What an incredible start! The Third Church (Pella, IA) IMPACT team experienced the warmth and energy of Abaco on day one. From working with the passionate Driftwood Farm team to sharing heartfelt worship with the G2 youth, it was a day filled with connection and purpose. Get ready to feel the excitement through Ryan and Marcy’s reflections!
We were greeted for our first full day in Abaco with a beautiful sunrise over the glass surface of the ocean and an energy-filled breakfast preparing us for a day of service.
A short van ride to Driftwood Farms provided us a glimpse of the lingering impact of Hurricane Dorian with swaths of vegetation still struggling to recover. The owners of Driftwood Farms, Tracy and Glen Kelly, provided us the history and vision of the “off-the-grid” complex that seeks sustainable food provision. Walking the property throughout the day revealed the intimacy that they strive to maintain between the land they live on with the produce that they raise. We were blessed with the opportunity to aid in construction enhancements of a hog pen enclosure and an aquaponics system that they are pursuing as well as harvesting various vegetables that will be sold at a local farmers market.
Reflecting on our workday at the farm later in the day, we felt a sense of appreciation for the hard work and investment that has gone into producing vegetables and fruits in a manner unlike anything else on the island. Tracy and Glen’s passion for serving others was evident and reminded us of the importance to serve into our passion areas while assisting others to serve into theirs.
During the evening, the Lord blessed us with the opportunity to see directly into the lives of island youth at a Wednesday night gathering at the Kirk of the Pines. Pastors Carrie and Barrett graciously invited us into the youth service to worship alongside high school age attendees. This included corporate worship of the message in Colossians 4:2-6 and the prayer of Paul to remain strong and clear with his faith message despite being in prison. The message resonated well but then became solidified as we broke into small groups and listened to the students discuss what it meant to them. Carrie, Barrett, and the small group leaders have created an important and vital safe haven for these youth.
The most impactful element of the day was the debrief we had with Carrie after the students had left. We learned the true nature of those students’ daily life which draws little comparison to our daily experiences. However, through it all, they continue to witness the strength, promise and unconditional compassion that only our Lord can provide as more students are impacted. It is evident in sight and heart that the Lord was moving during the service and has His hand of provision on this amazing program.
— Ryan and Marcy Agre
