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We spent last week working with two amazing missional organizations in Savannah! We served our neighbors from around the world, grew in Christian community with each other, and grew closer to Christ! We did our devotionals on the beach at Tybee, where we experienced "KOINONIA" Christian fellowship through music, play, and communion. We had time for fun activities too - shopping on River Street, great food, ice cream each night, and an evening Savannah ghost tour! We also walked where John Wesley walked throughout downtown Savannah and learned about our Methodist history.
MISSIONS
The mission projects we took part in were through the connectional ministries of the UMC! We began our week working with the Wesley Community Center of Savannah. Our youth painted classrooms that are used to enhance economic, educational, and spiritual growth for women, children, and families through early learning.
We spent the next two days with Inspiritus, an organization that works with refugee and immigrant families in the Savannah area. We moved two families into new apartments, and then we distributed school supplies, uniforms, and bookbags to families from Afghanistan, Congo, Syria, and Uganda whose children are beginning school here in the fall. We purchased clothing racks, paint & painting supplies, pillows, & comforters for 10 refugee families.
This has been one of the most beautiful experiences in my 20+ years of family ministry! We all had a language barrier and often couldn't speak to the children in their native tongue, but we were able to communicate in true Christian love with a smile, laughter, a craft, or just kicking a ball. Our youth showed how to truly love your neighbor without hesitation. Each family received a prayer card that read, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26). This is what our youth repeat to each other at the end of youth group each week! We speak God's language of love to one another.
This was such a memorable trip! A special thanks to all the people that helped make this trip happen, including Scott Cleaveland who organized all our missional work in Savannah, our amazing chaperones Millie Johnson and Payton Stone, and the leaders of Wesley Community Center and Inspiritus!
In Christ’s Love,
Elisa
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