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When I signed up to do the mission trip I believed that I was going to selflessly give to people who needed my help. My only purpose was to lend a hand to people who suffered through a disaster. What I didn’t count on was the rewards that GOD blessed me with. From the time that I got into the van traveling to the airport I felt something, something that I couldn’t explain. I thought that it was anxiety or excitement. But what I now realize, it was the Holy Spirit.

On the mission trip I had the unique experience of dealing with a man, named Mike, who had been devastated by the flood, taken advantage of by a contractor, and dealing with depression. He from the very beginning did not make me feel comfortable or welcomed. When I looked at him, quite frankly he scared me. He was someone that I would not usually associate with. The days working at his house were challenging, however my team and I did not give up. We went back day after day to finish the flooring. And much to our surprise, each day we were met by a different Mike. By the time we finished the job I considered him a friend.

 

GOD had planned for my team and me to be there in Mike’s house. He worked through us to help Mike. Even when I didn’t feel like we were going to make a difference GOD gave me the clarity to look beyond that moment; to look at this lesson as an opportunity to improve my own spiritual journey.

The lessons I learned at Mike’s house were only one of the memorable moments of the mission trip. Nightly we had great devotionals; all of the devotionals touched me deeply and made me feel spiritually raw. I felt at times like the Holy Spirit had filled the room through music, prayer, and emotions.

…And lastly and importantly the friendships and bonds that were created and formed are everlasting. When I signed up for the mission trip I truly thought that I was going to give, give someone else help, give someone else some free labor. What I did not expect was to receive: to receive the gifts that GOD gave me. To be filled with clarity and purpose, to understand my mission and my desire to continue on the faith journey that I have only just begun.”  

 

The above reflection from Johanna, one of fourteen members of VIM Team #6 that recently traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sums up the experience of everyone who chose to follow Jesus to the frigid heartland. The need for healing (of homes, lives, and emotions) was great, and continues to be, and the work that the team accomplished in our week there was significant. All told our team worked on six different homes in varying degrees of need (some very near completion and others with still a ways to go). And with those six homes were six persons/families also in varying degrees of need. But even in their need we found that God was opening up new possibilities for their giving. One woman, who was having some work down in her basement, talked about her hope to use that space to offer temporary housing for those still waiting to get back in their homes or for volunteers coming to aid in the recovery. Another woman brought lunch or other “goodies” to one of our work teams each day and, because she was dance instructor, taught the group a line dance (and all who were interested how to belly dance!). 

 

All week long “we saw and experienced God working and moving amongst us and through us.” One of our team members, Karen, pondered, “Why did we have to go so far from our homes to experience God there?” She had been on three previous VIM’s to Biloxi and part of what she was asking is why Iowa? (It’s so much colder than Biloxi in January) She answered her own question by stating, “It was exactly where we were supposed to be. Thank you Lord for putting us there and allowing us to be open enough to let you lead.”   Another team member, Mike, echoed those feelings in a reflection on his experience by writing, “I feel now that I understand what it means to serve God and my fellow man. Truly so much good can come from lowering your guard, stepping out of your comfort zone and giving yourself over to what Jesus calls the two greatest laws: love God and love your neighbor…through patience and kindness on both sides we all helped one another.”

 

Throughout the week it felt very much like we were walking on “holy ground.” It was certainly due to the work of the Holy Spirit in that place, and also due to what Pat described as the “communion of saints.” And the saints were many. Pastor Melisa and the people of the First United Methodist Church of Marion, who are spearheading much of the recovery effort in Cedar Rapids were wonderful in directing and assisting us in our work. Pastor Julie and the people of First Presbyterian Church of Marion who welcomed us into their church and made our stay most comfortable. The fourteen persons from a variety of places (Watertown, CT; Seymour, CT; Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and South Carolina) who made up our team. The homeowners and their families. 

 

The saying “It is better to give than it is to receive,” is often one of the initial motivating factors for participation in trip like this. But what we continue to be surprised by is just how much we receive in serving others, whether that is in Iowa, Biloxi, Costa Rica, Mozambique, next door or in our own homes. Thanks be to God.

 

 

VIM Team #6 Members: Paul Berube, Karen Bronson, Hank Daugherty, Joe Andreana, Bob Sibley, Brian O’Donnell, Dale & Pat Kurtz, Mike Ewers, Lenny Matthews, Johanna Koval, Sharlene Reeve, Jim Norton.