SERVE 2011- How can it be over?
So we never really wrapped up anything about SERVE here on our Blog. Everything got very chaotic on Friday night and we never got to tell anyone of our glorious ending, and hopefully new beginnings. Heartland SERVE 2011 will definitely go down in the record books as one of the very best SERVE experiences any of us could have asked for. I have never felt such connection and love with a group of SERVANTS. On our last night together, we had an “Open Mic Night!” This is where anyone involved in SERVE had the opportunity to tell the group what the week meant to them or how their lives might have been changed throughout the week. We heard from many of the students and God worked in glorious ways throughout the week. It was a time to give a testimony or tell everyone how they saw God during the week. I will share some of what I told our amazing group.
First of all, I had never witnessed a group of amazing leaders like the ones that were sent to Heartland SERVE. It seemed like right away everyone got along and gelled so well with one another. It made the experience easier for each of us as Host Team members as well as the group as a whole. They were all very loving, thoughtful, helpful, and so easy to work with. God really shined through each one of them and that filtered on to the kids and helped their attitudes. From the time of arrival it seemed that all of the students were really getting to know one another and find out about other students lives. It was so neat to see the group getting to know each other so quickly in the week, generally it takes a few days until they really want to open up to one another. This group came and got so connected right from the start, it was amazing to witness! On Friday night at Praise and Worship I was thinking about how hard it was going to be for everyone to leave because we all had this amazing unexplainable connection with one another. After the accident on Friday night, it brought everyone even closer together, and people kept coming up to me and would say. “You know how you thought it was going to be hard for us to leave because we were so connected?” I responded with yes I really think that. Many of the students as well as leaders said, “This has brought us even closer together, and we have seen the power of Christ tonight. This is going to make it even that much harder to leave. Our bond is so strong right now.”
It was amazing for so many people to notice this, and oh my…. Was it hard to see everyone leave?! (I know I was crying!) But that is an amazing thing, and I am so thankful for how well the group interacted with one another! I would much rather have them sad to leave than have the attitude that “I can’t WAIT to get out of here!!”
We did our best throughout the week to show them our Kansas Hospitality! We did our best to feed them well, and make sure their every need was met! I truly hope that they/you felt this as well!
WORK SITES- To each of you SERVANTS, I am still hearing from people in the community how THANKFUL they are for EACH of YOU! They said that the jobs you have done are done to perfection and you have made the towns look so much better! The homeowners are still in awe of the work you have done to their homes, and I will admit you each did a truly remarkable job! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK! You did your absolute best in conditions that were far from comfortable, Thank You! I am still hearing wonderful things about the projects and many people have also asked what SERVE is all about. So I have also explained that! Many people are in complete awe about this fabulous experience, and are so thankful for the time and dedication each of you have put into this project here in the Heartland of Kansas! So on behalf of our communities I also want to thank each of you!
Clearing things up! So as many of you know, Jenny and I (Jodi) went on a road trip this past weekend! It was a great time and we saw many SERVANTS on our trip. To all of you Canadians and Battle Creek Friends/Family, we did not make a trip to see our SERVANTS form Minnesota and Sioux Falls. We went to Minnesota to visit some friends from a few years ago, and honestly went right through the Bunde/Raymond town/areas so they asked us to stop! We did and enjoyed the time we had with those fabulous people! Thanks for each of them for coming out to see us and to Garrett and Hollie for allowing us to stay in their home. Also on the way back we went through Sioux Falls so we called the boys and they met us for lunch. It was fun, you all know those boys! They are wild and make anything hilarious! Thanks boys for meeting up with us! So Canada and Battle Creek, we owe each of you a visit sometime, and I really hope we can make that journey sometime! It would be great to see each of you again! Don’t be offended please, many of you have already sent messages about us getting to see you! So we hope we can do that soon! J We LOVE each of you the Same and thank all of you for the joy and love of Christ you have shown us.
All in all, this SERVE was BY FAR the Best Yet! We hope you each continue your walk with Christ and that it deepens each day! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you so much for the impact you have made in our lives and the lives of our communities!! You will never know how much you have impacted some of the lives you have touched! Thanks for all you did, and know that you are ALWAYS welcome here if you drive through or if you would like to come visit! Please do come! J We know there are so many exciting things for you to do here! You will all always have a special place in our hearts!
Writing with love and joy for each of you!
In Christ, Jodi Koops – Assistant Host Team Coordinator
