Day Four - The Center for Social Empowerment

It is hard to believe, but today was our final day of work!

Today, we spent the day at The Center for Social Empowerment (CSE).

The morning was spent looking at our racial and social identities and the ways in which these identities have been shaped through family, friends, society, and culture. We also looked at the ways in which we have or have not experienced and encountered privilege and/or discrimination.  

We created racial autobiographies through artistic representation as well as took part in an exercise known as a "Privilege Walk."

After lunch, we got to spend time with the kids who are attending the Summer SURGE Academy, a camp that is offered to local children that takes place at Wellspring Church where the CSE is housed as well.

Following our time with the kids, we met for a time of reflection, thinking about the ways in which - as the CSE puts it - we might go back into our own community and "hold up our corner."

As we have been all week, we were spoiled for dinner! Tonight's meal was pasta, garlic bread, and salad. YUMMY! Thank you Alicia and Frank!

Our devotion tonight was led by Jen, Spencer, Samantha, Matthew, and Mariah. The devotion centered around John 21:18-19. The group guided us through three devotional stations where we able to contemplate about our week, think deeper about the text, as well as share about the moments in which we encountered God.

"'Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.' (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, 'Follow me.'" (John 21:18-19)

Day Three - Camp, Compost Piles, and Slime!

Today was a busy day for our group. We had the opportunity to work with three different organizations.

One group spent the day with The SoulFisher Ministries. It was another busy morning of tutoring, focusing on math and reading skills. The afternoon was filled with fun science experiments, including making our own slime!

Another group spent the morning at Gateway180, working with children who are currently attending summer camp at Gateway 180. They enjoyed a fun morning with the kids - playing games, being outside, and arts and crafts time was everyone's favorite!

The third group spent the afternoon back at EarthDance Farms. Today's task was weeding and clearing out a large bed that is going to be planted with peppers. Once the area was cleared, the group was then task with spreading compost along the bed.

Our evening consisted of another delicious dinner - burgers and hot dogs! Tonight's meal was prepared by Grillmaster Troy. Thanks to the generosity of Barb Weetman, we also got to enjoy a yummy ice cream treat at a local ice cream shop!

Tonight's devotion was led by Heather, Josh, Maddie, Courtney, and Lance. It focused on 1 Corinthians 12 and John 17 as we thought about how we all have a variety of gifts and how we might engage those gifts together in a unifying way.

"I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us..." (John 17:20-21)

Day Two - Tutoring, Farming, and A Lot of Fun!

Today was our second day of work in Ferguson.

Just as like we did yesterday, our group split up as we worked at two different sites.

One group spent the day working with The SoulFisher Ministries. The first part of the day was once again spent tutoring, helping the students with math and reading. The second part of the day was spent at the local YMCA.

The other group spent the day working with EarthDance Farms. The group spent the day learning about organic farming in an urban context. It was a long and hard day on the farm - one that included a lot of weeding and mulching - but the group learned a lot and had a great time!

After we concluded our work day, the group had an opportunity to relax a bit. After another day of hard work, many naps were taken! As usual, we were spoiled with a WONDERFUL dinner - Taco Tuesday! Thank you to Head Chef Alicia and Sous Chef Frank for another delicious meal.

After dinner, we spent some time debriefing about our day. We also had a brief meditation which focused on Ephesians 4:1-3; 25-5:2. We looked at the ways in which we are called to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" as we strive for unity by celebrating our differences and our diversity.

We then moved onto another activity with our beloved blocks. Let's just say that the activity got out of hand very fast!

Our devotional tonight was led by Erin, Zach, Felipe, and Amber. Their devotion centered on John 9:1-25. They spoke to us about leaning on the knowledge that even in those moments when we feel blind, those moments when we feel as though we can no longer see, God is with us, providing us with the light to see. It is God's light, they reminded us, that shines brightest even when we might not realize it.

“I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25)