Growing under the Son
Friday Nov 13th
In August,2009, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area youth and adult
volunteers gathered to celebrate the Moravian Spiritual Renewal by
serving others in a local mission camp. "Planting a Seed," as it was
called, had the dual purpose of helping those in need in our community
as well as building a heart for mission in middle-school aged youth.
The seeds that were planted may help them to be better prepared as they enter early adulthood to consider short or long-term mission work, at home or abroad.
The missionaries had hands-on experience at many local ministries. They prepared nearly 1000 care packages for aids-patients, the homeless and seniors; baked cookies for families being served at Hospice; built a railing for a senior in need; stocked and sorted food items at Crisis Control Ministries and Second Harvest Food Bank; organized clothing at Sunnyside Ministry; worked in the Grace House for AidsCare; worked at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore; served meals to the hungry at Samaritan Ministries.
Each day, Bishop Sam Gray started them off with a song and a prayer. At lunch, they heard from a different missionary serving in the field, either through direct presentations or via SKYPE. Reverend Brad Bennett closed out each day,again with songs, blessings and reflections. Everyone learned so much, helped so much, and grew "under the Son".
Elizabeth Messick, Coordinator in the Winston-Salem, NC area
Member of Friedland Moravian, NC