We are back! We arrived in town on Saturday, and we had an awesome time in Mississippi.

I want all parents to know that your kids were amazing!

I will continue to post pictures for the rest of this week (July 17 - 21) so check back.

Today three groups went out into the community to help mrs. patrick, mary, and the city manager, while one stayed back at the campsite to help clean up the village. At this point most groups have been into the community once, and were all in shock at what awesome power this storm had on the residents of D' Iberville. To help clean up this disaster we hung drywall, demolished a shed (at the delight of the campers) and spread sand on a beach. Afterwards we were all sweaty and tired (as usual) but overall happy at what we had accomplished.

Although going into the community felt great and was what we had expected to do every day coming into this trip, it's the general concensus that we were all fed up with work at the campsite. At devotions we kind of put it out into the air we were tired of doing stuff around camp and wanted to change people's lives in the community, but then Dave told us how much that Ed and Irene appreciated the work being done and how much it was changing there campsite and affecting the amount of work the campers could put out into the community. This was kind of a determining factor in the attitude of the campers, that they were suddenly more determined than ever to get as much work done as possible, anywhere, on that last week day. Also, since we were all in an honest mood, it really affected devotions that night, everyone opened up and that made devotions more real, and more emotionally intense. I believe everyone on that Party Bus was changed more than a little bit last night.

Jake Mobilian and Jason Adkins

We have had two incredible days since our last update! After our worship time tonight we will post our latest stories and photos.

The RTC students are doing very well. They have been serving and loving each other and the residents of D'Iberville as Christ loves and serves the church. God is smiling.

Come back! We'll get you up to date tonight!

CRM and the RiverTree Team

RiverTree Christian- Sr. High- Hurricane Katrina

Today our group split into four seperate teams. One of the teams went out into the community and hung insulation at Mary's house. She was very appreciative of our help and insisted on working along side of us. During our lunch break she came outside with a cold towel and wiped our faces and arms to cool us off. She was more than generous to each and every one of us.
Generosity and appreciation were seen almost everywhere, including Wal-Mart. Benny took Megan to Wal-Mart to buy nicotine patches and gum to help support her on her newly found faith with Christ. They also picked up other necessities for the students in our group. When they were at the register Benny realized he had forgotten his wallet in his tent back at the village. As he explained the situation and asked to put the items aside, a man named Mr. Berry noticed the volunteer badge and with appreciation to what the volunteers have done for the town, offered to pay for their purchases. This incident shows us how much appreciation the community has for our time we spend and the impact we make.
The rest of our groups stayed and worked in the village. They worked on tasks that included the finishing of cleaning up the field, organizing the refridgerated trailer, cleaning up the tool sheds, and cleaning out and preparing some of the extra tents for incoming volunteers. People say that God is all knowing and that was proven to us today through the preparation of the extra tents. A group from Florida came up today and brought more people than expected. As it turned out the extra tents we had prepared accommodated just enough for the extra volunteers. Miss Irene, the manager of the camp, was very grateful for how God's plan unfolded in this very foutunate way.
The day ended as well as it started with us leading devotion time for the camp. With God's blessing we were able to lead worship, prayer, dancing, and scripture for the other church voulnteers. They shared their stories with us, as we have just shared ours with you.
Sarah Cain and Allison Jordan

RiverTree Christian- Sr. High- Hurricane Katrina

We left the church at about 8 or so. The bus trip was long, but we watched movies almost the whole way down so that made it better. After sleeping for about 4 or 5 hours or so, we left and arrived here at D'Iberville. They put us straight to work after breakfast and unpacking for about 6 hours. We cleaned up a field that had pallets that were very heavy. We were all very tired afterward. We also cleaned up a toolshed that was probably 90 degrees but felt like 120 with humidity. A lot was done around here, and the staff was very appreciative of what we did.

Today we went to church, and broke an attendence record. Dave preached and it was a different experience for all of us. After chruch we all took tours of the area and saw all of the devastation. I couldn't imagine living through all of that. Houses were just ripped off foundations and floated away. There was also a lot of other things like that.

So far, everything has gone as smoothly as they are going to get. It will be a great week. Tommorrow we actually go outside the camp. We just need to stay focused on our reason behind why we are down here.

Hopefully we will be able to put pictures on here sometime soon so keep checking back for those.
Jordan Booth and Andrew ('Drew) Royer

We have been hard at it!

After the team got off the bus yesterday morning they checked in to the D'Iberville Volunteer Foundation (DVF), stowed their gear and went right to work. Because the weather is so hot (87 degrees and about 85% humidity) we worked forty-five minutes every hour and took a fifteen minute break out of the sun, in the shade. We cleared a field that the DVF had wanted to clear for some time, and they were very grateful!

Joe and his group organized the tool shed, another badly needed chore. We stayed in camp, but we made a huge impact. One of our goals for the week is to bless the DVF, and we are well on our way!

Today we went to church, toured D'Iberville, and then ate dinner. Several of our group worked with Ed and Irene all day, another impactful time.

The students are amazing, they are willing and ready to follow the Lord's lead. I cannot wait to see all that happens this week!

I just spoke to Pastor Benny and the group is on its way! They should be in around 12:00 AM. They will sleep in the tents, get up at 6:45, eat breakfast and after a quick CRM orientation we will get started! We will do camp chores (toilets, showers, kitchen and mess hall), then we will start helping the D'Ibervill Volunteer Assistance group by organiizing the tool shed and cleaning the grounds.

Sunday we will eat breakfast (bagels, cereal and fruit) and go to church at Biloxi First Christian. The we will tour the area, possibly even New Orleans, then back to camp to free time. We will do worship and devotions, then debrief. Lights out at 10:00 and an early day on Monday!

It is hot in D'Iberville (87 with 85% humidity), so we'll pack lots of water and gatorade with us.

I was reading Ephesians last night, 4:11 - 16. I know God has gifted our group in unique ways to help here, and I am excited to see how he will work through us!

We'll do our best to update this blog daily. Keep coming back to hear how God is using us to advance His Kingdom!

Mucho Agape,
David.

The Rivertree Senior High Mission trip leaves for D'Iberville, Mississippi on Friday, July 7. The bus will leave at 8:00 a.m., so be there early, like 7:00 or 7:30 at the latest.

It is muy importante that you have all the paperwork completed, notarized and turned in to Rivertree before you go on the trip! If paperwork is not handed in, you can't come with us - and we REALLY want you to come with us!

Check the packing list - it was sent to your parents and is posted on this blog. It is muy importante that you bring appropriate clothing for ministry and construction. There is also other vital information on the packing list!

Bring your bibles and notebooks. we will provide you with a daily devotional, but it is muy importante that you bring your bible.

One more muy importante - be ready to have fun and see God! He has been preparing works of service for you in advance of your coming to D'Iberville. He wants the best for you, and has made a work for you this week that will rock your world! Expect it , and look for Him!

For you are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for works of service which the father prepares for you in advance. Ephesians 2:10