Chadron Mission Days 2-4

Hey Everyone – I really meant to update each day, but there has been very little “down” time – which is great! We have taken advantage of every moment to share the gospel. Everything from VBS in the morning, going to the public library and pool with the puppets, and the block parties at night have been a great success!

Tonight is the final block party and it is right here in Chadron. I am thrilled that the local church we are serving with, Grace Baptist, will be taking the lead in this party. They have watched us do this for the past 3 nights and are now ready to counsel in their home town. That is what partnering with home missions is all about – equipping people to sustain kingdom work long after the mission team has packed their bags for home.

My husband and I have had a great time with this mission team and I have come to love them even more than I did before. Just in case any of you Underwood Baptist folks didn’t know, Charlotte and Jimmy Rowe are precious people. They have patiently guided us, answered every irritating question, and planned our time so that we could get maximum impact. What a great example of a couple who quietly serves in the local church, but yet they are having an impact on people all the way across the US.

My eyes have been opened to how hard life must be for church planters who go into places where there is very little “church” background (which isn’t always a bad thing). They are juggling everything from the physical building, coordinating mission groups that want to help, to preaching the Word. As I have watched Bro. Darrin Willet’s family this week, I have been amazed at how they have not missed a single event, even with three kids in tow. They are so patient and their love for God and people pour out in visible ways.

My husband and I have slept “Ricky & Lucy” style in twin beds this week and I am sitting on it right now looking at our half packed suitcases. I am ready to go home, but  I will be taking some of Nebraska back with me. The faces of the sweet people, the hard work, the fun times, the cotton candy covered hair are all part of the memories of this trip. I pray the seeds we have planted this week will reap a great harvest for Chadron’s Grace Baptist Church.