common ground montgomery news and updates

first large volunteer groups at camp onawa

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We recently had two large groups come and do some work.

Our first group came from Maxwell, and we had a lot of officer training candidates just getting work done.

Over the years, we’ve also had repeat volunteers. Our first overnight group at Onawa came to us from Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church in Lecanto, Florida.

We had a blast with them, and they even got to experience many of the sites of Montgomery including catching a Biscuits baseball game, visiting the Civil Rights Memorial, and more.

On their last day, campers from MAP’s Youth Navigation Program came up for the day, and we had a lot of fun!

grateful for our interns

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BY CHAQUANA TOWNSEND

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

As we begin the fall and the newest semester of the After School Program, I think about the amazing summer we just left, and especially, with the group of summer interns we had. The Lord did more than we could ever think, imagine, or even dream of this summer by sending us amazing, godly interns. The 2015 interns from Campus Outreach and other places served our kids and community so well this summer. I can honestly say, these interns loved our kids - really loved our kids. As we all know, children stretch you in so many ways and tend to push you over the edge. However, as I saw them struggle, wrestle, and ask the Lord and CGM staff for wisdom regarding the kids, I witnessed their desire to persevere and honor God in every way. I praise God for sending us these specific interns as such a time as this.

Every moment, difficult conversation, social event, and hang out time was an absolute joy! Even when I had to address them or point out an area of growth, it was received with much respect and grace. I am so thankful for Campus Outreach, and their willingness and obedience to serve alongside the CGM this summer! I am extremely excited for the next summer because of how well this summer went. These interns have done a job well done, and they will be truly missed!

To the 2015 summer interns:

Thank you for all you did this summer in loving and serving our kids, community, and staff. You were a gift to our lives as well as the children and parents. Thank you for doing above and beyond what you were asked, and thank you for being a godly influence and presence this summer. Your obedience to the Father will impact generations to come, and may God bless you for living out what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. I adore all of you, and we hope to see you again one day!