Charleston Mission Trip part one

We left Saturday for our Charleston Mission trip. Over the course of the week, we had 41 workers (some came a tad late, some left early, etc) and worked with 2 churches.

One church really just needed help getting their VBS decor situated and fliers passed out. We predominantly did that on Wed and on some evenings. 

The other church was a unique situation. Apparently there was a church split about 10 years ago that left the remaining crowd drowning in space and work to do--but no laborers. Many years have passed and there is life beginning again in the church. The pastor and ministers, as well as the members, have a heart for young families and to grow the church. Their first youth in over 5 years joined this month and one of the members was heard saying, "he may be the first-but he's the first of many!" God is good and gave us the chance to be the hands and feet for their sweet hearts. 

Saturday:

Saturday was basically our travel and orientation day. We left our church that morning at 8 and drove straight to the downtown market area. We were able to spend a couple of hours eating, touring, and relaxing before our big week took off. 

Then, we came back to our hotel (the Wingate on CSU's campus-so nice!) to do orientation. 

Dad took us through our plan for the week and we got our schedules situated. That evening, we ate local barbecue and relaxed in a time of community worship. 

Sunday:

Our group split in two and we worshiped at each of the churches where we were to be serving this week. I was at Portside with about 20 and the rest went to New Beginnings (second picture). 

We did the mall food court for lunch-quick and easy! 

Then, we went to a local community (Park Circle) and passed out fliers. The fliers told about our Tues/Thurs sports camp. We also passed out Father's Day gifts since it happened to be Father's Day.

Sunday evening, we enjoyed a yummy seafood dinner and more worship/group time. 

Monday:

Phew! We hit the ground running hard on this day! It was our longest and hardest work day by far!!! 

Projects included: electrical work, cleaning out a 10-year abandoned youth gym and Sunday school area, organizing Children's building, anchoring down auditorium pews, working in their yard, shoring up playground equipment, making crafts for local businesses and shut-ins, and organizing their fellowship hall closet. A small group of guys also went to an orphanage to work with the young men there and do a sports outreach. 

We worked until late that evening and finished the night with supper, worship, and BED! 

I've posted the full photo album of progress on Calvary Baptist's Facebook page (Williamston, SC). 

I'll be back Monday with part two of the week and wrap up on Wednesday with some before/after shots and hopefully a video! 

What progress we made in just the first few days!

Part Two here
Photo Album here
Part Three here