Welcome to Joplin, Let's Roll Some T-Shirts

Monday was a day we had been waiting/preparing for since last August when the 2007 MOVE interns left Joplin. By the end of the day 20 of MOVE's 21 interns had arrived safely and participated in the now annual video scavenger hunt.

Tuesday was a day of talking and teaching - lots of orientation and explanation.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were very solid days of work. Lots of painting, building, and t-shirt rolling.

This group of interns has not disappointed. Their attitudes have been great and they have worked very hard. Personalities seem to be mixing well as do skill sets.

Amid all the good, challenges are beginning to emerge.

One intern is dealing with an uncertain medical situation of a parent.

Another intern got a call this morning that his family's home had been hit by a tornado overnight.

I am not the type to assume everything is an attack of Satan, but I have found that when people are in the process of serving that things tend to get thrown in their way. Sometimes they are simple distractions - a relationship that is new or one that is suddenly strained - other times it can be something dramatic or even devastating. I also believe that if Satan is going to attack, he will do it when Christ-followers are on the verge doing something that will advance Christ's Kingdom.

I am becoming more and more understanding of the importance of prayer as we serve as Kingdom Workers. Prayer is our primary mode of communication with God and He is the one that can sustain us in difficulties as we serve Him.

If you are reading this, please pray for the MOVE and Know Sweat interns. They are away from home and doing their dead-level best to focus on serving. Pray that God would protect them and sustain them through this summer. Pray also for CIY's staff as we prepare to embark on a summer of ministry.