Late last night our team from St. James, Missouri arrived to the church location in the 9th ward. They came in through the darkness and were a bit shocked when they looked outside come morning! Darkness can hide quite alot but come light of day and everything changes! They are doing mud out and gut out today and will no doubt have stories to share when they arrive back for dinner this evening. This group has mostly teens and I know they thought they were prepared but by the looks on their faces this morning at chapel they were thinking otherwise!
We started the day with Chapel, combining both teams. It is such an awesome start to the day when you begin with song, devotion and prayer in a group! The power that unfolds is unlike anything you will find in the secular work place or in school!
From there the CA team knew where they were headed and off they went. In the bottom 2 photos you will see a couple of them working in a home just up the street. They are rewiring and whatever else needs done. You can also see a photo of the fireplace in the family room of the home, after sitting under water for nearly 4 weeks! The paint just can't take it, neither can the wrought iron it is made of!
The top 2 photos were taken on the streets just behind the church location. Once again, take wood, add water, let it sit for weeks and that is what you have left. You might think that there is no need to try and rebuild anything - - - - think again - - - - this is someones home! We are not here to judge, we are here to be extensions of God's hands, of His heart and do every single thing we do as if we are doing it for Him (we are!). Therefore, we do what needs to be done to help people rebuild their lives!
This afternoon a really cool thing happened here at the church. As I was passing by my window on the second floor I see a man walking near our gate outside. He saw me in the window and motioned toward the gate door. I called to Allen who was closer than I was and he went outside to greet the gentleman. Yes, he was looking for something . . . a church to call home! He had been referred here by the local men's Teen Challenge that is located just down the street. He was looking for a church to attend and said he would be here Sunday morning! Praise God that they are coming to the churches even before we can get out there and ask them to come!
When we think of the "mission field" most of us think of going overseas, to remote locations, to people who have never even heard the name of Jesus. Guess what! You don't have to go overseas, you can check your own backyard, your own street, your own city and I guarantee you will find someone! Our mission field is very close to us, close to all of us! Try looking and see who God places in your path! What will you do then? Will you invite them to church? Will you pray with them, even for a minute? Let God direct you, obey what you hear Him telling you and reap the blessings!
Until tomorrow . . . Susan and Monty
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