These are the 2 that were baptized in the bay this evening in a wonderful service. Reminded me of how John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Sea of Galilee. Both are teens and what an amazing blessing for us to be a part of it! Praise God!
This was a really busy day! This morning, first thing, all of us women who were on our hands and knees grouting all day yesterday were unanimous in our decision that we would not be doing that again today! We all found some muscles that were revolting violently! My what a difference the years make!
Monty worked at the extreme makeover house all day. The sheetrock is all up and they are in the process of spraying on the finish which will be followed with primer and paint. It is coming together so nicely and every step brings it closer to completion and also brings the volunteers that have been working on it closer. The cabinets are finished being painted and things are all going forward.
I started the day with some of the youth and a couple of women working on the warehouse. So much trash had built up over the months and they were able to really get it cleaned up. They bagged so much of it and along with all trash, it is taken to the edge of the road where the trucks come and pick it up. They really worked hard in a really nasty job! Thanks to all of you!
Project Recovery women came and paid us 3 visits today. This is a wonderful organization that provides emotional help to those who need it. Making the connection with them is a huge step in the right direction. We were able to give them the forms we use for work orders and some of our business/mission cards. Before the day was over we had 3 calls with people asking for help. I had a lengthy conversation with one of the women who called in and she was telling how other church groups had come into her house and what they had done. She praised God and all of the churches for their part in this reconstruction. She said that she would go through another Katrina if she knew the volunteers would come and be such a blessing as they have been this time! That statement brought me to tears! As I continue to "preach", the faith based organizations are the ones that have made a difference in Mississippi and nearly every person we meet says the same thing! This is where all of you come in! You do and can make a difference! Whether you make the trip here yourself, whether you pray for those who do or whether you support someone who comes to volunteer, YOU make the difference! Thank you! We look forward to working with Project Recovery and I would ask that you keep them in your prayers as they go out and try to reach the people with their emotional needs.
Some of our youth and adults went to one of our school teachers homes this afternoon and started sanding and prepping her walls for primer and paint. It looks as though they will return tomorrow for more of the same.
More of the youth planted some beautiful flowers, complete with mulch, around one side of the church grounds. This will be a nice site on this coming Easter season.
Our roofing crews completed yet another house today. 4 houses in 4 days, quite a team! They have 2 patching jobs for tomorrow and are raring to go!
Our floor tile crew is still going down the halls! There were a couple more who joined the team today and they are really making progress. (if only someone would come and grout!) :)
Yet another crew worked on getting the washer and dryer they donated to us hooked up. We will have a real laundry facility before it is over. No more trips to the laundry mat, no more waiting on a washer or dryer and no more $$$ poured into the machines! Thank you Ohio group!
Before dinner we had the blessing of all of us packing up and heading to the bay, which is less than a mile from here. The 2 youth wanted to give their lives to Jesus and be baptized in the bay. It was a wonderful ceremony and such a blessing to be a part of. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it!
We had special guests for dinner this evening. Once again, Sue prepared dinner for the entire crew! She is an amazing cook and we thank her for sharing with us each evening! This evening Gladys, her son Gerald and her daughter Callie joined us. Everyone from the team wanted to meet them and this was the best way! There have been so many of the team at her house working and this gave them a wonderful opportunity to meet her. Gladys has won my heart and I love that family so! What a blessing they have been to us and everyone who has been working so hard on her house! She and Callie are staying away from the house until the final "ribbon cutting", and both are really curious. Gerald has been coming on site alot and you can see the excitement in his face! He continues to "hint" that he is the "baby" of her 10 kids and might just have to move in there himself! Thanks Gerald, Callie and Gladys for being such a blessing not only in our lives but in the lives of everyone who is blessed to work on your house!
We closed the evening with the Ohio crew in song and devotion and prayer! Once again this team has become family and with tomorrow being their last day we will be blessed and yet very sad! Saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do!
If while reading this your heart has been touched and you would like to become a part of this mission you can do just that. Without your financial support Monty and I would not be able to be here and fulfilling our mission. To contribute to this mission and allow us to stay here and continue following God's call on our lives you can send your tax deductible gifts to the following address: Vineyard Community Church at PO Box 3277 in Bloomington, Indiana 47402.
Please note "Katrina" on your gift as all 100% will be sent to us to do God's work. We thank you for your support and for your hearts!
God bless all of you....until tomorrow.....Susan and Monty
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