Family and Friends,
Tonight we completed our summer church visits. One week from tomorrow morning (Aug. 29th) we will fly out of Sioux Falls and head back to Haiti. A lot of packing has to occur before that happens, but we'll get that done this week and be ready to go!
We thought you, the readers of this blog, would find it interesting to read a line or two about each of the churches we visited this summer and our experience there. Here goes...
June 12- First Presbyterian Church, Newton, IA.
This is the church where Cory's parents attend. They have been very faithful in supporting us through prayer each week in church. We gave a short update in church and enjoyed and informal "share-time" in the fellowship hall afterwards.
June 26- Community Church, Deep River & Millersburg, IA.
This is the church where Cory's Dad, Norm, grew up. There are still several "Grimm" families who attend there. Cory gave the message in church, giving a basic overview of Mission Haiti and the work we do. They put together an amazing potluck afterwards and were very appreciative of us.
July 3- United Presbyterian Church, Newton, IA.
This church read about us in the Newton newspaper (with regard to our June 12 speaking engagement in Newton) and invited us to come and share during the Pastor's vacation. Very nice people and a truly beautiful church building. We made a few new friends and hope to see them again when we visit Newton.
July 17- Big Springs Baptist, Alcester, SD. (AM service)
Big Springs sent a team down to Haiti earlier this year, and they are already thinking about sending more people in the near future. We came and gave a brief update in church and a longer talk during the Sunday School hour.
July 17- First Reformed Church, Sioux Center, IA. (PM service)
We were amazed to see the large turnout at this evening service! We got started with a nice meal in the fellowship hall and then migrated over to the chapel for a time of sharing. Eric and Karissa Sjaarda talked first about their year of service in Vietnam. Then we spoke about Haiti. Because this church was already knowledgable about Mission Haiti, Cory chose to do more of a question/answer session. It was a fun time.
July 29- Festival of Tables, Herrick, SD.
(See previous post!)
Aug. 7- Inwood Christian Reformed Church, Inwood, IA.
We blogged about this one earlier as well. We had a great opportunity to share a little bit about Mission Haiti and meet afterwards with the church mission committee. As a follow-up, they called a few days ago and let us know they are planning to support us financially. Praise God! As a side note, I believe this new relationship is truly the result of God's perfect timing and providence. We at Mission Haiti want to continue to grow in our quality of education in the schools we direct, including our Bible curriculum. It would make sense to tap into the knowledge of the members of the CRC churches in our area, who have been doing excellent Christian education both in church and school for decades. So hopefully mission-minded members of Inwood CRC who are experienced in education will be open to sharing with us.
Aug. 12- Concert/Sharing at The Lantern, Sibley, IA.
This coffee shop belongs to Cory's brother, Adam, and his wife, Beth. We had a great turnout this first night! Part of it was a birthday party who didn't mind having the concert going on at the same time. Several members of Cory's extended family made the trip from surrounding communities, and Cory's parents made a surprise visit as well. Songs were sung, stories were shared, videos were viewed, and coffee and snacks were consumed. Wonderful night.
Aug. 13- Concert/Sharing at The Lantern, Sibley, IA.
Another nice turnout and another fun night. There were a couple of guest musicians for both of these concerts, including local musical-phenom, Jesse Dagel, who did several of his own songs and backed Cory up on his music. Check out the link below to hear one of his songs and be amazed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52FP8blbGL0
Aug. 14- The Crossing (Church), Sioux Falls, SD.
There was something special and Spirit-led about this night...probably because there is something special and Spirit-led about The Crossing. This church has now sent a couple of teams to Haiti through our organization, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with them in the future. Cory gave the message, giving special attention to the future Bible School vision. Several young people came up afterwards to express interest.
Aug. 21- Alcester Baptist Church, Alcester, SD. (AM service)
As always we left this church uplifted and encouraged. They generously gathered groceries and other supplies for us ahead of time, and the attentiveness and genuine concern they expressed during the slide show and message were tangible. This church has other missionaries they support, but they have always treated us as if we were the most important missionaries doing the most important work in the world. How humbling and how inspiring.
Aug. 21- New Life Reformed Church, Sioux Center, IA.
New Life has consistently shown interest in us, our ministry, and the people of Haiti these last two years, asking us to come and share at least once a year. They sent a great team earlier this year and are considering another one in the future. The last two times they made a point of gathering around our family during the church service and lifting us up in prayer. It is always touching when they do that.
A special thanks to all who invited and/or hosted us and all who attended these events this summer. It was a great opportunity to let people know what God is doing in Haiti. To some it was the first time they heard about us and/or Mission Haiti. To others it was a chance to hear the latest about a ministry in which they are personally invested. Either way we hope God has used these moments to touch hearts and change lives for His glory.
May Your Adventure Include Time to Pause and Enjoy a Visit with Those who Support You and Pray for You!
-The Grimm Family Adventures
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