Friday's FIVE!

I was raised in First United Methodist Church in Marion, Indiana... and my daughters were raised in the same church. Our family was very involved - the girls were raised spending several nights a week at the church... for some meeting or activity. It was a huge part of our life.

We sat on every board in the church - include Ad Council, Pastor Parrish Committee, Board of Trustees, UMW - you name it... we were there. We cooked dinners, we participated in programs and Bible school... United Methodist Men dinners/United Methodist Women programs...Sunday school events and childrens programs.... but participating as a youth group sponsor was probably the most rewarding of all. We were recruited by Rev. David Byrum - just before he left to accept his new appointment. We had the pleasure of being sponsors under the leadership of the 'new' associate who became a very dear, lifetime friend, Rev. Byron Kaiser. We developed relationships with the youth group kids that is still special and strong.... During 1987 -1990, we spent every Sunday night working with the Youth - we went to camp and retreats... but the most significant event was Appalachian Service Project -where we were sent to work on homes in Iaeger, West Virginia. We were separated into small groups - and our lives were changed... http://asphome.org/index.html

This weeks Friday Five is a focus of five of the most significant memories I have of that hot summer in West Virginia...

1. We took vans an carpooled to West Virginia... but our Associate Pastor, Youth Group leader and dear friend, Byron Kaiser was an avid kayaker and he was determined that we would add a little fun to this trip... so we made a side trip to Fayetteville, WV to rafter the Lower New River Gorge. It was quite a trip - and not an easy paddle.... but we made memories - and the day is something that I still talk about frequently.

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2. We had to sleep in a school - a very, very old elementary school... We were told the school had showers - but we didn't know the showers were intended for elementary school children. In order to wash your hair... you had to get on your knees to let water run over your head. I also remember there were wild 'ferrets' in the building... it was not a 5 star hotel - but it was humbling...and we were there to serve.

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3. We broke up into small groups - and each group had a project. Byron and I led our group of kids... and our project was to roof a shack on the side of the mountain. This shack was home to a family and the roof was falling down, our mission to replace the roof - while we demonstrated God's unconditional love. Everyday we would make the trek to the mountain. The shack was across a river/stream and we had to 'raft' the bundles of shingles and wade across the polluted stream or walk across the scariest foot bridge you have ever seen. I was terribly afraid of heights - and early in the trip, I stepped on a nail. I had to be seen by a physician - and there was not more wading for me, so I had to cross the bridge. It was true lesson in faith for me - my friend Byron encouraged me... That bridge has been very symbolic to my faith. It was grueling hard, hot work. The look of appreciation on the face of the family made it worth every minute.

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4. We gathered with a group from the community to attend a local church... It was very different from our traditional 'First United Methodist Church'... I'm not sure what denomination it was... but all the women had on big hats - and I remember that they worshiped with their hands in the air and they sang and sang...and they said AMEN! They brought the scriptures to life...

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:21

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5. Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a Christian ministry that addresses the housing needs of Central Appalachia. The goal of the ministry is to make homes warmer, safer and drier for families in need, while offering transformational experiences for families, volunteers and staff alike. It was a transformational experience for me... a song that we sang ever night still lingers in mind.... "Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary Pure and Holy, tried and true....with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for You"... I left ASP - tired and weary and anxious to get home to my own children... but I also left with strengthened faith and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

I was forever changed.