The last day in Wilmington

Today was our last chance to get what we could done on our work sites. The looks on the faces of the families we had touched amazed us. To show our love, we gave them the gifts we had bought for them at WalMart. But the most amazing part of the entire mission trip happened when the groups came back to the church...

After returning from our work sites, we mingled as always, many of us strengthening the new friendships we had made. As my group was doing the dishes after dinner, we began singing songs we had come to know from Camp Tekoa. As people brought up dirty dishes, their faces showed surprised, yet showed joy at the same time.

Soon after dinner, we were asked to make our way to our worship area. Instead of finding our seat, waiting for Kevin to lead us in song, we were taken on a short "Faith Walk." There was a song by Tenth Avenue North playing in the background as we walked up to tables asking questions that would make anyone think. We were to write the answers to these questions on a sheet of paper then asked to nail them to a cross. This was the final nail we would hammer for the week.

After being on many church trips before, I was expecting what was to follow. After nailing the paper into the cross, we began to reflect on what was asked, forcing many to cry uncontrollably. The walls we had set up crumbled down and all the quarrels from the week ended then and there.

Group time was different tonight. We read the verse about how Jesus humbled Himself and washed his disciples feet, then he had the chance to wash each others feet. This was truly a bonding experience, smiles and compliments filled the room. God was with us.

As I am typing this, I can still feel the presence of God. In the background I can hear my friend telling jokes. The people circled around him might not have seen eye to eye at the beginning of the week, but now they are friends as they laugh at what my friends says.

God has blessed this group tremendously. The lives we have touched this week will remain in our hearts. For those who are reading this, don't think you need to be on a mission trip to serve God. Opportunities are all around. Just listen from God's calling.

God Bless
Nick Richart