Every year First Glance takes a trip called Rock the Road. It’s a 48 road trip where only the few people planning know the destination. This year we took the students to Pittsburgh, PA.. A really neat part about the trip is that many of our students have never been out of state of Ohio or ever stayed in a hotel. I love the privilege to get to see their faces light up as we cross the state line! This year, we did a variety activities from going to play laser tag, bowling, the Carnegie Science Center, and going on a safari ride. Overall, the trip was a blast and a great success.
The theme of the trip was focused around being grateful for what God has given us. The last day of the trip we were sitting in groups talking about ways that God has blessed us. Kandice* is an younger student that is full of energy had been attending FG’s programming regularly and is a believer! Kandice made our group aware that her family has been going through a financial issues where they were being evicted from their home and were going to be entering into a local homeless shelter the next day. Kandice’s ability to rejoice and be thankful in this midst of her circumstances challenges my faith! She spoke about how thankful she is for her mother and how she has tried her best to put food on the table. She was so quick to also list all the blessings in her life. The following scripture came to mind when thinking about her situation:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again” Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:8-9
It is evident that God has been guarding her heart, and instead of her being filled with anxiety and fear, she's filled with thankfulness. This week I received an update that Kandice’s family is still in the shelter but is doing well. Her cousin told me that she is really happy that she has not only her own room, but she has her own bed. Once again her thankfulness is so encouraging. Often times I go into the trips thinking about how we are going to teach them so much about faith and Jesus, but it’s amazing how she equally taught me how to rejoice and the importance in trusting God.
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