Friday, July 15th

More pictures:  

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Today was a day to say goodbye to Joplin.  After waking up and cleaning up Good Shepherd, we loaded up the vans and suv and headed to Joplin for one last look and time to pray.  We had to say goodbye to those we worked with and to the places that have created memories of this trip.  After that, we were off to St. Louis.  For the next two nights, we will be staying at Concordia Lutheran Church.  They have opened up their building to us.  After unloading, we went downtown and visited the St. Louis Arch along the banks of the Mississippi.  It was an amazing sight.  We went up to to the top and had an awesome view of the river and the city of St. Louis.  When we were done, we just sat on some steps overlooking the Mississippi and let it soak in.  It was relaxing.  Then the tradition continued...Chinese Buffet. 

Our closing devotion was on 1 Peter 1:13.  We talked about the memories we had, but also that we need to remember that we were there to share the grace of Jesus Christ.  What we did, from the littlest job to the hardest job, was sharing the message of Jesus Christ.  A great reminder of the purpose of this trip.

--- From the Youth

It is almost over.  One more day...well, a day of fun.  We did say our goodbyes to those we served with and took in the sights one more time.  I don't think we will be forgetting the sounds, pictures, smells, and discussions of Joplin soon.  I think we have a better appreciation of what it takes when a disaster strikes.  But through all of this, I think we know that God was present.  We heard it from those that lived there.  We saw it in pictures of crosses or the writing that someone painted or left at certain locations.  We know that people felt blessed to be alive and blessed that volunteers are there.  But the blessing was also given to us.  We were blessed during this trip.  We were blessed by the outpouring of love and support as we served.  We were blessed by the witness of those who lost everything.  This is something, I will never forget.

In His service,

Terry