The group that was part of the first New York trip I led from Kissimmee was made up of students who had been a part of the youth ministry of FUMC-K long before my arrival. They were very excited about this new opportunity, so excited that when the pilot announced that we were beginning our decent into Newark Airport that several of them panicked and wanted to know why we were not landing in New York. Newark, of course, IS a New York area airport! It was the start of a wonderful 5 days in the city.
The participants included (pictured, back row) Hamp Sessions, Connor Lewis, Jocelyn Sessions and myself; (second row) Jill Franklin, Sara Thacker, Brian Watson, Jennifer Johns, Marilyn Jones, Sharon Lynes; (front row) Todd Willis, Ben Thacker. Not in the picture are Angie Whalin, Matt Schmidt and Jill Painter. This was a great group, and each of them were very important to the trip. But if you look closely at the picture, you will find an unlisted person. This picture was taken outside the U.N. There is an older black man on the back right; we have no idea who he is or where he came from. After I had the picture developed, I asked around and no one remembered seeing him. He is standing right next to me and I never knew he was there. He just joined in our group picture for reasons we don't know. It is one of the great mysteries of all my years in student ministry. If you know this man, please contact me immediately!
Another first for this trip was temporarily losing a group member, which led to total chaos. It also almost resulted in great injury to her- AFTER we found her! Tomorrow that story can be told...
Because of Jesus,
How bizarre. It's great the way you can remember so many great adventures and happenings. Thanks for the story. :)
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