We Have A Trip!!!

After making the decision not to go to Juarez this summer, we’ve been actively looking at alternatives for our students to serve. We’re excited to be a part of Katrina relief efforts that continue in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. You can check out the organization we’ll be partnering with here: http://www.reliefvolunteers.com.

Yes. That Hurricane Katrina. The one in 2005. Many within an hour’s drive of where we’ll be staying still have needs…and at this point, it’s often the “poorest of the poor” who need the help.

Interestingly, back in 2005, Crossroads had the opportunity to serve many of those fleeing the destruction and raised money to help out during that crisis. Our deacons have wrestled with what to do with the remaining funds that were given to that cause, and now some of those funds will give support to this trip!

So, here’s what you’ll need to know for now:

First, the trip will leave CBC on Sunday morning, June 14, 2009. We will return the early evening of Saturday, June 20, 2009. The cost per student will be $100, and we will begin sending out support letters on May 18. The cost per adult is $0. However, if you’re interested in making a donation of any amount, it would be appreciated.

Second, we do need adults to serve our students. We’ll need help with the kitchen, with driving, with construction/labor instruction, with first-aid, with organizing, etc. Simply respond to this message to sign up!

Third, we’ll begin sign ups immediately. Either today or tomorrow you will get an e-mail or message with a sign up form on it. The sign up period will end on May 17. Since they are two distinctly different trips, those that signed up for Juarez will need to sign up again for this one. And, if you didn’t sign up for Juarez, you can still sign up for this one!

Finally, thanks to all of you for your understanding and your patience in this process. It hasn’t been easy, but God has show Himself faithful, and I’m thankful for the reality that we have a chance to serve and He has graciously provided—even years ago—for this ministry to go on this trip.

Please let me know as soon as possible (if you’re a parent) your desire to go and if you’re a student, let’s get those sign ups in on time!