Today is Saturday and we are half way into our trip. I fondly call this “Hit the Wall” day. Whether it is from jet-lag, our working days or just being on a different schedule than we are use to, it seems we come to the end of ourselves. We may have a lot of fun in what we do but make no mistake, it is work. At our team meeting tonight I gave each person a scripture. (Romans 12:11; Isaiah 40:29; Galatians 6:9; Psalm 62:1; Matthew 11:28) All these scriptures are about growing weary or tired and what to do. We should lean on God and let Him refresh us and help us when we feel like we have nothing else to give. TCM and the staff at Haus Edelweiss know this and have built in a wonderful Sabbath in the middle of our time here. I am sure you will hear about this from someone else so I won’t spoil it for you. Sunday is coming and God will refresh and sustain us with energy to make it through our 2nd week.
Our team is working in all three areas to serve as we did last year. Beckie is in Guest Services, Barbara and Mikki are in the kitchen and Josh and I are in Grounds/Maintenance. There is something magical about this place…I haven’t wanted to work in my yard all year but here, I could do it all the time! I am very thankful for my team. They are representing CCC well but more importantly, they are being Jesus to others. Working quietly behind the scenes getting rooms and common areas cleaned, linens washed and folded and put away, cooking meals fit for a king and cleaning oh so many pots, pans, dishes, cups and glasses, or raking, grooming the yards, fixing walls or putting up storm windows. Not to mention serving, talking and getting to know some of the brightest and most humble Christians that are working hard at getting their degrees through TCM.
Why would doing these things be so important to this ministry? Could you imagine going to a hotel or a restaurant and it be in disarray, not clean and the food wasn’t good. You would probably make that your first and last visit. The students appreciate so much what we do to make their time here special. In some cases this may be the only time they are away from their homes and jobs and all the stresses that happen there. To be in a beautiful place, surrounded by Brothers and Sisters in Christ that will challenge them, sympathize with them and love them is like heaven on earth. Also, think of the cost to hire these positions out. It is estimated by serving here we help TCM save $300,000 a year!
I love being here and reconnecting with the staff. They are all so special to me. One of the staff couples here gave birth to their first son! There are now 5 sons of staff living here. I was also surprised to see my prayer ministry person, Iva from last year. It has been great to hear what all has taken place for this past year. I have met my prayer ministry people for this year and they are very sweet. He is a pastor from Russia and a graduate of TCM and his wife is now working on her degree. Each meal brings a different student and new connections. I am very thankful that we are Mission Partners with TCM and to be able to see our missions money being used in such a God honoring way.
Global Encounter is coming Monday, November 6th. If you are interested in serving at Haus Edelweiss come and check it out or go to this LINK to find out about other trips!
– Pat Davis
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