Pack Your Bags is Thankful
As we arrive in the season of thankfulness, our team can’t help but look back on this semester and feel anything short of immense gratitude for all that we have been able to do thus far. Take a look back with us as we recount why we are so thankful. Our travel for the Fall has already come and gone, but it has reminded us of why we do this. Pack Your Bags exists to serve— to serve students who are unsure of their future and to equip said students to serve God’s people. In Park Rapids, Minnesota. Mission, South Dakota. Chicago, Illinois. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And Ellendale, North Dakota.
The closer we got to Mission, South Dakota the more it began to dawn on us what we were about to embark on. We were about to partner with God in His mission.
In years past we have had the opportunity to serve on the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation, so when the plan became to head to the Rosebud Native American Reservation we were simply excited for the chance to serve again. In hindsight it is always clear that Jesus knows the plan— even when we feel like we’re being left in the dark. Our students this year are much like David— dancing unashamedly for the Lord. Ready to jump in wherever they are needed. So when we were asked to run 4 youth and kids services during the 5 full days we were there— not one of them even batted an eye. They were unashamed and ready to bring glory to God.
We are always glad that our first service trip of the year is to the Native American Reservation. It makes it very clear where everyone is at and what they are capable of— and it is clear that everyone is capable. Here is a list of some things the students were able to accomplish in 5 days of ministry:
3 students shared testimonies
1 student preached a message
6 students participated in music worship teams
5 students led small group discussions
1 student shared a life story illustration
1 student gave an object lesson
5 students did a skit
11 students scraped adhesive glue off the floor of the youth room
11 students painted the youth room
11 students cleared out and cleaned the kitchens
11 students went door to door in the community
11 students partook in the bus ministry
There wasn’t a lack of students willing to serve. And there definitely wasn’t a lack of opportunities to serve. And through serving there is always revelation.
“I changed in this trip in my relationship with God. I think I learned to have a deeper emotional connection with God, and a deeper emotional connection to the lost people that He loves.”
Before we had time to blink our next trip was already upon us and we needed to prepare for the ministry opportunities in the inner cities of Chicago and Milwaukee.
In Chicago we partnered with long time friends of the Pack Your Bags program. Spanish Ministers, Pete and Mayra. Youth Pastor, Joey. Missionary, Melissa. South Asia Friendship Center. And Resurrection Life Church International.
And after the long 12 hour van ride to the city and one night of rest there wasn’t any time to waste— so we hit the ground running and partnered with Belmont Assembly and Convoy of Hope to provide some groceries for the upcoming holiday season. You could see smiles in the eyes of everyone that day— both those serving and those we served. Come Sunday morning and all of our students were performing in their very own choir and sharing their Human Video production with a multicultural church.
But probably what made us most thankful was our time spent at City on a Hill with friends Lisa, Michaela, and others in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Home to roughly 67,000 children living in poverty. A number that doesn’t quite make sense because its so hard to comprehend. And still that isn’t stopping this ministry from meeting the needs of their community right where they are at. Our team had the opportunity to grow in compassion for the children of America living in generational poverty because City on a Hill and their team were willing to teach us. And we watched our students hearts break for what breaks the Lords. If you’d like to learn more about City on a Hill and what they are all about, click here.
“It really puts into perspective how nice we have it compared to all the people who have to worry about their next meal.”
And so for all that has been said and much more left unsaid— we are thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, from Pack Your Bags to you.