God is faithful!

May 22

Today was an eye opening experience; I’ve never witnessed anything like it. There is destruction here like no other. In just a few minutes the whole town here was wiped out- this town that I just now got to. It isn’t my home, but it is going to be for 3 months and even though I didn’t grow up here it is still devastating. To see the place destroyed where my friends and family live. I am so thankful everyone is safe. It is strange to be in a place without my family, I think I am still in shock from today. I know God works for good in all situations and I trust that even in a literal storm that wipes out the homes of hundreds that He will use it for good. It’s hard to imagine how He is going to do that right now, but I trust that He won’t leave us. Devastations like this bring people closer together. They bring people to faith as well as away from their faith. When everything that people knew is gone, it really causes people to think about what there still is. It seems that in times like this that people understand the importance of certain people in their lives. It reminds us that we shouldn’t let a day pass without living it to its full capacity and letting all those in our lives know that we love them. In this life there will be trials, but greater is that which comes when we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

May 23
My heart aches for the people here. So many are without homes and after seeing some of them, I am astounded. To see the destruction that people have lived through is absolutely incredible. Today was an emotional day, it is so hard to put into words what I am feeling. My heart aches and my stomach just churns . I can’t imagine being in a place where I didn’t know anyone; it’s been hard enough to go through this without my family but to have a family here to watch over me has been an absolute blessing.

May 24
Last night was one of the most straining emotionally, but today God has given me joy. It has still been hard, but He has given me strength to make it through today. Today was our first full day of interning. This morning we went to help with disaster relief. I was amazed at how much had been donated. God is so good. I helped a woman collect toiletries, clothes, food, blankets, water, ect for her family of 6. They have lost their home but they have been put up in a hotel until there is a house for them, which is incredible. They were so grateful and I was so thankful for the opportunity to help out. We worked there for about 5 hours and then went back to the office to shoot some videos for CIY camps. It definitely brought some lightheartedness to the last few days! It was definitely a long workday but I made it through. After work I was able to get moved into the dorms and finally organize my stuff so that I’m not living out of my car! It is taking longer than normal to get adjusted here, but I know that it will happen with a little more time. I am still grateful I am here and really looking forward to this summer even in the midst of all the many challenges that we are facing. I trust that God is going to continue to move and I know that I am here for a purpose. There may be some long days ahead, but through those God remains sovereign and he will continue to be faithful. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to adjust here and pray that God would work in my heart so that I can focus on the work He has placed in front of me. There is still a lot to overcome but with His help I know that will happen.

Summer Schedule and Addresses:

May 23-June 8 Joplin, MO
June 9-July 2 Durango, Colorado
July 3-July 7 Joplin, MO
July 8-July 28 Cleveland, TN
July 29-August 12 Joplin, MO

Christ In Youth
attn Jordan Hedge
2201 N Main St
Joplin MO 64801

Fort Lewis College
Conference Services
attn Jordan Hedge
1000 Rim Dr.
Durango, CO 81301-3999

Lee University
Atnn Jordan Hedge
1120 N Ocoee St.
PO Box 3450
Cleveland, TN 37320