|
|
Mission Trip Reports Trip Reports Home
Western PA, US Rural
Youth Group
| Trip Dates: | 7/10/2010 to 7/17/2010 |
| Age Group: | Jr. and Sr. high school students |
| Status: | Completed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Reports for Western PA Trip |
|
Crucified Ministries
23
|
|
7/19/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Here is the link to Crucified Ministries.
Crucifiedministries.com
You can access the site Travis talked about from this site, just click the "F1" tab. Check it out- the history, the happenings, and the hope for the future.
|
|
Things we did in Johnstown
22
|
|
7/18/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Here is a list of things the team did while in Johnstown:
Prayer walk around Roxbury
Pray over the city from the top of the incline
Led worship at Crucified Ministries Sunday night
VBS at Roxbury park Monday-Thursday
Prayer coverage around Roxbury and inviting kids to VBS
VBS at Solomon (the housing project) on Tuesday
VBS at the day care Wednesday and Thursday
Construction at the New Day missionary house Monday- Wednesday
Construction at Crucified Ministries- repair the roof, clean the porch rug and apply stair strips, gut out a place for showers to be installed, move cabinets from that room to the kitchen, and start installing showers.
Salvation Army- feeding program
Ministry at Windber park
Solomon- bread distribution and snow cones
visit 2 nursing homes
Praise band and choir in Central Park Gazebo and meeting people in the park
Clean up work at Johnstown Christian School
Outdoor work at Sean's mom's
Led worship at Life Over Death Skate Park Church- served hotdogs, snowcones, vistied with people
Block party at Windber park
built relationships with the 3 girls from the neighborhood
built relationship with Tony and Rob
Praise the Lord for all that was done for His kindgom
|
|
who said this?
21
|
|
7/18/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures In Missions
|
Before the vans were loaded up, someone made this quote-
"I can't wait to be home, have 2 ply toilet paper, a shower, and my recliner". Who could that have been?
|
|
johnstown mission trip
20
|
|
7/16/2010
By: Andrew Stafford Dixon, student
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Students (BUMS)- spartanburg, SC
|
at the beggining of this trip i was pretty bummed. one of our VBS host churches canceled and i wasnt sure what our team was going to do. but as many people that have gone on mission trips know, god has his own plan. and oh he provided. we ended up at a daycare that went amazing, alot of kids cried after we were only there for two days! they wrote us a big thank you note and it was great. god has truly blessed me this week with amazing friends and family and showed me amazing things. he istruly an amazing and powerful god.
|
|
Revival in Johnstown, Pa
19
|
|
7/16/2010
By: Parker Langford, Assistant Student Director
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Church- Spartanburg, SC
|
So this week, as an assistant diresctor i got to see the mission from a whole new point of view. When we got here I knew that we could help here in Johnstown and make a great impact on the people here. God lead us in his will this entire trip because the first day, we found out that one of our sites wasn't going to work. This crushed me because i had to lead that group and now we had no site, no kids and just a group ready to love. That day we were supposed to do the VBS, my group was going door-to-door to get more kids to come out to the park in Roxberry. That day we found out about a site in the Solomon housing projects. Not only did we find out about it, three people recomended it to us. That's a God thing knowing that we had no site at first and when it failed we kept searching and God satisfied. The park at Solomon was amazing because the people there were so incredibly overjoyed to see us there working with their kids, loving on them, hugging them. We were so happy to have that place. Next, if God had not already blessed enough, We were given the opportunity to go to the day care center. Those kids had never had anything like that come to see them and play wit them and love on them.
The biggest lesson that i take away from this trip is that when we fail, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will lead you in the right direction because God is the on who loves and gives and shows us that he is all powerful. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
|
|
A flood of Christ's love in Johnstown
18
|
|
7/16/2010
By: Zachary Whitt, Youth intern/Sergio
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Church- Spartanburg, South Carolina
|
So, this has been quite an interesting week- as a youth intern, you never really know what to expect from your group, let alone from an unfamiliar town. I have been extremely blessed this week as my youth group and i have been involved with a number of different mission opportunities this week. We've done vacation Bible Schools at two different locations, gone door to door, worked the salvation army, played a concert and held a block party. I dont say these things as a way of bragging, but as a way to show that there were many opportunities to take ahold of here in Johnstown and we've labored to be faithful to GOD's call for us here and to the people here in Johnstown. GOD is moving here, hes alive and on the throne. We are so blessed and I pray that we've blessed this town.
Dont wait for a call- we've already have a command, spread the word of GOD.
|
|
Travis's story
17
|
|
7/16/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Travis's college degree was in engineering. He was led back to Johnstown. No chance to use that degree here. One night, during worship, he realized he had to give it all go God, and become clay in His hands. When the earthquake hit in Haiti, Travis wanted to do something to help. Since he had surrendered all to God, God now was able to use him. God arranged for Travis to obtain and install solar panels in Haiti. He has been there 3 times this year to do this. In the last 2 years, since surrendering to God, he has been able to give twice as much as he could have made with an engineering job. He currently drives a produce truck once a week. God is providing for him, and giving him amazing ways to do ministry. The desires of his heart are realized, because he surrendered all. Travis challenged us all to allow God to mold us, and go and do what God calls you to do.
|
|
Final day of ministry
16
|
|
7/15/2010
By: Cindy, Kopsick
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Today was the last day of ministry. It was a very full day. VBS at both Roxbury Park and at the day care center. The construction crew finished the work on the roof at Crucified Ministries and the work on the 4 showers continued. A work crew went to the Johnstown Christian school. A work crew went to Sean's mom's house. In the afternoon, everyone headed over to Windber park for a block party.
Back at Crucified Ministries, Sean led us in worship, the team had it's last debrief, and then their last night activity, which one of them will have to tell you about.
We praised God for all the good things that have been done.
|
|
Josh's message
15
|
|
7/14/2010
By: Cindy, Kopsick
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Tonight Josh shared a story from the skate park.
He talked with Tom, who had just been to the funeral of his best friends' brother. He was with him just a few days ago. He was regretting things he hadn't said when he had the chance. He challenged us to the time we are given well. We do not know when our last day will be. Josh and some of our team members had a chance to pray with Tom at the skate park.
|
|
My trip to Johnstown
14
|
|
7/14/2010
By: Destiny Marie Ortiz, My trip to Johnstown
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Church- Spartanburg, South Carolina
|
Hi my name is Destiny Ortiz and this is my first time coming to Johnstown Pennsilvania. This trip has been quite an experience for me. I wasnt expecting to have a trip the like this. It was much diffrent than the way the other trips with my church have been,but I have enjoyed every moment of it because i was in the hands of such great people! My favorite part of this trip so far was when we went to the top of the incline and prayed over the city of Johnstown. This gave me an opportunity to get closer to not only God and see what His will was for me this week but also to pray for the people I have never met before!
|
|
Trip to Nursing Home
13
|
|
7/14/2010
By: Toni Daves, Chaperone
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Church- Spartanburg, South Carolina
|
Our Youth Group went today to the Luthern Sponsored Nursing home in Johnstown PA. It was a great experience for the youth mission team. Both nursing home patients and youth enjoyed interacting with each other through songs and prayer. It was such a joy to see the smiles on the patients faces as they heard familiar christian songs. Each patient was presented with a handmade cross and the students placed these around their necks. The youth felt that God had sent them to this particular nursing home to brighten the lives and share his word with these patients.
|
|
Josh's story
12
|
|
7/14/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Josh attended Liberty University, studying youth ministry. He told God he didn't want to return home to Johnstown. But you guessed it, that's just what God wanted him to do. Josh was obedient. He worked in a skateboard shop, and realized he had a lot of opportunity to share Jesus with people that needed to hear. He is not a skateboarder.
Josh determined when he was 26 he should move out of his parents home. So he started looking. He found a 4 bedroom home, in great shape for $50,000. And it came with it's own church. He bought a parsonage, and the church came with it. The name of the church is Crucified Ministries. This comes from a life verse, Galatians 2:20. His brother and parents are very involved with the ministry. They started a Sunday night service at the church. They now have mission teams coming in and house and feed them at the church. The mission teams help them, and other Bible based churches in the area. God has blessed Josh's obedience and there is much fruit in this ministry. Praise God!
|
|
Life Over Death
11
|
|
7/14/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Just how did the skate park church get it's name, Life Over Death?
The second floor of a warehouse was offered at no charge to Josh to make a skateboard park. His plan was to have open skating for a while, then share the good news, which gives life.
The first floor of the warehouse is a casket making company. Thus the name, Life Over Death
Tony did come to skateboard church, and says he will join the group for the block party Thursday afternoon at Windber.
|
|
Great night of ministry at skate park church
10
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Tonight we took part in the "Life over Death" skateboard park church. People come to enjoy their sport on skateboards, bikes, and rollerblades. After a while, they gather together to hear Josh speak from the Word. Only about 1/3 of those at the "church" are actually skaters.
Each week hotdogs and water are provided. Tonight was extra special. There were many baked goods, baked beans, and snow cones. And tonight there was a guest speaker. I'm hoping one of the team members will fill you in on what he spoke about.
The worship team set up and played. Just before their last number, the power went out. Well, the electrical power. The Holy Spirit power could not be stopped. The message was shared. After the message, we got in a huge circle, and prayed over the shared requests.
I watched people visiting, and some were involved in praying with folks. It was a family atmosphere.
Oh, the girls climbed to the top of a ramp, and slid down, with much enthusiasm. It was a great night of ministry.
We are thanking the Lord.
|
|
Great night of ministry at skate park church
9
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Tonight we took part in the "Life over Death" skateboard park church. People come to enjoy their sport on skateboards, bikes, and rollerblades. After a while, they gather together to hear Josh speak from the Word. Only about 1/3 of those at the "church" are actually skaters.
Each week hotdogs and water are provided. Tonight was extra special. There were many baked goods, baked beans, and snow cones. And tonight there was a guest speaker. I'm hoping one of the team members will fill you in on what he spoke about.
The worship team set up and played. Just before their last number, the power went out. Well, the electrical power. The Holy Spirit power could not be stopped. The message was shared. After the message, we got in a huge circle, and prayed over the shared requests.
I watched people visiting, and some were involved in praying with folks. It was a family atmosphere.
Oh, the girls climbed to the top of a ramp, and slid down, with much enthusiasm. It was a great night of ministry.
We are thanking the Lord.
|
|
BUMS Misson 2010
8
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Amanda Goodenough, Student Shepherd
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Church- Spartanburg, South Carolina
|
So yesterday we only had about 5 kids at our vacation bible school at Roxbury Park, and today we added another 10 to that. A day care was supposed to come but it was raining so we think they may have thought we cancelled it, so we're hoping for them Thursday! They can't come on Wednesday because it's McDonald's day, and of course who they can't miss that. Ummmmm let's see what else. We met this guy named Rob at the park yesterday, he's going to be a senior in high school next year and is already apart of the National Gaurd. This kid had such and amazing heart and he said he'd come and help out with our vacation bible school everyday, and he is also coming to the Skate Church tonight that Crucified Ministries puts on every Tuesday night. Everyone is already a little worn out, but it's completely worth it for the things that we're doing, and we enjoy every minute of it. Everyone has such high hopes and spirits all the time :) We can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for us!
|
|
BUMS 2010
7
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Emily B, Thompson, student
|
|
Bethel united Methodist Church- Spartanburg, South Carolina
|
We have been here for four days so far and i think it is safe to say that we all know the reason of why we were directed here by God to spread his word. Things may not be going to the way we are used to on our usual trip but it is nice to have a different view of ministry and mission work. Johnstown has been such a blessing and a reward to come to and help. People are kind and welcoming and such a joy to talk to. I feel myself growing and getting closer to God from this trip. He is truly doing some powerful things here and i look forward to seeing what is in store next! God Bless!
|
|
Johnstown, PA. BUMS 2010
6
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Chad Deetz, Youth Pastor
|
|
Bethel UMC- Spartanburg, SC
|
Well God is good and has provided ministry opportunities through the people we have met. Today we will able to minister through VBS at two locations even though we thought that only one VBS was secure. More children are beginning to come out of the woodwork for VBS. Today I met Brenda and I'll ask everyone reading this to pray for her and her family. Yesterday I was blessed by Tony a new friend I met at Windber Park. Tony was blessed by our love, but really he blessed me. Tony is home, but he's a stranger in a hostile land because he's the only one in his family that is saved. Pray for him. God's love is filling all of voids that lack of sleep has left. We are blessed and glad God is blessing others through our willingness. Continue to pray for us and our team that God would continue to use us as He sees fit.
|
|
God Works
5
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Andrew Dyson, Student Mission Team Director
|
|
Bethel United Methodist Church- Spartanburg, SC
|
Hi everyone! Just a quick report from Johnstown, PA. We (Bethel United Methodist Students, or the BUMS) arrived in Johnstown on Saturday night and have been experiencing some great things that have been happening through God. Even though it's only Tuesday, we have been in contact with some really cool people that we've met through our ministry sites. The group has enjoyed working in the mornings at Vacation Bible School sites--one at a park, and the other at a daycare--and also have enjoyed working in various places in the afternoons. We have been very busy here and we also know that God works in mysterious ways. I believe that he knows what's best for us, but sometimes it takes us a while to understand that he's in control. I feel that SO MANY lives have been touched here so far...and the great thing is is that we've only been here for three days! The best is yet to come!! Please continue to pray for the trip as we keep up the work that I know God wants us to be doing. He's a God who cares about his people...and he doesn't let them down. I know he hasn't failed us yet.
|
|
Ministry here, then there
4
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
This morning in our quiet time, we had examples of how Jesus had compassion on people that were hurting. Before the teams headed out, they gathered around some in the group that were hurting, and prayed over them, and loved on them. Today's ministry started here.
|
|
his name is Tony
3
|
|
7/13/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
The man's name from yesterday's report is Tony, not Scott.
|
|
building relationships
2
|
|
7/12/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Adventures in Missions
|
Today we built relationships.
3 girls that live near the church went with the VBS team to the park. These girls came to church on Sunday night for the first time. They hang around to visit with team members. It's a real good connection!
A group went out to a park and met Scott, a skateboarder who has recently finished college. He began a relationship with the Lord in college and began to grow in his faith. But since he has been back in Johnstown, he has felt alone and slid backwards. Team members prayed with him and he was encouraged. He was invited to Life over Death skate park church tomorrow night. We are hoping he will be connected to Pastor Josh, who started the skate park church.
One of the adult leaders spent nearly an hour listening to a mom at VBS. She needed someone to talk to. They look forward to seeing her again tomorrow.
It's been a great day of ministry. We are praising the Lord!
|
|
the team has arrived and settled in
1
|
|
7/10/2010
By: Cindy Kopsick, Project Leader
|
|
Bethel UMC- Spartansburg, SC
|
Praise the Lord, the team has arrived safely after a couple of traffic delays. They took advantage of the delay and visited with some folks in other vehicles, turned on some music, and had a time praising the Lord.
They had a letter to share from the folks at home. We are looking forward to an awesome week of ministry!
|
|
|
|
|
|
FREE!
Missions Trip Debrief from
Missions Resources .com
|
“50 Questions?”
to ask your student when they get back from
their Short-Term Missions Trip experience...
Every transition in life has its set of challenges,
difficulties, and benefits. Returning home from a mission’s trip is
no exception. Coming home with such a life-changing experience
requires more than the usual “Welcome Back” greeting. Get your
FREE
“50 Questions?”
now! |
 |
|
|
The Art of Listening Prayer - by Seth Barnes
|
|
This interactive devotional is for the person who isn't satisfied with a dry faith. If you're dying to hear God's voice, the good news is that you can! Jesus is the door, and He has opened it up to you.
Don't Miss Out on Hearing God's Voice!
The Art of Listening Prayer |
|
|
