Dave, Jean, Abbie, Luke, and Caleb Dirks' Faith Story

Our family wanted to share the wonderful experience we had this past spring break. Over the years, we had talked many times about doing some type of mission trip, but never acted. We had many excuses, just too busy, family obligations, kids being too young, etc... In February, seemingly out of the blue, friends asked if we were interested in joining them on a mission trip to Appalachia. We talked, prayed, and debated, but despite our many worries came to know that God was calling us to serve.

In March we loaded up our 3 children and drove to Kentucky where we met up with 3 other families (10 children), 3 college students, and 4 adults (most were part of the Bridgeway church in Ames). The week was filled with hard work, communal living, and "interesting" accommodations and food. The week was also filled with prayer, love, and learning about people of different ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. It was truly a week of fellowship not only with the people who had journeyed to Kentucky but also with the many wonderful people we met while we were there.

The theme of our daily group time was having a servant's heart and focusing on how we all have something to give. During one group time our family shared "The Servant Song" with our new friends and it became the theme song for the rest of the trip. At the end of our trip we discussed how we can be servants in our everyday life. As we were leaving Kentucky our kids asked, "Can we do this next spring break?" Thanks be to God!

We feel so blessed that we accepted God's call and let him take control.

Will you let me be your servant Let me be as Christ to you Pray that I may have the grace to Let you be my Servant too.

-Dave, Jean, Abbie, Luke and Caleb Dirks
have been parishioners since 1994. The entire family does hospitality ministry; Dave serves as an Eucharist minister and Jean a Lector and member of the stewardship committee. Dave is an engineer at Sauer-Danfoss and serves on the board of Friendship Arc Homes. Jean works part time as a systems analyst at ISU. Abbie (9), Luke (7) and Caleb (5) work at being children.