WOW

I just realized that the blog was long over due for an update- and with about 19 days till departure I best get on it so here it goes: Since the last post in April much has happened, we have had out last fundraising event, Isaya wrote his article for the Window, we challenged ourselves to write letters to family and friends outside our parish for support and of course we continued to meet regularly to pray and prepare.

The Spring tea and fashion show was a wonderful celebration all who attended had a great time, ate well and enjoyed the fashions provided by Redeemed. The event raised approximately 800$ a real blessing as we edged towards departure day.

The challenge to write to our friends and family outside the parish was a great task and true lesson for some. The art of how to post a letter may be lost but it was revived for the occasion. Each of us had to write five letters, as mentioned outside our parish and they had to go the old fashioned way- Canada Post! One of the mission moms helped write a very nice, professional letter that we had to add a personal note to. For some this challenge was truly that- a challenge but the letters that were sent out have received a great response. The letters also helped the team grow more comfortable talking about our mission and the the time we will spend serving.

Now words from Isaya:

This will be the last instalment of articles from the Youth Missions team before we leave for France. We have thrown our hearts, souls, time, and energy into preparing for our trip; which is now less than 30 days away (June 28-July 12). If you have been reading our articles every month in the Window you have gotten know the team (if you missed a few check out the Window online). But until you have seen the group work, grow, and meet together like I have over the last year you really do not know how amazing they really are. One year, many fundraisers, plenty of meetings, and meals together and I know God has put this team together for His service and we are ready. I have been on a few short term missions trips over the years and although I cannot say for sure, I know our team is equipped to and will do amazing things in France.
I have been attending St. Aidan’s for about five years. We first came to St. Aidan’s because Caroline did her youth internship with Chelsea Halstead and now 4 years later I am still active with the youth group (my wife after all, is the youth director). It makes me so excited that St. Aidan’s views its youth and children as the future of the church and provides avenues for them to be a central part of the faith family. This mission trip is one of the amazing avenues.
The team have been working through a book called “Before You Pack Your Bag Prepare Your Heart” reading ourselves for our trip. The book has allowed us drawn closer together and have united our expectations and mindset creating a stronger team. We have studied scripture, learnt about French culture from Allison Moore, worked together planning fundraisers, shared our hopes, concerns, and outright fears. This pre-trip work and study has been encouraging, challenging and has fortified the team. Our study book will continue through our time in France as we server and extend to debriefing when we return.
So as we finish off our pre-trip preparation and get ready to depart I and the entire team ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. Please pray for continued team unity, for safety, God’s provision of wisdom, energy and for our openness to let God use us for whatever his purpose may be. Thank you for all your support and continued prayer and support.

Blessings,
Isaya Woytowich

This weekend we will be commissioned at both the 8:30am and 10am services at St. Aidan's. (and we also have our last team meeting) In one way this is a very special and exciting event but it also marks the beginning of a very long time before the whole team is worshiping together again at St. Aidan's. the following weekends 2 members of the team will be away in Toronto then a pre-trip in the UK. Upon return 5 of us will repack for the Sonshine festival and then some of the team is of to serve a camp and of course some have summer jobs. Your prayers and thoughts are valued during this time. Prayerfully we can continue to keep the blog more up to date over the coming weeks and during the trip.

~Caroline