Quinn's Baptism/ First 2 days in ministry

The last two days of our mission trip have been extremely eventful. Not only was it the first two days at Inner City Youth Alive, but it was also a big step for one of the group members personally. Before I start I would also like to thank all of you for your support and prayer for our team during the past week and even past few months.

On Monday, we were blessed to have 48 kids (ages 5-12) attended our DVBS program. Our program went fairly smoothly for the first day and we were able to start relationships with the kids.  Many of them come from tough situations. Along with sharing the gospel we want to simply love and care for them. One of the privileges we have at the end of the day is to walk a group of kids home. This gives us an opportunity to one-on-one with kids and learn what kind of neighbourhood they live in. Sometimes we are able to engage with the parents.
For our main session we did a thing called Intercession. As a group we prayed for each team member and shared images, verses, or words that God had put on our hearts for each person. Each of us were greatly encouraged.
Our highlight of the day was Quinn's baptism. after a process of calls and figuring out where he would get "dunked", one of the staff opened up her backyard and hot tub for the evening. We were able to share memories and give Quinn encouragement. Many people shared about Quinn's passion and love for God and the people he's impacting around him, and how much of a servant he is for the Lord. Watching him fully give his adulthood to Christ was so impactful.

Today 39 kids came back to ICYA for the afternoon. Many of our team members shared how they were able really connect with some of the kids. It's really encouraging to see the kids open up and get excited for each activity. It was really inspiring to see some of the team take leadership whether it be in activities, or breaking up fights.

For me, I've really enjoyed worship in the morning and evening. Music is one thing that I really feel connected to God. Watching our group grow closer to God and feel the Holy Spirit is so encouraging. I feel so blessed to be a part of this group, we're so close. Team time each night  is aways a highlight for me, hearing about each persons day and how God worked in their lives. I would ask that you continue to pray for our group and for the kids we're working with.

-Brianna

Commissioning

Today started with breakfast on the bus, on row 7 seat C. We went to CMU today for different workshops. I went to a workshop called Soaking (a worship workshop), and one called "Tell Your Story". I really enjoyed the soaking workshop. We had a session at CMU where the guys and girls split up. That was really good. After CMU we had some time together to go to mini golf at the golf dome. Our goal was to not let Rachel get the ball in the hole. We're nice to our youth leaders. So far the trip has been going pretty good. I like how close we are as a team, and there have been some very powerful worship sessions.

-Wyatt R. Harms,

I have really been enjoying the trip so far. The sessions have been a highlight for me. This morning there was a session where we talked as all guys and that was very good. I've also enjoyed how open we have been able to be as a team. The food is the best.

-Abram Penner

The trip for me has been pretty good so far. The biggest highlight so far was our Saturday night session. It was a very powerful session where we were challenged to lay a sin/lie at the cross and our whole group really experienced the Holy Spirit to the point of tears. We've been a very good team, and have a very strong bonds between each other already. That has been sweet. I have been very personally challenged in the worship sessions by God to step out of my comfort zone and be more authentic in my faith. Our group has enjoyed singing many songs on the bus, and deflating each others mattresses. I also unfortunately lost in mini golf in a second playoff hole to none other than the great Andy Neufeld.

-Russell Pauls

Today we spent most of the day at CMU (Canadian Mennonite University) doing different sessions planned by MB Mission. We then had some free time where we went mini golfing at the golf dome. After that we had evening session at Fort Garry MB Church where we had some really awesome teaching and were commissioned for our ministry at ICYA. I think our group has all been very impacted by the teaching and sessions we've had so far. I'm always amazed how well this program is planned and the quality of teaching and worship brought to us. Its been a huge blessing and so cool to see amazing amounts of growth in the youth in these few short days! So cool. We now look forward to focusing and spending the remanding of our time at Inner City Youth Alive pouring into the kids that come to the VBS we have planned. Please pray for us as we begin this VBS tomorrow. We will try to keep blogging so you can keep up with what is going on!
-Andy N.

SOAR 2016!

We have arrived to Soar safe and sound, and our whole team is here. (some of us came late because of sickness and other commitments)

Thursday we spent most of the day simply settling in to where we are sleeping and getting orientation sessions. We are sleeping at the family life centre in winnipeg. Our sessions and meals are served at Fort Garry MB church. We sleep on the floor. Its a comfy floor though. The floor is very flat. And carpeted. Thats a nice touch. Ryan Smith decided to take up half the room with his king size air mattress which is causing some turmoil amongst the guys. 

Friday (our second day) was the learning tour, we split into groups of 4 or 5 and followed a "path" around the poorer area of Winnipeg. We made 7 or 8 stops, hearing speakers talk about gangs, rooming-houses, a woman's testimony, and stopped at several parks to pray for the area.  It was very eye-opening about what life is like for people in this area, although a little chilly walking around for so long!  

While we were on the learning tour, Rachel's group prayed for us to encounter someone who would like to talk to us. while we were at another stop, a man came up to us and asked us what discipleship school was. We were all happy that God gave us someone to talk to and get out of our comfort zone. Then each person in each group got $2 for supper to experience what it is like to be poor. It was a very challenging learning tour where we went to a lot of different ministries and heard testimonies from people at different ministries. Its amazing how many different missions there are in inner city winnipeg. But there is also so much need!

Today (Saturday) we went to our place of ministry (ICYA) to prepare for the VBS. We met with our host, Lori, and went for lunch at a local place by ICYA. Now we are eating supper. It is scalloped potatoes and ham. Yum. 

Hi. My name is Andy Krahn. It has been a top shelf mission trip.

We are having a lot of fun together and everything is going well!  We will continue to blog about our events throughout the week, and keep you posted on prayer requests! 

-Micah, Melanie, Andy N