M-Fuge Week 2 Photos

M-Fuge Week Two - OASIS

Andrew Mauroner
M-Fuge OASIS Volunteer
FBC Covington; Covington, LA
Age 16

I couldn’t wait for this summer. I had just received a car and I’m working constantly. To tell the truth, I really wasn’t looking forward to this trip. I had signed up, but I was enjoying my summer so much. I reluctantly packed my bags and headed to Jackson, Mississippi for M-Fuge. My first day, I was given a sheet asking what I was interested in doing for camp. I signed up for children’s ministry, I love kids. As I was briefed on how to handle the kids and how to deal with them, I was thinking, “Oh gosh, what have I gotten myself into?” Well, I ended up having an incredible experience!

My first day, I lead arts and crafts with the children; making bracelets mainly. I noticed that the kids just love to hug on you and talking to you. My first day I was taught by the girls how to play a hand game called, “Down by the riverside.” My first day was tiring, but extremely emotional. I met a young boy named Jonathan. He is absolutely priceless.
We bonded instantly, and that bond continued to grow throughout the week.

My second day, I was in the jungle gym, playing with the kids. These kids are very energetic. The kids jump on your back and ask you to go down the slide. They play games like hide and seek and tag. This day I got to see the energy in these children.

My third day, I was doing Bible Study, which I had waited for all week. The children of course, were not looking for it. My group and I chose the story of “ Jonah and the big fish.” As each age group came through, I got to open them up a little and tell them the story of Jonah. About ten minutes before the fifth grade class left, our parent chaperone told the boys I got to ask them five questions and they got to ask me five questions. So, I felt that after asking my questions, this boy, Marcello, opened up to me. He told me of his life, his religion, his likes, dislikes, everything. After I said, “okay, that’s it, that’s my five questions,” he said, “what?! Already?” He asked my questions such as, “What video games you got?” He has a lot of humor in him.

My final day at Summer at the OASIS (the children’s camp), we surprised the kids with a water day. This consist of a mini-pool, slip and slide, and water balloons. I really bonded with the kids this trip and learned a lot about what God has planned for them. He has a future for them in this city. God has taught me a lot this week and I think he taught me the most through the kids.

M-Fuge Week Two - Sports and Adolescent

Steve Crockett
Sports & Adolescent M-FUGE Volunteer
Fellowship Baptist Church; Liberty Hill, TX
Age 21

When I came to Mission First, I thought I would just be ministering to the youth of Jackson. My thought was that I would come in, love on them, play with them, talk to them and that would be it. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done that. I love doing that. But I’ve learned so much from working with them.

It has been an amazing experience to see their hearts. From day one, they’ve blown me away. After only about half an hour being here, we went to lunch. I sat at a table of guys ages ten to thirteen years old. They were sandwiched up next to another table of even more youth the same age. It took me back to my days in elementary and middle school, with all the trading of snacks, the jokes and all of the fun. Then, I noticed something different. The boy sitting next to me hadn’t brought a lunch that day—I guess he forgot it or forgot to pack it—but all the other kids at the table started giving him their snacks since he didn’t have anything to eat. They even stuck up for him when other kids tried to jump on the opportunity for extra food or barter for snack, and he ended up with a full lunch, complete with probably more food than he would have brought for himself.

The ministry here is amazing in the way that I, an outsider who has been here for less than a week, can see God’s love mirrored in these students. As Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” There’s an incredible thing here, and I’m privileged to have been a part of it.

M-Fuge Week Two - PCY

Ashley Chambliss
Paint, Construction & Yardwork
MFUGE Volunteer
Liberty Park Baptist Church; Vestavia Hills, AL
Age 19

I came to Mission First this week as a M-FUGE Volunteer doing painting, construction, and yard work. Before the first day started, I was a little hesitant about being outside all day doing work. However, God truly showed me his love and grace which enabled me to forget about all of my distractions and be able to share his love with others. Everyone I met from Mission First has a passion for the Lord and is doing a great job at furthering God’s Kingdom.

My favorite day of the week was Thursday because we were able to go to a widower’s home and clean up his yard for him because he was not physically able to do it anymore. Seeing this man’s face as we walked up was a gift that will never be forgotten; he was so thrilled to see that we wanted to help him out. This made me recognize the importance of being God’s hands. I believe Mission First is a great place for Jackson to have. All of the volunteers and workers are dedicated to serving the Lord and helping those in need. I pray that God’s Hands will continue to be on Mission First and everyone who comes here for any reason will see what the Lord has done for them.

Calvary Baptist Church; Starkville, MS

Taylor Teague
Calvery Baptist Church; Starkville, MS
Age: 16

Coming to Mission First, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I knew we would be working in the city with children and maybe some sort of construction or demolition. When we pulled up, I was surprised to see that we were staying in a newly built dorm with a gym a couple of steps a way and a few other buildings around.

The next day 4 people were picked and they worked with the kids here and the rest of us worked with hammers taking off plaster on walls. It was a lot of fun, we had our Christian music blaring out of the radio, and the people that worked with kids said that the kids were very loving and just wanting a hug.

Day 2, I worked with 3rd through 5th grade girls. They are so sweet and loving, just wanting to sit next to you and talk.

The 3rd and last day I worked demo. Again, it was hard work but worth every drop of sweat.

Through my experience, I learned about Mission First’s heart for the downtown area of Jackson. They are trying to reach out to some individuals who have a hard life. And, they are doing a really wonderful job!

I am very humbled and awed by how much these people love this community. There has been a lot of volunteer work here and there will be a lot more needed to get the job done but this is a wonderful this and is a blessing to everybody that comes to Mission First.

M-Fuge Week 1 Photos