Everything is Different: Paonia, CO Mission Trip

31 of our members are in Paonia, CO on a mission trip geared for our younger high school students. We have been here since late Saturday evening. This trip has been very unique since the youth leader here has requested that we rethink our idea of service as opportunities to build relationships. Therefore, among traditional service projects like painting, cleaning, and yardwork, we have gone hiking in the Grand Mesa, played Ultimate Frisbee, and participated in a devotional during a lightning storm on a canyon rim!

Here are a few pictures of our adventures thus far!

Gunnison River, US Hwy 50

Clint's "jam session" at the church lunch

Josh at Craigs Crest in the Grand Mesa

Maggie, hard at work

Bethany and new friend Tori cleaning the baptistry

Katelyn working on polishing the church's woodwork

Maggie Sue and me on the North Rim of the Black Canyon

Amy taking in the view of the Black Canyon

Lightning storm across the canyon

Our experience tonight was unbelievable! We ended the day with a devotional on the North Rim of the Black Canyon while we could watch a lightning storm across the canyon. Tonight rivals any of the most incredible nights in youth ministry. It was amazing! After our devotional, we drove back into Paonia. The group that was in my van seemed to be a little speechless so Josh wound up playing some worship songs (Shane & Shane, Chris Tomlin, etc) as we began the way back. As we sang along in a contemplative, awe-struck mood, the storm had closed in and we drove through a nice rain storm. Thankfully, we all made it back safely and it made for a refreshing night! It is hard to describe in a few short words, but tonight was something to remember!