. VERY proud of you baby. We hope that things are going well for all of you down there. We pray for you all daily and are looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing stories.
Please keep safe and drink lots of water.
God Bless you all for doing such a wonderful thing for these people.
Love You Sweetie, Sleep Well.
Judy,
THANK YOU for giving Trista this opportunity to be there with you to serve GOD.
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