MFUGE: Mission First is helping, working and impacting

Jacob Tatum

New Life Baptist church

Atlanta, GA

Age:16

Helping, working, impacting - three words that can be used to describe what goes on at Mission First. The staff here are dedicated to showing Godly love to whoever may need it, regardless of background. The lives blessed and touched by Mission First are apparent and can be seen even by those who are here for just a couple hours a day.

During my time at MFUGE this week, I decided to do step out and do something different, just for the fun, to see what amazing things God would show me through my time here. Paint, construction and yard work (PCY) was not my strongest area of ministry. After all, I'm not the strongest or most hardworking individual. However, I knew God was going to bless me somehow. Sure enough, the first day on site was amazing, and God's presence was apparent. Children and youth are loved and nurtured in a way that will raise them to be the next generation of Christ-followers. This showed me Mission First is a place where I wanted to help in any shape, form or fashion.

God has blessed me through this work. It was amazing just to see children and youth light up when we stepped on campus, even if we weren't serving directly with them. Even through mowing the grass and working, they were happy to see us. The need is great. There is no question. But, by serving with Mission First - even when it is tough, strenuous and tiring work - I was blessed by God. There is a much bigger picture than what I ever thought about. What Mission First is doing is what's most important.

As followers of Christ, we are called to help others. God has given me this opportunity and opened my eyes to notice, "Hey, I'm being selfish and need to help others and not how can I help myself. I'm blessed to be here and it has changed my life. I hope that the work done here will impact some person who is in need, and they will get to know God just from a couple hours of work." Working in hot weather is a small price for me to pay to receive a larger blessing of showing people the love of Christ. It is my prayer that they will receive salvation through it. It makes me smile to think about that and the impact Mission First makes on this community.

MFUGE: Stand up to the challenge

Derek Ferguson

First Baptist Church Ville Platte

Ville Platte, Louisiana

Age: 15

This week at Mission First, I was part of the recreation group of MFuge at Mission First. It has been a great experience. I can tell the staff loves what they do, because they work very hard to provide the youth with a place to have fun, but to also learn about Christ while they interact with each other. The coaches are very devoted to their job and work really hard.

I personally wish I had a little more time here to spend because I can really see that the youth appreciate us being here, and that our work really makes a difference. Mission First is a great place to serve with. I hope Mission First continues to grow and build for many years to come. I hope that everyone across the city gets a chance to experience it!

One thing I have learned this week is to take what God gives you and do your best for the good of everyone around you. No matter what happens, God will stand with you so you can stand up to the challenge!

MFUGE: Oh, to be a kid again

Nicola Callahan

Faith Baptist Church

Meridian

Age: 15

When I first found out that I was placed in the children's ministry rotation, I must admit I was disappointed. I honestly said, "God, I was chasing kids around the week before at my church's Vacation Bible School! Not kids again!?!"

But, I prayed to God that night. When I showed up the first day at Mission First, I expected nothing less than kids putting glue and glitter in my hair. Then, I went into the kid's music class and started singing. I started singing like a 15-year old, then a 10-year old and then a five year old. It was amazing!

The Lord worked in my heart so much since the previous night, and made me a kid again. I played, laughed and sang with all the kids. I made up games and enjoyed their sweet smile.

Even when it was rough, I remember what our MFUGE leader, Nick, said, "Its only fun if you want it to be." When Jesus allowed me to remember this fact, I saw Him in every nervous, loud, playful, and energetic child. I am so going back next summer.