Rochester, New York
"Ready…Set…Go!" You could almost hear those words as the team bus pulled into First Bible of Rochester, New York. The excitement for the awesome opportunity of ministry with both the church in school was definitely tangible from the very first moment. If asked, each team member would give you a bright, slow smile and pleasant look when asked about the week. Our time in Rochester was jam-packed with amazing ministry opportunities and fun events. From ministering onstage at First Bible on Sunday for their large, enthusiastic crowd during the services to pulling out to head to Indiana Friday afternoon, the week was a blast, and we will all miss it—and the dear people—very much. Sunday began our ministry in Rochester, worshipping in the sanctuary and then heading off to the Cove with the teens for service. What a blessing to be able to share in small groups with the teens and get to know some of the youth group personally for those brief but sweet moments. The following day brought an adventure for the team—school was out, so we took the opportunity to visit the beautiful Niagara Falls, a sight that one can only leave in awe of the mighty Creator. A great picnic lunch on the grounds amidst the beautiful fall foliage with the distant rumbling and mist around us capped the day off beautifully. Our God truly is amazing in all that He does and has done! Wednesday night we again had the opportunity to minister to the church body of First Bible, and it is always a blessing to see them and worship with them. It was also an amazing thing for the team to be able to do sign language in this church, as First Bible has a great ministry to the deaf. It was amazing to watch their interpreters sign—and to sign ourselves—for the songs and services so that the deaf and hard of hearing have the opportunity to see the messages presented. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the team at the awesome privilege to get involved at Northstar Christian Academy, holding chapels in the morning with the high school students and on Wednesday and Thursday holding chapel for the elementary youngsters. It was great to get in touch with the students there—some of the team members had the joy of getting in touch again with those kids they had been small group leaders to the previous year or had the pleasure of having in the cabins over the summer. Each day was filled with worship, drama, and the Word of God preached by Tim and Ardy. Each night during the week, the team once again made short trek back to First Bible, where nightly Bible studies were held with the teens that came out each night. It was great to study the Word with them and have praise and worship each evening, not to mention hold bits of friendly competition each night between teams themed by countries where the church supports missionaries. Thursday night the team had an amazing, fun and faith filled evening at Northstar where they helped to host a youth event where teens had the opportunity to both have a great time and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. The event was held Olympic style, with each team participating in events to win points that eventually decided which team's missionary would receive a financial gift provided by the event. It was awesome to be involved in such an exciting, rewarding activity. Overall, Rochester once again stole our hearts, and as we pulled away we breathed a sigh—or maybe a yawn… but it was the yawn of the good kind of tired that people in ministry know, the tired that is a blessing and encouragement to feel—that perhaps because of your efforts Christ could impact and change lives, touch hearts and free minds. Rochester—God bless you, as you have blessed us. click on the following link to see photos from Rochester: [url]http://www.encounterrevival.org/first-bible-baptist/[/url]
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