In July, Crosspointe sent volunteers to Minot to help the community in its on-going flood recovery efforts. Jess Brandt is a teacher at Central Cass and she shares this about her experience:
When I think back on our trip to Minot in July, three words come to my mind. The first word, MISSION, comes to mind because it was the first time a group from Crosspointe went on a MISSION trip out of the Fargo community to help the needs of others. It was our MISSION to go into Minot and help the members of that town who were still struggling with the effects of the flood from the summer before.
With strong and nervous HOPE, we arrived in Minot and learned the vision of our trip at HOPE village. HOPE village was a great place that was set up to suit the needs of all the volunteers. They gave us a cool place to sleep, three meals a day, and a warm shower to clean up after a day’s work. As we were given our tasks for the three days, we had HOPE that it would be something the nine of us could handle and accomplish. The Lord looked over us and gave us the perfect jobs for our group. Through the hard work and labor of bringing these people a bit closer to moving back into their homes, the word HOPE came up several times in conversations. As one homeowner told us, “I was beginning to lose HOPE after a whole year of working 16-18 hour days at my regular job and at my home. Then I came this week, and a whole bunch of people were working to help get us back into our home. I truly do believe in miracles! The Lord is good!” This was something that we heard each resident talk about as we worked in their homes and yards. HOPE was something that they were losing, but with our help and the help of other volunteer groups, their HOPE of returning home were coming true.
The last word I think of when reflecting on our trip to Minot is LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. The nine of us that went to Minot formed a great bond. I became so close to these members of Crosspointe while traveling, working together each day, and hanging out doing fun activities in the evenings. I truly know that each of these people are dear friends, and we have strengthened our sense of community as a church just from these few days of working together. I also know that the RELATIONSHIPS that we made with the people we helped are lasting. Even though we may not remember their names, or they may not remember ours, the connection we made will long be remembered. We were even told we can always stop back anytime and see their houses when they return home. That is really neat. The RELATIONSHIPS that God strengthened through this trip are amazing!
So looking back on our mission trip and seeing the HOPE and RELATIONSHIPS that were formed, I am passionate about telling others of our time in Minot. It is hard for me to talk about the trip without getting emotional, for all of the above reasons. It’s wonderful how even a small group of nine can make such a difference in a little time. Thank you to all who supported us with monetary donations, snack donations, and many prayers. It is truly a blessing to have a wonderful congregation like Crosspointe to call home, and this trip really made that evident to me.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
MInot Servant Trip Reflections
In July, Crosspointe sent volunteers to Minot to help in the on-going flood recover efforts. Nancy Schnabel is a teacher at Park Christian and shares the following about the trip:
I have always wanted to go on a mission trip to help others in need. Pastor Mike brought up the idea to go to Minot and help the those that were flooded last summer. It was joy to give to those in need right here in our own state of North Dakota. Nine people from Crosspointe Lutheran joined Hope Village to serve our fellow man. Hope Village was very accomodating and very resourceful. I didn't realize how devastating the flood in Minot was! Four thousand, one hundred homes were under water for 2-3 months. Many people left and the homes still stand untouched with four ft. high weeds in the yard. The first home where we worked had many memories as it had been in the family for many generations. The 3" x 3" oak timber were placed there by their great grand father, they could not let it go. After a year of hard work on their own, many doctor,counselor, and FEMA visits this family was about to throw in the towel when Hope Village appeared. The home owner repeatedly said,"It's a miracle! It's a miracle! Thank you!". They were so thankful for our help. We listened to their sad story and were so grateful to be there for them to help get the house one step closer to being lived in once again. In that short week, Hope Village did weeks worth of work for that home owner and many others. God works miracles and I'm thankful to be in God's hands to be a part of the miracle.
I have always wanted to go on a mission trip to help others in need. Pastor Mike brought up the idea to go to Minot and help the those that were flooded last summer. It was joy to give to those in need right here in our own state of North Dakota. Nine people from Crosspointe Lutheran joined Hope Village to serve our fellow man. Hope Village was very accomodating and very resourceful. I didn't realize how devastating the flood in Minot was! Four thousand, one hundred homes were under water for 2-3 months. Many people left and the homes still stand untouched with four ft. high weeds in the yard. The first home where we worked had many memories as it had been in the family for many generations. The 3" x 3" oak timber were placed there by their great grand father, they could not let it go. After a year of hard work on their own, many doctor,counselor, and FEMA visits this family was about to throw in the towel when Hope Village appeared. The home owner repeatedly said,"It's a miracle! It's a miracle! Thank you!". They were so thankful for our help. We listened to their sad story and were so grateful to be there for them to help get the house one step closer to being lived in once again. In that short week, Hope Village did weeks worth of work for that home owner and many others. God works miracles and I'm thankful to be in God's hands to be a part of the miracle.
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