Here they are, as a group and some individually! What an awesome team and we had to say goodbye this morning. We pray for safe travel and also pray they are able to share the blessings they received here with their families and friends.
Last night was wonderful, once again. We did have to make some last minute changes as late afternoon blessed us with a downpour of rain like I have never seen! We managed to get 2" of rain in about an hour thus we decided to move the dinner inside. The devotion room became a restaurant and it was quite an evening of blessings and sharing and extending our families. We were also so pleased that Pastor Rick and Vickey were back and able to join us. Don and MaryAnn had prepared a feast and everyone was filled to the top. What a wonderful set of cooks, not to mention true believers. You see, they were out under their tents the entire time it stormed, MaryAnn singing "Jesus loves me" while Don took the broom and kept poking the tops of the tents to dump the water!
The team had gifts for all of the homeowners, a wonderful group photo of themselves, a Bible signed by all of them and a devotion booklet. Something they all will treasure for years and years to come. It was once again a time of sharing, singing and prayers. It gave Monty and I an opportunity to let them all know just what blessings they had been to us! Their spirits of joy and enthusiasm were contagious and their hearts of service and discipleship unsurpassed. Thanks again to all of you and thank you for allowing us to become a part of your families. We look forward to seeing you again sometime soon!
Since it was once again way after midnight before the festivities were completed I was not able to do the blog last night, thus being here in the middle of the afternoon today. This will be the entry for today also.
As I said, we bid farewell to the 5 vehicle convoy this morning and after finding space for the food donations they left behind for the daycare and school we took some time to get cleaned up before taking Diane for breakfast as today is her birthday!!!!!
This afternoon is spent trying to catch up on things, including laundry! We also are in preparation for our next team from Colorado who will arrive tomorrow along with our dear friends from home, Kim, Elmer and Rose who will be here Monday. It will be an awesome week and we are excited to meet new servants for Jesus.
This evening we are scheduled to have birthday with Diane and a family from the Spanish Village where Diane has spent weeks and weeks helping them rebuild. She has done so much more than rebuild their homes, she has become a part of their family and they want to join in the birthday celebration! Once again, a new life-long relationship! Praise God!
As I sit back and think about all that happened this week I see the hand of God! Each team that went to a homeowners home was the perfect team for that home. Each one was especially selected by God and placed there. It is so difficult to describe, one of those "you had to be there" things. But it was more reassurance that God truly is in control and is always with us, no matter where and no matter what. We see new blessings with every team and realize that this country is on the verge of something really BIG! God is moving so strongly and we see Christians taking a stand and following His calling and we see the results of both! The power of God is all powerful! No matter how and when and where Satan tries to stick his nose in and mess up things, God always wins!! All we need to do is surrender and offer ourselves up for His service! It sounds so easy yet can be so difficult! We are just so thankful to God for calling us and using us, just as we are, to do His work and His will!
We thank all of you who have supported us in our mission to rebuild after hurricane Katrina. For those of you who would like to start joining us in this effort you can send your support to our church, Vineyard Community Church at PO Box 3277 in Bloomington, Indiana 47402 and mark your support "Katrina" as it all comes to us, the church keeps nothing for themselves. Without your support we would not be able to continue our calling.
Tomorrow is the day we are privilaged to enter our houses of worship and praise and thank our Lord Jesus for all the blessings in our lives. We hope you will be doing just that. If you do not have a home church, find one! It will change your life like nothing else!
Until tomorrow.....Blessings, Susan and Monty
PS We would like to ask for special prayer for Monty's step-father, Tony, who is ill. And also for Chad, a member here at The Refuge, whose mother passed away. Thank you for remembering both of them.
2 comments:
What a wonderful God we serve!!! This week was wonderful. Words can not describe the joy in my heart. My words of appreciation could never truly express my true joy for this "Great North Carolina Team". Especially for every person who worked so hard in my home and yard. What wonderful times of Christian Fellowhip and delicious meals. I will never forget you NC!!! Thanks again to Montie and Susan for putting together another great week. Especially letting God use you as He does. Barbara
I want to give a special thanks to all the individuals who helped my mother, Delores, in Gautier Mississippi this past week. I struggle every day trying to come to grips with the fact that I can't be there for her in the way that I would like during this time. Your generous commitment to helping those such as my mother shows me what truly special people you all are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. May God continue to bless you and yours eternally.
- Delores's Son
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