We’ll be having a meeting March 10 for all parents, adults, volunteers and youth to discuss our Youth Ministry plans for Summer 2013 and beyond. We’ll meet in the youth suite immediately following the 11:00 worship service. Food will be provided.
Remember the MS Christmas party at the Hale’s home, 1709 Bickerstaff Blvd., 37922
Click photo for pictures from the South Africa Mission Trip
This has been a trip like none I have ever experienced. God is working around every corner. There have been so many incredible stories from our team each night. We are basically on 6 different mission trips at once. Our teams minister in different areas each day. I asked the team to share a few words. Internet is hard to come by here so I’m sorry we can’t update As much as we would like. I am sending a few pictures, so much more to come. Please keep us in your prayers.
My team has been teaching at Sebetsa High School. I’m in a 9th grade class and they are wonderful. The students are very receptive. At the 3end of class we had time for the students to ask us questions. They are interested in America and our traditions. One student asked me about how we celebrate Christmas. That opened the door for me to share the birth of Jesus and what He has done for us.
- Jan Johnson
Hey guys, this trip has been eye-opening, too much to explain. God is working every minute, every day. Love you.
- Mark Coffield
Each day my team (Morgan, Anna Cate, and myself) have been teaching character development to middle school and high school students. As questions come from the students, we are able to tell about our faith and answer topics in a more personal way. God has allowed many opportunities to share our testimony to the students who are very eager to learn of Jesus. It is truly amazing to feel God’s presence working with us to touch these students.
- Mac Pickle
I am beyond blessed right now to have this experience here in South Africa. Going into this trip I was so excited, but really nervous at the same time. So far, I have seen God work more on this trip than any other before. I have experienced things on this trip that I never thought I would ever have to encounter. The people we have shared the Gospel with have been open and willing to listen to us and want to know more. I can just feel God working in me in amazing ways. I can’t wait to see what happens the rest of our time here.
- Megan Turner
On the first day that we taught, I was worried that nobody would accept me as their teacher. When we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. The past few days have been amazing and I have been blessed to see the Lord work in many ways.
- Kathryn Pickle
God has shown himself to me this week in more ways than one. Through the smiles of children, hospitality in the camp we stay at, and McDonalds chicken nuggets. This trip has been enlightening and an experience I will never forget. I hope to share the story of Christ to many more people for the rest of the week. God bless.
- Nicky Austin
I am so blessed to have this opportunity to be in South Africa this week. It truly is a God moment. This week I’m working in the schools teaching character traits. All of the kids are asking us if we know celebrities. One of the classes even surrounded us and asked us to sign autographs. I find that really humbling that they think highly of us. So much more is going on that I cannot put in this update, but please continue to keep us in you’re prayers. God is so good!
- Jess Maples
It is tough to summarize almost a week of amazing things that have happened, but I can for sure say that God is moving here in big ways. Some of these people have so little but are so happy and welcoming- It’s an eye-opening experience.
- Austin Tatum
It has been a very busy but great first few days. It is amazing to see some of the things God is doing in the schools we are working in. It has been a blessing getting to know several South African teenagers. Please continue to pray for our team.
- Johnathan Keaton
It has been a very busy and tiring week. I have met some very inspiring people this week. I’m glad God brought me here because my life has truly been changed. At first I was scared to walk along the city streets in Johannesburg, but after meeting some of the people, I enjoy doing it and spreading the gospel. I’m changing their lives and at the same time they are changing mine. I’m having an amaszing time but I really want some American food.
- Andy Tatum
Hey! Thank you for your contributions in bringing us to South Africa whether it be via prayer or monetary support. After 5 days, it is evident God won’t let them go to waste. We no longer feel in control. God’s intervention has been present each day, and it is a blessing to see how God’s working and fulfilling His will. My team has been working in the Berea suburb of Johannesburg. We are teaching nutrition referencing the story of creation in a girl’s preparatory school. Afterwards, we are working at a nearby high school doing sports evangelism. The relationships we are building there are special and carry the promise of lasting much longer. Please pray for God’s continued blessings.
- David Lethco
Entering True Love Waits this week, I was extremely nervous. I wasn’t necessarily nervous for the public speaking, but nervous I would forget the material because I wasn’t exactly prepared. On the ride to school the first morning, I prayed God would provide me with the words to share his message for the kids of Soweto who so desperately need it. I have never seen God answer a prayer of mine so fervently. I had the opportunity to answer questions regarding rape, divorce, AIDS, and heartbreak. God blessed me with the opportunity to share the Gospel through my answers. That was only day one. I can’t wait to see what else God will share with the kids through me as the week continues.
- Courtney Allen
