tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90821522315330578682024-03-05T11:23:58.017-08:00A Cause Worth Praying ForTrey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-39206277414878958192023-12-26T19:03:00.000-08:002023-12-26T19:19:08.686-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBE_G7CoRJHW7FkK532V9bRAEChGOZKN_hTLgF-ggid3zAWJWiBSq-s3ORXkCsaHoRA8OcA43sClim_-RwOHr9gNmPv_n3Vln8I7eKH08Jz68fCHLE3tTH801kZeWDRwB-oMu3oXmt4DSV_3671nfFnIh_Nfza5vdleXnus6gTLXJH_xDaC8-n51Uv2eY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBE_G7CoRJHW7FkK532V9bRAEChGOZKN_hTLgF-ggid3zAWJWiBSq-s3ORXkCsaHoRA8OcA43sClim_-RwOHr9gNmPv_n3Vln8I7eKH08Jz68fCHLE3tTH801kZeWDRwB-oMu3oXmt4DSV_3671nfFnIh_Nfza5vdleXnus6gTLXJH_xDaC8-n51Uv2eY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span> <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Brothers and Sisters,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray that the end of the year finds you well and
brings joyful reflection. Looking back on my own year I find that it has been
full of God’s blessings. Starting off with my sabbatical towards the beginning
of the year. I got the rare opportunity to spend substantial time with my
family and gain plenty of spiritual rejuvenation. It certainly added a spring
to my step for the ladder half of the year! Which I was apparently going to
need. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">HOPE was hit with some substantial staff/volunteer
changes during the beginning of the fall semester. In all honesty, I was left scared
of how we would continue the program. But God is good. Instead of having less
help than last year we ended up having more! Causing us to add fourth graders
to our age range and almost doubling the roster size. What a joy to see how the
Lord grew the program overnight. Little else capitalized this point like our
Christmas party. We had seventeen of our twenty students show up for it. Ted,
our resident wonder chef, cooked up an amazing meal that the kids loved. We
played a bunch of Christmas games. Lastly, we had Santa (also played by Ted, he
wears many hats) show up and deliver our gift to all the students. The joy on
the fourth graders faces made the Santa experience extra energetic this year.
But the moment that stuck out to me the most was a text I received during all
the chaos. One of our students had gotten sick that morning at school and had
to be taken home early. As such, he ended up missing our party. He apparently
insisted that his mom let me know that he was sick and felt terrible about
missing the last day. That just really tugged at my heart. He’s one of our
fourth graders that never misses a day and while he’s suffering from a stomach bug
the first thing, he thinks about is how he has to miss being at HOPE. Our goal
for the program is always to make the kids feel loved and seen. Seems like this
student, and hopefully all of them, feel that. God is good. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My second big update is that we got to hold another
Kids Club in Lapwai, ID! This year we’ve had to cut back on some of our trips
due to scheduling conflicts and funding issues. Even our preceding trip was rougher
and left me feeling slightly discouraged about our continuing relationship
there. But just like with HOPE, the Lord worked despite my doubts. We brought two
vans to the boys and girls club. One full of presents and one full of SRM staff
and volunteers ready to love on kids. As we carried in the supplies to the gym,
the students were lined up along the bleachers as the staff told them about Kids </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Club. As soon as they saw us, a cheer erupted through the gym. The closest
comparison I have for how deafening it was, is an NHL Hockey game I went to
once. These kids were over the moon that we had come back. I felt pretty bad
for the staff that were trying to quiet them down to continue their assembly.
On top of this, I had more story volunteers than I knew what to do with. The club
staff sent in extra volunteers to help us which was greatly appreciated. Two of
them were starting another boys and girls club on another reservation town and excitedly
asked me if we would be interested in doing a Kids Club there as well!</span></div><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Last year I mentioned how many of the students hadn’t
heard the Christmas story before and what a surreal experience it was to tell
it. This time may have matched that experience. As we were preparing our
story helpers, I heard students quietly whispering what story we were going to
the other students that had missed last year’s Christmas kids club. What a
wonderful experience to see the change since last year.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAiDm8II6PwUPMjHxFMEnI2JvMvbuVneGS7oaUmlQLGlsBFRNo27Y4ui2o09VtrvnY1CahUsiI6o9acD80b6SrA6vNKBPTspL6Gu1WdlPAC0Di13rEm6aylRi5IMzzhRkwJqHqZcxvajqfXA_QSyR4fsIiOcSL3ZXwNDtRk2dDSkElv5OetvF6jD-EtvI" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">For both HOPE and Lapwai our events ended with the
same question from the students. “When will we be back?”. Different contexts
but the point remains the same. These children love the church and all her many
forms. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Whether it be an afterschool program or a quarter
yearly outreach event. As 2024 begins I can’t help but be excited to think
about what the new year will hold. Kids Clubs at new reservations? Longer Lapwai
visits? New HOPE students? Only the Lord knows, and I can’t wait to be a small
part of it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please continue to pray.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7gVT-3cxI2WOPamWgSn8RB9riKvnzRMJf6GwjNTio8AGvjavHFnhFr1grvG3RJpQG2US-yryoFCn3tT4VgU4PpZPnJTutypzLJY6fmmNM01ijSreNhUZWHkzcDbaqXlhBTX-7s03JmOaa_ESKvhhzNBsi6FTO174HzzeVPCFv3mIWCSp_Cenxyi2-Y04" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7gVT-3cxI2WOPamWgSn8RB9riKvnzRMJf6GwjNTio8AGvjavHFnhFr1grvG3RJpQG2US-yryoFCn3tT4VgU4PpZPnJTutypzLJY6fmmNM01ijSreNhUZWHkzcDbaqXlhBTX-7s03JmOaa_ESKvhhzNBsi6FTO174HzzeVPCFv3mIWCSp_Cenxyi2-Y04" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItCg4Xeh0qav0jr0RToFBvS_relnL2jhmLAULd6WTfS_kixLN3kchfeKgz4P-QQVe3ZHys55cTfS4QjSk0LWL3QQitibIL0xZQF4x0_YXtlxB4vaETyRg-ev7OiVo8XF-645ishoDwjHeSG8aO0rjPP3Rm0SdBMNCrkpU2bvI8pv_Uvme3szW6FlxTE8/s4032/IMG_7442.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItCg4Xeh0qav0jr0RToFBvS_relnL2jhmLAULd6WTfS_kixLN3kchfeKgz4P-QQVe3ZHys55cTfS4QjSk0LWL3QQitibIL0xZQF4x0_YXtlxB4vaETyRg-ev7OiVo8XF-645ishoDwjHeSG8aO0rjPP3Rm0SdBMNCrkpU2bvI8pv_Uvme3szW6FlxTE8/w320-h240/IMG_7442.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-86313645728968260892023-04-06T09:59:00.002-07:002023-04-06T09:59:25.213-07:00God is our Shepherd (Spring Teams 2023)<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Friends and Family, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here on the Rez we just finished our Spring teams.
This year we had four back-to-back weeks of college students from all over the
country coming to work and serve the community. Heading into this season I found
myself feeling worried and tired by the daunting task ahead. Certainly, it was
exhausting and I’m grateful for these past few days of extra sleep and rest,
but it was also profoundly encouraging. Having RUF college students come is
always heartening just by the presence of so many young believers. This time
around though there were two specific interactions that were clearly blessings
from the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAUFoNmWGTUgaXBV2Ka3vpK7gQS-aRDTOQqvAPfsTpAYT7cy_GDUbyFEfLyjKbFqgUksmRsQL0sJK1i2aiQfy1GbMbvQiBHyY-3A7-B2tgymjgcEHgeM32PqCU48iePEc5ZEFYfZePRY9D_wI8awe670tl4OPLX815h5th-ZPfDMXyjS3knCmDTcd/s4032/IMG_2836.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAUFoNmWGTUgaXBV2Ka3vpK7gQS-aRDTOQqvAPfsTpAYT7cy_GDUbyFEfLyjKbFqgUksmRsQL0sJK1i2aiQfy1GbMbvQiBHyY-3A7-B2tgymjgcEHgeM32PqCU48iePEc5ZEFYfZePRY9D_wI8awe670tl4OPLX815h5th-ZPfDMXyjS3knCmDTcd/s320/IMG_2836.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first one happened towards the very beginning of
the month. Last year we had a high school student who made sure her young siblings were at kids club every day of the summer. Even on the one day she
missed, she made sure another teen from the
house brought the little ones to kids club. Towards the end of last she year
passed away. Entering this year’s kids club I was conscious of the possibility
that we wouldn’t see those little ones without their older sister making sure
they came. For the first three days there was no sign of
them. On the fourth day their mom brought them and hung around for a little while as
they played. After twenty minutes or so she pulled me aside and asked if we could
just make sure they got home safe and if we could, she trusted us with
their care. “Of course!”, I practically shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapzKh0UxiaiWF-DTQXEqjnMGPn2hLUDMtU-qyo-bm0kbP35oxlkYCBkZf6MaCIaC9Rcq71CmBxBrQ5ur0kPDqp1Q1AVeRSiC0GIpqVMCHSCX65Xwcd1LRnbw7qLpOkjpXIrPHSnHRnZ72UsgnMN3ggw_oMaeX5RoyoUif3yvZj1ZWm39shPPeuYN2/s1670/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1670" data-original-width="1252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapzKh0UxiaiWF-DTQXEqjnMGPn2hLUDMtU-qyo-bm0kbP35oxlkYCBkZf6MaCIaC9Rcq71CmBxBrQ5ur0kPDqp1Q1AVeRSiC0GIpqVMCHSCX65Xwcd1LRnbw7qLpOkjpXIrPHSnHRnZ72UsgnMN3ggw_oMaeX5RoyoUif3yvZj1ZWm39shPPeuYN2/s320/IMG_2808.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>After that it became routine that she would drop them
off every day and we would drive them home in our van. As the weeks rolled on
all three kids came out of their shell more and more. One of them who I could
never get to say one word to me, began a regular game of chanting my name as
she flew on the swings. During the last team week our van became overloaded
with other kids so we didn’t have room for them to go home on it. I told the kids it wasn’t
a big deal I’d just walk them home, (they lived maybe three houses down from
the kids club site). As we walked one of them loudly questioned whether or not
I even knew where they lived. Before I could answer the oldest sister, who
yelled my name from the swing, said. “He knows where we live! He always picked
up our sister for youth group!”. It is an incredible encouragement to see their trust in the church growing this spring. I can't wait for the day they follow their older sister's footsteps and I get to pick them up for youth group.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The second interaction came towards the end of the month.
On one of the last days of kids club I noticed two high school girls
approaching the park. As I went to greet them and welcome them, one of them
chuckled to herself and said, “<b>man</b> you’ve gotten old.” In that moment I
recognized her as one of the kids I had met and bonded with as a team member seven years ago. It
had been probably five years since the last time I had seen her. I laughed and said I
remembered her. She was shocked I still knew her name. As she looked around kids
club she remarked how it still looked the same as when she was a kid. Both
her and her friend ended up helping run our jump rope station that day. I
keenly remember playing with her and her brother at foursquare on the Friday before
I left as a team member. Seeing her jump right back into kids club and playing
with kids after being gone for five years was an encouragement to me beyond
words. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All our bible stories the last week were about God
being our shepherd. I feel as though God was laying that truth especially hard on my heart as I looked back over the spring. Even in hardship, the passing of time, and death itself. God
always takes care of His sheep and brings them back home. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one
will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10: 27-28<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO5ClVAoClodDCQS5q0_FJAaz6qEYMgCZ0X0qGY89U_EWAVqMw8S_8XnBIQ9jz1EeVJ9zdOnFw5kqw9PA30_C5YvcdTaG0Srg07d1TDCRhoePZzWXQ_cRHfxa1vnxjY3JkclMSD4pYS_39l5GgnJWWdQMoQjC5YyqPJ3WUvftsAgrLycSixd-tAHi/s4032/IMG_7211.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO5ClVAoClodDCQS5q0_FJAaz6qEYMgCZ0X0qGY89U_EWAVqMw8S_8XnBIQ9jz1EeVJ9zdOnFw5kqw9PA30_C5YvcdTaG0Srg07d1TDCRhoePZzWXQ_cRHfxa1vnxjY3JkclMSD4pYS_39l5GgnJWWdQMoQjC5YyqPJ3WUvftsAgrLycSixd-tAHi/w400-h300/IMG_7211.heic" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /> <p></p>Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-4102573110507806262022-08-11T11:47:00.000-07:002022-08-11T11:47:11.039-07:00Summer is Back!<p> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Brothers and Sisters, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_U77vDgtIEVu6Cn5Ei1RZkL90YIzY8tkF0XLCSaQgZUuH2Y9iILn7Yu30iQ_rsza5eMc62q2s1dtQeq2xgWrucysopGpZyi1f1skGNFrntyENNQ2gKwTvB2VmSCKuxTJ3AupQhoQ30ouShVCQCLDQN3xe77FlQVMMVuOyHEQtEVUXoX9ag0zXzBZ/s2436/Screenshot%202022-07-27%20at%208.03.32%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_U77vDgtIEVu6Cn5Ei1RZkL90YIzY8tkF0XLCSaQgZUuH2Y9iILn7Yu30iQ_rsza5eMc62q2s1dtQeq2xgWrucysopGpZyi1f1skGNFrntyENNQ2gKwTvB2VmSCKuxTJ3AupQhoQ30ouShVCQCLDQN3xe77FlQVMMVuOyHEQtEVUXoX9ag0zXzBZ/s320/Screenshot%202022-07-27%20at%208.03.32%20PM.jpeg" width="148" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Currently, I find myself both exhausted but also
rejuvenated from our first normal summer in two years. After simply tasting Kids
Club and work sites with extraordinarily small groups last year. This year we
finally got back to full teams, multiple worksites, and absolutely jumping Kids
Clubs! Sometimes it’s hard to remember how much we miss something until we find
ourselves back in the middle of it. Which is what I felt in full these past few
months. I had forgotten how sweet it is to have our church building full of
brothers and sisters from around the country or having a tarp covered
completely in children, listening intently to a bible story. At Adam’s View
Park, one of the housing projects, we seemed to have first time kids club
attendees just about every week. It was also incredibly rewarding to see so
many reunions between team members who haven’t come since before covid with
kids that were much older and taller after two years. On top of that, I also
had the pleasure of serving on worksites with our youth all summer. Every week
we would have between 14 to 22 youth spread out working on houses across the
reservation. We painted over graffiti, repainted sheds and houses, undertook
yard cleanups for elders, and did whatever we could to help out. To quote one
of my fellow staff members, “it’s a miracle that these youth would even come out
to help, let alone how hard they work and how much they accomplish.” After working
with the youth so much this summer, I’m hopeful and excited to see how the Lord
grows them within the church and nourishes their leadership potential. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIuwwOc1B4PyxuJnOzoVEPEAXTHSq1rt2MUsK6uwaobiFSzQPhTcVc1KIDxvJdA7uqU1R9aRz7Y9ayYVjQTmnocTr6XDk7GS7PdZAbP_hWBZTwXTFTyUYsZGUWQYtyVaitB8cJ6g1zQQUcwXNGmnoZbiFO7p-Q8aMAB_67aSXD7BNNnaAFqyMXNzM/s4032/IMG_1945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIuwwOc1B4PyxuJnOzoVEPEAXTHSq1rt2MUsK6uwaobiFSzQPhTcVc1KIDxvJdA7uqU1R9aRz7Y9ayYVjQTmnocTr6XDk7GS7PdZAbP_hWBZTwXTFTyUYsZGUWQYtyVaitB8cJ6g1zQQUcwXNGmnoZbiFO7p-Q8aMAB_67aSXD7BNNnaAFqyMXNzM/s320/IMG_1945.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But summer teams weren’t the only exciting thing
happening since my last update. In May I got to take my afterschool kids to a weekend
summer camp getaway. We did activities like archery, ziplining, low ropes
courses, a giant tree swing, roasted marshmellows, hiked, explored, and just
had fun in God’s creation. It was honestly just breathtaking to see the kids
have so much fun and try new things. Repeatedly I was asked if we could go back
to the same place next year and when HOPE would be starting in the Fall. At our
last meeting of the year, we threw all the kids a big party and showed them a
video compilation of the past year. All the kids jumped for joy and hollered at
the memories of the year. They laughed with each other and chanted each other’s
names when they came on screen. If nothing else, I was overjoyed that they got
a physical representation of how loved they are and what an amazing year it was
with them. Additionally, it is looking like our afterschool numbers will be
dramatically growing this September, Last year we had around 8 students. This
year it is seeming like I may have trouble fitting them in one of our fifteen
passenger vans. What a problem to have! Thank you for your prayers and support
of our first year of HOPE afterschool, I can’t wait to see what God has in
store for year two! <o:p></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidt-fr5sZl1lFXGO7q4ZrCmmiHAaMPOeziX5tgmXL_BVDwUo2zfEUnYxaU6lc_GRrzYo1yEbU_gneBC5YVYqC3A1kqFsFiCsp8cPVIXVaY54MT7CMzvXQ23QCp9k3P10zddVo9znA2J6Go_ENypVhJoRyEWX5zbfKNocRMpNjmXePu3dN5GcLyeEd/s4032/IMG_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidt-fr5sZl1lFXGO7q4ZrCmmiHAaMPOeziX5tgmXL_BVDwUo2zfEUnYxaU6lc_GRrzYo1yEbU_gneBC5YVYqC3A1kqFsFiCsp8cPVIXVaY54MT7CMzvXQ23QCp9k3P10zddVo9znA2J6Go_ENypVhJoRyEWX5zbfKNocRMpNjmXePu3dN5GcLyeEd/s320/IMG_2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So here I sit, trying to remember almost four months’
worth of God’s blessings (I should probably write these more often). With all
sincerity it is hard to fully articulate or recollect all the wonderful things
that have gone on throughout the summer. But I hope this update does an adequate
job of summing up what a wonderful few months it has been. God does not forget
His people and has seen us through the trials of covid and out the other side.
May God bless you as He has blessed me beyond my hopes. Thank you for your
continued support and prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIngmwI_Jx1dstN6LQLA6Mek0RNHGmSMcRoLTTdJxOQhvVlQrYrfwL4Y7KO4EVbrI90j-q6Xj-nOsF-Leo1hp1QWBARMrUp8djbV7wIRSKvojlwRNXnUwRpchYZNOb57EhTTUjMy3nuqEt24QLLu1PBXCSxsMscO36m-v-qt1_EjgLxcpxs4NY-sp3/s4032/IMG_2313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIngmwI_Jx1dstN6LQLA6Mek0RNHGmSMcRoLTTdJxOQhvVlQrYrfwL4Y7KO4EVbrI90j-q6Xj-nOsF-Leo1hp1QWBARMrUp8djbV7wIRSKvojlwRNXnUwRpchYZNOb57EhTTUjMy3nuqEt24QLLu1PBXCSxsMscO36m-v-qt1_EjgLxcpxs4NY-sp3/s320/IMG_2313.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsGalxlHDhaMv421JHOvqd-o7vygAbEVdNGAnsBpgSkfTv3n_L3YNUc0lOX4d9K9ODjJiD9RhwUG1WhbdYwI7IMEkcUe5BUOG0c6bd6MwqVPN1LGn0ZTusAeUqeOIcPqHnKEP_pCjvgIeVjKxEH2Ih3c-8t5vn1YRwNhEqjM5gba8uoO23ORlfFly/s4032/IMG-9413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsGalxlHDhaMv421JHOvqd-o7vygAbEVdNGAnsBpgSkfTv3n_L3YNUc0lOX4d9K9ODjJiD9RhwUG1WhbdYwI7IMEkcUe5BUOG0c6bd6MwqVPN1LGn0ZTusAeUqeOIcPqHnKEP_pCjvgIeVjKxEH2Ih3c-8t5vn1YRwNhEqjM5gba8uoO23ORlfFly/s320/IMG-9413.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-4289259101345888822021-12-09T11:38:00.001-08:002021-12-09T11:38:41.144-08:00First Semester in the Books!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear friends and family,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF86RY0-BhyphenhyphenjrAhi8AkfgwdIzbnULh-jLt4qsiC4LOj313iWhs7AxEgprotqyS0d7XznaghDSc-ifIyXNWnSHIZctVSnIviE7pQNgsLzN1w5XnvdqIZUqk7cy3Th16k2z-6wWVzNaASl8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF86RY0-BhyphenhyphenjrAhi8AkfgwdIzbnULh-jLt4qsiC4LOj313iWhs7AxEgprotqyS0d7XznaghDSc-ifIyXNWnSHIZctVSnIviE7pQNgsLzN1w5XnvdqIZUqk7cy3Th16k2z-6wWVzNaASl8/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO595TMwp6zuyDFglxFoMoFvIOv2z8yBBC7FLg0S54dx6iell4vvBLD4u6TEXbF0El_P_VUuotv6-VRF021BPnsy6ao6OiTdwUufr1mIJ3IgCo9N2QeBKUhmAd0z1BJzP3ZwszGHzLYc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO595TMwp6zuyDFglxFoMoFvIOv2z8yBBC7FLg0S54dx6iell4vvBLD4u6TEXbF0El_P_VUuotv6-VRF021BPnsy6ao6OiTdwUufr1mIJ3IgCo9N2QeBKUhmAd0z1BJzP3ZwszGHzLYc/" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br />Last week marked the end of our first semester of HOPE
afterschool and what a spectacular few months it has been! Our start was a bit rough;
we had several forced breaks with conflicting school scheduling and a COVID
case amongst our staff, but by the end we were hitting our stride. Towards the
beginning of the semester, we were struggling to get more than four to five
kids, leaving me a bit frustrated since our goal was around 13 (a full van
load). Unsurprisingly, God had a plan and was simply giving us room to plan and
learn what we were doing. After a few short weeks, I was approached by multiple
students in the school who wanted to be a part of the program! Over the span of
a month we doubled the size of our student body. Meanwhile, I was attempting to
tread in a whole new territory for me. I’ve been doing Scripture or fun game
related ministry for almost a third of my life but adding education to the mix
was a terrifying prospect. The main thing I wanted for our program was to
balance laughter and fun with the educational struggles of the kids. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HeGdzseMKnVFCcvJ3MXzCm-3lPk0mkTNK_RoGekdx76JFTUZy58bR7DFS2G074hnEcLtublfegkXwcWhZx_Cjlk6TXvvb8qq2GS9xeh0inj4md6RJ3rkUpE6LNzViBToFzHbtbQIHLU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HeGdzseMKnVFCcvJ3MXzCm-3lPk0mkTNK_RoGekdx76JFTUZy58bR7DFS2G074hnEcLtublfegkXwcWhZx_Cjlk6TXvvb8qq2GS9xeh0inj4md6RJ3rkUpE6LNzViBToFzHbtbQIHLU/" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We did this by having a time where we specifically
worked on their one shared homework assignment, reading for thirty minutes a
day. Besides the normal mix of students who either hate or love reading, we
also found that many students were three or four grades behind in reading. Some
are barely able to read at all. Thankfully, God had provided me with
exceptional volunteers who were able to disperse throughout the group of
readers. Which gave one on one attention to those that needed it and cheering<br />
along those that simply needed the push. On top of this we wanted to change up
their readings so that they weren’t monotonous. Some days we’d have them read
normally, others we’d bring out piles of bean bag chairs to lounge in, and others
I would read to them while they drew pictures depicting the story to flex their
imaginary muscles. It was overwhelming to see the kids take off with the
ownership of their books. All of them would take turns sharing with the group
what was happening in their story. They’d celebrate as a group when a student
finished their book. On the day of our Christmas party where we weren’t
planning on having a “homework” time, they even asked if we could make time to
do some reading. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-ZaZss5HqmlFr9K91jWB925t1y8lx_NSFez8wa0lGl6H5hO5QGZYpOM0UkK5pYm7vXXk3yWBgjidgkDQOmhiyJUcjHi_GgmPeRvRd8h_uSsPs6O0fjE2-oCX-0V5toc43MwCiueSGTU/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmDInLxdL2w_I5tjiqw3OAcENyAjfDi1sxfTagaw0U32WUkoECctreEPePzg3e8AxphpPuAJYU4ZIFlrzbkibfrrZEr69Pse_dKqQaEwKzqiRXPEnbD83Z3uI7pH_M8vNZoH4mPpXRzQ/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmDInLxdL2w_I5tjiqw3OAcENyAjfDi1sxfTagaw0U32WUkoECctreEPePzg3e8AxphpPuAJYU4ZIFlrzbkibfrrZEr69Pse_dKqQaEwKzqiRXPEnbD83Z3uI7pH_M8vNZoH4mPpXRzQ/" width="240" /></a></div><br />Our educational activities such as science
experiments, madlibs, math games, and craft projects also had a huge success
rate. One of my personal highlights of the semester was the day we did our
density science experiment. This involves piling different types of liquid
(syrup, oil, water, etc.) into a clear jar and watching how each of them level
out. Watching the kids light up when it happened and start wildly discussing
how it worked was the sort of educational excitement I had hoped for. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we wrapped up the year at our Christmas party all
our fifth graders asked what would happen next year when they moved into sixth
grade. I told them that our target was fifth and sixth graders so they could
still come to HOPE if they wanted. All of them, ALL of them, shared a sigh of
relief and started excitedly talking about coming back in January. The
importance of kids on the Rez looking forward to something in the future, let
alone a whole year away in the future, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can’t
be overstated. I’m immensely blessed that God has worked the way He has in our
fledgling semester, and can’t wait to see what He has in store next semester.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhmPHlJFeAfIst7fS-xBv0TlzJnYCQ5SGQGQYTDT_0qp3uhO4uKBRudFVyOl2d_gkA7gUr87sdRnkff97WCK6k3P59Ma1ZIoTUC5FMLQUB1J4AfLATIUYDgz8Byo_-l4CDZ1lN3t0tnI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhmPHlJFeAfIst7fS-xBv0TlzJnYCQ5SGQGQYTDT_0qp3uhO4uKBRudFVyOl2d_gkA7gUr87sdRnkff97WCK6k3P59Ma1ZIoTUC5FMLQUB1J4AfLATIUYDgz8Byo_-l4CDZ1lN3t0tnI/w496-h304/image_50371841.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p></p>Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-78594281374892160062021-09-03T10:35:00.000-07:002021-09-03T10:35:15.127-07:00Wrapping up Summer and Looking to the Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7WL0GY3HZHQh23wlp5DaxdKLvYbPZEbl5j0reazsMXoAfuT7VQzovnhn0lbN8tOxwJENNNcHp-ejk4LbvJRaUXPDLjNSO9_fhbo7QMXxwVlUS6uCVSuDTOI1014yQBt4h-M6SXJML_U/s2016/Camp+2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7WL0GY3HZHQh23wlp5DaxdKLvYbPZEbl5j0reazsMXoAfuT7VQzovnhn0lbN8tOxwJENNNcHp-ejk4LbvJRaUXPDLjNSO9_fhbo7QMXxwVlUS6uCVSuDTOI1014yQBt4h-M6SXJML_U/w640-h480/Camp+2021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hello friends and family,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyyd2tkkzdcLcI7ElzD4deksP5c4se_2uk31D7q9zghxkmFaEBpkQ9KR35xLfweKIymHbDBfvfUIuUb5iDMhqO9DUctfv5wXUtz_YDEYfRdtLaLHRdCYckOVMFzNPIauFd45hxmvhayk/s2048/image_67189249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyyd2tkkzdcLcI7ElzD4deksP5c4se_2uk31D7q9zghxkmFaEBpkQ9KR35xLfweKIymHbDBfvfUIuUb5iDMhqO9DUctfv5wXUtz_YDEYfRdtLaLHRdCYckOVMFzNPIauFd45hxmvhayk/s320/image_67189249.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
word of warning, I have so much exciting news for y’all that this letter may
run a little long. First off, I wanted to tell you what an absolutely
incredible summer we had on the Rez. Despite Covid restrictions loosening we
still weren’t able to do our average sixty person team weeks. But we managed to
make up for that in some big ways. We still weren’t allowed to do Kids clubs
here so instead we used some of our extra time to do multiple road trips to
different reservations, most notably Lapwai, Idaho. There we made a connection
with the Boys and Girls Club, opening doors to more kids, more visits, and more
Christmas shoebox deliveries! On top of that we were able to continue our kids
club deliveries from last summer, bringing Kids Club to over 200 kids every two
weeks. We also managed to train a puppet team from our summer team and youth
volunteers that did puppet gospel presentations on our Rez as well as in Idaho
and Oregon. Additionally, we kept up with our mobile library project, Bookin
it, and were bringing books to housing projects every week. At the end of the
summer, restrictions even lightened enough where we got to bring kids from all
over the community to our church and have a summer water day bash with
everything from water balloons to giant water slide inflatables. So, by no
means was this summer boring or slow, God made sure to keep opening doors for
us.<o:p></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP8IVcsgYvkLXN5URNXWM_BVkeMNV_Kgv1PiM23k7HpTfRzXUMqY-d6NgKeLHkqWIFQTPd8Tb64tnZLBaElnleQ2Garm27hRO0ShdiQPHhMqZW6kH-ZV9bp78wQg6whg12K5D0iY-vHo/s2048/image_50442241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP8IVcsgYvkLXN5URNXWM_BVkeMNV_Kgv1PiM23k7HpTfRzXUMqY-d6NgKeLHkqWIFQTPd8Tb64tnZLBaElnleQ2Garm27hRO0ShdiQPHhMqZW6kH-ZV9bp78wQg6whg12K5D0iY-vHo/s320/image_50442241.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
favorite part of this summer though, was YoungLife middle school camp. I’ve
gone the past three years but never have I seen God work so miraculously. We
took 18 middle schoolers and I got the distinct pleasure of being with our 9
boys. While at camp the boys had the fun and shenanigans that I’ve seen so many
times before, but that wasn’t all. This group of guys opened up to us in a way
that I hadn’t seen before. They shared about their home life, asked hard
questions about God, and truly lead each other towards seeking those answers
from the church. On the last day one of our boys stood in front of the entire
group and shared about the power of prayer and how it helped him. But this
growth didn’t stop there, after camp this particular group of youth had a
hunger for connection with the church. They began doing weekly work projects
throughout the community cleaning up graffiti or weeding at an elder’s house.
They began coming to church and youth group without wavering, even going as far
as attending our worship evenings on Sunday nights. That particular youth I
shared about openly prayed at church in front of the entire congregation. God
clearly used camp in an intense, evident way with these kids and it has been
humbling to see that growth continue through the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxYvXRv-2cF3SfZAY8SamF_afZ3JCbHRc77op2dV26oQhNLXDXD1JB2lSy_H3PyTU_xNHZWdgv7vBY3LOB4ju43RP1Yym7MLNxSM_9xiAh8CXo3lv6tujWGrVkns05PaCDbwqm7o-02k/s960/image_72192707+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxYvXRv-2cF3SfZAY8SamF_afZ3JCbHRc77op2dV26oQhNLXDXD1JB2lSy_H3PyTU_xNHZWdgv7vBY3LOB4ju43RP1Yym7MLNxSM_9xiAh8CXo3lv6tujWGrVkns05PaCDbwqm7o-02k/s320/image_72192707+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Looking
to the future we have even more exciting news! This Fall I will be starting HOPE
afterschool (Healing, Overcoming, Praying, Educating), which will be an afterschool
program held at our church building. To start with we’ll be focusing on 5<sup>th</sup>
and 6<sup>th</sup> graders at our local elementary school. Some of you may
remember that over covid we brought students to our building for their online
classes. Continuing with that momentum it was clear that we needed a
revitalized afterschool program when covid restrictions allowed. I didn’t know
it then, but God would soon be calling on me to lead the program. In the months
since, He has made His intentions for the program clear as well as make my
replacement for Children Ministry apparent. Tionna, a young lady who was raised
in the church here and has worked with the ministry for long before I even knew
what Sacred Road was. We’ve begun sharing responsibilities of Children’s
Director as I train her to fully take on the role by next Spring. I could not
leave children’s ministry better hands. I look forward to sharing more about
HOPE afterschool soon, but if you would like to learn more about it now or give
you can go to our newly updated website at </span><a href="https://sacredroadministries.org/after-school"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://sacredroadministries.org/after-school</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
But please be praying for it’s start, growth, and flourishment in it’s first
year as well as pray for Tionna as she takes on a new role.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I pray God blesses you as He has blessed me beyond my
wildest expectations,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYt2txULSox5XcNTqcaD3nA1hyphenhyphenDvswCptBh2E5wcmPSBfqZi4dSrfxNcWYWnLl_s12AHLXZyAjx_4vL0oim-aTaPIXP_QZ-3mTjafkbd-Bi5Y09HWox2ECB2R8BbZAITifn51NfKPrA/s2016/Pie+face+2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYt2txULSox5XcNTqcaD3nA1hyphenhyphenDvswCptBh2E5wcmPSBfqZi4dSrfxNcWYWnLl_s12AHLXZyAjx_4vL0oim-aTaPIXP_QZ-3mTjafkbd-Bi5Y09HWox2ECB2R8BbZAITifn51NfKPrA/s320/Pie+face+2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-59135005243584192992021-04-14T13:47:00.000-07:002021-04-14T13:47:28.658-07:00Books, Eggs, and Aliens, Oh My! <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Friends and Family, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The past few months have been a whirlwind of
activities with our state slowly beginning to open back up. If you’ve followed
my updates over the past year, you know the immense changes we’ve had to make
as a ministry. Yet, in the midst of those changes God was faithful to keep our
ministry fruitful. Creating a trend of success and growth in our outreach that
has remained evident into the new year. After a momentary setback at the end of
2020, we were finally able to start holding in person services again. Although our
attendance has been smaller, the blessings of getting to worship again can not
be overstated. Furthermore, we started holding Children’s church last month. Honestly,
I had forgotten how sweet it is to teach scripture to our kids. Starting back right
around Easter was an absolute gift from God as we got to tell the kids how much
God loves them in such a clear manner. In a time of such uncertainty, we got to
cement the lengths at which God goes to keep His promises and how far He went
to keep His ultimate promise. <o:p></o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi514CIHMFOPioB8PYg0hlMEuYwknLfhMvwYWWBe2fPUZuP0wEcXDvihwjc-XJPKcnhpxpy8-_N5OQi4DhdEjxPJI1PW0ZrHNj50q7axuCaeSh8mkZgv3e4USEGW2fs6L4Jpdfk-shprBM/s960/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi514CIHMFOPioB8PYg0hlMEuYwknLfhMvwYWWBe2fPUZuP0wEcXDvihwjc-XJPKcnhpxpy8-_N5OQi4DhdEjxPJI1PW0ZrHNj50q7axuCaeSh8mkZgv3e4USEGW2fs6L4Jpdfk-shprBM/s320/IMG_1245.JPG" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking of Easter! We also got the green light to do
our annual Easter egg hunt. After skipping it last year it was amazing to see
all the giant smiles and hear the laughter from our kids as they ran around our
property searching for candy filled eggs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Despite our state opening more we still weren’t able to
have our normal spring teams (as was expected) so we got to do another round of
kids club deliveries. Many kids and parents alike jumped right into our
ridiculous antics as they remembered all the craziness, we had last summer during
the deliveries. Our helper’s alien costumes were a big hit and brought a lot of
laughter. Additionally, we’ve been doubling down on our efforts to find ways to
remain present in the community and love on our kids in their own neighborhoods.
One such way is Bookin It, our mobile library. Run by one of our own youth,
Bookin It aims to bring books every week right to the housing projects we serve
in. As has become normal in my life now, my expectations for this outreach were
blown out of the water. Multiple children started bringing their books back
regularly to trade back and receive new ones. Their bright yellow book bags
became a beacon that they had remembered us and were looking forward to getting
new books. Sometimes they would bring those yellow bags to events we hadn’t
even planned to bring Bookin It to. On one such instance, while doing deliveries
a child brought his book to me. After I told him we weren’t here with the library
but instead to give out Kids Club goody bags, he seemed slightly disappointed. But
he was quickly cheered up by the knowledge that the very next day we’d be in
his neighborhood with our mobile library. It’s truly been amazing to see the
overwhelming response the kids have had to the library. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4HVP0mrD2xzAb_6IpTtYv5CRJGDmVkjDVlZGPpNgISLrsWU6JCCQPpdbGipcYZb7omr2GM533IIBwDAiR940JgPNpYLqVIEFAhL8zdrjKM610ckWnCd6UDnglvWkcS9Szs81jC9i0hQ/s400/IMG_1270+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4HVP0mrD2xzAb_6IpTtYv5CRJGDmVkjDVlZGPpNgISLrsWU6JCCQPpdbGipcYZb7omr2GM533IIBwDAiR940JgPNpYLqVIEFAhL8zdrjKM610ckWnCd6UDnglvWkcS9Szs81jC9i0hQ/w320-h240/IMG_1270+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Prayer Requests</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m quickly approaching my three year anniversary of
moving to the Rez, (May 2021). Honestly, it has felt as though time has stood still
while I’ve lived here. Like I just left Florida yesterday. At the same time, I
do notice that my roots in WA have grown substantially. As is the way with growing
up and cementing my feet more as it were. I find myself needing more support.
For the beginning years I’ve made do with whatever I’ve gotten from my generous
supporters. But as I look to the future it becomes apparent that I need to
raise more funds to sustain my living here. Expenses like health insurance and
saving towards renting/buying my own place means I need to stabilize and grow
my base support levels. If you already support me, I can’t thank you enough and
am not asking you to double up on your support or anything. Instead, I’m asking
for prayer that I can find new donors and that God will open more doors. Please
pray. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, please pray for the summer. We are still
figuring out if we’ll be able to hold our normal summer teams and kids club
programs. Please pray for wisdom on our part in deciding and safety for either outcome.
God has a plan for this summer and no matter what happens He will accomplish
it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7L8u3HVVoF04kKiTssXM3i2-cfsXAWRxLJtYJ3P9Bq3E08DEGdVEmwAy_MPaFOHLLDoV27__snM53ul8A__QABjQnoi5v-ZIc2hjBg3E91hN3QJtW0RUaSCkq-xvNjNxUEVVLJHToGqg/s2048/IMG_1293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7L8u3HVVoF04kKiTssXM3i2-cfsXAWRxLJtYJ3P9Bq3E08DEGdVEmwAy_MPaFOHLLDoV27__snM53ul8A__QABjQnoi5v-ZIc2hjBg3E91hN3QJtW0RUaSCkq-xvNjNxUEVVLJHToGqg/w300-h400/IMG_1293.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-87612548422114021262020-06-18T15:31:00.000-07:002020-06-18T15:31:09.544-07:00An Unstoppable God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dear Friends and Family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFcCiYdnecg6Jn3fsnnD8jjpeBy_dRkaG6bSdwnE7VcOczmyrvAY4LWU_3DJvYhtmeVNMO2VnxgyJfq0i7VPQ8W6AHHKGUlWjr0R2HaikSDMuTcD2TGtkOCHFilKINJ3sqMZnYJKbO2c/s1600/June+2020+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFcCiYdnecg6Jn3fsnnD8jjpeBy_dRkaG6bSdwnE7VcOczmyrvAY4LWU_3DJvYhtmeVNMO2VnxgyJfq0i7VPQ8W6AHHKGUlWjr0R2HaikSDMuTcD2TGtkOCHFilKINJ3sqMZnYJKbO2c/s320/June+2020+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><br /> </span>What an astounding series of events
have unfolded these past few months. In such a short span we have experienced so
much. Normalcy feels almost antiquated in these unsettling times. Yet, it is a
resounding comfort that as believers we can hold firm to the promises that God
can be moving even when our nation is, quite literally, shut down. Here on the
reservation we can attest to such things quite clearly. Our summers and a large
portion of our spring is determined and embodied by large groups of individuals
coming from the across the country to work with us. Due to Covid we have had to
cancel all of these defining aspects of our ministry for the year. Which as you
can imagine feels like a huge blow to the stomach. BUT, we have also seen how
miraculously God can move when we’re stuck at our houses. Since we couldn’t
hold normal services, we’ve had to do online services like so many other
churches. What we saw though was an influx of people that were watching that
haven’t been to church in years. Some who have never come at all. This means
that the gospel was reaching new people even as we were drastically dropping in
our planned activities. Furthermore, God has still seen fit to give us opportunities
to reach out to the community. Everything from supplying food and other
essentials to houses, to posting ridiculous videos of ourselves for the youth.
Recently, we were even able to partner with another outreach here and give out
food boxes, hand sanitizer, masks, and other necessities. Clearly, God is still
moving despite the obstacles that seem insurmountable to us. God was here long before these tumultuous times and will continue to be long after.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig78OEK65uN7Vfgv9LeSj3xK0zNjM3Kk9uy1Cyen9pOO143INYrQVYbzuvYzlDtDNYZYPzhqaTLPo7tM_fmhin1PMkqIN5lYIEuMnC01_5W52G4-ghw-aioUZ0xcr92ng5zqNJVgQUfMU/s1600/June+2020+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig78OEK65uN7Vfgv9LeSj3xK0zNjM3Kk9uy1Cyen9pOO143INYrQVYbzuvYzlDtDNYZYPzhqaTLPo7tM_fmhin1PMkqIN5lYIEuMnC01_5W52G4-ghw-aioUZ0xcr92ng5zqNJVgQUfMU/s320/June+2020+%25282%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Ways to Pray</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our county has one of the highest number
of Covid cases right now and is still growing. Please pray for the safety and
health of the community here that I hold so dear.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;">At the moment I’m working on growing my
support as it has been affected by the shutdown and the job losses felt by so
many across the country. Please pray that the Lord will open doors and give me
boldness to speak about the calling He has placed on my heart.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Ways to Get Involved!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">As I’ve already said we
are unable to hold our normal summer events, namely kids club which is my
personal favorite. Since we can’t bring kids together for kids club, we decided
to bring kids club to the kids! Our plan is to try and get several packages or “Kids
Club in a Box”, and give them to households that would've come to the in person event. These boxes would consist of crafts,
snacks, toys, flip flops, and all the other summer essentials. For us to pull
this off though we will need the help of our brothers and sisters! We need flip
flops, bathing suits, candy, dollar store toys, socks, etc. The mailing address
for these is 14531 Pumphouse Rd, White Swan, WA 98952. If mailing isn’t an option
we would also love donations to the children’s ministry fund so that we can purchase
supplies for these boxes. You can donate at the donation page of www.sacredroadministries.com. If you have any questions at all don’t hesitate to
contact me at <a href="mailto:tbelisario3@gmail.com">tbelisario3@gmail.com</a>
or 509-985-2644. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Thank you for your
support and prayers. May God bless you as He has over surpassingly blessed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Trey,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUlmikJTVIlUoIDZJK4IVQZaMYJHb3r2yZLo52bCN3E3rLO_Ys3i7__LLWWohxNTMb0U4sPDoYajTCf4FsPSzUq6kPGCBKdjeMv_pdf7B2TrmrETG4QZ5lyAY4T5rMD4897aHiTjiyUQ/s1600/June+2020+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1179" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUlmikJTVIlUoIDZJK4IVQZaMYJHb3r2yZLo52bCN3E3rLO_Ys3i7__LLWWohxNTMb0U4sPDoYajTCf4FsPSzUq6kPGCBKdjeMv_pdf7B2TrmrETG4QZ5lyAY4T5rMD4897aHiTjiyUQ/s320/June+2020+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-42537711487482599862020-02-12T15:26:00.000-08:002020-02-12T15:26:22.872-08:00A Ministry of Bubbles and Gummy Snacks<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 2px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">Dear Friends and Family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 2px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eAIm3FUSLm-v39JZIuPxb8dsVLv-ABu-fDpqApVhy3yDOXN0V80Mu-wKBuwie3WBqGJ3zLmgtPTuuxAQEb-Lcv4vO6uS5IYWMvlR10qCheZlO5L79AO13rd1CKmVkehtLnN2PQEnmZg/s1600/IMG_0399.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eAIm3FUSLm-v39JZIuPxb8dsVLv-ABu-fDpqApVhy3yDOXN0V80Mu-wKBuwie3WBqGJ3zLmgtPTuuxAQEb-Lcv4vO6uS5IYWMvlR10qCheZlO5L79AO13rd1CKmVkehtLnN2PQEnmZg/s320/IMG_0399.HEIC" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> It has been quite a whirlwind of things happening over the past few months. I’m having difficulty even finding a good place to start on how the past months have been and all they’ve encompassed. December should be a good a time as any to start. This December was my first time overseeing the Children’s Ministry Christmas outreach. This covers a variety of events such as taking young native leaders from our church to other reservations and villages, which gives us the opportunity of reaching out to new kids that we wouldn’t be able to normally see by bringing Christmas parties to their front door. Additionally, we delivered over 400 shoeboxes full of gifts to homes here on the Yakama Reservation. The most beautiful of these facets of the ministry though is the Christmas service we put on here at Hope Fellowship. We have kids from our Sunday group be a live nativity set as we tell the true meaning of Christmas on the Sunday before Christmas day. It is such a sweet time to behold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTtdoHwLxpmDOgaAFoOCBjR0rm8l8KkdpQNrfz5aHhopweOxA4EwbX5rU4rc3bSa0EtlFZ9ZWnBu597cUW0ggOt6_I_3sMLBdzES7dqDbofraltR7BTHD16bgEBlbIYMoSa0Dle-9bnI/s1600/IMG_0350.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTtdoHwLxpmDOgaAFoOCBjR0rm8l8KkdpQNrfz5aHhopweOxA4EwbX5rU4rc3bSa0EtlFZ9ZWnBu597cUW0ggOt6_I_3sMLBdzES7dqDbofraltR7BTHD16bgEBlbIYMoSa0Dle-9bnI/s320/IMG_0350.HEIC" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> Another big staple of the past few months has been my time in Colorado this January. I attended a month-long training program put on by Missions Training International (MTI) and received a surplus of tools and knowledge from missionaries who have served on different fields. They covered everything from how to adapt to culture healthily to how to make sure your spiritual life doesn’t take a hit from the work you are doing on the field. It was wonderful to be poured into by so many experienced and knowledgeable people who truly care about seeing God’s kingdom grown across the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> With this time away though brought many sweet hellos on the Sunday I returned after being gone for an entire month. Going from classroom work in Colorado to bustling Sunday morning children’s ministry was very similar to taking a sip from a fire hydrant, so much to take in all at once. But the Lord did gift me with an encounter with one of my kids on this particularly crazy Sunday. One of our “harder” kids was having a difficult time sitting in his seat and listening to his leader. After multiple rebellious outbursts I decided to take him aside and talk to him one on one and see </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRTVaqXTvmnwRUnT36rdmpWLYMW-IgX7UyhiRvD_n8z4_aAZOdVF-KeX5yLiabp2LcsxxivgCYsZbxU0fTHfWJAaOD9rlSNNNBXBWBq5QeUzOfAW5IBntGfo929cpSXvSyHpK4aTOLBI/s1600/IMG_0334.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRTVaqXTvmnwRUnT36rdmpWLYMW-IgX7UyhiRvD_n8z4_aAZOdVF-KeX5yLiabp2LcsxxivgCYsZbxU0fTHfWJAaOD9rlSNNNBXBWBq5QeUzOfAW5IBntGfo929cpSXvSyHpK4aTOLBI/s320/IMG_0334.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">what was bothering him. He was hungry and exhausted so after a snack he was more than willing to talk with me and open up. In our conversation he told me he didn’t believe in Jesus, because he didn’t save him from getting bit by a pack of Rez dogs. He didn’t believe the Bible because he never saw the stories they talked about. But he did believe in “this place”. As he said it, he pointed to the roof of the building. “The church?” I asked. “Yes, I believe in this place because you guys built it and I can come here and get food”. This little guy is six years old. He’s seen harder things and been through more than I would like to think about. This child has literally lived out of a van for a large portion of his life. With that comes an obvious amount of doubt in somebody he can’t see that he’s told loves him. But the church here is embodying love to him in a way that is unusual to him. He may act out, but he hardly misses church. Just about every event we throw is attended by him. He comes not because he understands Jesus or the Bible but because he is being loved on and cared for. I can’t help but think that’s what Jesus would want for this little guy right now. I’m honored to be apart of Jesus’ ministry to this precious child of God.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">Thank you for your support and prayers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">Trey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-32614264793496685812019-08-15T10:15:00.002-07:002019-08-15T10:15:46.195-07:00Rebuilding Broken Bridges<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear friends and family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Summer has come to an end. I have finally had the opportunity
to look back on the summer and reflect on everything the Lord did. This was my
first time working in the summer as full-time staff. Despite this change a lot
stayed the same, such as my role as a Daycamp leader. For the third year in a
row I had the absolute privilege of working with the third to fifth grade boys.
Four weeks out of the summer I was leading them in crafts, singing, games, and
more importantly learning about bible stories. This was the initial aspect of
the ministry that stole my heart, so I find it amazing that I have gotten to be
a part of it for three summers now. One of the ways that this summer was vastly
different though, was that because of my full-time status my role was changing.
This change primarily had to do with the fact that I was slowly coming into the
role of children’s ministry director. The way this took form was that I was in
charge of all Sunday church service children’s activities. I prepared classrooms,
prepped worksheets, taught the children’s church lessons, oversaw the kids
happily playing on the playground after church, I even made sure they had a
prize to take home at the end of every Sunday. Of course, I would be ignorant
to not mention the immense help I received in these activities from the summer
interns. Gradually, I was becoming a front person for the church to the kids
and by extension their families. It was initially strange to see, because in my
own self-made plans I hadn’t thought I would get this opportunity for several
years. But nevertheless, here I was working directly with the kids I loved so much
and furthermore being a bridge for interns and summer teams alike to connect
with their first neighbors. Beyond anything else I was humbled. Humbled that
God would choose me to work here. Humbled that God would see fit to use a
broken sinner like myself to reach a community He loves more than I ever could.
I was humbled because this time last year I never would have assumed I’d be
stepping up to the role of children’s director. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes it can be hard to narrow down the summer to
just a few stories simply because so much is packed into these three months.
Every week we are working day in and day out to preparing, doing worksites,
having kids club, youth group, and even more. But this summer there was a single
moment that meant the world to me. It was the middle of a team week and we were
having kids club, the activity where we go to local housing projects and provide
games, snacks, bible stories, etc. Snacks are being passed out as we sit on our
blue tarp readying ourselves for story time, I notice a youth I know is walking
with a little girl that I haven’t seen before. They would take a few steps
toward us and then stop, then they would start again and stop. After watching
this a few times, I decided to go talk to them. As I approached them the youth
waved at me and smiled. Now to give you a better understanding of my relationship
with this youth, up until this point I wasn’t sure she even liked me all that
much. She would hardly talk to me and when she did it was normally sassy or
snarky. As I got closer, I asked how she was doing and who the little girl was
that was with her. By this point I was right in front of them and she told me
this was her little sister, who had wanted to come to kid’s club but upon
seeing the large group of people had decided it wasn’t for her. This little
sister couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4. I got on my knees so that I was eye
level with the preschooler, told her my name and asked if she wanted to come
with me to sit and get a snack. The youth was beyond pleased with this deal and
urged her sister to go with me. The little sister was not having it, she wanted
no part of this bearded stranger. Her big sister asked her if she was scared of
me and she emphatically shook her head yes. Before I could finish apologizing
for my “scary” appearance, the youth hugged her sister tightly and told her, “Trey
is very nice. He will take care of you.” With that the little girl looked back
at her sister once more for reassurance and then took my hand as we began
walking to the tarp for story time. I’ve never been more honored. For a youth
to give the protection of their younger sibling to you is something that illustrates
both the trust the church earned on the Yakama reservation and subsequently the
trust I’ve grown with youth I don’t even normally interact with. If you don’t know
much about Native American history with the church, it was common practice for children
to be taken from their families and sent to “Christian” boarding schools. Understandably,
this means that the trust between native families and the church should be and
in many cases is broken. But this singular moment was a reassuring reminder to
me that God is rebuilding that trust slowly, and what an honor it is for me to
be a part of it. Please keep praying, it is the most powerful weapon we have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Your brother in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Trey <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=824f1d3869&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1641953679106641222&th=16c9642bf4cc0d46&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_GWdb34B7mnqkp2rG_ayap5PTJKYNquCztuGUVd8N0GgdUWSXgHbQzGFW5I5VmNIe68tt1WMziwzdxS0Q9pc8W_Im60qGQOGzUD7UvhqLg9p3oUpsDOCUdsTc&disp=emb&realattid=c342a1519857e5c3_0.1.1" width="240" /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=824f1d3869&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1641953649513856305&th=16c9642510edfd31&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-YPA23ylmKqGmUtr0AMHJ7FY3jVFfLzw9ov-vnZELROy0aF1M8NiEAcTwelJYa-PbNxxf14mZK9s5mzdhFT5biG08pAITkb7Odwgz8eSPHBgwfcLSKME9vAI8&disp=emb&realattid=c41ba0821bc15a5d_0.1.1" width="240" /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=824f1d3869&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1641953615374856195&th=16c9641d1e163003&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9TYxq0tUuEwoUZMwh9Fp3puHzql5233YX-fLl2RM6MkpdnSHsSQsfGwtsV0WvzGjjAjDgz-qvsMHaYotZxTrUwYQKbno-u5rrWSu7VsofbbE_bjMeVwfABbFg&disp=emb&realattid=b8ccbb4630b5c856_0.1.1" width="240" /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=824f1d3869&attid=0.1.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1641953579740222510&th=16c96414d218d42e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9O4V6bmM4eIkxh_YOrqKLe4SOw0Lld2xmi7M9m6LHCE3pLV4nWFcv5U09InRrQx5zjrn8Q5s6Not67XauKrSizLlt7JOIeaFBaB9hCOQpjZVPiY66wI2g4wrw&disp=emb" width="240" /></div>
<br />Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-17097813204404786202019-05-25T15:30:00.001-07:002019-05-25T15:30:33.155-07:00A New Home<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk5718494"></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear Friends and Family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have been working on the Yakama Nation Reservation off
and on for the past three years. Whether it has been for a week, a summer, or
15 months, I have journeyed here many times and always found myself longing to
spend more time and serve in this community. My current 15-month internship
hasn’t quite ended yet, but I have found that my heart has already been filled
more than I previously thought possible. Since coming here, last May, I have
wrestled with what is the next step in my future, where was God going to call
me? The Lord clearly had a plan all along, a plan that has been unfolding since
I first stepped foot on this reservation on July 15<sup>th</sup>, 2016. I
without a doubt know that God is calling me to stay here. There have been
several ways that He has made this clear to me. The pit in my stomach that I
have every time I think of leaving. The connections I’ve made with both the
youngest, smallest children who abound in energy and the wisest elders that
have graced me with their company. I’ve known it from the times I walk down the
hallways of the schools here seeing children’s eyes light up, smiling from ear
to ear. From the most insignificant, halfway smirks that I find on the faces of
youth. To the proud faces of elders and adults who see their new wood shed,
built by teens from their own community. I can’t imagine ever being anywhere
else or being apart of anything greater. God has called me to this place. Not
to save anyone of my own power, but simply to be here and be used by Him in
anyway he sees fit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If you’re not familiar
with the ministry I’m working with and the conditions of reservation life, let
me give you a brief summary. Hope Fellowship is the church planted by Sacred
Road. It is located within White Swan, a town on the Reservation. In White
Swan, nearly 100% of the population is deeply affected by alcoholism and/or
drug abuse. The reservation itself is located in one of the poorest areas in the
United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In White Swan there is
approximately a 75% unemployment rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of the children in White Swan suffer from neglect and abuse. There
are no healthy evangelical churches in White Swan. Sacred Road’s goal is to
bridge the gap between Native America and the Church at large. Their goal is to
follow what the bible says and love our first neighbors well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I’m afraid I need to ask
something of you now. For me to stay here I need the support of those that God
has seen fit to bless my life with. I need partners to step forward and help me
in serving the community here. I need support both financially and prayerfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I implore you to approach the Lord in
prayer and consider joining my support team. For me to stay, I must raise my
full salary, which comes to a monthly cost of around 3,000 dollars. This requires me
to put my faith both in God and His people. I truly hope you will work with me
in loving our first neighbors well. If you would like to financially support
me, please contact me so I can send you a support letter or go to Sacred Road’s
website at</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.sacredroadministries.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">www.sacredroadministries.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">,
go to the “Giving” tab, and choose me as the missionary you would like to
support. Additionally, if you wish to learn more about what I’m doing, get
clarification on support info, or personally talk to me about the work here. My
phone number is 813-368-6563 or my email address is </span><a href="mailto:tbelisario3@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">tbelisario3@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">.
I pray the Lord blesses you as much as He has blessed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your brother in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Trey,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLs1lXe6ZAU_jiV30vxXK7FfnGXWrvu9siVDTAzjpy4C7PuAg5y2j661B7NstGPGpsV1rSGJTeCNVmpy6iyZPbTZ3NrjR4GJA7hajyGrbXd93RBWPrLl1Pcd8UzNzJpHa0tCBGbuIxNY/s1600/Year+support+photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="456" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLs1lXe6ZAU_jiV30vxXK7FfnGXWrvu9siVDTAzjpy4C7PuAg5y2j661B7NstGPGpsV1rSGJTeCNVmpy6iyZPbTZ3NrjR4GJA7hajyGrbXd93RBWPrLl1Pcd8UzNzJpHa0tCBGbuIxNY/s200/Year+support+photo+1.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<br />Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-71770444867559263682019-01-13T15:43:00.001-08:002019-01-13T15:43:47.499-08:00Christmas Update 2018!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dear
Friends and Family,</span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu8tgqB52e1WfdgIwhiDDDoYuO4y61W86ZdWp6ufAExy_oatxgRcHQbSEiQFoE9ZSiyGPEaskw32QIKkFZwtTQCFQ5PtRSUfczI5PEQ0hY5Yc38WB9L-1sVhneC72Rt_FN4TxV94gO0w/s1600/Celilo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu8tgqB52e1WfdgIwhiDDDoYuO4y61W86ZdWp6ufAExy_oatxgRcHQbSEiQFoE9ZSiyGPEaskw32QIKkFZwtTQCFQ5PtRSUfczI5PEQ0hY5Yc38WB9L-1sVhneC72Rt_FN4TxV94gO0w/s200/Celilo+2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
belated Merry Christmas and Happy New year to everyone! I hope the season treated
you well. Here on the Rez, Christmas is one of our busiest times of year. In December,
our days are filled with outreach, a specific example of this is our trips to other
reservations and native towns. Once we get there, we throw Christmas parties
where we tell the story of Christ being born and give out presents. These
locations rarely have healthy churches and, in some cases, only vaguely know
who we are. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But they quickly realize that we are a different breed of people. At
one of the parties, a kid quietly sat next to me before our Bible story time.
He slowly leaned over towards me and whispered, “are you the church people?” Of
course, I was happy to tell him that I was. His response was nothing short of absolute
glee. He told me about how he loved the church people and how he loved hearing
about stories from the bible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcN-oHKYqhW1Hc6GM-UThAb8AYhGI2WaoOR9AIJTUboJuw_0HN1EPOmMc2HpEvpdw1Xp7w0O7QelSk5buRi3hKIcD1vO8NoNI52nKlio3_s1s78gLMU3L828Pi9Rgbv6vo3JUaS77v_I/s1600/warms+springs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcN-oHKYqhW1Hc6GM-UThAb8AYhGI2WaoOR9AIJTUboJuw_0HN1EPOmMc2HpEvpdw1Xp7w0O7QelSk5buRi3hKIcD1vO8NoNI52nKlio3_s1s78gLMU3L828Pi9Rgbv6vo3JUaS77v_I/s200/warms+springs.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
favorite part of these trips was seeing the expression on the children’s faces
when they got to open their gifts. I’m sure many are familiar with Operation
Christmas Child, but for those that aren’t, the gifts we used were shoe boxes
donated from churches around the country. Back home in Florida, I’ve spent many
Decembers packing similar boxes but for the first time I got to see firsthand
the joy that a simple gift can bring. If you participated in these shoe boxes,
whether they came here or went to other children in need, I want to thank you
from the bottom of my heart. You made a difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Another
important aspect of this past season was that it was the end of 2018. This
meant that we threw multiple end of the year parties with our youth group, discipleship
groups, and YoungLife. We even held a special Christmas service at our church.
We had a live </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_s1030"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">action nativity scene acted out by our very own kids. The
Nativity story itself was read by one of our young native leaders who came home
on break from Indian Bible College. According to what I’ve heard, it was one of
the biggest turnouts we’ve ever had. In large part, that was due to the main
portion of our ministry in December, Christmas deliveries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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operation to go give presents to any kids we’ve interacted with throughout the
year or even before then. We load up buses and vans full of presents for children,
teens, and adults. Driving all over the Yakama reservation, we go to the homes
of each family. Over 400 Christmas presents were delivered. The greatest part
about this activity</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">is that we get to see kids that we haven’t seen in
months. Many of the kids that we meet over the summer, for various reasons, don’t
come to church once the summer ends. Meaning after August we don’t get to see
many of the kids that stole our heart. There were countless houses I went to
where the children were shocked to realize I remembered them. Not only that,
but I brought presents with each of their individual names on them! It was a
wonderful way to bring joy to these children. Some of them even waited to open
their presents until Christmas day. More than likely because they wouldn’t be getting
much else. I was honored to participate and see this aspect of the ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayers:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Please
pray for the homes that don’t have adequate heat. So far, we’ve had a surprisingly
warm winter, but hard freezing temperatures loom and with them bring unique
challenges for the families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Please
pray for the ministry as we jump back into our normal schedule. This includes
Church services, D-groups, youth group, YoungLife, going to the school to have
lunch with the kids, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Finally,
I ask a personal prayer. This marks the over halfway point of my internship. My
thoughts turn to what it would mean to leave this community that I have fallen
even deeper in love with. I’m currently wrestling with where the Lord is
calling me and if He is in fact calling me here fulltime. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please pray for His guidance
through this decision making.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thank
you to each and every one of you for how you’ve helped support the ministry here.
Whether it’s with giving, prayers, or both. I hope God is blessing you as He is
so overwhelmingly blessing me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Your brother in
Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Trey</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLHQQrk0U1QR3bkLe0VA8G1BtpVRQ3ckqLsvsXvRtPHVQJxn9ZQZq4HDZsNBCfxA3g3oirNeKgQG9gnDo__ZDoUkgLMwQ01nfx3Fr_Gfpx90No2gkSTyiob8XI8yxVv2ngGZ4-4VBSWg/s1600/celilo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="492" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLHQQrk0U1QR3bkLe0VA8G1BtpVRQ3ckqLsvsXvRtPHVQJxn9ZQZq4HDZsNBCfxA3g3oirNeKgQG9gnDo__ZDoUkgLMwQ01nfx3Fr_Gfpx90No2gkSTyiob8XI8yxVv2ngGZ4-4VBSWg/s200/celilo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlbB3jC6ZCEENiHOAADTb0rEPCRyo4hTmwO-DMZcarusNS-R4O1KWx48EGzMXO1YEcDxdSu1ZEtGWgikRB-Rkel3pGgO4gqaGIN2xcChwsH0pqvRDnr90mLfqwNzJaL1n_fSklNfnjno/s200/Faun.jpg" />Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-76892555901910278482018-11-02T15:50:00.000-07:002018-11-02T15:50:15.597-07:00A Forgotten Nation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve
now been on the Yakama Nation Reservation for seven incredible months. The
months following</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> summer have been a conglomeration of blessings and trials. I
often times want to write down everything that I’m seeing but when I actually
have the time to write an update, I find that my words fall short and I can’t
grasp the most rudimentary parts of my stay here. So as such I normally focus
on what’s easier to express or share. Its why I use jokes that kids make about
me to remind people I’m still here or post pictures of events to show snapshots
of my day. I do this because those are substantially easier to relate to and
quicker to explain then trying to spit out what feels like a lifetime’s worth
of lessons that I’m only just beginning to scratch the surface of while here.
There have been whole books written on the relationships between Native Americans
and the church, on what poverty culture looks like, or what life on a
reservation would look like. So, to summarizing ideas that took whole books to
capture is no small feat. A parent of a team member once said that in his child’s
week here he grew a year spiritually. I often wonder how much more God will
grow me through a year here. As such growing comes with growing pains and is
not all picking daisies and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> frolicking on the beach. This serves as a warning,
this will not be one of those happy, whimsical updates I normally do. For my benefit
and for that of my supporters I want to give an update that I avoid giving, an
update of the good and the bad here on the rez.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> There are
things that I’ve learned in the fall here that I never could’ve learned through
my summer experience. For one the staff here doesn’t have a “down time”. Summer
ends, staff take a quick few days off, catch their breath, and continue
trucking through their ministry responsibilities. One of my most joy filled responsibilities
that I’ve taken on while being here is to go to school lunches. Which</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> means I
get to go to high school, middle school, and elementary lunches. Its so
entertaining to see kids/teens light up when you walk into their lunchroom.
Frequently, pestering me with the question of “why are you here?!”. The answer
that I normally give goes like “to see you guys of course” or “because I wanted
to hang out with you”. They never really accept these answers even though I’ve
been coming to their school for almost three months now. This playful response
marks a much darker, underlying problem that I’ve seen repeatedly throughout my
time here. The reason their so shocked by a strange bearded, white guy coming
to their school is because so many of them aren’t valued or cared for by adults
in their life. When you’ve been told countless times by your caregiver that your
good for nothing or your left at home with all your younger siblings by your
caregiver who wants to go out and drink, why would you think you’re worth anything?
When you live in a broken down shed in someone’s back yard without food, how
are you going to get algebra homework done? When your parents decide that they
don’t want you at the house and kick you out at fourteen to find shelter on
your own, how are you going to feel? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When
you live in a crack house with your younger sister, how do you think past
living today. These </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">aren’t instances that I’m making up from stories I’ve heard
second hand. These are kids, real kids that I’ve spent time with. Teenagers that
I’ve driven to youth group on Tuesdays or sat next to at YoungLife meetings. I
can’t begin to tell you how many angry drive homes I’ve had since working here.
To see injustice so blatant, so irrefutably and unmistakably wrong. To hug a little
girl one day and have her shipped away by child protective services the next. People
here go through hell, so when a random guy shows up at your school to sit next
to you to eat an undercooked, lunch cafeteria hot dog, you wonder what he’s
peddling. The funniest and saddest question I’ve gotten while here was asked at
one of these school lunches. When I told them I moved here from Florida their
response was a single word, “why…..why would you ever choose to move to White
Swan”. They were so shocked that anyone would move to the center of their
living nightmare.</span></div>
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goal is not to depress or upset you though. There is a duality to the rez that
I speak about frequently to those that care to ask me about what it’s like here,
brokenness and beauty. An important hardship about working here is to balance
these two ideas. It is unhealthy to only focus on the negative brokenness that I
listed above. Additionally, it is also unrealistic to focus only on the beauty
that is seen in cute pictures or stories I post. This advice is most needed on my
part, for when I get sidetracked by the hardships I see. I also try to keep in
mind the beautiful things that I’ve seen over the past few months. I’ve seen teens
who live in unimaginable situations come to accept Christ. Heard testimony from
a young woman who overcame addiction and has become a leader within the church.
Seen multiple other youth love on the kids within the church just as they were
loved by church staff, interns, and one-week team members over the past fifteen
years. I’ve seen God direct situations and circumstances for the better even
when I can’t begin to understand what He’s doing. I wrote in the middle of the
summer about a group of kids that I had grown attached too. They were left home
alone for days without food and most of them were still in diapers. Without
warning one </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">day they were evicted from the house they were at and taken by CPS
to places unknown to me. I spent months wondering what had happened to them
until a month ago when I saw two of them playing outside on a totally different
part of the reservation. Furthermore, this week we held our annual Halloween “Trunk
or Treat” at church. Imagine my surprise when who should come walking
cheerfully down the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">gravel,
but these same children. Native </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">America is the forgotten third world nation in
the heart of the United States, but someone hasn’t forgotten them, not for a
single second of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> their existence. I daily need to remind myself that God loves
the community here infinitely more and better than I ever could. I hope you don’t
take this as a depressive rant from me even if that’s how it began in my head. God
is at work here, doing mighty things even if He must use weak servants like me.
He has plans for the rez, plans for Sacred Road, and plans for the future generation
that is being brought up here at Hope Fellowship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I urge you to pray/continue to pray for the ministry
here. Please pray for the kids here who are abused and neglected by their birth
family. Pray for the teens who are fighting to graduate when they don’t even
know where their going to be sleeping tonight. Pray for the group of leaders
that God is raising among the youth right now. Pray for the staff who tirelessly
serve with humility and hearts full of love. Pray for the spiritual warfare
that seems to run rampant throughout the rez. Pray for those who do not have
adequate housing, with winter’s arrival hastening on. Pray for those that have
yet to hear the gospel here, on other reservations, and in places around the
world. Please pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Your brother in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trey</span>Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-18644859230321297562018-08-09T16:04:00.001-07:002018-08-09T16:04:33.118-07:00From Gorblins to Giants<br />
Here we are. The summer has ended and the other 20 or so college aged interns that spent their summer on the Reservation have gone home to start/ get back to the next stage of their lives. This officially begins the next part of my internship. Having now experienced two summers I'm both worried and joyfully optimistic about what the next unknown challenges I'll face in the winter, fall, and spring months. But I'll refrain from going into that very much as I have little information or knowledge about what that may hold. Instead I wish to tell you some about my summer. Mainly focusing on two distinct jobs that I got the pleasure to have. If your looking for a good laugh at my expense from the summer read the last half of my post.<br />
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First, I got the absolute honor of leading one of the "kids clubs" that we run at the local parks. This year we had four different kids clubs spread out among two different reservations, one of these is Adam's view park. This park holds a special place in my heart as it is where I went to kids club my very first time on the Rez. Now two years later I was put in the position of leading this outreach. This would consist of me assigning volunteers and interns to different sites at the park such as blowing bubbles with kids or manning the ever popular kick ball station. I additionally held the responsibility of making sure that kids club was safe and secured from any threats. There were many other little ins and outs of this job but my favorite was telling the bible story to the children.<br />
<img alt="Image may contain: Trey Belisario, smiling, outdoor" height="320" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37487945_10215924032830680_3730888973065650176_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=a12bc0770546d4e1e5f50bda3292aa09&oe=5C06AE38" width="240" /><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, outdoor and nature" height="240" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37414776_10215916204994989_5352133376620888064_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=83ef00dfd6bcaf6f0b08167327897fbb&oe=5BF6FBDF" width="320" /><br />
Children would volunteer to be in the story, acting out Sunday school classics like Zaccheus and parting of the red sea. Although many people in the United States culture have had these stories told to them since they were toddlers. Many of these kids hadn't or had only heard about it through prior kid's club stories. So for them to see their family members and friends getting up there and reenacted bible stories, it made it all the more personal for them. Although this sounds (and often times was) adorable, it also provided a unique challenge of telling a story while controlling multiple hyperactive and low attention span kids. In one instance, in the story of Paul and Silas being held in prison. The prison guard used his prop spear as an assault rifle to fire upon the two actors, this was obviously not within the biblical cannon. Nevertheless, this job was one of the greatest privilege I've ever received.<br />
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The second job I had was being a leader of the older boys in "Daycamp", which is a VBS like program that we run on the church property. My boys consisted of 3rd to 5th graders that would come learn memory verses, hear biblical stories, craft, do science experiments, and do tons of other fun activities. But this story is not about those excellent days. No, the story I'm going to tell you is about one of the greatest failures and challenges I had as a daycamp leader. On the second day, we received the activity of making a group name, coloring our team flag, and making a chant. This task sounded simple enough. I lined the boys up and started asking for suggestions. Two choices arose, Green Gorillas or Green Goblins. Easy enough, I asked for a show of hands for who wanted which name. Six hands rose for Gorillas and Seven hands rose for Goblins. We had a clear and definite winner, democracy ruled. What I had failed to realize was that one of the "Gorillas" had already written GOR on our flag. They looked at me for guidance on what the next step should be as Goblins is certainly not spelled with an R. I said to simply write around it or cover it with something and moved on to a nearby picnic table where the six gorillas had now gathered and were angrily looking to stage a coup to take power from me. As I approached the ring leader declared "This sucks! Green Goblins is a stupid name and it sucks! There's not even a chant for it. It sucks and Daycamp sucks!!!" I sternly warned him that such talk wasn't allowed at Daycamp and if he didn't want to come back he didn't have to. Goblins had one fair and square, now it was time to write our names across the flag and decorate it. The six gorillas got up one by one and dejectedly went to the flag to write their name...so I thought. Once everyone was seated I felt a light tug on my shirt and looked to find one of the Goblins, upset, whispering something to me. "They wrote sucks on our flag". Apparently some hoodlum had vandalized our flag. Writing sucks underneath every single name and on the main title. The flag now proudly displaying the title of "Green Gorblins Sucks". "Who wrote this?".<br />
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Six hands quickly raise as six green gorillas stared me down defiantly. The rebellion had begun. Now I had seven upset kids on one side and six angry children on the other. Both sides yelling at the other. It was at this point that our director cheerily approached me and asked what our new name was. I told her that now was certainly not the time for such questions and I had an issue to deal with. She then offered me a chance at redemption. A new flag. An untainted, clean slate, that most certainly wouldn't suck. I pulled the boys down and asked them to talk to one another and express why they disliked the other side. The word "sucks" once again rained down like water in Seattle. I now offered them a new chance. Neither goblins nor gorillas would be accepted as names. We had to find a brand new name. For what seemed like hours there was silence till finally one child said "what about Gorgyles?". "What?" I asked deeply confused. "you know gorgyles, those things with wings that stand on old buildings?". "Are you trying to say gargoyles?" YEAH! was the common scream, but the ringleader of the gorillas would have nothing of it. "that name sucks too!" he yelled vehemently. More options came, original home run ideas like the Green bananas, or the green apples, or maybe the green pies? One of the kids was very hungry. Finally one child offered the name of Green Giants. There was a hush over the crowd while they drank in the very thought of such a name. Multiple eyes twinkled with support for this new name. But my eyes were fixed upon the ringleader, what would his thoughts be. His eyes covered underneath his pink and black baseball cap, hiding his emotions until he spoke with infinite 9 year old wisdom "I guess that name doesn't suck". At that moment I felt as though I'd just run a marathon and finished first place. "who votes for green giants then?". Thirteen gleeful little giants raise their hands in support. "Alright well what about our chant?!". After a moment of discussion we came up with "Fee-fi-fo-fum, we're the green giants and here we come". Our challenge had been met just as the director called for all the groups to show off their chants. In the concluding contest we were declared the chant champions. We had gone from Gorblins to might Green Giants.<br />
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Trey Belisariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16228234429729136948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9082152231533057868.post-27480908189410028892018-03-29T11:47:00.001-07:002018-03-29T11:47:03.635-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two years ago, I spent a week on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Washington state working with a ministry called “Sacred Road” and my life was irrevocably changed. While I was there I saw suffering and poverty on a scale I hadn’t experienced before. Young children raising their younger siblings. Teens homelessly couch surfing to find a roof over their heads. Housing alarmingly similar to that of a third world country, even though it’s a three-hour drive from Seattle. Yet, the most amazing thing I experienced was the love and hope I saw rising from this desolation, the kind of hope that only can be derived from Christ. I saw Christ using Sacred Road Ministries to affect an entire generation even during my simple seven days there. I knew that I needed to come back and be more involved. Consequently, I applied and was accepted for a three month summer internship, one that would have me dive even deeper into the Yakama community. I built relationships with both children and adults throughout the community. I got to see multiple community members profess acceptance of Christ into their hearts. I even received the honor of leading a young group of boys daily at the summer long vacation bible school program, “day camp”. Since returning home I have prayed for an opportunity to spend even more time on the Reservation, that prayer has been answered. I’ve been offered the opportunity to spend 15 months on the reservation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During the summer months I will be doing much of the same work I did during my summer internship, working with a group of other interns, and staff (who live on the reservation and minister full time) as we host 300+ people who come on five one week teams to roof, paint, host vacation Bible school for underprivileged children, etc. During the rest of the year I will be working directly with the staff within the different aspects of their ministry.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">They minister to the people of White Swan through hosting spring and summer teams that engage in mercy ministry, children’s ministry, youth ministry, helping at-risk teenagers, responding to various needs in the community, holding Sunday worship services at their church plant, and, in essence, “loving their neighbors”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hope Fellowship, their church plant, is located within White Swan, a town on the Reservation. In the town of White Swan, nearly 100% of the population is deeply affected by alcoholism and/or drug abuse. The reservation itself is located in one of the poorest areas in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In White Swan there is approximately a 75% unemployment rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the children in White Swan suffer from neglect and abuse. There are no healthy evangelical churches in White Swan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m writing you to ask you to partner with me in furthering and building God’s kingdom. Specifically, when it comes to prayers, as I will be needing lots of them. I ask you to pray for the Lord to prepare my heart, prepare the heart of the children and adults I’ll be ministering to, and that God will work in ways I can’t even begin to imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you would like to financially support me, please go to Sacred Road’s website at</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"><a href="http://www.sacredroadministries.com/">www.sacredroadministries.com</a>, go to the “Giving” tab, and choose me as the missionary you would like to support. I will be needing to raise 2,050 dollars for every month I’m on the Reservation. Please prayerfully consider partnering with me. Thank you for considering being apart of my team!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yours in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Trey Belisario<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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