Last week I returned from my first trip with Adventures as a co-leader in Hilton Head Island, SC.

    While your first thought, as it was mine, that it sounds like more of a vacation spot than a mission trip, I can tell you there are needs aplenty on that beautiful island. Unfortunately, it was cold and rainy the entire week of the trip, but we refused to let our spirits be dampened as we went out to ministry.

    During the week we partook in a variety of relational ministry. One of the best moments was being with the older folks in the Alzheimers ward of a nursing home. There was one lady who was pretty despondent except when one of the workers (and then one of our own men) was around. When the two men got her to focus on them, she would smile so big and her eyes would light up.

    Then there was John, who despite feeling pain when he walked, still had a quick wit and a mischievous glint in his eye. There's Marge, who lit up when she got to sing and dance! These individuals are children loved by the Lord and you can see so much life lived in their expressions and the wrinkles on their face. Each step carries the weight of their travels in years past. It was a blessing for us to spend time with these older folks who I came to think of as grandparents.

    Our group, a collection of adults from two churches in Ohio, also spent time at the Children’s Center on the island with kids who are searching for attention and love which we provided through hugs, songs, and stories about Jesus.

    Those are just two ministries from the week and we have a number of more teams headed there this summer to continue the work that was started this past week.