With the final day of working through the Henderson Settlement complete, comes mixed emotions.
Part of each of us is relaxing peacefully in the joy of knowing that not only did siding and windows get installed, but hope was built. Not only built in the lives of those we went to serve, but hope was built within our lives as well! We formed deep bonds with Mr. Marshall and Mrs. Teresa, but also deeper bonds with each other and God as well. For those reasons, part of each of us wants to remain on this mountain, just like the disciples when God's glory was revealed through Jesus (Matthew 17:1-13).
Another part of us is looking forward to returning home, to our families, our showers, our beds, our food and our regular routines. Returning to things that are familiar. Returning to some of the comforts for which we are now more grateful for than ever before, because we know they are gifts from God (James 1:17).
However, we don't return as the same people as when we left less than a week ago. We return inspired by the lasting impact God can have when his people work together. We return confident that God can enable us to do far more than we thought we were able to do. We return encouraged by the new skills we've learned and friends we've made. We return with a little bit of a glow, because we have seen, sensed and met with God in a special way.
If you get the opportunity, we'd love for you to ask us how the trip went. It would be an honor, joy and blessing to share. After all, Team Henderson doesn't just mean the 19 that went. Team Henderson also includes those who stayed, who gave, who prayed, who read the blog, who wrote letters. You have a significant part in what God has done. May this only be the beginning of the many more things God will do through us in his name (Hebrews 10:24-25)!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Mike