The summer is right around the corner! Church groups are signed up, leaders are preparing, students are feeling that anticipation of what their experience out on mission is going to look like. Thinking about maybe who will they meet, what will their project could be, or what type of video series is going to be shown. The excitement is heightened as we approach the start to many weeks of groups being out in numerous communities.

If you’re reading this, maybe you’re headed to South Carolina this summer and you want to gain more insight on this community. Let me just tell you, you picked one of the best locations! That is a biased opinion, but I know you will find joy when entering into this community. If you are going to be serving here, I want to challenge you with this: when walking into your week, shift your mindset to think about the many gifts and assets this community possesses. Literally look for it, in your homeowners, the partnerships, the local churches. Choose to see the good and beauty that already vibrantly resides here. Yes, you will have the opportunity to bless others in your time here, but I can assure you that you will in return be blessed.

Choose to see the ways God is as work, and how you are able to join him in what He is already doing. God is alive, active, and pursuing unity amongst our community. God is restoring and reconciling individuals. He is bridging the gap in communities, creating a sense of knit together community. These things don’t happen overnight, or even in just a few years. But you have the opportunity to be part of that process. Commit to being a learner of this community, seeking to understand rather than assume. Choose to see people through the lens of Christ, rather than the lens of humans. If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s that we are all broken people, in desperate need of a Savior. You might find that we are not all so different as you’d think. 

We can’t wait to love and serve with you!