Magic Valley Bible Church - back at it!

Our houses were bustling and busy last week as Magic Valley Bible Church gave two of our four houses a much-needed facelift. Joyfully serving alongside one another, they have helped us tremendously by painting two decks, installing new door handles, cleaning up the yards, mounting towel racks, hanging sheetrock, and so much more. Projects that have taken a backseat during the school year were finally crossed off the to-do list and we couldn’t be more thankful for this church and their servant hearts.

They made it! From left to right: Julie, Ken, Loren, Kay, Michael, Stephanie, Bear, Jackson, Morgan, and Maddie

First night BBQ at the Hill St House!

The group consisted of seven superstars with five returning from last years trip. Pastor Bear lead the way with his trusty right-hand man Loren, his wife Kay, followed up by two of Pastor Bear’s daughters Stephanie and Maddie, along with two young men from the congregation Michael and Jackson. Although the team may look young, they were by far one of the hardest working groups and just had a great way of cohesively tackling every project together. The group got in Monday evening and were up and at it early Tuesday morning helping one of our local churches remodel their children’s ministry rooms. What a huge transformation that was!

Before: water stained ceiling and ugly wood paneling

Jacksons not sure what he got himself into

After: Painted ceiling and new drywall

Neither is Loren

Pastor Bear working with Michael and Maddie

All finished up

After a full day of drywalling Tuesday, the team had just enough energy to wash up, eat dinner, and fall into bed. Back at it Wednesday the team tackled our Dawson street house doing everything from replacing window panes, fixing roof leaks, and cleaning up the neglected yard. After all the hard work we were all ready for a movie night.   We enjoyed relaxing, eating popcorn and watching Moana at one of our new houses. One of Tikkun Olam members, Sharon Young, explained some of the parallels she saw in the Holy Trinity, the faith walk of many Native Americans, and the story and characters in Moana. It stimulated some great discussion and gave some members of the team a new perspective on how faith in our native cultures can sometimes be lived out.

The group finished their work on Thursday at the Cascade house, doing similar upkeep projects. Door knobs had to be replaced, the yard desperately needed to be weed whacked (Jackson’s favorite) and two porches got a wonderful facelift with a new paint job!! Afterward everyone shared a delicious soup and salad that church member Kay made. It was a night filled with fellowship and laughter, reflecting on the past few days of hard work and team building! Friday morning, we all enjoyed a wonderful breakfast of French toast and sausage then packed up our crew and put them on the road to Yellowstone National Park. Although we were sad to see them go it was great to point them in the direction of one of the most beautiful parks our country has to offer, a much-deserved break from all their hard work.

We especially appreciate our connection with Magic Valley Bible Church because it is the congregation that our teacher, Scot Montgomery, comes from in Twin Falls, ID. It is truly special to watch home churches pour into our teachers by being involved in our ministry. This is the second year Magic Valley has joined us during the summer and we know that this partnership will continue for years to come. It is such a joy to see the body of Christ come together and work side by side. This whole week truly was an example of how God intended the church to stand beside each other, care for one another, and love their neighbors as themselves. We feel so blessed and remain thankful for how the Lord provides!

Thanks for coming!! Safe travels