Joplin: Day 3

Name: Christopher Dade
Age: 15
Blog Post:
There was an error in reporting shots on the first day. There have actually been 5 people that have been shot to date. The nail club membership is also static. This may be due to the nature of our work today. Today we we worked inside the distribution center at Ignite Church. We transported pallets into their auditorium turned stock room. We then unloaded them sand sorted the various items into their respective boxes, or we made new boxes for new items. Two team members were separated and sent to run security; yes Isabella and Lyndsey were sent to run security: I felt so much more secure. Some of our party was also sent on an expedition to the out doors to do the dangerous task of setting up a tent in 90 degree weather. They all survived though, and we all made it to the rendezvous with First United Methodist Church of Joplin group at a park to play a rousing game of softball and eat some brisket that was much needed. Unfortunately the area wasn’t secure and we had to go our separate ways( just kidding but we did of course leave eventually). We then headed back to the secured area where we took some of the tension out of the air by playing games and doing devotional. While there were no shots today, there will most likely a fair share of them in the days to come.



Name: Hadley Lunn
Age: 17
Blog Post:
Today was a good day! It was nice to have a break from serving outside in the heat by working in a distribution room at Ignite Church for the day. The work was far less labor intensive, but still a very vital part of the disaster relief process. A few of us went outside to put up some tents (it only took 2 hours- don’t worry) and while we were out there we got to talk to a college student who was in the tornado and canceled plans to go to Iraq to stay in Joplin for the summer. I really enjoyed listened to Sam talk about what’s going on in his life right now in response to the tornado because we really hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to many people who were in the tornado and hear their stories. It amazed me how Sam talked about his faith. He essentially has no worries because he firmly believes that God is in control. It really impacted me and reminded me that no matter what the circumstances, we have no reason not to trust God because He is in control.



Name:Isabella Ulesich
Age:15
Blog Post:
Dear Mommy and Daddy,
You taught me great hygiene. My second shower was today as well as half of the youth groups.
Love
Isabella :)




Name: Anthony Rios
Age: 18
Blog Post:
Three words stood out to me today: Change, Friendship, and Perspective. Hadley Lunn, a fellow youth and great friend, gave a very meaningful and educational devotion today. She talked about how this experience in Joplin has changed and moved her life and she wishes the same for our youth. Why be down here and go through the motions and not be moved by your work? She talked about friendship. We need that base of friends to get through any rough times that comes our way and even through good times. Lastly, she talked about perspective. When you are trusting God with all of your heart, you are able to take a step back and look at all sides. This spoke to me the most because although I was outside for a short time with a college guy named Sam, I was able to pull from that experience that he is devoted to God. No matter what this guy’s situation is, God has and will provide a path that he can take. It takes a lot of courage to take that Stand and trust God with all of your heart. And if I and even the youth follow in this man’s footsteps, we WILL be great disciples of Jesus Christ!