It’s been nearly three weeks since our group left Nashville. The high has surely worn away, and reality has settled into it’s normal spot in our lives. But what lives is something that none of us expected to receive. I, for one, walked into the church that first Sunday evening completely naive to idea of “mission work”. I assumed we’d feed a few homeless people, pick up some trash on the street, maybe pray a little bit and then be on our way. But what followed our arrival would certainly leave a huge impact on my life. Through ATL (Ask The Lord) Walks,...

AIM staff member and worship leader Matt Snyder shared what happened Monday night during the college break trip to Nashville last week:   It was composed of ragamuffins.  Nobody had their junk together and all of them felt drawn together to just serve.  Tattooed arms, gauged ears, and scruffy clothing was the style.  Each breath they took in sucked in creativity and exhaled expression because these artists dreamed what God dreamed and painted it into a reality you could taste, touch and see.  Under the cover of darkness, an army of Light was gathered.  And...

Here’s a blog from Steph Connors, the trip photographer and cook, about the first day of ministry we had together:   This week I’m in Nashville, TN out in the mission field. We are working with a group of college students from James Madison University who, instead of soaking up rays in a tropical paradise on their spring break, have chosen to challenge themselves on a inner city mission trip serving the homeless.    They too are looking for a break in routine and an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones.   And they’re finding it.  ...

Sara Willard (Harrisonburg, VA), a participant on a college break mission trip to Nashville, recently wrote after her trip:   So continuing on the theme of lessons learned during the Nashville trip, I think one of my friends said it best when they said just when they feel like they are beginning to know God and understand him, he does something so incredible and crazy and complex that it feels like you don’t know him at all.  I feel like that’s what this whole week was.  Just when I felt like I was getting some sort of a handle on God, he blows my mind. As I was...

One of the main ministries we worked with in Nashville was with a local homeless shelter called Nashville Rescue Mission.    They provide lodging, food and clothing for those who are facing hard times as well as recovery programs for self-destructive behavior.    We spent our time organizing the donations in the warehouse which was a big job, but really helps them serve more effectively.           The team from James Madison University in front of Nashville Rescue Mission                ...

A little over a year ago, Ryan Lampa started getting together with a few of his friends on Monday nights to make dinner for about ten homeless people. Today, the core of friends has grown to about 30 people, and the number of homeless fed has grown anywhere from 80 to 150. They call themselves People Loving Nashville.   They don’t do it for recognition, they don’t do it because it makes them feel good, they do it because there are people on the streets who need love, a friend, and a good meal.       Ryan and his friends gather together before they...