Cold Water, Cookies, and Roller Coasters

Yet again, I have been so wrapped up in activities that I haven't been able to post a blog!

On July 10th, I went with the youth group to a day at the beach. We headed down to Nags Head Beach, NC. We spent the day soaking up the sun, looking for shells and sand diggers, walking the pier, and playing volleyball and corn hole, of course. (And let me tell you, it was hot but that water was COLD)

Enjoying the waves

Another event that has happened was a Children's Cooking class. One Saturday morning, the children came to the church and made pancakes and chocolate chip cookies. The kids had a ball taking turns mixing the ingredients and pouring the batter. After they had eaten their pancakes and put the cookies in the oven, one of the women led them in a Bible study and sang songs. While being at Southside, I've had the wonderful opportunity to observe some wonderful teachers. They show their children so much love and care for them. (Those cookies and pancakes were pretty good, too!)

Their aprons say "Taste and see that the Lord is good"

The biggest thing that has happened since my last blog is Vacation Bible School! Now first all I have to tell you, this was something C.J., the associate pastor had been talking about since the day I got here. (Literally, the first day I walked into the church he had the VBS sample pack spread all over a table) so I knew this was going to be a very important week. Our VBS was July 14th through the 19th. The week before this, C.J. and I worked all day for a whole week decorating the church and planning everything. We created a character that the children could interact with throughout the week. His name was Cornelius Obediah Amos Samuel Timothy Ethan Rehoboth the III aka C.O.A.S.T.E.R. He was a tourist who was obsessed with amusement parks that wore a Hawaiian shirt, big goofy glasses, and sunscreen on his nose. During the course of the week, I led Opening Rally and interacted with C.O.A.S.T.E.R. on stage. We did the motions to some songs, as well. I also taught the youth VBS which was an incredible experience. We had some wonderful wonderful times of worship and Bible study. We also played some games. On the last night, there were 33 youth! I had a great time leading, but I'll be the first to admit I was TIRED!

A Panoramic view of the worship center. Yes, that is a roller coaster on the left (that was   about 13 foot high)!

Associate Pastor, C.J. Cauble and I at the VBS Kick-off

In action at Opening Rally

This little boy and girl were in two of our youngest classes. Story Time: One night early in the week, a group leader told me there was a little boy that was dying to meet me, so of course I went over. He stared at me with big, beautiful eyes and smiled when I asked him his name. Now normally at Closing Rally, I would sit on the steps in front of the stage while C.J. gave the closing announcements. Every night after I had met this little boy, he would come up, sit with me, and then whisper in my ear "You're a pretty girl". My heart just melted every time! So at the end of the week, I HAD to get a picture with this sweetheart. Now the little girl in my lap has a short story, too. During the last night, we had all the children on stage. While I was telling the adults some things, this little girls grabs my leg and squeezes it real tight. I tried to get her loose while continuing to speak, but she wouldn't let go! She turned and started talking to me like no one else was in the room. It was so adorable! (And by the way, she'd ASKED to be in this picture)

The Sunday night after VBS, I had the youth lead a service. We had a youth choir and shared with the church about different activities we had been doing all summer. There is a large portion of older adults at Southside and they thoroughly enjoyed hearing what their young people were doing. At the end of the service, the head pastor Dr. Harry Fowler had the Mission Team that will be heading out this week stand up front and be commissioned.

Over the past few weeks, I have done a lot! I've learned a lot of things about the ministry and had the honor to work with some awesome people. God has taught me so many things about how I can be used in ministry. He had opened my eyes to some areas where I have strengths I didn't even know existed. He has also opened my eyes to some areas where I still have room to grow. This summer is quickly coming to a close that I don't want to end.

This coming week, I would appreciate your prayers as we head to Bolair, West Virginia for our mission trip. There are about 30 of us on the team and we will be hosting a VBS during the course of the week. Pray that the team's hearts would be open to the people in the community that need to be reached and unity within the group. Again, I thank the Lord for the support group I have and the faithful group of prayer warriors that are in my life. Thank you in advance for your prayers and I'll keep you posted on what happens!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Time has gotten away from me and I've been SO busy, I haven't been able to write another blog post! It's hard to believe I only have one month left in Rocky Mount. Since my last post, I've had a children's event, two more youth events, Backyard Kids Club, a college trip, and two more Sundays at Southside.

The children's department had an event on June 22th where they got to attend a painting class at the church. Their wonderful teacher drew a fish on their canvas which they then painted however they wanted. After they had finished, she put some final touches and a Bible verse. All of the children were so proud of their work when they finished. I got to lead the group in a game of "Jesus Says" after they finished their snack and Bible story. They loved the spin off of "Simon Says".

One of the children with their final project

On June 26th, we went to Sonic and played some beach volleyball on the court beside the restaurant. I know I had a lot of fun even though I'm really pretty bad at volleyball. I think the youth enjoyed laughing at me attempt to serve the ball. We had a worship service and quick Bible study right there on the court, too! I've got a picture of that below. That was my first time ever playing guitar at Sonic or on a beach volleyball court. The next Wednesday (July 3rd), we attended a MudCats baseball game. We got just a little bit wet during the game but luckily the MudCats came out with a win! We ended the evening with a very American spirited fireworks show.

Worship Service at Sonic

I hosted a Backyard Kids Club (formally called Backyard Bible Club by LifeWay) June 24th through June 27th. Across the street from the church is a large neighborhood with lots of trailers. One of the church members graciously let us use their backyard. I planned the entire event which was something I had never done. We went door to door passing out fliers which was something some of the youth had never done before. At BYKC, we had Bible stories, crafts, and games. It was awesome to see some of the youth really step up and lead. We only had 6 total kids attend, but those are exactly the children that were supposed to be there. God really stretched me during that week. He taught me that even when I get frustrated and disorganized He is still in control of every little detail that I, in my human nature, miss. Even though Backyard Kids Club may not have looked successful by earthly standards, it was very successful in teaching the youth and myself to be flexible and loving to people from all walks of life.

Some youth and children playing "blog tag" at Backyard Kids Club

On June 28th at 6 o'clock in the morning, I was at the church to head with the college group to Washington, D.C. I had never been before so I was pretty excited! We did all kinds of things while we were there. I definitely experienced a lot of firsts on that trip. I visited the Holocaust Museum, rode a metro, got soaked in the rain and ran several blocks through the storm (which ended with many a laugh), saw the historical monuments of DC, rode in a taxi, visited Georgetown Cupcakes (yes this is the bakery from the show DC Cupcakes), shopped in a thrift shop in DC, visited the Smithsonian museum of Natural History, and attended a service at the National Cathedral. It was a pretty quick and crazy trip, but I came back to Rocky Mount with sore feet and a smile on my face.

Now that you're caught up to speed on how June ended for me, I can tell you a little bit about what's happened in July so far. I was very fortunate to see some of my family and very close family friends for the 4th of July. My parents were so excited to see me as was I to see them. We had a wonderful time catching up and trading stories. This past Sunday, I was able to sing in the praise band again. It has been wonderful to be in the band and so uplifting to hear the comments the congregation give me after the services that I am a part of. During the month of July, I will be teaching the high school Sunday School class. This week the associate pastor and I have started decorating for VBS and let me tell you, it's going to be AWE-SOME! Pictures of the decorations will be posted soon!

My energy is starting to run low, but joy still feels my heart with the work I'm doing. I have to be a little selfish and ask your prayers for this month. This week we are preparing for Vacation Bible School where I will be in charge of all of the youth activities. July 14th through July 19th is VBS. On July 21st, we'll be having a youth-led service. With only one free week in between, we leave for our West Virginia mission trip July 28th and come home August 3rd. This next month is probably going to be gone before I know it! I just pray that I use my time wisely and accomplish what God wants me to do while I am here at Southside. God is stretching me and getting me out of my comfort zone in every area I am involved in here and it feels SO good!

I thank you in advance for your prayers and support. I love all of you back at home. I miss and love you, Mom and Dad. I think about and pray for y'all at FBC Norris often and miss you very much! I cannot wait to report back to you at the end of the summer and tell you what God has done this summer as well as hear what He has done there!

For others reading this, I thank you for your love and support in my life. Just by reading this, you are showing your support!

Thank you again. To God be the Glory!

God of This City

Well, I've been here 2 weeks now. I survived two youth group events and second Sunday! Everything is going SO well!!! Even though I'm starting to get a little tired from staying so busy, my heart has never been happier. I have never felt so confident in what I'm doing for the Lord. There's just something about how you feel when you're in God's will for your life. It's peaceful, energizing, invigorating, it's.... Well, like I heard someone say one time "It's like the taste of water, you just can't describe it."

My first Wednesday event we had youth group had a family's home and had a pool party. The students had SO much fun. It was wonderful just to be able to hang out with them and start building relationships. We have a lot of activities planned this summer, but every Wednesday we'll be singing God of This City and the youth pastor will be doing a quick devotion on a section of the lyrics. This week I had to lead the group beside a pool with lots of flies in my bathing suit and I will tell you that was an experience! I'm really excited to be able to lead the youth in worship. I know it's going to be great!

Sunday School has been going well. I got some feedback on my teaching from one of the middle schoolers and he enjoys it. This was SO encouraging to hear being it's my first feedback on my teaching. This past Sunday I got to sit in on Children's Church which was precious. The teachers and helpers were so patient and loving towards the children. It was precious to observe the love within the church family.

This past Wednesday we went to King's Dominion which is a lot like Carowinds. We had a blast! The students were really funny and lots of memories were made. I felt like I got to know some of them a lot better. The youth pastor and I even got to ride a ride together and let me tell you, I was dying laughing the whole time at this 33 year old man screaming his head off. It was great to observe the dynamic of the group as well. They all seem to have a great time together and they all love to cut up with their youth pastor.

Since being in North Carolina, there are a few fun "first time" things that I've done. I've tried North Carolina barbecue (which trust me, it IS different than South Carolina's), had a fox cross the road in front me of, played guitar in my bathing suit, played corn hole (which I lost terribly in), gone to a new Mexican restaurant, been to Kings Dominion, and taken a picture with Charlie Brown!

Even though the past couple weeks have been a little crazy, God has been teaching me about relationships. He's teaching me how to connect with, work with, encourage, and just plain love people, quickly and genuinely. He's teaching me how easy it can be to simply show others you care about them. The people here have been so kind to me. I know there is no way I can be as much of a blessing to everyone here as they have been to me, but I'm going to try my hardest to be!

Here's my awesome group at Kings Dominion.

One Big Family and One Little Hello

God reveals Himself and speaks to us in so many amazing ways. As I was driving to the church Tuesday afternoon, I was amazed at how much farmland there is here. Everything is so green and some fields have a tall golden grass and I couldn't help but think of Matthew 9:37-38. "Then he said to the disciples 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.'" I had a few little butterflies in my stomachs but after remembering these verses, they died. When arriving at the church, I had no idea and I STILL have no idea what this summer is going to entail, but I DO know this is where I need to be. I have been blessed with a wonderful host family, a beautiful location, and an amazing staff that is excited to utilize me in every area this summer from children's and youth ministry to music to outreach!

The next day as I was driving to the church The Garden by Needtobreathe came on my iPod. If you don't know the song the chorus is this:

"Let the songs I sing, bring joy to you. Let the words I say, profess my love. Let the notes I choose, be Your favorite tune. Father, let my heart be after You."

It reminded me that everything I did that day and the next and the next was all for Him. What a wonderful reminder to start the day with!

Wednesday night was my first church service at Southside. Before the service, I was lucky enough to meet with the Children's committee and see what they were planning for the summer and give some input after the associate pastor and I swiftly headed to the youth building. During the youth meeting, I was able to lead worship for the group and introduce them to a new song (God of This City) that will be our theme song for the summer. The youth group here is an exciting group that are very active. Most all of them like to talk and like to hang out with each other.

After the service, the associate pastor's sweet little 6 year-old went around and introduced me to some families. She went around pulling me by the hand asking everyone in her sweet little voice "Have you met Lydia?" After she had introduced me to many of the people that were still hanging around the church, I let her go play. For a little while, I watched as some of the guys played basketball while some little ones ran around them as they played. I noticed one guy leaned down and talk to one of the kids in the middle of the game; I noticed another one pick up a little boy and tickle him and make him burst into laughter. Then something came to me: Why was I so nervous about coming here this summer? We're all apart of God's family. This was just another part of God's family that I was getting to join for the summer. Seeing the adults smile and talk and joke with each other and watching the youth play and chase the children made me feel at home. I felt my shoulders relax as I took a deep breath and I couldn't help but smile.

If we're all a part of God's family, why does it matter if we're in Norris, South Carolina or Rocky Mount, North Carolina? I started thinking, why aren't all churches welcoming to newcomers? Do we even think about the baggage people could be carrying or where they come from when they walk through our doors? What if they've never had anyone look them in the eye and genuinely say "I'm happy you're here tonight."? Let's wake up church and realize that not everyone has seen and felt the love of God like we have. And also, let's realize that there are other churches just like us with the same goal we have. We are ALL here for HIS glory and not our own! Next time you pass by another church, why not pray for how God is using THAT church for His kingdom. And next time you see that guy slip in the back row or that woman you've never seen in your Sunday school class, maybe you should say hello. You never know what God could do with one little hello.

Hit the Road, Jack!

God calls us all to different things. We each have a special and unique role within the body of Christ. This blog is simply about my journey in finding how the Lord wants me to serve this summer and in many summers to come!

My name is Lydia Baker and I am a Music Therapy major at Converse College. This summer God has called me to something awesome: to be a summer missionary! If you're wondering what in the world does that entail? That's what this post is for!

Tomorrow morning, I will begin my journey to a small place in North Carolina called Rocky Mount. God is doing some pretty amazing things at Southside Baptist Church. The church is quickly growing, even the building itself is growing. I am blessed to even have the opportunity to be able to join the growth here this summer.

I'll be working primarily in the youth department but am mainly there to add extra support to the staff through the busy season of children and youth ministry. I'm really excited about some of the opportunities I'm going to have. I'll be teaching Sunday School, assisting in planning youth events, helping with Vacation Bible School, and possibly even starting their youth praise band (which I'm super pumped about!)

This blog is mainly meant to keep my loved ones posted on what's going on, but it is also a way for me to express where this journey is going to take me. God always has a way of getting us exactly where we're supposed to be without us even knowing it.

I once heard a message that had these three points about trusting the Lord with the future.
     1. We have to wait for God's timing
     2. We have to follow for God's leadership
     3. We have to believe God's promises

Well, I waited and God brought me an opportunity: Southside. I'm trying to follow by leaving my friends and family for a majority of the summer to live with strangers and show love to people I've never met. And I know without a shade of a doubt that He is going to do something way beyond are pitiful human expectations.

Quickly, I want to thank my church family. I know some of them will be reading this and I just want you to know how thankful I am to have a church family that not only prays but strongly encourages missions as much as we do. We may be small but God is blessing us for our efforts!

I also would like to say thank you to Southside for even hiring me. I know a lot of prayer and decision making went into picking me for this position and I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to simply love on people and serve others for an entire summer!

Most importantly, I want to thank the Lord! He has blessed me in so many ways and my only hope is that I could use those gifts to point them towards the one who gave them to me.

I'll be keeping this updated as much as I can on events and what God's doing in Rocky Mount.