Group 1, Day 1 Journal – “Kingdom Impact Begins”
Hello everyone! Chase Tolbert here, and I’ll be your host for Group 1, 2025. Today marked the beginning of another incredible year with POWER Ministry. Travel day took us from San Antonio to Del Rio for the first week of mission work.
Excitement filled the air as brothers in Christ reunited from across the nation—or so I assume. I wouldn’t know firsthand since I was the last to arrive in San Antonio. The moment I stepped out into the Burger King parking lot, I was met with the ceremonial receiving of the name tag from Marty. This time it was the express version (due to my tardiness), but the tradition still stood strong.
Our first official stop? The legendary (or infamous, depending on who you ask) Golden Corral. It’s the perfect place to load up for the week ahead. As I stood in the long beverage line, I caught glimpses of joyful, excited faces—still fresh, not yet weathered by the long days to come.
After dinner, we settled in for the two-and-a-half-hour drive. Conversations filled the van as everyone caught up—sharing stories of work, family, and expectations for the week ahead. When asked about the highlight of Golden Corral, Doug Wible summed it up perfectly: “The fellowship.”
Upon arriving at Faith Missions, I rushed to the bunks only to finally realize there were plenty to spare. With 31 men strong on this trip, it definitely felt a little different, hopefully, that means not as much snoring.
To end the night, we gathered to pray and reflect. Doug brought our focus to the theme and verse for the trip: 1 Corinthians 4:20 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” The message of Kingdom Impact set the tone for the days ahead, reminding us that our actions—not just our words—will bear witness to God’s work in this place.
Here’s to a powerful start to the week. I can’t wait to see how God moves through us all.