Mission Trip 2024

Hello friends and family! It has been a while since I have written on my blog. It has been an amazing yet busy summer! As many of you know, the good Lord sent me to Frakes, Kentucky on a mission this summer. That mission comes from Matthew 22:37-39. "Jesus replied: love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: love your neighbor as yourself". What a blessing it was to love God and His people in this amazing town. I didn't know what to expect going there, but it wasn't nearly as great as what happened. I met many key people in my life. I came as a stranger and left as family. I got to be the vessel of the Lord to teach, love, guide, and discipline the children at summer recreation. The kids I worked with changed my worldly perspectives and they changed my life. I got to take senior meals to the community, and this helped me foster joyful relationships. I got to know each of the summer recreation staff on a personal level. I had fun Friday nights with my friends, and I got the opportunity to learn what it meant to pray without ceasing. There were many hard days when all I could do was get down on my knees and cry out to the Lord. God broke down my walls and strengthened and deepened my perspectives. I got to love how the Lord loves, and I got to be loved too. I experienced a lot of healing on this trip as well, and this was something I didn't expect. I got to share bits and pieces of my testimony, which is a true gift. God gives us our story, and it is our job to share it so we can draw others closer to Christ. God knew exactly what He was doing when He wrote my story, and He knew what He was doing when He sent me to this precious place. Leaving Frakes was just as hard as leaving Oklahoma back in May. I am leaving a piece of my heart in Kentucky, and I don't know when I will get to go back. I started graduate school this week, so as one chapter closes another chapter opens. But, I love this family with my whole heart and then some. I talk with them every week and I pray for them often. I know the good Lord will send me back in His perfect timing. Adjusting back to Oklahoman life is HARD. But, I have been immeasurably blessed. I am so excited to go to my home church to share about what God has done in Kentucky, and what He has done in and through me. My story isn't over; it has only just begun.

Much love from your Oklahoma gal,

Lauren Mains