Comments from past Love Cedar Valley days...

Probably what moved me the most was exactly what the event was supposed to do-bring together different Christian denominations in one cause-to show the love of Christ.

Walking in to Vineyard-all the people-all the different projects-so much joy! Visiting the people at the Western Home! There were people that I visited with who really needed someone at that time. I gave a lady a flower and said it was a reminder that God loves her. She was quiet for a moment and then said, "I guess He must." The closing worship at Orchard with the slide show was AWESOME! The worship with so many Christians is always awesome. The organizing ahead of time made it very easy for me to just come and do.

The kick-off at Heartland with so many people-it was more than I thought it would be. There was excitement in the air and the weather didn't seem to dampen any spirits. We visited a care center and seeing the bright smiles from people sitting alone and knowing how much it meant to them to get a little flower. We felt like we brought some sunshine into some lives on a rainy day.

It was extremely positive for our group. We weren't really clear on what the "kick off" ceremony would be. Thanks so much for encouraging us to go to the Vineyard Church for this initial ceremony. The program made a HUGE impact on us. It would not be the same without the large group meeting. The power of all singing and coming together to worship was awesome.

One lady came out of the blue room bar and said that a lady inside would really like a flower. I thought-what would Jesus do? I went in and handed her a pink carnation. She was so appreciative. The people in the bar thanked me and said we were all doing a nice thing by handing out flowers to people. And just participating with my daughters was a cool experience!

It was great to see churches representing several different denominations come together with one heart to spread the love of Jesus. We handed out cookies at the library on the UNI campus. One particular student was literally stopped short in her tracks with a dumbfounded look on her face, not believing that anyone would take the time or effort to give out free cookies to students and to be told "good luck on finals." Another student thanked us for such a wonderful ministry and most all were very grateful to have something homemade!

We moved our location for giving flowers to an indoor location (Ravenwood nursing home) and felt we brightened a lot more lives than we would have standing in the rain. We had our young daughters with us and they spread sunshine to the residents as much or more than the flowers did. Also, we went into Kimball Ridge and were able to give a dozen flowers to an AA group that was meeting there. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to give them directly for confidentiality reasons, but we were happy to know they would get them. The day had a positive impact on my daughter. She really got into it!

I loved the kick-off singing and worship, with everyone gearingup. Again, the same for the closing, to talk and relax and share stories. I think the acts of love were awesome and a lot of effort went into the planning of it. It was hard to choose! My daughter was upset we couldn't do two! She wanted to split the time between two of them!

Some of the college kids were really thankful and excited and it was nice to see them ask our kids what it was about and then see our kids be excited about telling them! Our kids did all of the giving of the cookies--they got into it!

It was extremely well organized. The rain made the event even that much brighter and the ministry that much more powerful. I loved seeing the enthusiasm people had for the mission and then actually carrying it out.

Went to a bar downtown CF where some folks were cleaning toilets. Some of the people at the bar started to ask us questions and such. They began confessing a need to find a new church. One said she hadn't been in 3 years. Just to see the love of Christ at work through others and the conviction the Spirit brings upon people as a result was really cool.

One thing that impacted me the most was the worship before and after all together as "one body". People's reactions were mostly positive as well.

Seeing all the churches working together was AWESOME. It was fun to see people I know from the community and different churches, and getting to serve alongside them in a common mission! The organization of it all went very well. I especially loved the fact that it was mission work that families could do together right here in the Cedar Valley. I'd love to be able to go on mission trips and serve in other parts of the country/world, but right now being a mom has to come first so I can't always get away to serve in those opportunities. I love events like Saturday where I can show her about service to others by having her help out too. This event was a super way to show how when a few (hundred!!) people get together, what they can do for others!

I was amazed by how the service changed my day from frustrated, to fun... I was feeling very selfish that morning, especially with the rain and cold, but to see the rest of our small group out there serving treats with smiles was a great boost. I can only imagine that with as many people that were praying for the weather, this was one time when God let Satan have his way just to prove a point that some rain and cold can't stop what God is planning to do. And, because of the weather I think the whole experience was even more powerful.

We had one gentleman come up to us and ask for a dozen bars and wondered how much they would cost. It was so fun to tell him they were free... and to see his expression. It was so fun to be able to serve the Longfellow soccer girls treats... and to watch them take 5 or 6 of them, wrap them up and take them home. They were very grateful.

I thought it was a great event. My love language is service, so I was very excited to participate. I think if we are going to show the Cedar Valley what "church" means, it has to affect their lives - in real ways. They need to see people taking care of people.