justin j mack

the best global project intern...ever!!!

9 months ago i got a call from a young lady asking if i would consider her for a global project internship. (the 'global project' is the missions efforts of river valley church)  she was the fourth or fifth student that had asked about an internship but honestly i was just getting adjusted to my responsibilities and the timing was just not right with the first few.

but within moments of meeting her i had to say yes because i realized i was talking to a very special young lady.  i knew she was very intelligent and had an incredible heart but what i didn't know was just how special she was going to be.

over the next few months she would send dozens of emails, make countless phone calls, write several book reports, ask lots of questions, meet with missionaries, and do so many other not so rewarding things that only interns 'get' to do and never get credit for.  as our way of saying thanks, she joined us and traveled to the other side of the world with the global team thailand/vietnam.  what an amazing team and experience!!  (see the previous blog for more pictures)

with a little lump in my throat i'm realizing the internship has come to an end but excited that a new friendship has begun.  i just want to say thank you for all that you have done and for teaching me so much more than you will ever know!!

so to the best intern ever, thank you sara permann!!!

 

global team thailand/vietnam

it all starts with the team.  what an amazing group of rvc peeps!!  they handled ever situation and form of transportation so perfectly.  planes, trains, buses, boats, bamboo rafts, ox carts and elephants, just to name a few.  ryan, sara, sara, jana, bonnie, jess and the az team, nothing but love for all ya'll!!

over a hundred little ones, two orphanages and the crazy day at the water park was one of my personal highlights (except the bruised tail bone sometime during the day).  the expressions on those kids faces was like we had just taken them to disney world for a week.

we also delivered over 700 "special books" to the central highlands.  for many it was the first time they had ever received this "special book" in their own language.

summarizing an experience like this is always one of the most difficult parts so i would just encourage you to go next time you have an opportunity and you will see how incredible it is to be apart of a global team!!

here are a few pictures for you...

family iowa mission team

this july, rvc is partnering with wildwood hills ranch to take a team of families to the iowa camp to help at-risk youth.  for more information about this incredible ranch check out www.wildwoodhillsranch.com

for more information about joining the family iowa mission team download rvc_08_july_iowa_info_packet.pdf and fill out the rvc_08_july_iowa_trip_application.pdf

the need for new

i had two thoughts run through my mind this morning, i'm excited for a new season and new small group leaders.

the need for a new season.  the lakes downtown are one of my favorite things about the minneapolis area.  i absolutely love going for a long bike ride and a short run.  i know that i'm not the only one.  as you may know, after work or on the weekend, there are literally thousands people just like me enjoying a good walk, run, or bike.  i'm excited for spring to really hit!!

the need for new small group leaders.  we already have over 150 incredible great small group leaders but in the past 6 months our church has grown dramatically and we are in need of more small group leaders.  our philosophy is simple.  if you have a good heart and a good idea, pray about starting a group.  we try to use the same leadership principle that both samuel used to find the king of israel and jesus used to build his church...  look at the heart not what just what looks good on the outside.  we do have a small group training for our leaders but it starts with a good heart and a good idea.  i'm excited for new small group leaders!!

mega-strong rvc

on the same weekend rvc passed the 2000 mega-mark, i got a very timely and encouraging email. 

a very kind lady told me about her "misgivings about mega-churches" and her "concerns about getting lost in the crowd" but a year and a half ago her and her husband decided to give rvc a try because of the variety of small groups offered.

she went on to say that in the midst of a very difficult time of her life, both her and her husband have found so many wonderful friends in their small groups and have grown closer to the Lord.  she said that she could not express her gratefulness for rvc small groups.

i am so proud to be a part of rvc, no matter how big it gets, you can find a small group of friends that will be there during the good times and the hard times!!

india. not just a childhood story

as a child my parents told me stories about a neighborhood friend of my grandfather, the late great missionary, mark buntain.  as a young man he traveled by boat for over two months to fulfill a temporary missions assignment in india.  well his assignment was not temporary, in fact it still continues today long after his death.  little did i know that some 20 years later, i would have the honor of speaking at one of the schools he started.

after 72 hours of traveling, 28 services, in 10 days, in 3 cities, i summarize my india missions experience as intense!!  the crowds of people, the constant noise, the unique smells, and the relentless heat will not soon be forgotten but the beautiful smiles and overwhelming kindness of so many left even a greater impression.

our missionary hosts are to be admired for their incredible sacrifice and commitment to a culture so different from our own. (jonathan, you are a stud even with your man handles) the team of 21 was phenomenal.  my personal highlight was sharing this experience with my amazing parents, brother and his family!!

here are just a few pictures ...

 

1.1 billion

tara and i leave this week to help lead a mission team to india where over 1.1 billion people call home.  neither of us have ever been to india before so we are really excited, but i'm not sure if we are ready for what we are going to see.

we have heard and read so many great things about the people and the places but experiencing the people and the extreme poverty is something that cannot be understood unless you go.  $125 is the average annual income of one of the states we will be visiting, this is so hard to imagine!!

your prayers are greatly appreciated as we try to help with some of the physical and spiritual needs that we are certainly going to encounter.

2008 spring small group guru award

our rvc small group leaders rock!! 

we had such a great time at the small group leader training on monday night.  these trainings are a lot of fun but so incredibly important for the vision and growth of small groups at rvc.  i cannot stress this enough!!!

as promised...the first ever small group guru award goes to...  table 4 - kari cornwell, isabel ketterling, missy perry, mary wavinak, dana mohs, and nancy holte.  congrats ladies!!

to check out what they know... Download rvc_2008_spring_small_group_trivia_game.pdf

los angeles mission trip

river valley church is partnering with the la dream center to provide love and support to one of the most diverse cities in america.  the trip dates are may 19-25 and the cost is about $975.

i am so proud to be a part of a church that not only cares about their own community but also the needs all around the world.

for more information check out the informational packet and the application

Download rvc_08_may_los_angeles_info_packet.pdf

Download rvc_08_may_los_angeles_trip_application.pdf

2008 rvc mission trip opportunties

4-5 months prior to each trip their will be an informational meeting with more details and exact trip cost and dates.  please note that the trips and dates given are tentative and may change slightly

level of trips

level 1 trip.  5-7 days / < $1000

level 2 trip.  8-10 days / < $2000

level 3 trip. 11-14 days / < $3000

trips scheduled

la dream center.  intercity/compassion ministry.  may 19-25th. level 1

vietnam.  orphanage work.  june 15-27.  level 3

iowa.  kids camp.  july 12-17.  level 1

colorado.  youth local ministry.  august 3-9.  level 1

mexico.  youth ministry.  august 11-19.  level 1/2   

swaziland.  children's cup/orphanage work.  september 24 - october 5.  level 3

peru.  construction of water well.  october 18-26.  level 1/2

israel.  educational/inspirational.  november 21-december 3.  level 3

romania.  church plant.  november. level 2

mexico.  family trip/ywam base.  november 22-29.  level 1

more info

for more information about these mission trip opportunities please email pastor justin at justin.mack@rivervalley.org with specific trip requests.