FOOTBALL FRIDAY NIGHT

Football Friday Night FFN has been a part of my life for 50 years.
First as a Shelby High Golden Lion sitting with my dad on the 50 yard
line in the reserved section. Later, FFN leaned to the left where the
junior high crowd hung out. Then we leaned to the right during high
school as part of the marching band. We stood up and cheered 'we're not
rough, we're not tough, we're just Shelby High struutin' our stuff'

When I first moved to Gastonia, FFN was alive and well. Most of the church
kids went to Ashbrook and a cute coach from Grier sat on top of the
pressbox which was added incentive to be there. When Charlie and I first
started dating we kept it pretty quite till we showed up at the Huss vs.
Ashbrook game for football friday night!

Throughout Charlie's coaching career I wore red and black as a South Point red raider and Columbia blue and navy as a Hunter Huss Huskie. I sat through rain, lopsided
victories, stinging defeats, a play-off game in the mountains that was
freezing, and the hot, muggy nights of August.

I couldn't begin to count the many church members I have supported as players, coaches, referees, cheerleaders, band members, ticket takers, concession stand servers or
spectators. And yet 50 years later, that FFN rush fills the air and I still love it. Tonite we are going to Clover vs South Point. But the best part is we get to go out to eat before the game, and when we get ready to leave we can. And watch the rest of it on ............Foooootballll Friday Night.
--beckygreene

MISSION TRIP CHANGED ME

This was my first year attending a mission trip, so I didn't know
exactly what to expect. I knew I would be improving Pontiac, Michigan's
community, but I did not know how. I had no idea how much it would
affect me.

I wasn't exactly the hard working type, so I was a little
nervous. That changed immediately. My relationship with God changed in
Michigan as well. With the help of prayer beads, devotions, and Bible
verses, I became closer to God. My experiences on the mission are
moments that I will never forget. I am so thankful that I had such a
great opportunity.

Carly Tindall

WHY GOD CHOOSE ME

This Mission to Michigan was my second mission trip. I looked forward to
this trip, because my last one was such a blast.

I really didn't know what to expect going into this trip. I believe God chose me to go on
this trip because I love people , and it brings me joy to see the smiles
on the faces that we help. This trip was an amazing spiritual experience
for me and let me see some things I needed to change in my life. We
accomplished a lot at the Baldwin Center, even when things didn't go
exactly the way we planned because 'Blessed are the flexible' I had an
amazing time and I look forward to many more mission trips.

Parrisha Barnes

BUILDING THE KIND OF WORLD YOU WANT

On every mission trip we experience "change" in our attitudes, hearts and actions; yet when we get back home the same distractions, lifestyles and pressures smack us in the face. In that way summer mission projects are easier because our effort is 100% focused with the occasional cell phone, texting and drama. On-going service at home must be juggled with other friends, school, family and activities.

How long has it been since you thought about the people/projects @ the Baldwin Center, Community Church, the City of Pontiac, or the foot washing?

What we should be striving for is compassion based on relationships not obligation. In other words, integrated into each person is a "ministry of presence" so that even when opportunities are not spelled out, we feel compelled to respond out of love. This is how we "Live Out Loud" and build the kind of world we want.

WHY GOD CHOSE ME

God chose me to go on mission to Michigan for two totally different reasons.

Mainly He chose me to be able to learn and connect with all types of people including homeless, black and the poor. He also chose me because He knew I would be a hard worker and get the job done in order to help the community and let them know I care about them.


I think the second reason was to show I am a Christian. I am wonderfully made by GOD and perfect in His eyes: therefore, I can be my true self regardless of the group I am with.


Meredith Kay Love

BLESSED ARE THE FLEXIBLE

"Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape." I was choosen by GOD to come to Michigan so other's lives will be changed by our Mission, as well as my own.

"This is the time of my life" the song says and it is absolutely true for this trip. What would be a better way to spend our time than to serve others through Christ? Being able to see the changes you make in other's lives is incredible. You always find different ways to be the hands and feet of Christ. I want to take the many wonderful lessons I learn on these trips and incorporate them into my everyday life when I return home.

We are truly blessed to have a church community that loves us so much. The prayer beads that the women make us are so special, and they have become one of my most prized possessions.

"Teach us Lord that everyday, down every street, come chances to be GOD'S hands and feet."

Maggie Horne

WHY GOD CHOOSE ME

God choose me for this mission because this is what i love to do. Just seeing the faces of people we have helped when we are finished just puts joy in my heart.

Hannah Williams