Last weekend, I had the privilege of going to Joplin with 19 others from BVBC. We stayed at First Baptist on Friday night, and arrived at Forest Park Baptist about 7:15am on Saturday morning. After filling out paper work, we entered an orientation meeting to prepare us for the day. The leader spent 45-minutes sharing, challenging us to remember we were representing Samaritan's Purse in our efforts, and in so doing were missionaries to all with whom we came into contact. The instruction gave solid clarity to the day, and honed our efforts in reminding us of who we were, and what we were doing.

Two from our team stayed during the morning and worked in the warehouse at Forest Park, distributing food and clothing to those in need. Fifteen of us (under the direction of Samaritan's Purse) went to a worksite in the disaster zone with 40 or so other volunteers from around the world (mainly the U.S., with one group who had traveled from Australia). One of our primary responsibilities included clearing wreckage, separating debris into piles of metal or wood/everything else. Another was to look for any type of family keepsake that could be salvaged, including primarily pictures. We worked hard, and were able to make some headway with both.

The remaining three from our team (Lance, Chuck, and Ann) worked in a church member's yard from First Baptist, removing two enormous stumps from her yard. The only injury of the day took place in that work: a bobcat blew a hydraulic hose-so we were grateful for that. A few of us went to the house after the most difficult work was completed, and helped to remove the remaining stump.

We were able to help some other individuals along the way, and capped off the day by eating at Chicken Mary's in Pittsburg, KS. While I am sure the restaurant appreciated the business, they may not have enjoyed the odor that may have been coming from our group after a hard day's work. It was a great way to finish off our trip, sharing stories of what God had done during the day, the ways in which we were impacted, and simply enjoying being together.

The devastation is vast, and there is much to be done (months if not years). If you are interested in going to Joplin on your own, you are welcome to do so! All who serve on a work team must go through orientation, which takes place at 7:30am and 1pm every day (with the exception of Sunday-orientation happens only once, at 1pm). The greatest need communicated to our team is manpower-not food, supplies, or clothes-but people who are willing to come, work, and invest time. We are looking at date for another trip in late July/August, so please keep your eyes on the website for more information. Until then, continue to be in prayer for the people of Joplin, as there is so much still to do!

The experience was meaningful, as we worked side-by-side, hand-in-hand with believers not only from BVBC, but from around the world, striving to be the hands and feet of Jesus together. We did have opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those whom we came into contact, and strove to bring glory and honor to the Lord and in all that we said and did, in hopes of holding out the gospel to those around us. You, too, can make a difference!