 Friday, June 11On this day our ministry teams spread out all over the island. One group went to Mission Galveston to work in the food and clothing pantries. They changed out winter clothing for summer clothing...that was work that definitely was behind! Another group went to deliver lunches again. The last group didn't get to do their planned activity, so Kim, in all her wisdom, called Marshall (the student minister at our "home base") to see if there was something he needed done around here. This was a great idea because it allowed us to give back to this most accommodating and gracious church! He asked that we clean up the baseball field, so they did. This also gave them the opportunity of a little extra time. Marshall then offered to let them tour the church. He gave them a history of this church and of Galveston. From what I understand, it was very interesting. Some questions came out of that tour like, "What is the difference between Baptists and Methodists?". It was great to see them understand that as long as one has the "ABC's" of faith in Jesus like they had talked about in tour preparation, we are all God's children.After a full morning, we had lunch and headed off to the Gulf Breeze assisted living center. There were only 7 or so residents there to hear most of the concert. There were some in the lobby who heard but did not enter in. Again, the number of those listening did not matter to the students, nor did they let it give any less to them or God. The vivacious custodian came in from time to time to help with a song or two. Before we left, Lundy, the custodian came back in and said, "See what He'll do for you? He'll give you some JOY!" What a great testimony! Another cool thing that happened there is that a child named Brian was there visiting his grandmother, so he heard this "Crazy" message. At the end of the presentation, Kim asked him if he would sing with us. He finally did. Priority taught him "Every Move I Make" with motions. It was my new favorite moment! Right after that I had my other new favorite moment. The sound crew was getting everything packed up (and they do a FABULOUS job!), and from the foyer I heard a great singing group. I stepped out and saw many students surrounding a resident. He had just come down the hall and said that he had missed it because he didn't know about the concert. He asked them to sing for him, so they did...beautifully! I wish you could see these faces!! We went straight from there to another assisted living center. This was the fullest room yet, and it was potentially a difficult concert because the students were tired and hot and had JUST finished doing the same thing only moments before. Just as is par for the tour, they presented it as if they hadn't done it many times. I don't mean they sounded like they didn't know it. I mean they gave their ALL to make it fresh for these residents and for their Lord! They continually amaze us all! There was one lady there who praised God throughout the entire presentation. What a JOY!! Another lady kissed several of us on the cheek before we left and thanked us for coming. One student shared that she had kissed him...I thought it was sweet for him to tell everyone. He was grinning when he said it too! Believe it or not, the day was not nearly finished! We then went to the beach for several hours. The students had a great time in the waves...Margaret even "rode" one for Caitlyn. Margaret had already said there would be NO way she would get in...Caitlyn must be mighty persuasive! Miles encouraged us with a devotional from Ecclesiastes. He reminded us that if we stand together, we can accomplish more. It was a great reminder and so perfect for what we had seen today! God is amazing and He is proving it over and over daily! Good night and blessings!!
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