Brief Notes: Joplin, Lake Traverse, Quad Cities

Sunday was a busy morning at SOTV for Summer Mission Trips. One group gave its report in worship and another two groups hit the road!

Joplin Trip Report

The two groups who traveled together to Joplin, Missouri for Disaster Relief did their trip report during worship at The Table in the Great Hall. It was made even more special by having Amanda Krauter lead the Table Band that day, and having other trip participants read prayers, help with Communion and serve as greeters and ushers.

Thank you to so many of you who came yesterday, it was a great showing, with only a handful of people who couldn't make it. It was wonderful to be able to share stories and photos from the memorable week with so many members of the congregation. If you missed the presentation, I will post a video soon of Pat Buss, Sadie Sheldon and Courtney Schultz speaking.

Quad Cities

Brandon Newton and Dana Ellingworth left around 9 with a group of eleven youth to travel to the Quad Cities to serve with YouthWorks. Here is a brief description of their mission:

The Quad Cities region, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline and Rock Island is located on the Iowa/Illinois border. Today, the Quad Cities has a population of 400,000. In recent years, the region has suffered the effects of downsizing at local factories leading to high unemployment and poverty. Students may spend all week at one service site or switch between sites during the week. They may serve at children’s programs, elderly centers, soup kitchens, or thrift stores. Evening activities may include a prayer walk through the city or a trip to the water park. During this week youth will be challenged to walk alongside God’s people as they build caring relationships. 

Lake Traverse

Pastor Randy Brandt left around 10 with a group of four other adult leaders and 24 youth to travel to the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota to also serve with YouthWorks. Here is a brief description of their mission:

The Lake Traverse Reservation covers an area of over 400 square miles within six counties in South Dakota. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe has a population of 10,408. The original reservation was greatly reduced to its present size through subsequent homestead acts to provide land for non-native settlers. Youth will serve on the reservation, particularly in the community of Sisseton. This Native American community struggles with poverty and unemployment. The current unemployment rate is 59 percent on the reservation. The need for jobs will only continue to grow as nearly 30 percent of the population is under age 18. Youth will serve by helping with Kid’s Club or doing home improvement in the name of Jesus Christ while learning from tribal members.