You're not in Kansas anymore...

Our trip to Philadelphia was fairly uneventful, except for David W. having to pull over to the side of the road with a horrible cramp in his leg. The trip took us about 12 hours, although it seemed to go by fast because we were excited and spending time together.


The church we are staying in, Arch Street United Methodist Church, is “right downtown” and was built in 1862. The building is the oldest structure on Center Square! 


Our surroundings are obviously not as modern as they were last year, and it took us awhile to figure out our sleeping arrangements because we have to put all of our things away each day before we leave. We were thinking to ourselves, “There’s no possible way we’re gonna make this happen.” So, we decided to go eat, and ask for faith in his holy plan. We don’t have all the answers and we probably never will. We have to trust him and ask for help and the Lord will provide.



Our friend, Russell, who welcomed us quickly turned to us as we were questioning him and said, “Your not in Kansas--or Gastonia, anymore.” Wow--A simple reminder that we are here to make a difference, and we will have to get out of our comfort zone to do it. We found a way to make it work, because the youth and counselors reached out in “Brotherly Love” and accepted that God’s purpose is in front of us; never behind us.


It’s easy to forget why we go on Mission Trips when we are tired and we get caught up in the details, the tasks, and the stuff. Those are all necessary to make a trip happen. But obviously it is not why we go. We go because there is a need. We go because God has called us. We go because we know that we will encounter Jesus here this week.


Thank you to all of you back home who are praying, providing resources, and supporting our efforts.