We returned to the same church we worked on last year, Hayneville Church of Christ in Haynveville, AL. When arranging the trip we heard about another church in the area that needed help rebuilding, Bragg Hill African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Greenville, AL. We had a very large group of volunteer's this year and we were able to split up into two groups and get a considerable amount of work done at each of these churches.
The Hayneville church had been destroyed by arsonist, but the Greenvile church had burned down due to a kitchen accident. Even though the church was burned under different circumstances than the other churches we had worked on, God lead us to help our Christian brothers and sisters in Greenville.
I'm going to have to say my favorite part about the trip was being together as a family, all of us in the Lord's Builders, while working, doing devotions, and hanging out together. It gave me such a feeling of belonging. As we built and met the church people, I had somewhat of a change of heart. What was I doing in this van, on my way to Alabama? But once I did meet the people and built up the church, I understood why I was there and what it was for. God was watching me and knew that though I was a christian with a good heart, I needed to know what I believed in. I learned that this was truly God's work through His people. God went straight to my heart, and I was so glad to fully experience God actually using me. It really touched my heart when I saw those people of the church in Alabama, dressed in old clothes, and living in small homes, but then I saw the joy and love in their eyes. These were real believers. They were so kind, and though it seems cliche, these people had not what we have up north here, yet their faith was so strong and so many more people down there served God than up here. It was touching. God certainly did work through me. Once I had this change of heart, it switched from church work to God's work. The pastor of Greenville remembers me as the piano kid, how I worshiped during lunch on their piano. God was moving in me. And the team was great this year. They welcomed me sincerely, and showed me so much love. I can't wait for next year's trip.
Julia L.
This is my 3rd Mission Trip. It was chilly down in Alabama this February. We prepare all year for the long trip south, where God leads us. We work hard all day each day at the worksite, and back to the home church, to recuperate each evening for supper, and devotions.
I refer to the guys that brought a lot of the right tools we needed as "The Contractors". Don, Ron, Charlie, JC, and Bob. Don is the Lead Contractor. I brought a hammer. These Contractors have the Spiritual Gift of Patience. This is a huge undertaking - setting up teams we had, to get as much done as possible, in what seems a very short time.
I was aware of many Spiritual Gifts that Trip. Alot of realization moments, and "aha" moments. Half the team are teens this year, I noticed a week long "Youth Group" happening. Bonding, Mentoring, Spiritual Growth led by our Youth Leaders, and Spiritual Leaders, led by God.
The congregations seem fascinated with us coming down from so far north, to spend time with them, making things right for them. They are so grateful, appreciative. We attended many services. We were worshipping God every day, and feeling His Love.
We leave behind these churches touched by God through the Lord's Builders hands.
I did hear how, as we headed out of their towns, that if we come all that way to do God's work on their churches, they each were inspired to help each other and follow God's call, to see how they can help each other a lot more.
Sherry F