MISSION TRIP UPDATE: DAY 4

Today was our last day at the home of Betty & Louie. Whereas yesterday’s service was somewhat hampered by muggy heat and cloudy skies, the kids came at today with renewed zeal after praying with one another during the evening service for day 3. It was such a massive reward to see how high we had piled all the debris from their 90 acre farm. You could see it in the faces of the kids, and in the eyes of the family - we really had made a difference. 

When we returned from Lawrence, we got to work at the Franciscan residence next door. The sisters have been such a blessing, as has our seminarian, Matthew, who had to depart this morning. So many of the teens have started talking openly about vocations in such an inspiring way. God is surely doing good work in their hearts this week, regardless of where they might be called. 

 I keep being reminded in our opportunities for prayer here - the poorest hearts are those that don’t know Christ’s love. For families like Louie’s, for the sisters, for our awesome leaders, there is very little material good. The families have suffered tragedy, and the rest of us have willfully sacrificed little comforts either for the week or as a vocation. The amazing thing is that they couldn’t be happier because they know Jesus. They live in hope. It’s a humbling privilege to watch our kids be moved to conversion by all of it - by living with very little (if only for a while) to serve the poor and needy. There’s a lot of people who let their lives be controlled by sin, despair, and fear. These kids? They’re growing into fearless disciples of the Most High. 

Tonight, we’ll get to sit before our Lord in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Some will be moved to receive the Sacrament of Penance. Pray for the continued grace of open hearts, and know of our many prayers and offerings for you. 

In Christ’s Love,

Brian Kusek