The Journey to Florida is Underway!

Hello families,

Getting ready to leave SOTV on Sunday

The bus ride was smooth and uneventful. When we hit Alabama this morning the humidity exploded with the temperature! We've had some time settling in, in the gulf water waves, swimming pool, sand pit volleyball, plus small group time, and singing or first worship songs of many.We still have quite a few experiences yet planned tonight with worship and an evening beach walk and mixer games. 

In Alabama on Monday

The message today is about the good shepherd who seeks the lost ones. Everyone is meant to belong. Good arms of love wrap around us all!

Peace

Randy Brandt

About this mission trip:

FLORIDA BEACH CAMP
GRADES 9-12
JULY 28-AUGUST 3
39 youth and 8 adults will travel by coach bus to a retreat center in Panama City, Florida. Mornings and evenings will be spent in large and small group worship, Bible Study, and personal reflection. In the afternoon participants will enjoy the beach and local attractions. Wherever SOTV travels, participants will look for good in others, affirm and brighten people’s day, learn and listen to others’ stories, and deepen relational faith skills. Participants will intentionally practice the SOTV culture of caring, welcoming, and affirming. 

VIDEO: Green Bay and Ox Lake

YOUTHWORKS: GREEN BAY
GRADES 6-8
JUNE 30-JULY 5
Youth from grades 6-8 served through homeless ministries, elderly centers, children’s programs, and thrift stores in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

VIDEO: Pine Ridge Reservation

YOUTHWORKS BEYOND: PINE RIDGE RESERVATION
JUNE 22-28
Youth from 9th grade and adults traveled to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. There, they fixed up homes, played with children, and slowed down from everyday life to interact with a community rich in culture and story.

Arrival in Bethphage

On July 6, 2013, a group of 27 senior high youth and 4 adults traveled to the Bethphage Mission in southern Nebraska, near Kearney. They will spend a week there.

I wanted to let you all know that we got to Bethphage safely. We are about to go to worship with the residents. Everyone is looking forward to meeting and getting to know the residents. I unfortunately only have internet access through my phone but I will try to send an update every few days. 

- Erin Swenson-Hatzung, Youth Director

Bethphage (pronounced BETH fuh gee) is a mission home for about 120 people living with a variety of mental and physical disabilities, provides individual services, living options, work choices, spiritual nurture and advocacy to those so often forgotten. At Bethphage, participants will connect with others and stretch their comfort level and boundaries while building transforming relationships with the wonderful people at Bethphage. In addition to accompanying residents and helping with activities, participants will be able to complete maintenance projects. Evenings are spent in worship, devotion, bonfires, team building, and fun in the city and surrounding area. Learn more about the Bethphage Ministries for the Disabled.

VIDEO: Luther Dell

June 16-21, 2013
LUTHER DELL is for 6th-12th graders and is 3½ hours north of Apple Valley on Boy Lake. Participants enjoy unique faith enriching activities and 10th-12th graders have the option to participate in the ROOTS program - an exciting week of deep growth in faith, peer ministry, and leadership development.