The Mission Church of the Nazarene

   I wanted to blog every day that the First Lutheran Youth were here. That didn't happen. I was so busy working, answering questions, and just enjoying making awesome new friends. It still amazes me a bit that this is my life now. All of my loves and passions seem rolled into one. My love of youth ministry, my love for the Church, compassionate ministry, and on the list goes. It truly is amazing.
    The First Lutheran group were really amazing. They weren't here long, but I feel like I met them weeks or months ago vs days. The teens were so polite, hard working, and it was evident they are truly striving after the heart of Christ.
    To give you an idea of how much they have done, I have put together some before and after pictures for you.
    Thanks First Lutheran teens for your amazing hard work, and your spirits. It was an absolute blast having you, and our house feels empty without your laughter, conversation, and spirit. Come and visit!



















































This is just a small fraction of the work they got done, and I have a lot of after pictures to still take. There is still a lot to do, BUT it definitely feels a lot less overwhelming. With all the groups coming, we may have a new church/house by the end of August!
    However, one of the greatest parts of having such awesome teens do visible work, is that the neighbors have come out of the woodwork to meet us. They are excited that the house and church grounds look presentable. They are excited that something is happening in the big old church that's been sitting empty for so long. I have met 4 or 5 neighbors over the past few days, and the teens kept telling me stories of their interactions as well.
    The neighbor across the street has a pool, and he kept telling the teens they could use his pool, and how great the work they were doing was. A man came by today and said even though he isn't a teen, he'd love to help out sometime, and looked excited when I told him he should stop by the house for a cup of coffee some time. Another man came up to the teens and said he was so happy a church was going to start here. When we went on a prayer walk Sunday night, people waved, they asked what we were doing, they welcomed the teens from Nebraska to Hammond. Stories of thin places where God was so evidently at work.
      I also had so many amazing conversations with the teens. About resurrection, life, living a life of intention, and the kingdom of God.
     The great moments seeped into our fun trips as well, into Chicago, to the Dunes. The laughter, the joy, the experiences, have made things here seem less overwhelming. They've made this church planting thing some more like a reality and less like a dream.
   This week was just another example that the Church is in great hands. These teens are amazing, and I am blessed to know them.
    Lastly, there was a severe tornado near where these teens were from. One of the chaperone's home town was destroyed. Her childhood church is gone. Her family has suffered great loss. She flew here late, and actually was scheduled to come in the morning after the tornado. She still came. I'm astounded by her selflessness. She said there was nothing she could do at home yet, so she should still come. Pray for them as they recover. A great reminder that maybe you can't come here to Hammond, or head to Nebraska to help with tornado relief, but there is no shortage of needs, you can serve somewhere in someway and be a blessing to someone else.
    More stories and more pictures to come. Excited for the days ahead.