Going into the trip, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Although I've been to Charlotte several times to work alongside Youth With a Mission, this trip we were working with the Charlotte Eagles. The Charlotte Eagles are a soccer ministry who uses soccer as a bridge to reach people all over the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On this particular trip, we worked with a paticular couple and went into their neighborhood to minister. This couple had chosen to give up everything including what is seen as a "safe" and "comfortable" life in order to live among children who are suffering from loveless home lives and many lack the everyday necessities that we take for granted. I was amazed to see how quickly they responded when our group arrived. I came into the trip a bit late due to a wedding I was in and so I expected many of the kids to act strange since I was coming in late. Rather than being weary of a new girl, I can recall those who ran to me and jumped in my arms, immediately telling me I was their best friend. There were children from so many nationalities and religions, but their response to us was the same, they were screaming for love and I watched in awe as the kids in my group gave them far more love than is humanly possible.
Courageous Youth (my childhood youth group) that I traveled with is full of middle school/high school kids who are some of the most loving people I've ever met. As someone who has been on a few trips over the years, I can say that this particular group blessed my heart in a way that none ever has. Watching them cry when leaving these children broke my heart, seeing them pray for them and beg God on their behalf was beyond incredible. The Lord placed a compassion in all of us that I can't even explain.
Most of this trip consisted of loving on these kids. We told them Bible stories, did crafts with them and prayed with them. Although to many people it sounds so simple, I can honestly say that it was. There have been many "missionaries" come into that neighborhood and hand out things, but leave without ever speaking to the children. To have a group come in and play with them was HUGE for them. Just a game of soccer or dodge ball made their day.
As we shared at Church yesterday, a few people said something that really hit me. "These kids just wanted their name to be called". I think that was true about everyone on that trip. Those kids wanted to hear us be personal with them, love on them and get to know them. As for Courageous, we wanted to hear God call our name, to use us and to let us be his body. I was amazed to see so many young people walk into their destiny and into the life God has called them to live. I am so excited about the fruit of that trip!
As I said before, I feel that this trip was a launch pad for me. As I prepare to leave in a little over a month, I am excited about what the Lord will do in Israel. I have no doubt that it is going to look very different from Charlotte, but I am one hundred percent sure that it is just as important to the Lord. Once again, thanks for your love and support. Continue to pray for me and with me about the finances, that the Lord will continue to bring them in!
Love, Ashlin
