Sisseton Recap Day 2 & 3

Our past two days have been full of sunshine and people.  Our group of 10 adults and 10 kids have worked very hard the last few days.  We were dragging a bit as we woke up and started our day today...but we had a very full day and many were at the Dakota Alliance Church from 8:30am until 10:45pm.

Here is a brief update of our days:
We have finished up our VBS program at the Dakota Alliance Church...with our VBS program that was held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning from 9:30am - noon.  The theme was "The hand and feet of Jesus" and we used this lesson plan throughout the planning process.  The kids from our group put on some great puppet shows, the kids helped lead worship time and our adults shared some wonderful stories and message to the kids of all ages.

One thing that is truly different about VBS in Sisseton vs. Rochester is this; the time frame really doesn't matter.  We have no check-in system.  We don't have nametags.  We don't even know who will be showing up or how many.  AND...we feed everyone lunch.  Everyone.  If they show up, they can eat.  *for those planning the meals and how much food to bring, that makes the organization and shopping process even more exciting.  ;)

We have also had time to visit a local nursing home.  We had some really good conversations with a few of the residents and also attending their church service that they have during the week.  We sang songs, listened to the message and the kids from CCC also put on a skit.  The bonus though...one of the kids in our group wrote the skit.  It was very cute to see them shine God's light in the preparations for this and while they were performing.  (all of the kids doing the skit were ages 10 and under)

Each night we have spent time around a campfire.  Honestly, the flies are obnoxious, even during the day, but the time spent around talking and socializing are special moments.  We had our biggest campfire gathering on Thursday night and it was just great to see people gathered and joining together for this.  Having a "campfire" may not sound like is should be missions related but this truly is one of the activities that our group is known for...and we let the kids play together, the adults talk and our group even gets to know each other better too.  You can't make these connections and plan them out on paper.

The guys have been working on a ramp for the church...and they are almost finished!  They have had lots of little helpers and some pretty high temps to work in as well.  They have done a great job working as a team and getting this project finished.

Women's spa day is another annual tradition...and today we washed feet, painted toes and a few hands.  A few women and girls even got a foot or hand massage.  Spending time with individuals at their feet level is not only humbling but is something that Jesus did for others.  Today we painted an array of colors that are shining bright and pretty throughout Sisseton...and also had conversations while enhancing the beauty of these individuals.  Some of the conversations and attitudes were tough to crack while others flowed freely.  I personally saw a lot of dynamics in the group and a lot of hurt in some of the eyes as they were speaking or being talked to by others.  One of the conversations that I had with a child went a little something like this:

Me:  I see you have nail polish on your hands.  Can I take that off so we can put new colors on?

Child:  Yes
Me:  Do you like to paint your nails?
Child:  Yes
Me:  Does someone help you paint them or do you do them yourself?
Child:  My dad and his girlfriend do, but they are both in jail now.

This child was about the same age as my boys...who are 7 and 10.  I never would have known this bit of info if I didn't wash her feet or paint her fingers and toes.

Please keep our group in your prayers...

• Health and safety for the group.  We have at least one child diagnosed with strep today in our group.  A few others are run down and just not feeling great either.  
• That we will say the right words and be in the places we should on Saturday...and be open to using our talents and gifts with those we meet.

*Jessica Williams

Blessed in Sisseton, South Dakota: Reuniting with our Dakota Alliance Church Family

                                                                         VBS  Day 1 2015 

                                                             Finding your voice

                                                                       Painting

                                                               Thank you Pastor Richard
   

                                                          Lunch time with new friends.

Psalms 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God.

Team members all arrived safely on Tuesday evening and began preparations for Vacation Bible School.  Excitedly, we met and unloaded all the supplies for the week, and met with Pastor Richard.
Thank you to Pastor Richard and the Dakota Alliance Church for hosting us this week.
We are deeply honored to be here in Sisseton.  For our family, this is our fifth year, and we continue to be moved as Claudia and Timothy are eager to help out. We are especially blessed seeing their faces light up as they build lasting memories with church family here in Sisseton.

Our day began early this morning as we held our team meeting and devotions prior to beginning our day.  Joel L. held devotions this am and encouraged everyone in our group to utilize their gifts and talents for the Lord this week.

As we prepared for the VBS activities, we could hardly wait for the children to arrive.
All the families, and children gathered in the sanctuary to begin our week singing and praising the Lord.  All the children were delighted to see a puppet show.  Thank you Mr. Dance~ and our theater team.

Our day has been fully blessed as we held a morning VBS for elementary and preschool children, served lunch, and held a finding your voice activity in the afternoon. T-shirts were tie-dyed in vibrant colors as we learned about being the hands and feet of Jesus.


 Gusty winds kept us all cool during our sunny afternoon, but let up just in time for our traditional campfire.

During the afternoon, many team members worked diligently in building a ramp up to the church. After supper, we enjoyed visiting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and having a Jiffy Pop popcorn popping contest!   God is so good! We can hardly wait for another beautiful day tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.  

Please continue to pray for the physical and spiritual health for all children and families attending VBS this week.

Upcoming:

Tomorrow we will hold Day 2 of VBS and visit a nursing home in the afternoon.

Sisseton, SD 2015...Day #1

The crew from Rochester, MN arrived in Sisseton, SD yesterday.  After a year of planning by some of the leaders and months of prep with the group...the day was finally here.  Our theme this year is Hands and Feet of Jesus...and we are playing this out in many different ways throughout our week.  #Hishandsandfeet

I am always reminded by the lawn chairs under the tree that this trip is not about all the construction projects...or the number of kids that we might see...or the stuff that we give away...it is about the relationships with the people in this community.

We spent our first day building those relationships and honestly...the years of focusing on this aspect of the mission trip truly showed that it is important, because we had a full house at VBS today.  First year we have had a crowd fill the room on the first day.

During VBS today, our CCC kids led music, put on a puppet show, played with kids and were part of the action during the lessons too.  Some of our adults led the message part of VBS and did a great job for all the different age groups we see here in Sisseton.  We also did our annual tie-dye with our shirts that we hand out to those who attend.  *right now many of us have solid blue hands, red, streaks on our faces and legs and/or polka dotted socks as a result of this craft today.

The afternoon consisted of time spent by some in the kitchen prepping meals, the guys working on a ramp for the church and the kids getting some time "finding their voice".  Letting the kids create and use their talents to express themselves was something that has worked well in the past with this group.

Our evenings usually consist of us sitting around a tree talking and finishing our night around a campfire.  Some of the kids break out into a game and others try roasting marshmallows for the first time.  One of our our most prized events is a JiffyPop challenge between someone from Sisseton and a participant from Rochester.  Tonights challenge was the longest time it has ever taken to finish popping this truly amazing popcorn ;) - pretty sure it was over 20 minutes - and Rochester basically won by default since the Sisseton popcorn landed in the fire.

Lots of laughter.  Talking.  Hugs.  Sharing.  Introductions.  Playing.  Learning.  Helping.  Cleaning.  Crafting.  Listening.  Honoring.

We go to bed this evening thankful for the day, thankful for the kids and families we saw today.  We are thankful we were able to share our gifts and talents with the people in this community and that God has let this community be part of our church.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures...will post some more from today too!

*Jessica Williams

The Trek Home

The Trek Home

We can't express what a rich experience this was for our students. They gave SO MUCH. With such great attitudes & servant hearts. It was a sad goodbye to the community & YouthWorks team. We headed off to Salida, Colorado to stay the night. Saturday morning we were off to Buena Vista, Colorado to whitewater raft through Noah's Ark. It was a BLAST. Then it was off to Garden of the Gods for our last big stop before making the trek back to CCC.

 

Monday - Thursday, July 20-23

YouthWorks Site: Navajo Nation

Each morning, we ate breakfast, leaders inhaled coffee, we had devotions, and a group prayer time before heading off into groups to serve for the day. There were two types of service outreaches we did: Monday & Tuesday, half of our groups of about eight kids spent the day doing work projects in the community, and the other half of our groups spent the day at Kids Club, an outreach/summer day camp type program. On Wednesday morning, our groups switched, so each got to hang with awesome kids AND get their hands dirty helping out in the community. We saw awesome things happen in these endeavors. Here are a few:

-Two groups painted Betty's home. We got to sit in her living room and pray with her. 

Before paint

After paint

-The gospel was shared with Betty's son-in-law, and we got to give him a Bible.

-One 9th grader who lives in Fort Defiance, Hope, was very anti-social at Kids Club, until one day one of our students broke Hope's walls. Hope wouldn't let Whitney out of her site!

-On Thursday at Kids Camp, one of our students shared the Gospel in big group. With the gentle help of Robb, THIRTEEN kids scrambled up to the front declaring they wanted to follow Jesus. YouthWorks said they hadn't seen anything like that all summer.

-The YouthWorks team praised our kids for being incredibly involved, ready to serve, and articulate in processing their experiences throughout our time at the site. 

Bits of Culture

-We got to do lots of fun things in the evening. These included a trip to Window Rock (a cool rock formation). We got to climb & take in worship led by a local from one of the churches in town.

-We heard from an elder in the community about life growing up in the reservation. It was awesome! We all sang "Jesus Loves Me" in Navajo. Way cool.

-We had foot-washing service & worship at a 'hogan', which are a traditional 'church' type of circular structure usually made of wood with dirt floors.

-We took in traditional dances in Gallup, NM.

-We held a community cookout in a nearby town and played with lots of kids.

Saturday/Sunday, July 18/19

Lots of road

We spent a full day on Saturday in the car, and arrived in Liberal, KS for the night. Sunday it was back in the vans after devotions bright and early with the sunrise. We arrived at Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, AZ Sunday night around 6pm. Students did AWESOME with the long ride. Good attitudes, a lot of "My Cows", a whole lot of naps, and so much laughing. After setting up our beds, getting to know the campus & our YouthWorks staff (Allie, Rebecca, Matt & Robert - they were GREAT), we got into what would be our routine for the next handful of evenings at the mission: dinner, club time (like a mini-worship/teaching time), and church group debrief. Monday, it's off to the races!

Arizona team takes off Saturday

Here we go!

Thirty-nine students. Eight adults. Tons of hours in the car. Please pray for 1) Team unity 2) Servant hearts 3) The community to see something different about us and want it. 4) For our students (and leaders!) to come home knowing Jesus better through their experience. Updates will be available as we get wi-fi.

AZ, see you soon!

From Anna's Perspective

How Cleveland Impacted Anna R.

Cleveland impacted me in many ways but one of the strongest things that happened was that I had the privileged of leading devotions for a sports camp called FOCUS and helping five kids accept Christ! At first I wasn't really looking forward to helping with FOCUS, but after the first day I thought to myself that I could actually change a kid's life and I did!!! Five of them! Going to Cleveland made me realize that I have to get out of my comfort zone to be able to truly impact a person's life.

-Anna, 9th grade John Marshall student