Jude 2

My daughter Caetie is taking off from Nashville today around noon headed to Ketchikan, Alaska. Her and the senior high youth group will be conducting 2 VBS and some revival services.

They will ferry from Ketchikan to 2 islands. She is on the team going to Wrangel Island which is a 6 hour ferry trip and the other team is headed to Petersburg Island which is a 9 hour ferry trip.

During the day they will have VBS and at night they will have church services.

Please pray for safe travels and for mine and Wendy's nerves. The only way I could do this is because I know this is for the Lord.

We are proud of her!

She and the team are in our prayers.

I know you're proud!! I hope my daughter has the desire to that when she's Caetie's age --- or sooner!! Lord, use your daughter for your glory, and save many as fruit of the labors of those going to Alaska on this trip.

Thanks Brethren!

Our communication is limited as none of the youth were allowed to carry phones but I do know that they landed safely Friday evening at around 8pm Alaska time. It was bright outside according to the pic I saw, raining sideways, and 51 degrees.

They did see a whale on the 6 hour ferry trip Saturday evening and saw a flock of bald eagles Sunday while at church. They also had a hearty meal of fresh salmon and crab after church.

Yes, I am jealous!

Full Quiver wrote:Our communication is limited as none of the youth were allowed to carry phones...

That would be a deal-breaker for me.

It isn't for us.

They are there to serve not to Facebook, text, etc.

There are several adult chaperones, a youth pastor, a missions pastor, an EMT, and 2 nurses with the teams.

We get FB updates from the pastors and if we have an emergency we contact them. If they have an emergency they contact us.

I do remember the day when children didn't even have cell phones or when no one had cell phones.

Besides, I don't have an unlimited data plan. The last thing I need is for Caetie to take and upload 500 pictures.

FQ, please let Caetie know how much she and all the youth that give of their time and finances to go on these mission trips that they are so appreciated.

In a society when so much emphisis is on things and self to see these youth willing to make a sacrifice and streatch their comfort zone is reassuring that God has a new generation that will continue reaching out to those who have not heard the Gospel and to those less fortunate that others.

Now a word from a missionary.....when these young people come back home, excited, pumped up and ready to take the world on by the tail. The church needs to channel that energy for the local church and the local community. They have seen they have done and they will want to DO! Don't make then wait until next time....use them now.

This will be a total life-changing experience for her. GOOD FOR HER...and GREAT for you to encourage her.

Alaska is unspeakably, breathtakingly beautiful!

I would retire there---if I could afford it.

She went to Panama last year and loved it. She wants to go to Africa badly.

They do several outreach events per year and our missions pastor, for the past 20 years, is now our outreach pastor and is planning many more local events.

Full Quiver wrote:It isn't for us.

They are there to serve not to Facebook, text, etc.

I completely understand that, but I am sure glad Tori was able to FaceTime with us over Wifi from Bulgaria late at night and share her experiences and emotions while they were fresh.

Praying here.

I was thinking about this song just recently.

"Lead me Lord, I'll follow. Anywhere you open up the door
Let your word speak to me, show me what I've never seen before
Lord I want to be your witness,
you can take what's wrong and make it right
Daystar shine down on me, let your love shine through me in the night

Lord I've seen a world that's dying wounded by the master of deceit
Groping in the darkness, haunted by the years of past defeat
But when I see you standing near me
shining with compassion in your eyes
I pray Jesus shine down on me
let your love shine through me in the night."

Tori is 7 years older than these kids are. I think there's a distinguished line of maturity and expectation so apples and oranges.

Next Summer my daughter will be out of the youth dept. and if she goes on a mission's trip she will be free to take her phone.