Greetings from Denver!
Yesterday was a good start to our week. We traveled from Gardner to Denver and arrived here around 4:00 Mountain time (5:00 Central time). Upon arriving we were treated to worship, and then we ate dinner with the homeless of Denver. We had not been in town 3 hours and we all realized that the homeless are actually people too, not the terrible, horrible people we see as the homeless in the media and sometimes in movies. Last night concluded with an orientation. At orientation we learned about Open Door Ministries and many of the jobs and activities we will be participating in this week. The day ended with ice cream.
Today the youth woke up to eat the best pancakes they have ever eaten (at least the best pancakes they have ever eaten that were made by a pastor). After breakfast we spent a few hours painting and cleaning up the child care area at Open Door Ministries. In the afternoon we went on a poverty scavanger hunt, where we had to act as if we were homeless and then figure out where we would go in the city to meet our basic needs. Very interesting activity. After this we made dinner watched a short video and then went on a 2 hour prayer walk throughout the inner city. Very proud of the youth as many of them prayed for different people and situations throughout the city.
This is going to be a great week. I am really looking foward to the next few days as we continue to learn what it means to be servants for the Kingdom of God. I would have some more thoughts tonight about what I think we are experiencing, etc..., but I think it is important to look at the work we do, as a whole. I believe that all of us on this trip will be thinking and learning about our experiences for months to come. Well, OK, its also 1:05 local time and I need to get some sleep, thats probably the bigger reason to not right to much more!
Keep us in your prayers and be sure to come Sunday as the youth will help me with the service in retelling of our adventures in Denver!
God's Peace,
Pastor Brad
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Seeing all people as people no matter where they are in their lives is a valuable lesson for anyone to learn. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled you are having this opportunity. You are never more like Jesus than when you are serving his people. God bless each and every one of you.....please tell my most wonderful sister-in-law, Grace and my most beautiful neice, Kelly hi!
ReplyDeleteAunt Debbie
I am so happy you and the youth made it safely to Denver. Since we have moved here, I have seen how much this city and its homeless are in need of help! Mike and I would love to catch up with your group and even help out if we can... give me a call, 913.980.5317, and we can set something up!
ReplyDeleteMonica