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From July 23 to July 28, fourteen people from Unity Presbyterian joined a group from Denver Methodist on a mission trip to the Cherokee Reservation in western NC. Many projects were accomplished by the group which included children, youth, and adults. Leader Janeen Dishman had this to say about the trip:
Mission trips are not defined by the amount of work accomplished as much as they are by the relationships formed. I cannot imagine a more successful trip in that regard. I watched two churches become friends, two cultures reach out to each other, and all ages come together to share the love of Jesus. I hope that this trip set the mark for future trips to come and that everyone involved is able to pass on the joy of service to those around them.
This group teamed up with Samaritan’s Feet to host a shoe distribution to children on the reservation. Over 40 shoes were given to students and their leaders in an afternoon of games, fellowship, and time to talk about the love of Jesus. Below are some reflections from the participants:
Sometimes we get wrapped up in our own life trials and just need to get away. I approached the Cherokee trip with that in mind and having done Samaritans Feet with the Montaganard children I was familiar with the program. The fellowship in the car on the way and what I found in Cherokee was what I needed in my life, at that time. The children and adults were very open and appreciative of our being there. I was able to directly wash 3 peoples feet. Seven year old Marcus asked "when do I have to give them back?"... referring to the shoes. After my response of "you can keep them", when I saw his beautiful face, that this was a moment I will always remember. I was also blessed by one of the camps counselors. Our talk of her life while I was washing her feet made my heart glow. The trip was a win/win for all. - Susue Leith
I was certainly blessed to be part of the Shoe Distribution in Cherokee on a recent visit with Christ Easterling and others from Unity. The American Indian is almost sacred in my heart and I enjoy anything I can learn. My first young man was in the 5th grade. His name was Antonio (I think b/c he did not speak plainly and I only asked him a second time) He was receptive to the foot washing and speaking about The Lord. But his main focus was on a trip his brother was taking on Friday to Charlotte to a Rock Concert. He was soooo excited b/c his brother was bringing him a T-Shirt - such a nice, innocent young man. We switched out his shoes b/c he had "girl shoes." My second young person was a very sweet young lady in the 7th grade and her name was Lucy!!! My sister who we lost 6 years ago had the same name and it was as if God was saying "See I told you to come." Her parents were divorced and she did not get to attend church b/c her Father had to work 2 jobs and her Mother was gone. I told her God was as close to her as her breath and she could talk to him about anything and everything and did not have to be in church to do so. She listened very closely when I told her that. The third young man was 21 and a wonderful Cherokee native. He was attending college to receive a degree in education to come back and work within the school system there and assist young students gain the knowledge to graduate and choose a good path for their life. He said he would wash my feet - but we just chatted a few minutes. He explained that they still elect a Chief among each Tribe and I was fascinated to learn a little about that. On our trip back Chris Easterling had a picnic basket packed with all the food/snacks/drinks you could possibly want. We stopped at a ball field/ picnic shelter and shared our day with each. This was a very special time for me and seemed to solidify our "little group" somewhat. One of the BEST things was that I rode with Erin and enjoyed her company so very much. She is a very bright and mature young woman and is so devoted to God and the youth with whom she works here at Unity. Her little daughter was with us and was a pure joy!!! Spoke with more maturity than a 4 year old, which I attributed to a wonderful Mom. She never cried or whined at all and I was amazed because it was a very hot day and 8 to 8 is a long day for a little one!!! It was a busy day but so satisfying and when the evening settled in, I felt pure peace and joy that I was part of this wonderful trip!!! I’m looking forward to another experience and especially with the Cherokee Nation. Thank you Chris and the others on the trip - it was great to be with you. - Melanie Moran
In my discussion with the kids on their take they seemed most impressed with the number of people from Unity and DUM who took the time out of their lives to drive 3 hours to help others. It was amazing to us to see so many familiar faces giving freely of their time to help others. The kids were a little disappointed with the attitudes of some of the kids but were filled with joy to know that many of the kids truly did appreciate the gift. We would love to help with other trips so please let us know when we can be of assistance. - Mary Ann Massey
We are the body of Christ and it is our call and privilege to serve our church and world. Through service for others such as the Cherokee shoe distribution, we not only help others in need, but share the love of Christ. This trip gave me the opportunity to wash 2 children’s feet, talk with them about their desires, and pray with them. One girl, whose feet I washed, asked me to pray that her family would start going to Church. Her desires for her family's spiritual life must truly be heard by our Heavenly Father. The faith she showed by asking me to pray for her family was not only a blessing to her family, but a blessing to me as well. The second child whose feet I washed asked me to pray for his friends. Already at a young age he had made strong connections with people his age and desired for them to be taken care of by God. By doing this mission we shared more than just shoes, but a love that extended into the very souls of these young people (even if they didn’t realize it). May they always remember this experience and know that our God loves them. - Kathryn Graham
Click here for more pictures from this wonderful week.
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