Important Information

Trip Itinerary

Day 2
6-22-08

Sunday morning in Virginia! We met at 8:00 and walked to a nearby Burger King. After breakfast we returned to the motel to a conference room and had an outstanding worship service. I think it was very meaningful and special to all of the students. Make sure you ask them about it when you talk to them.

We loaded the bus and left around 11:00. On the road again… No movies this morning just visiting with each other and getting to know those we were seated near. Around 12:15 the bus needed to get some gas, so everyone had to get off. To fill the time we played some awesome games. Again, make sure you ask the students about those when you talk to them. Back on the bus for 15 or 20 minutes and we stopped where there was a McDonald’s, a KFC and a Long John Silver’s close together. All had their fill.

Back on the bus! A couple more hours driving and we could tell we were getting close! We could see water and it looked like the salty kind! Then we had to go through a tunnel under the water to get across to another part of the bay. Finally we arrived at Virginia Wesleyan College and the dorm we will live in for the better part of the week. We unloaded all the luggage (with only one small injury during this process and it was just a chaperone) and every one found their room.

We did have one snafu, the dorm was suppose to have linens for us (sheets and towels) but they were nowhere to be seen, and we were told we could not get them until Monday morning. I think that it was actually a good learning experience for the students. How should Christians handle a minor crisis? I think DJ did a very good job of explaining that we have a problem and there are several ways it could be handled. We could get really angry and have a heated discussion with the folks at the college who where suppose to make sure everything was ready for us, but it is obvious that they could not do anything to solve our problem right then, so that is probably not the best way for it to be handled. We could also pray about the situation, and look for a solution. After prayer, and a call to Cornerstone Bible Church, Pastor Stacy said they could collect enough sheets and sleeping bags for us to use Sunday night, until we could get our sheets from the college. It’s amazing how God works through other Christians to take care of our needs. As for the towel situation, everyone can use their beach towel to dry for now. When we get the towels from the college, Cyndi, Jeanette, and Lori will gather the beach towels and launder them before we actually go to the beach.

Everyone (most everyone) got on the bus at 4:45 to head to the church for Sunday night worship. It was actually around 5:00 when we were heading out. It is about 30 miles from the college to where Cornerstone Bible Church meets. Shortly after leaving campus, we hit a dead still traffic jam. An accident held up traffic. We were not sure we were going to get to church on time, so Dave called Pastor Stacy to let them know. But we did get through and made it to the church just a little after 6:00, and they were waiting for us to arrive before they started services. Salt sang several songs and did an excellent job. Pastor Stacy, and Dave Collie both gave us challenges for the week and we closed with a session of small group prayer.

I think it is good for our students to see such a solid group of believers, dedicated to the Lord’s work, meeting in less than desirable circumstances. It is good for them to see that even though Cornerstone Bible Church does not have a big fancy building, they are still serious about reaching Virginia Beach for Christ. Cornerstone Bible Church is using an elementary school for their services and they had around 60 in attendance for Sunday night worship. Amazing! They are looking to purchase some land, but I found out while talking with some of their members, that a 3 acre lot in Virginia Beach costs around $1,000,000.00.

After church, we all (Cornerstone Bible & Campbellsville Baptist Church) went out to eat and fellowship. It was a huge buffet. It was seafood night, everyone ate too much, and I’m sure we got our money’s worth! It was an amazing time of fellowship with them. We stayed long after everyone finished eating.

After we ate we made our first stop at Wal-Mart. Of course everyone needed something. Back on the bus for the 30 minute ride back to the dorm (no traffic jam!). Justin Hayes (Buzz) led us in group devotion and everyone got their borrowed sheets and turned in for the night. All of the students’ behavior is exceptional. We can feel that they are ready to begin doing some of the work that we have been talking to them about for months. Please continue to pray for the work ahead.