I’m back from our mission trip to Eureka, Springs with a few snap shots.  I’ve never been more proud of our students.  The way they put themselves aside for four days and served those less fortunate than themselves reminded me why it is I love what I do.  We built decks, painted houses and brought a little piece of love to the families of the trailer park where we worked.  But probably the most impacting story starts with a boy named Cory.  (The boy in the brown and white stiped shirt below.)

Cory and his family live in one of the homes we fixed up.  After talking to his mother we found out this freshman in high school came from a background of abuse from his father.  Sadly, a couple months ago his father took his own life exposing Cory to the horrible experience.  Filled with hate and frustration Cory decided to surrender everything to Christ just a couple months before we came. 

It was his birthday on Friday and can I tell you what our group of students did?  Out of their own spending money they raised over $500 and decided to buy Cory a guitar.  The way they welcomed him in as one of our own makes my heart burst in a way that no words can describe.  Cory was thrust into a group of about 50 students and became instant best freinds with just about every student there!  I overheard Cory’s little brother saying to Cory, “It’s like you’re wanted… but in a good way…” 

Cory’s life will never be the same because of a group of students who looked outside themselves for just a moment and saw a heart in need of hope, love and acceptance.  May we live our lives everyday the very same way. 

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