Day 2 of BIG A (VBS) from Katie Northenscold

Here We Go Again

            Today was another day full of excitement and joy. The day started out like any other day here in Detroit; early breakfast and no sleep from the night, but we were awakened by the smell of chocolate chip pancakes made by the angel of a woman, Lori Dean. If you want good food, and I mean GOOD food, be nice to Lori and she will provide. A glorious breakfast in our stomachs and it was time for devotionals. This week we have been studying the book of Philippians, digging deeper into God’s word and learning more and more every single day. I want to thank Kevin for being who he is. The way that the Lord has given him the insight and understanding of His word is amazing, and the fact that he can then relay that to us and help us understand it in a way that I never thought I could is absolutely mind blowing. The Lord will reveal different things to each person at a different pace. Some people have the gift of understanding the Bible the first or second time reading over it and others are blessed with other gifts. Personally, I was blessed with people around me who understand the first time and know how to explain it to me so perfectly that it just clicks, and Kevin Dean is one of those people. Normally, I have to re-read something about three maybe four times before I understand a portion of it, I feel like what we are going over is so incredibly intentional from the Lord that the Spirit has been invading my heart in ways I didn’t think possible.

            I wish I were more like Jesus. I wish that I was so spiritually mature that I was humble and that I had humility and selflessness. I wish that I could be like Paul and look at persecution and be proud of it, be happy that someone (extreme example) threw me in jail for loving Jesus because then that would be an opportunity to talk about Him to people in that cell with me. I want to have the Fruits of the Spirit pouring out of me, and not just the easy stuff, I want all of it; love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Paul talks about in his letter to the church of Philippi that he wants them to be in one mind, and one purpose. I found this quite intriguing; could you imagine a body of Christ that has one mind and one purpose? Everyone has the same end goal; everyone is doing what he or she is doing because they believe in the same thing. I think satan wouldn’t be able to sneak into anyone’s life if we all lived for Christ and had the same end goal; to be with Him in Heaven and to proclaim His glorious name. Our strength would grow tremendously due to strength in numbers.

            Picture this: the body of Timberwood is standing in the middle of the church parking lot, we invite other people, other strong believers of Christ; we now have thousands and thousands of followers standing in the parking lot. I know, it might get a little crowded, but hang with me for a second. All of a sudden satan shows up with his demons and they are surrounding us now, laughing, screaming, whispering lies into all of our ears waiting for one of us to fall down because when satan gets one, he then can get two, then three… It’s a constant battle, a battle that is being fought day in and day out… But… God sends His angels to watch over us and help us, His Spirit is there to guide us and remind us that we have the same end goal, that we are all looking at that finish line wanting to shout praises to our Lord and Savior… those demons have no chance. Satan has no chance. We all link arms, standing firm and not one lie can get through and claim us, not one. That, my friends, would be the most amazing thing I think I would ever see; a body of Christ having one mind and one purpose.

            In evangelism today, Adam, Noah, Sami, Matt, Cortland and myself went to the gardens to help pick weeds and produce. Sami had a big God moment, but I will let her tell you about that when we all get back home. Other people went to the hospital and delivered cards and flowers to sick children while others prayer walked in Detroit. Everyone, no matter what they did, have great stories to tell that are all quite moving, make sure to ask them about it when home approaches.

            Today was the second day of Big A. It went a lot better today then it did yesterday and the main reason for that was because we had planned everything out to a “t” and had become familiar with how things should be run due to the slight culture change. Yesterday was a shock; today we did it like it was our day job. The story for today was about Joseph -- played by Will -- and his brothers, who was played by Kon and Noah. Noah actually tackled Will to the ground to demonstrate that Joseph got beat up and when He ripped his colorful coat off and threw it on the ground, a little boy gladly exclaimed, “Hey! That’s a clean shirt, get it off the ground;” memories that will last forever. It was amazing seeing the children’s faces filled with absolute joy and wonderment. From music to controlled chaos, to games and crafts to small group and the story – every child was involved and not only that but they wanted to be involved. They wanted to be silly and they wanted a hug every five minutes because they wanted that love, and all of us were glad to give that to them. When I saw a smile, I smiled. When I saw someone laughing, I laughed. Good thing no one cried…

            I want to thank God for every person on this team. For Amanda and her openness with people she doesn’t even know. For Tori and her infectious laugh. For Sami and her patience. For Allison and her honesty. For Megan and her enthusiasm and constant joy. For Elizabeth and her goofy side. For Katie Watlund and her willingness to do whatever, whenever. For Ben and his ability to make anyone laugh at any time even when you don’t want to. For Carl and his persistence. For Kaitlyn and her selflessness. For Noah and seeing him grow spiritually. For Matt and his intentionality with every little thing. For Lori and her humbleness. For Will and his ability to dig deeper with devotionals. For CJ and his connections with the kids through sports. For Kon and his love for worship. For Kenna and her trust and faith. For Justin and his Christ set mind. For Abby and her humility. For Adam and his amazing heart. For John and his thirsting for Christ. For Kevin and his love for this city and these beautiful children. Everyone is here for a reason, and I couldn’t ask God for better people to do His work in Detroit with. I also pray for God’s healing hand. People get sick, it’s what happens, but I pray that God will hold the sickness and pain His hands and just take it all away, that those of us who aren’t feeling the greatest would look to God for a shoulder to lean on but that they also know that our shoulders are right here for them to. This team is precious to me, and I love them all dearly, so please, pray for everyone. Pray for healing and comfort and that we can finish this week stronger than when we arrived.