Halfway Through and God's Still Working!

It has been quite some time since I've had the opportunity to get on a computer, much less type anything substantial. So, here I am!


Over the past 3 weeks, God has blessed my team and me tremendously. I have met some of the sweetest kids in the world and have been able to build relationships with them. Twice, I've done camps in the Hunting Island campground and yet what's so amazing about that group is that it's never the same kids! Families are constantly in and out so there's always someone new or leaving. Many of them are familiar with our stories from the Bible, but we use those opportunities to go a little deeper. However, in between those 2 weeks was my favorite week so far.

June 23-27 I got to work at Marsh Point, a community I visited with the CMT in March. Those kids were amazing and such a blessing. But I think what God used the most for me was Hardeeville Baptist Church. I taught 5th and 6th graders for VBS. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and I was definitely not prepared for that first night. When we first arrived at the church, there were several kids around, but none for my class. Then the church van pulled in. I found myself in the presence of 9 5th/6th grade African American boys. HA! I've never worked with that many boys before, especially not in that age group. I didn't know what to do. I felt overwhelmed and angry and was just plain miserable the whole night. Then Susan, who had been helping with my class, started talking about how much she loved those boys and how glad she was that God put her with them. I actually got really possessive then. And when I talked to Kimberly about it and she said I could try and switch groups, I realized that God gave those boys to me for that week for a reason. I spent a good amount of time that night studying God's word, looking for my strength in Him, not myself or my abilities. Tuesday night became a whole other story. I fell in love with my boys. Sure, they were rambuncious and crazy and didn't enjoy the VBS songs like the younger kids did. But they were precious in God's eyes and now in mine. They were 9 special blessings from God to me. And I am so thankful. I had 5 nights to get to know them individually and watch them learn and sing and play. I was afraid that they didn't listen to me during the Bible study time, but at the end of the week, they knew every theme and story during the week's review. I was so proud of them! In a neighborhood of poverty and questionable reputation, I learned so much about the boys. Davonte came in really tired one evening after spending the whole day working with his dad at a golf course raking sand, picking up trash, and other things. Devon is excluded a lot of the time because he's mixed. Bernard isn't as carefree and happy as he seems; he is deeply hurt each time one of the older boys makes fun of his weight. John is trying so hard to fit in that he doesn't pay much attention to who gets hurt. Luis, hispanic, is just so quiet, but truly listens to every word that is said around him; he has so many questions about God. These boys blessed my heart so so much!!

We also had a Mission Venture that same week. Basically, Mission Venture is just a week when we spend the evenings in worship with youth groups that are here on their own mission trips. We have another group that's actually in today and one coming tomorrow. It's been an amazing time of fellowship and worship with others who have a heart for missions and for Christ.

Before I go, I just want to let you all, if you are memebers of Rocky Creek Baptist Church, know how blessed you are to have a church and a pastor like you do. Since I've been here, it's been a struggle to find a church that can encourage me as well as teach me. I spend all week every week telling little Bible stories to young children. So when I get to Sunday, I'm ready for something deeper. Pastor Ken and every other minister at our church is an incredible blessing from God.

I miss you all more than you know!! Thank you for your many prayers; they have brought us all through so much. I love you all, and I am praying for you, too. (If you're down here, you must call me!! 864-423-3907 and my mailing address- since some of you were asking- is
Rachel Ivey
c/o Baptist Church of Beaufort
601 Charles St.
Beaufort SC 29902)

God Bless You
Rachel!