6.12.09 - Parkersburg Update 3
Lee
The second full day of work has been completed. Some projects were finished and some have tomorrow to get as much done as possible. Prayers have been answered! We have been fortunate to not have any rain during the last two days although some is moving in tonight. Pray that God will allow projects to finish. He is doing great things in the hearts of the students and people from this area. Many needs have been met and many grateful people have been touched through this week. Tonight students heard from Parkersburg's Chief of Police, Rob and fellow student Alexis Simmons whose house was destroyed by the tornado. VOTA also played. Tomorrow is the last work day. In the evening VOTA will put on a concert in the Parkersburg fire station with Alli Rogers and Rob will speak.
6.11.09 - Parkersburg Update 2
Lee
Students were sent out today to many different work sites. Many great things were accomplished! They painted, washed windows, cleaned up piles of debris, shingled roofs... you name it! Work began this morning at 8:15. Lunch time came at noon on site with sack lunches, followed by some group time. Work resumed at 1. Students returned at 4:00 for showers and time alone with God at 5:30. Supper is at 6:00 followed by an evening session, a recap of the day and small group time. VOTA will lead worship and Rob will speak. Teams will get back to work tomorrow morning. Many will return to the same site they worked at today while others, who finished work on their sites, will do something different. Pray for plenty of rest and for a good night's sleep!
Go to the Synod Youth website or Rise's Facebook page for updates, photos and videos.
6.10.09 - Parkersburg Update 1
Lee
Rise on the road Parkersburg officially got under way tonight. The 22+ students started rolling in at about 6:30. VOTA kicked off the week with a half-hour set. Rob said a few words to challenge students to extend beyond the ordinary. Students were placed into their groups and met up with their work teams. The work begins tomorrow bright and early. Stay tuned for more updates!
6.9.09 - Day Before Parkersburg
Lee
Today part of the Rise on the Road Parkersburg team arrived on site. Things are being prepared for the arrival of the 200+ volunteer students tomorrow. Devotionals, shirts and groups are all organized and ready to go. Students will be staying at Aplington-Parkersburg Middle School in Aplington, 4 miles from Parkersburg and will arrive Wednesday night at 7 pm. Everyone is excited and ready to go! Please pray for safety in travel, willings hearts and guidance for adult leaders and speakers.
6.8.09 - Rise Update
Lee
We are about to hit the ground running for the summer. This next week sees the first Rise on the Road. We will be leaving in shifts to Parkersburg on Tuesday and Wednesday. We will have over 240 volunteers working on 20 different projects and then enjoying a free concert by VOTA and Alli Rogers on Saturday night. Rob will also speak. The last few days have been crazy making sure everything is set to go for Parkersburg this week. We’ve been putting together booklets, making phone calls, going to meetings and running around to line things up. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter (twitter.com/robrise), and at www.riseministries.com for updates throughout the week.
While we are at Parkersburg, Jordan will be taking a team to Alaska for a different Rise on the Road. They will leave on Saturday the 13th. 13 volunteers will be going and helping with a children’s camp for Crosspoint Community Church.
After we get back from Parkersburg, RiseFest is right around the corner on the 20th. We will have a week to make RiseFest happen! During that week the Northwest Iowa Rise on the Road is going on as well. That Rise on the Road will have volunteers working in Orange City and Sheldon with The Bridge and Love INC.
Let the madness begin!