It has been such an encouraging start to our 3rd St Louis Family Mission Trip. Saturday afternoon everyone arrived at Tower Grove, the school/ church that we will be living in for the next week, and then we headed over to the Church at Affton for dinner and orientation. We met as a team to talk through each person’s role and their responsibilities over the next few days. It was encouraging to see everyone’s enthusiasm for the week to come!
This past April The Church at Affton’s senior pastor, Jason Helmbacher, died from a heart attack. We have already seen and felt the suffering of this church family over the past two days. Jason’s wife, Rachelle, communicated their passion and desire to continue the work of the gospel ministry to the refugees here even in the midst of many unknowns in this trying season.
Yesterday morning as we worshiped with this hurting body I was encouraged and overwhelmed by the strength and hope that surrounded the room. Since Jason served both in preaching and leading worship, our team lead in both during the morning service. Pastor Brad expressed our church’s commitment to pray for them over the past few months. The service was simple and rich and was received by vulnerable hearts- even though the AC units were out and we were all drenched in sweat by the end! I think it set the stage for the rest of the week!
While most of us spent the afternoon canvasing apartments and neighborhoods to recruit people for our English classes and Kids Camps the rest of the team made home visits to refugee families who are known by the church. Those who visited homes were surprised by the warmth and hospitality that they received. This evening we started the English classes for Bosnian, Syrian, and Russian refugees and had about 20 people show up. We are prayerful and expectant that more people will come tomorrow and as the week goes on.
Living together, serving together, and even sweating together has been such a joy so far. I am excited to see how the Lord uses our time here this week to bring glory to His name and grow us in Him together and individually.
Prayer Requests-
Church at Affton:
Pray that they would be blessed as we strive to encourage and serve alongside them.
Pray that Rachelle would have wisdom to care well for herself and her children.
Our team:
Pray that we would serve with joyful and willing hearts all week; pray for health and stamina as we enter into a week that will be full of energy.
Pray for team unity; our ability to be effective here relies greatly on our relationship as a team.
Pray for Gospel opportunities during our events.
Written by Katie Anne McCollum
UBC Missions 