Missouri Mission Team                                                         July 11-21, 2003 Team Members (from left):Shari Elwell, Julie Gatewood, Nancy Carlson, Gib Carlson, Brenda Lauterbach, Holly Thomas, Paul Reyes, Paul Metko, Bob Montgomery The nine-member team traveled to Waynesville, Missouri to serve for ten days at Fellowship Ranch, a retreat center for the servicemen and women stationed at nearby Fort Leonard Wood. Fellowship Ranch, which is owned by Cadence International, provides weekend retreats that are designed to provide direction, perspective and rest to military personel while encouraging faith and reconciliation with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul Metko, Director of America's Ministries For Cadence International, and a New Life missionary, was part of the team.     Recap TRIP PHOTOS Team members worked on construction/remodel projects during the week and assisting in retreats on the weekends.  They representing Jesus Christ, New Life Church and the host mission, by serving and ministering in any and all ways needed - interacting with the servicemen and women - sharing their faith in the One who changes lives by His incomprehensible grace. "A Page from our Journal" O Lord, will any of us ever be the same again??? There are so many things we don't want to forget… The camaraderie of the team … getting to see each old friend in a new way. The love we feel and express for this new ministry - the mission - the people. The sweat and dust in the midst of sweltering heat that covers bodies and smiling faces. The hunger of the young soldiers - hungry for touches, for hugs, for listening hearts, for encouragement, for God's reality in their lives. The neighbors who welcome the Yankee's with their warm loving and humorous hospitality. The sacrifice of the Ranch directors who week after week give of themselves … happy to have someone come alongside for a time to share their burdens… The straightforward, direct and brilliant presentation of God's free offer of LIFE, given with clarity, passion and fatherly love. The opportunity for the soldiers to demonstrate supernatural courage as the real and very present enemy is seeking to defeat them; seeing Satan overcome by God's Word and Spirit as each man (and woman) take a stand for eternity. The hazy beauty of the countryside, lush and green. The songs of praise sung in strong masculine voices as they choose 'old time' hymns, one after the other…having to stop because of time constraints, but leaving them wanting more. The sweet A cappella voices of the Puerto Rican girls singing in Spanish as Paul translates their melodic praises. The soldiers overwhelming desire to have a Bible to call their own, as we can only give what we have. Warm chocolate chip cookies, baked with love, made especially for Jeremy. Sweaty hugs and handshakes, and faces with tear-filled eyes saying 'good-bye' from dusty bus windows. Resounding 'Whooahs' echoing over and over, and fading as the bus, taking our dear ones back to the base, chugs up the driveway and out of sight. Thank you Lord, for so much!  For so many graces, so many prayers on our behalf, so much encouragement and support…and most of all, for Your faithfulness! We are indeed a Team…Co-laborers with YOU…all and each of us.  I pray that we never forget YOUR lessons as we see "Missions" from this new and fresh perspective.  Lives have changed because of YOUR grace.  It doesn't get any better than this…..or does it?