They are the hope

Yesterday was a great day of worship and celebration.  The highlight for me was Amber Conti's sharing about her recent school-sponsored mission trip to Guatemala.

Here are the take-aways for me:

• The camp director told the student group that the camp facility was a sanctuary that provided hope to the children of the area- but that, more importantly, "they are the hope."  These children- impoverished and malnourished- in their eyes he sees hope for their community, their country, their church. Children are the gift of hope- not just for the future- but for today!  
• Amber went to give and ended-up being surprised by how much received.  She received the gifts of friendship, acceptance, and spiritual encouragement.  Maybe all of our mission efforts will be better served if we go- across town, across the country, across the world- as willing to receive as we are ready to give.
• Guatemala would not have been possible without opportunities to give and grow through Vacation Bible School, the poverty simulation, or working with Community Servants at Camp Wherry. I am grateful for Chris and for the commitment of our church to provide opportunities for growth and service that plant seeds in the lives of our youth that will bear fruit far into the future.   

It was a good day to be in the house of the Lord.

(If you missed it- you can hear Amber's testimony on the "media" tab at towneview.org)