SERVANT EVENT!

Hello blog readers!

Two weeks ago I woke up on a Sunday morning (May 13th) and you know what was on my mind?  It probably should have been Confirmation, but it wasn't at the exact moment.  So, what was it?

SERVANT EVENTS!

I woke up thinking about the Sr. Youth's 2011 Servant Event to Colorado.  Funny, then, that later in the afternoon while traveling cross county to several Confirmation celebrations, the trip was discussed by several people!  What a trip it was.  And, a trip I pray we are able to take part in again in the next few years.

THIS YEAR!

We are quickly approaching the dates of this year's (2012) servant event.  "2012 Helping Hearts Servant Event."  Where are we going?  If you don't know, we are heading to Wisconsin.  Sure, it might not quite be the setting of Colorado, or involve the hiking and adventure of sleeping under the stars, which turned to lightening and thunder.  BUT, it is a week full of serving God!  Near, far, mountains, desert, no matter where we are, we are serving our God!

On Friday, July 6th, we will climb in a van with 8 high school youth and head north.  After 6 or 7 hours on the road we will arrive at Concordia University, Wisconsin.  This is just north of Milwaukee.  A GREAT school.  Why?  Many reasons, but, if you must know....I went there!  When we arrive around 2pm (central time now, keep in mind) we will have a guided tour of the campus and a session with an admission counselor.  A beautiful campus, a wonderful school, and prayerfully an excellent visit to get these youth thinking about college and career choices.  Perhaps, even church work!

On Saturday, July 7th we will wake up after spending an evening in the Germantown area (by Mequon) at our motel.  Yes, we'll eat supper, have a time of devotion, and ample time to "hang" in the pool.  After breakfast, we load up again and head farther north!  This time, destination Camp LuWiSoMo.  Where is that?  In Wild Rose, WI.  Where is that?  Look it up.  We will arrive around noon on Saturday, at which time we turn ourselves over to the Camp until Friday, July 13th.  Saturday will involved "training."  Sunday is the day the campers arrive, and we begin working with developmentally disabled campers for the week.  Bible Study, crafts, recreation, snacks, meals, and other events are part of our daily schedule.

Friday, July 13th we will say good-bye to the campers we have worked with and climb in the van to head to the city (although it seems like a state) of Chicago.  After several hours on the road, probably several honked horns at city traffic, we will arrive at Concordia Chicago (River Forest, IL) around 2pm.  At this time we will do the same as we did in Wisconsin, touring the campus and meeting with an admission counselor.  The evening will then be spent in the Chicago area, involving a supper, reflection and discussion on our past days of serving, and probably a great night's sleep in a hotel.

Saturday, July 14th - time to head home!  But, we will first spend a few hours seeing the city.  Navy Pier and the surrounding areas will get our attention for a few hours before we load up and drive the remaining hours back to Seymour.

Sound like fun?  It is going to be!  Sound challenging?  It is going to be!  Sound like a type of service you wouldn't want to do?  Probably!  Sound like a week that would you out of your comfort zone?  I am sure it does!  And THAT, is why we are so excited.  Serving God involves living our lives to His glory, humbling ourselves to serve Him.  He never promises this to be easy, nor does He tell us to serve for our glory, our convenience.  This trip will be an incredible experience, full of challenges, but even MORE JOYS!

Please, pray for those who are participating, and all those we come in contact with.  Youth, thanks for joining us for this week of serving!  Incoming youth, consider how you may serve this summer in the months and days ahead.  Also, begin praying how the Lord may use you as we will continue going on Servant Events!

Questions?  Let me know!

Saved to Serve,

Caleb Funke