ISU Encounter - Winter Mission '15

by Jesse McBride,
Wow! What a week! It was so incredible to partner for a week working alongside twenty-two college students from ISU, Normal, IL.  We cleared property of bamboo (even a little bamboo pole vaulting..true story), installed a new front door, and built a wheel chair ramp for Ms Dot in the Pass. The entire week, the students overcame cold temperatures (yes, it gets cold in Mississippi), early mornings, hard work, and doing tasks they had never done. Yet with persistency, determination, motivation, hard-work and the excitement to learn new tasks, all of that was overcome! There was not a single complaint the entire week, and it was so awesome to see the team come together, to work for the Lord. 

Even more exciting, the group fully grasped the fact that it was not just about the work, but the opportunity to minister and build relationship with Ms Dot. There was truly a transformation in her demeanor as just about every student took time throughout the week to talk to her, pray with her, encourage her, and listen to all her amazing stories. Ms Dot’s life was impacted in such a huge way, and not just because of the work projects that were done, but because a group of students put themselves aside for a week, and chose to serve and minister to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and ultimately, our King. Lives were changed, no fingers were lost on the job-site, relationships were formed, and Winter Missions ’15 was a time of encouragement, as we are already looking forward to next year!

See more pictures - www.facebook.com/RelevantMinistry  
(we've got 900 likes, help us hit 1000)

www.relevantministry.org/missions
Call today to plan a week-long mission experience for your group.
228-206-5440

28th Street School

by Konnor Dunham
During the first week of January, Relevant hosted the Encounter Team from ISU. Their time here offered three opportunities where different students served at a work-site, at 28th Street Elementary School, and at the Boys and Girls Club. I had the privilege to be RM’s representative at 28th Street School and take a group of students there.

We, as a team, spent four days there and really got to impact the students in the classroom. One of the coolest things about going back to 28th Street was the students who moved up a grade and still remembered certain ISU students from the previous year. Showing just how much the ISU team impacts and loves on the students there. The ISU team always walks away from the school feeling good about their time with the students and are just as excited to return the following January.

A Facebook journal by Claire Repkema

(Dated January 14, 2015)
Seven days ago, I surrendered my life to God and was baptized--the most powerful moments I have ever experienced. Many thoughts, feelings, events and conversations with some truly incredible people led up to these moments.  I have always known the Lord and I am extremely, sincerely grateful to my wonderful parents for raising me in an environment overflowing with God's love.  

Never did I think that the day would go like this.  I loved God so much, even before these moments, but I didn't know that what I needed to do was completely surrender.  I was going to get baptized to show myself that this is what I believe even if I don't "feel" it, but God turned it into something so much bigger, so much deeper. I COMPLETELY, WHOLLY, FULLY SURRENDERED MY LIFE TO MY SAVIOR AND GOD. I don't think I could ever accurately describe the joy and peace that were mine in these moments.  I would absolutely love to explain more about this amazing experience to any of you.  I still have so much to learn about faith and about God, which is exciting!  But now, even deeper and greater than before, I rest in the assurance that God is my savior and my heart, soul and mind are His.