• Jenni Craig, Children's Ministry Assistant, at jenni@bridgewaycc.com or call her at 317-577-4159 ext. 106
• Joanna Nix, Student Ministries Assistant, at joanna@bridgewaycc.com or call her at 317-577-4159 ext. 108

Childcare will be provided for those who request it when they RSVP.  Come and see how God is asking us all to invest in kids and youth in the upcoming year!

We shared food, hugs, and splinters over the course of a few days—but our eyes were opened as we saw lifestyle differences immediately: no bathrooms or indoor plumbing, roller-coaster roads, and we built a house that was 12’x16’—almost the size of our students’ rooms!

Rather than let those differences separate us, our team did an amazing job of being flexible and honest with what we experienced.  Our focus became accomplishing the projects of building a house (complete with bunk beds, propane oven/stove, and dining room table and chairs) and building relationships.

One house had young girls whose prized possessions were some young puppies, and wonderful parents, grandparents, friends—even watermelon!  Another house had the high school boys disappear to return with luchador masks on!  One house had students who were too busy throwing, carrying, and wrestling local kids to help Pastor Craig clean up… ha!  And the final house was shocked to realize that $60 would send a teen back to school each year—so she didn’t have to stop at 5th grade.

These relationships are what will keep our church going back… we’ve already had some emails asking when the next trip will be planned!  Thank you for supporting prayers and the encouragement as we work to be Christ’s hands and feet.

• How we got the Bible
• How to study the Bible
• Basic faith concepts like sin, grace, repentance, forgiveness, salvation, sharing a testimony
• Baptism
• The Lord's Supper
• Starting a regular devotion

Parents will be invited to attend these classes with their children, if they desire.  Watch for specific details coming your way in August and keep your calendar open in September so your child will be able to attend all the classes (September 12, 19 and 26 - offered at both services).

The Mexico Challenge:  In the span of just two days, our team of 69 adults, students and children were able to build, from the ground up, four homes for needy families in Tijuana, Mexico. What made the trip such a life-changing experience was that we were able to work side-by-side with each of the families, building a relationship with them as the walls went up. The highlight of the trip was watching the looks on the families’ faces as they walked into their new homes to find that not only had they been built, but they had also been furnished! We’re grateful to our corporate sponsor Defender Direct and our ministry sponsor Youth with a Mission for providing this life-changing opportunity.

The Nicaragua Challenge:  Unlike Mexico, which is a new initiative, BridgeWay has been partnering with the church in Masatepe, Nicaragua for several years. Team members brought suitcases full of items to distribute, and then used Acts 1:8 Challenge funds to buy supplies to repair a number of dilapidated homes. In addition to serving the  physical needs of the poor, they also served their spiritual needs through a Vacation Bible School and a Bible study for women. The highlight of this trip was the opportunity to renew relationships that had been established on previous trips. We were also able to investigate ways BridgeWay can continue to partner with the church in Masatepe. We’re grateful for your gifts to the Acts 1:8 Challenge that helped support our team members and purchase supplies.

Ultimately, the purpose of these short-term mission trips is not only to change the lives of people in Mexico and Nicaragua, but also to change the lives of people here in Indiana. We’re already making plans for next year's trips.  So get your passports updated and you will be ready to go on a trip sponsored by BridgeWay International Community Church!

• Hear the vision for our upcoming ministry year that begins in September
• Learn new procedures that will benefit you and your child
• Meet the leaders who oversee your child's classroom
• Have a time of Q & A

This is an important gather and we ask that all parents of children ages birth through 4th grade plan on attending.  You may choose whichever service time works for you and join us in Room 105 in the children's hallway.  We'll even watch your children for you in their classes while you attend!  If you have any questions, please contact Lori Salomo, Director of Children's Ministries, at lori@bridgewaycc.com or call 317-577-4159 ext. 110.  See you at the August meetings!