When in Cincy: 2025 Mission Trip
Phillip, Carole, Pam, Dixie, Hunter, Blaine and I made the trek to Cincinnati to spend some time with the Howard family and Bridge City Church. One of the main encouragements we clung to as a group was to make the best of our opportunities. This was definitely the theme of the trip!
Worship at Bridge City is always such an intentional time with God and with other believers. It is nearly impossible to go through the motions. The front row of the room in the Anderson Center was filled with joyful and engaged kids, and the rest of the room was filled with many of the same faces from last year, as well as many more new faces. It was a great opportunity to connect with the Lord and these believers.
On Monday, we prayer-walked neighborhoods in Anderson and prayed for over 100 homes. We made the best of our opportunities to interact and pray with a few people in the park! We went to the Howards’ house that afternoon to write encouraging notes to teachers at a nearby elementary school, which has been in the works for years! After writing over 200 notes, we prayed over the teachers, the notes, and the principal of the school.
That evening, we were able to help serve alongside a ministry that feeds and provides additional needs for families at a nearby apartment complex. I shared a devotion about being transformed by Jesus, which led to a woman coming up to share her story of transformation from addiction to being saved and sober! Carole, Pam, Dixie, and Phillip were intentional to connect and share the love of Christ and if the opportunity presents itself, the message of Christ. Dixie was able to connect with a young lady who was carrying many burdens. Carole was fortunate to share the Gospel with 4 people! Blaine, Hunter, Jonathan, and I played games outside with the kids and teenagers of the families attending.
Tuesday morning began serving a couple from Bridge City who were moving. We helped them load up their U-Haul and sent them off. From there, we proceeded to paint 19 fire hydrants that day to shine a light for the Lord in Anderson township. Pam Waters was able to have multiple good conversations with people in the neighborhood we were painting in.
We concluded our time with a time of fellowship with the Howards over ice cream. It was a sweet way to conclude the week, but filled with some sadness as we said our goodbyes. We left with much joy and gratitude at the opportunities that God gave us and that we took advantage of. One of those being able to be encouraged by the hearts of the Howard family.
I am just so thankful for the Howard family. I am a better follower of Christ for spending time with them. If there is one verse that I believe captures the Howard family and their heart for the people of Anderson township, it’s 1 Thessalonians 2:8.
“We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8, CSB)
