Learning, Serving, and Growing

Learning, Serving, Growing

Option 3: Spirit Lake Ministry Center

Learn about the mission and ministry of Spirit Lake Ministry Center and Journey Church in North Dakota.

A donation will be given to the ministry center based on the interaction with this option.

Week 6:

If you were going on a mission trip to work with or serve people of another culture, what would you like to learn about them? Why?

How do you think it would affect your life?

If someone from another culture were coming on a mission trip to your area, what would you want them to learn or know about who you are and what is important in your culture?

Week 5: This week, our focus turns to ways we incorporate ministry and missions into our own lives and faith journeys.

I have had the chance to go on 'mission trips' (traveling away from my home area with a group of people in order to meet and provide for people in other areas). Groups have painted, replaced roofs, built ramps, led Vacation Bible School/Sunday School type programs, etc. depending on the needs of the area. While working on the needed projects, we were also fortunate to get to know the homeowners and participants. At other times, the mission/ministry needs are more private, too urgent, too far away, or too far beyond my skill set for me to go in person, and monetary donations have been given.

Take some time to consider and then journal about the following questions:

Have you ever participated in a mission trip? When? What was it like? What did you do?
Have you donated money or supplies to help people in need or people who have experienced a disaster?
How can participating in person or donating supplies or money to a specific cause or need make a difference in the lives of others?
How can it make a difference in your own life?

Week 4: One of my favorite ministries of Spirit Lake Ministry Center is Christmas Shoeboxes. Each church I have served has participated in this ministry in the fall. You can read about the Shoebox Ministry on the Center's webpage and see some videos on their Facebook page.

Here are some pictures of sorting and packing from this past year and some pictures of receiving Christmas Shoeboxes (pre-Covid).

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Week 3: This week features thoughts from a participant in a summer work/mission week at the Center. Also, when this week's worship service is posted, I will share a link.

Reflections:

I’ve been blessed to have been able to serve at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center twice. For as much as I seem to give, I get more in return. Interacting with God’s children is always rewarding. I find that when I work, play, talk, eat, and share God’s word with people I don’t normally encounter, I have a deeper appreciation, and awe, for God and God’s family here on earth.

On my trips to Spirit Lake, I’ve been able to meet and to work with people of all ages. I’ve been on work groups with youth, teenagers, and adults from many parts of the United States. Working side by side with other Christians who want to make a difference strengthens my faith and encourages me to continue spreading God’s love to whoever God puts in my path. I also get to learn how God is working through people in other parts of the country.

On the work site, whether we are repairing a person's house, or on a playground holding a Sidewalk Sunday School, we engage personally. To fix a roof, build a ramp, or read a Bible story is an important task, however, sitting down with, talking to, or playing with the people we came to serve is just as important. A child’s laugh, a heartfelt story, or just a parting ‘high five’ warms my heart like a smile from God. I really can’t describe the feeling any better than that. I’m sure it’s different for each individual. I’m sure, for me, as long as I am able, I will return to Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

- Keith Hoile

Here is the link to Sunday Worship at the ministry center:

https://www.facebook.com/204094279636516/videos/725646278595048

(Pastor Mike Flowers is in the red t-shirt.)

Week 2: This week, I invite you to pend some time exploring Spirit Lake Ministry Center's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Spirit-Lake-Ministry-Center-204094279636516

Please note in your journal the amount of time you spend discovering more about Spirit Lake.

Week 1: Our introduction to Spirit Lake Ministry Center begins on the about page of the following link:

http://www.spiritlakeministrycenter.org/about_us.aspx

After reading that, please feel free to explore the website and learn more about the ministries of the center. Each week, I will add additional information about the people, ministry, witness, and life in the area. Please note in your journal the amount of time you spend discovering more about Spirit Lake.