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| Cornerstone Ministries Pittsburg, PA |
by Seth Harkins
Summer is one of the most encouraging times of year for the
staff of AYM. Teams come from all over the country to serve with us in
Whiteriver and we are able to bless the community in ways that we would be
stretched to as a small staff. Working on the rez year round can wear you down
and it’s refreshing to see the rez and our ministry through the eyes of those
coming for the first time and it’s always a blessing to reunite with those who
have come before.
Looking back over this summer we were so blessed by all of
the teams we got to work with. We met some amazing people and made some great
memories. I want to acknowledge all of those who came and served.
- · Cornerstone Ministries – Pittsburgh, PA
- · Sherwood Oaks Christian Church – Bloomington, IN
- · Native Vision Basketball– Florida and Georgia
- · Mountain Christian Church – Joppa, MD
- · West Cypress Church– Cypress, CA
- · Hoops on the Rez – Indiana, Ohio, Florida
- · Lincoln Trail Christian Church– Irvington, KY
- · Community Christian Church – Tamarac, FL
- · Danville Chinese Bible Church – San Ramon, CA
These 9 teams together left a powerful witness on Whiteriver
and the surrounding communities. This summer they completed the following:
- · Work projects at three schools, the hospital, children’s shelter, East Fork community center, Paradise Creek Camp, and the Kennel.
- · Provided firewood for the children’s shelter
- · Put on three, weeklong VBS ‘s in three different neighborhoods
- · Ran two basketball camps
- · Volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and two nursing homes
- · Created an art mural at the Kennel with our students
A lot was accomplished this summer and our presence was felt
throughout the community. Even through small acts we were able to encourage
many of those who serve in Whiteriver year round and be a blessing to many who
live in the community.
As great as it is to accomplish more work with the
additional hands, the most powerful part of teams coming for me personally is
the people I get to meet and spend time with. It’s like a summer long family
reunion. Although we met many for the first time we had an instant connection
that is unique to the body of Christ. That’s the beauty of the Kingdom. We all
have experienced the love of Christ and that shared experience binds us in a
special way. Not only do we share our relationship with Christ, but God is at
work throughout the world building His Kingdom. Having the chance to hear and
share with brothers and sisters from all over the country what they have
witnessed Him doing is priceless. All of a sudden the work we do throughout the
year that feels so small at times seems a lot bigger. We all serve in different places, but we all serve the same
King. There is no greater purpose and no greater joy than being a part of God’s
work.
Every summer I’m reminded of how universal our mission is to
make disciples. I’m reminded that the hardships we face in ministry are not
unique but are shared by brothers and sisters everywhere. I’m also reminded
that the joys and the victories we experience are not unique, but they belong
to all who are in the arena. No matter how isolated or insignificant our work
may seem, each summer I’m encouraged by the truth that everything we do is part
of the greatest movement to ever take place. Building the Kingdom and restoring
a fallen world to the way things were meant to be.
To all who came; thank you for your hard work, your great
attitudes, and for showing the love of Christ not only to our community but to
us. It really has been a great summer and I pray that God continues to do
amazing things through you wherever he has placed you. I hope we see you again
next year.
For those who did not make it out this year, we love ya and
hope you can make it out sometime soon.
Thanks to everyone for your constant prayers and support.
Grace and Peace,
Seth
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