MFUGE: Part of the transformation

Erica Peterson

First Baptist Church Mountain Park

Stone Mountain, Georgia

Age: 17

When I first came to Jackson, all I thought about was the heat! It is probably about 10 degrees hotter in Jackson than at home, so it definitely took some getting used to. Walking across the campus at Mississippi College, I prayed that God would allow me to choose the right track for my M-Fuge rotation. I was torn between two options, but chose to work with the children’s program at Mission First.

So, early Monday, we all piled into a charter bus and set out for Mission First. I noticed a lot of things in the neighborhoods were very different from where I live. I could tell that in areas it must be difficult to live here.

Coming to Mission First, I didn’t know how much I could invest into the lives of the children. However, when I arrived, I could already see God and His hand at work. From the beautiful mural on the playroom walls, to the hand made crafts in all of the rooms, I could feel the joy and love of God everywhere.

I was very impressed with the way the staff and volunteers cared for these students. It’s truly a great thing that God has going at Mission First! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of the transformation!

Youth enjoying the playroom sponsored by the

Junior League of Jackson.

MFUGE: Love is what the world needs

Miranda Carter

Memorial Baptist Church

Buies Creek, North Carolina

Age: 14

My week at Mission First was absolutely awesome! It was my very first year participating in M-FUGE, and I am so glad that I did. When we were choosing tracks, my first choice was children, then games and recreation, then social. My plan was to be in the children’s track, but God had other plans. I was a little upset until my friend Bradley told me that God had me where He wanted me.

The first day we had the opportunity to meet the student that we would be partnered with for the week. My partner’s name was Jasmine. She is 11 and is going into the sixth grade. We had a great time getting to know each other and sharing about what was going on in our lives. I truly have grown to love all of the students here.

Through my time at Mission First, we learned a lot about teamwork and caring for each other. All of us are very competitive, but it was so much fun. I pray that God continues to provide for this organization, because they are giving this city what everyone needs most – LOVE.

MFUGE: Work for the Lord

Noah Norris

Love Memorial Church

Goldsboro, North Carolina

Age: 13

This week has been awesome, and I wish I could stay longer. They do so much for so many people here. Eric Troyer, the projects coordinator, is one of the coolest, hardworking people you will ever meet. He has a ton of energy, and desires to make Mission First the best it can possibly be. It has been so great to see how many people are impacted through Mission First. There is no doubt that lives are changed everyday through the work here. I pray that it stays around for a very long time.

One thing that I have learned this week comes from Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at is with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Eric Troyer, Projects Coordinator

overseeing the summer work at Mission First.

MFUGE WEEK 4

A few shots from MFUGE Week 4:

MFUGE: Transformation revisted

Donna Broussard

Dutchtown Baptist

Prairieville, Louisiana

Adult volunteer

Working for God is a passion, and a direction I feel that He continually affirms as my act of service. In preparing my heart and mind for camp, I was reminded about my last camp experience two years ago as a chaperone. As a PCY (painting/construction and yard work) enthusiast, I signed up as a PCY leader/driver. I was blessed by being brought to Mission First. Driving to Mission First you quickly realize that the area in which it resides is somewhat forgotten and dilapidated. How surprising to drive up and see a real community center in the middle of this seemingly "forgotten" neighborhood. Two years ago the surrounding houses, commercial area across the street and the fence surrounding this beautiful campus were in such disarray that the prospect of parking on the street (because there was no other choice) was a more than a little disheartening. But the Lord blessed our week and we were able to do our little part in maintaining the campus to allow them to continue to bless this neighborhood.

Now fast forward two years . . . I was excited as we drove up to Mission First and to park in the new parking lot that a generous donor had been lead by the Lord to provide for them. The fence that was falling down around the center to make it a secure area had been replaced by a beautiful iron fence that not only gave you a sense of safety and comfort but it looked beautiful! But the most exciting news was to learn that the commercial strip center that had been abandoned for many years is being renovated to move the medical, dental and legal aid offices so that they are better able to serve even more brothers and sisters in Christ and those that don't know Him! God has blessed the community center in so many ways because of their steadfastness in Him. None of the “projects” have been done haphazardly and without much prayer . . . it is evident in the joy found in every person you come across at the center and the ease at which the children of the neighborhood play, laugh and smile as they walk through this amazing place. What better way to share your love of Christ than to paint, construct and tend to the wonders He has provided to us!

Mission First will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to come back next year and the year after that to see how God has continued to make this His Mission First.

MFUGE: Experiencing amazing love

Cheyenne Bright

FBC Denham Springs

Denham Springs, LA

Age 16

This week at Mission First has been truly amazing! When I first decided to come to Fuge, I was originally going to go to Centrifuge. Two days before I left, my youth minister asked if I wanted to do Mission Fuge instead. I, without a doubt, accepted the offer. I felt like God told me to go for it and I did. When I had to pick which group I wanted to work with, I knew children would be it. I have always had a passion for working with children, and I was so blessed to finally have a chance to do so. I went into this week not really knowing what to expect from the group of children I would be working with, but Nick (our leader) explained it all so well that I was beyond excited!

This week changed my life. I feel like God put me here to tell me I need to pursue missions work with children. The look on their faces when we arrive each day is priceless. They did not know us personally, but they knew who we were. The look up to us in so many ways, and knowing that just gives me this spiritual high that is the best feeling in the world.

God has really shown me this week how truly blessed I really am. Also he has taught me to have lots of patience when working with children. I was a little worried at first that the kids wouldn't like me, but the moment they stepped in the room everything was so natural. As I leave this week, I pray these children will continue to grow spiritually. I will without a doubt look into doing missions in my hometown to work with children! Thank you Mission First for letting me experience love like this!

MFUGE: Mission First is a blessing to the community

Amee Rachal
Escatawpa Baptist
Escatawpa, Mississippi
Age: 16

This week at M-Fuge has been so amazing! I’ve met new people, played games and most importantly, I’ve grown closer to God. I chose the recreation track and I’m so thankful I did! Our mission site was at Mission First. There we made friends with youth and teenagers from the inner city area. It has been so wonderful spending time with everyone here, playing games with them and getting to know them. They were so welcoming and it just seemed like they really wanted us to be there. It was so easy to see how much fun everyone had at Mission First.

It’s easy to tell that God surrounds this place with his love and safety. And, it just warmed my heart when the youth would volunteer to pray or when they had their Bibles out. With Mission First these youth get an opportunity to see how amazing God really is! Mission First is such a blessing to the community.