I've Never Enjoyed Pink So Much

When Urban Immersion was first kicked around as a youth summer mission trip, I was at a loss on what to do for fundraising. Mission trips are an act of service and a formative experience for students, therefore, the logistics of money to the families should be a pulverized obstacle whenever possible.

And in my loss of ideas, Adam came to me with one word: "flamingos". Adam had, by this point, cemented himself as a necessary and beloved member of our youth leadership team. He brought a fantastic dimension of fun, excitement, and honest heart to our ministry. So, with a perplexed look but a trusting mind, I responded, "go on". His face lit up saying, "We did this when I was in youth group way back when. You take a bunch of plastic flamingoes and leave them in people's yards with a flyer for 'Flamingo Removal Service'. They can then hire our services by giving to the mission trip! It's sort of like extortion..but like...for Jesus".

Bingo - that was it. In the moment I thought, "I don't care about the how or the moral gray area of that idea - we're gonna do it!". And having just been blessed with a new bus to our ministry, the idea of packing it with students and dispersing flamingoes late at night just sounded like a good ol' time.

And it sure was. I was both thrilled with the fellowship bonding of the fun and grateful for the generous members of our church. After assembling piles of plastic flamingoes, driving around town in our new bus, and catching this unique wave of ministry action, I've never enjoyed pink so much.