Again, thanks for taking the time to “check in” with the students! Please keep leaving comments… I can’t tell you how much they mean to them (it’s become a daily ritual for us to read them all during devotions!).
Today’s video is a doozie, and I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t my favorite one yet. Enjoy. 
July 17, 2008 at 6:26 am |
Good Morning Everyone!
We have to agree that this is one of the best videos but will now have to plan on getting up earlier as they get longer. We can’t wait for the feature-length movie on Sunday! Also, we can’t help but think that it maybe “Ronnie” the squirrel who is attracting the bears.
Keep it up the good work! You guys are in our prayers.
Brittney – Dad wanted me to tell you that it appears you are doing so well without your cell phone that we went ahead and cancelled your service!
Love,
Mom, Dad and Blake!
July 17, 2008 at 8:11 am |
Hi all! This video is awesome. I love seeing all your smiles and laughter! I have to admit that singing loudly in the van is one of my favorite things to do too.
Nicole – Zach is excited to know you share his passion for driving race car video games! I am sure you will hear about how amazed he was to see you driving!
Jake – Zach has a request to see you in the videos more. Since he hears your voice throughout them he then says. “Where is Jake?” or “Let’s find Jake” over and over and over! He has a hard time understanding that you are actually recording it. Thank you for doing these videos!
Erin and Allison – “Hi Eliza’s mom” and “hey, she is my friend in the nursery” were things Zach said when he saw you in the video this morning.
Keep up the great work everyone! As a mom – you have all shown me a glimpse of what is to come with my three, and I pray they shine like you! God bless, Cynnamon
July 17, 2008 at 8:57 am |
I was just telling Robin last night that it brings tears to my eyes to see you all . . . having fun, building relationships, making memories, sharing Jesus and Loving out Loud! Thanks to Jake, Erin and Brian for all you do! Hopefully someday I can be lucky enough to share this experience with such wonderful young people! Keep up the good work! Be safe and enjoy the rest of your trip!
Amy
July 17, 2008 at 9:57 am |
Siri and Mia – “bear” with your mother here for a bit, but this is my thought as I watched all of you by the headwaters of the Mississippi.
I think that sometimes the little things we do in God’s name for others are like the headwaters of the Mississippi. They may not seem like much, they won’t make a big dent in the landscape, but just watch in such a short time, like by the time you get to Iowa, the Mississippi is huge and has made an enormous impact on the landscape and can literally sweep you away, until you eventually make it to the ocean. As you work and live each day doing God’s work, no matter where you are at in your life, you can make a little impact on another person’s life and on your life, but what you do for that person and when others see what you do, they too are inspired by you and God’s work multiplies and grows abundantly, just like the Mississippi!
Love to all of you and thank you for your work and sharing of God’s love!
Robin
P.S. Mia, I continue to stress to you the bears are not pets! Jake, Erin, and Bryan, thank you for letting Siri get apples and for all you are doing for our kids!
July 17, 2008 at 10:04 am |
WOW! It was wonderful watching the videos and hearing everyone! You all look, sound, and act at least 5 years older! I am very proud of all of you and remember you in my prayers. The videos reminded me how blessed and thankful I am to have been your pastor! Kinsmen would love to host all of you who are attending the Jesus, Justice, and Jazz Youth Gathering in New Orleans! You could stay with Candace and myself in our home or at church where there is a shower and gym. Thank you for all you are doing and the opportunity to see these videos. I love each and everyone of you!
Pastor Jeff
July 17, 2008 at 10:21 am |
Bryan, Jake and Erin:
I know how much stress you endured in making this trip happen. It is very evident that it has been well worth it and then some. What you are doing and have done for the kids is such a gift to them.
Even though I don’t know all of the kids, it looks like you have just a great group.
Continue to have a great time. God bless you.
Love to you all,
Laurie
July 17, 2008 at 11:34 am |
I really liked this video. Its was funny when you guys saw the bear. And I also liked Mia’s face when she saw the bear. That made me laugh!
Keep on having an awesome time!
Christopher O. :c)
July 17, 2008 at 11:57 am |
Hey, it looks like you guys are having tons of fun! I can’t wait until I can go on the Mission Trips. I loved the singing in the car , and seeing the bear. Also at the end when Lindsey and Jillian jumped in the water, I was ready to see two people plummeting into a huge, deep river! Have fun with the rest of the trip.
July 17, 2008 at 1:19 pm |
At least your trip won’t be un-bear-able. Be safe and keep up the excellent work.
We are keeping you in our prayers.
July 17, 2008 at 2:42 pm |
Good afternoon all!
Robin’s words and thoughts and your actions reminded me of some of my favorite quotes I would like to share with you:
Mother Teresa
We can do NO great things; only small things with great love. It is not how much you do, but how much Love you put into the doing that matters.
**You are doing so many little/ big things for the community of Red Lake.
Maya Angelou
I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.
**At the end of a hard working day, I’m sure you feel so blessed and satisfied that you did great things for others.
Winston Churchill
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
**You are making life long memories and I hope the sense of giving unconditionally stays inside each of you.
Stewardship and giving is mentioned many MANY times in the bible. You are being AWESOME stewards for St. Mark this week. Thank you for giving your heart and soul to others.
God Bless and thanks for keeping us in touch with all you are doing. Stacie
Love you and Miss you LD and LM!
) Mom
July 17, 2008 at 3:06 pm |
Wow- what a day you had!!! It is great to see you all making a real difference in the lives those on the reservation, not to mention the new life skills your learning and will hopefully bring home! It ’s awesome you saw the source of the Mississippi – Robin’s analogy of the mighty river and you all doing God’s work and it’s impact was wonderfully stated. Thanks Robin! Thanks also to Erin, Jake and Bryan – you are all wonderful and I can’t thank you enough for the leadership, guidance, and experiences you are providing our St. Mark youth.
Lauren -miss you and love you. Keeping working hard, having fun and Loving Out Load.
You all are in my prayers.
Mom
July 17, 2008 at 3:50 pm |
We are jealous of the experiences you are having. This was not a part of our “Luther League” when we were your age. We are so proud of how you are representing St. Mark and will look forward to talking to you when you return. Thank you Jake, Bryan and Erin for taking your time to be with our youth this week. God is working through all of you and is blessing all you are doing for the Red Lake people.
God bless you all,
Jan and Paul
July 17, 2008 at 5:06 pm |
Kelly,
I love the videos. It looks like you’re having a blast!!! I can’t wait to hear ALL about your trip and the crazy stories when you get back! Keep up the good work and spread God’s love.
♥ Kelli
July 17, 2008 at 5:56 pm |
You guys were pulling a trick ending when we thought you were jumping into the big Muddy Missisiippi. That must have been quite exciting to see that big old Black Bear.
Thanks for letting us enjoy the excitment of your trip vy the videos.
Keep working, Keep singing and Keep enjoying these days as you Build Memories and do good works.
Gma Ruth and Gpa Jerry and of course Rocky
July 17, 2008 at 7:42 pm |
Bears, blue tongues, and bathing in the Mississippi – what more could you want from a church trip! Sounds like you all are having a blast!
July 17, 2008 at 9:25 pm |
Greetings Earthlings!
Your mission is almost accomplished. And there will be another mission after that and after that and after that. You might not seem much taller when you return, but you will have grown in the most important way. We love you and look forward to the things you can teach us. Remember, safety first!
Sincerely,
Love Chris
PS. Siri and Mia – growing is a wonderful experience. The lawn has grown too. The lawn misses you and wants to be mowed.
July 18, 2008 at 12:58 am |
OK this is my second time writing this comment…ask Jake and Erin I’m not very techie and I love to push the little “strike” symbol on the upper right hand corner of the boxes on the computer screen.
July 18, 2008 at 1:08 am |
This is now my 3rd attempt..woopsies..It’s been a long day. Just wanted to let you guys know that I was thinking about you a lot today and I prayed for you. Yesterday we put on a neighborhood picnic just to let people who live around St. mark tknow that our church cares and is willing to put our love, time and talents into them and our community. Well, as I looked around at the cotton candy, snow cones face-painting (you guys missed a good time) I realized how much I missed all of you. I know you would have been there if we would have asked. All of you are so willing to serve…whether it’s a St. Mark event or taking a week out of your lives to paint and fix up homes of strangers. You are giving back to God…right now today…”Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do unto me” Thanks for living out the gospel in the name of St. Mark….we appreciate it!
I really miss all of you and love watching the videos. I for some reason can only see these huge video files at home…the computers at church and Riemans are super slow. you must have a kickin camera.
Jake has won the academy award for best editing, orginal screenplay and cinematography…good job!
Love and bears,
Deb