Monday, August 17, 2009
The House is Finished!
While in NOLA, our team was part of finishing a house that St. Roch was rebuilding that will allow an older gentleman to move back into the neighborhood. The house is finished, so here is a brief tour of the house, from beginning to end of the project.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
We received the blessing...
Pastor Josie said “it’s not just about the work, it’s about relationships.” I hope we can continue to have a relationship with her. She is very special lady. A group of us were sent to her church to help her. She needed a ditch dug so that stone and blacktop could be added to a portion of the parking lot. The purpose was so she could set up a car wash to make money for the food ministry at the church. She was beyond thrilled that we were there. She was jumping up and down and hugging everyone.
Her church was located in a very poor and dangerous section of
Josie told us that every summer she has a camp for the neighborhood children. Most of them have come from broken, dysfunctional homes. By the time they are three or four they are cursing and getting into fist fights. She said “if you don’t know what to do with them, have them paint a birdhouse.”
She told us our children could play basketball, paint… We told her they were also here to work. They started pulling weeds outside in her vegetable garden. However, the heat was unbearable for the children; they didn’t last long in the heat. The children, Jack, Jessie, Julia H., Julianna, Julia W. and Leah went inside and Josie gave them some jobs. She told them when they were finished they could paint a birdhouse. They cleaned up Josie’s library, swept and mopped the floor. She asked Jack to write his favorite bible verse on the large pad on an easel. After the children finished cleaning up, Josie set-up the “bird house” painting station. She poured many colors of paint for each of them along with glitter glue and embellishments. She told them to paint two birdhouses, one to take home and one with their name on it to leave there so she could remember them. She also wanted to show the neighborhood children and tell them about how they came all the way from
Near the end of the day, Josie called out to a little boy walking down the street. She said “C.C. come over and meet some children from
I finished cleaning up the vegetable garden, planted a few things that were in pots, swept outside and tidied up. Josie found out that Michele Wallace was an artist and asked her if she would draw a birdhouse one of the buildings. Michelle was thrilled to do that for her and when she finished Josie came out to look at it. She screamed excitedly, “I love it!” Again, jumping up and down. The ditch diggers, Tommy & Jen Dennis, Lisa Halfren, John & Jane Hoopman, Rebbie Jeantet, Michelle and Dave Wallace (in 100+ heat) did an amazing job.
Josie sends hope to a community where there is not much hope.
by Patti Thompson
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
St. Roch referenced in WORLD Magazine
The cover article of the new issue of WORLD Magazine is entitled, "New Faces of New Orleans." In the article, St. Roch, the church with which we partnered is referenced and Pastor J.B. Watkins is quoted. Check it out at WORLD Mag's website.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Learning to live lives that shine
The song in this video is called Firefly, by one of my favorite bands, Smalltown Poets. I thought the lyrics were appropriate as the song talks about each of us as fireflies, learning to let our light shine and reflect the glory of our God. Here are the lyrics...
Glowing eyes
That ask if I would risk it all
Fight the crowding dark away
I can't help but feel that You are searching me
At the dusk of summer's first day
Fragile wings bring
Little messages of light
[Chorus]
Firefly
Burning inside
I'll fly
With the light inside of me
Circling free
From a gently opened jar
With a halo You show me
A symbol of the fact that I am carrying
The image of Your glory
Fragile wings bring
Little messages of light
[Chorus]
I burn to know
Your will, Your ways
Your heart and mind
And learn to love the way You love
A luminescent speck
Shining at the perfect time
Tests the temporary night
And signals other tiny fires
Time to light up and fly
Light up, light up and fly
[Chorus]
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Changing Hearts
by Tom Bendler
We came back from NOLA filled with blessings and memories that we will never forget. All my previous trips to Gulfport and NOLA were about fixing buildings and homes and Churches but this time God had a different purpose for me. It was time to see the people how God sees the people. I kept telling the team this verse, "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," I Peter 3:15. The Lord was preparing us to do this with gentleness and respect for a people who had been crushed and live in this broken world.
Part of my job in NOLA was going through the neighborhoods handing out flyers for an event called Feed the Multitudes. It opened doors and as God led we prayed and held hands with the people we met. It was awesome. It took more courage this year because the week before we arrived, right out in front of St. Roch Church there was a drive-by shooting. As Steve told us these are dangerous neighborhoods so be careful. Yet I never felt any fear. I felt boldness. Anna and Kathy were by my side. I never feared for their safety because there was such a presence of God in our midst. “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The answer is no one.
Last year we went and worked on Gloryland Baptist Church in what looked like a very rough neighborhood. I felt a little uneasy going from the car to the Church but figured we were safe in the Church. This year God asked me to walk the streets of this neighborhood handing out flyers but also praying and sharing and most importantly – listening.
Part of my group was Marshall Long, Tucker Long, and Elaina Long. Talk of no fear – these kids were waving down passing cars to hand them a flyer. The people for the most part stopped and had huge smiles on their faces. I don’t think they had ever seen anything like this before. The other kids soon joined in.
We went door-to-door giving out the flyers and meeting with the people. I even had the privilege of praying with a pastor who lived in the neighborhood. My heart was no longer looking in suspicion but looking at this neighborhood wishing my neighborhood could have such wonderful people who were anxious to tell us their story and we were able to remind them of the goodness of God.
The day of the event I volunteered to work the Prayer tent. This is where God would make known I Peter 3:15. Funny how God works because my partner from GRPC was Jamie Carty who I had gotten to know in the Wednesday night Men’s bible study last fall. Jamie married Sara just two months before the mission trip. Jamie has such a gentle spirit to go along with I Peter 3:15. He and I would be partners for this day and I am glad the Lord put the two of us together.
What happened that day in the Prayer tent still breaks my heart. I grumble because the food is cold and yet I prayed for a single homeless mom whose only prayer request was to keep her family together. She had two boys and the youngest at around 2 years old had cerebral palsy. We prayed for two men who had lost everything. One of these men lost 4 homes. They talked how they helped build this city and you could see some bitterness yet after the prayer time with them they all had smiles and appreciation for our prayers. And finally the reason I think this year I was there. Scotty was raised Christian but I believed had turned his back on God when his father died. He came into the tent only because it was also the way out. He is from Ohio and now lives under a bridge in New Orleans. His friend said to him, “I already had somebody pray for me – get somebody to pray for you.” He rolled his eyes but followed us.
He knew enough scripture to challenge us yet was respectful. He had around his neck a cross that had the inscription, “Jesus Saves” but also around that same chain was a snake. He made sure we noticed but I reminded him what Christ had done to the serpents head. He crushed the head of the serpent. He shook his head yes. To me it showed how much this man was deceived by the prince of liars.
As we continued to talk his challenges were changing into what did God really say in the Bible. He even asked for a dream interpretation. It wasn’t my words impressing him but how I believe the Holy Spirit was dealing with him. When I talked to him about the love of God and how I understood when my daughter was born what it meant to give your one and only child over to be butchered for our sins. This man with the hard looks and tattoos had a tear run down his face. This man’s heart was melting and he almost apologetic said “I was taught to never cry in public and show your weakness.” I told him it was not weakness but a showing of his heart.
I promised him I would pray for him and that I was coming back next year. I asked him to turn his life over to God and call the Church who sponsored this event for help. I would be back next year to hear what God has done for him. And then we prayed.
I was exhausted. Not even the first day of 112 heat index of tearing down a garage compared to what I felt. I knew more had happened there then just 3 men sitting and talking. A spiritual battle had taken place and I felt God was right there in the tent with us. My reason for being here was made known to me. I am still praying for Scottie as I promised and my greatest hope is he will be there next year standing victorious over his life through the power of Christ.
For all of you that supported or prayed for us God bless you. Each time I go out on the mission field God opens the door wider and I allowed to do more. God is awesome. God is sovereign and we can truly trust Him. If you feel called then come with us next year. You will be amazed at what God can do through you!
24 " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace." '
Numbers 6
We came back from NOLA filled with blessings and memories that we will never forget. All my previous trips to Gulfport and NOLA were about fixing buildings and homes and Churches but this time God had a different purpose for me. It was time to see the people how God sees the people. I kept telling the team this verse, "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," I Peter 3:15. The Lord was preparing us to do this with gentleness and respect for a people who had been crushed and live in this broken world.
Part of my job in NOLA was going through the neighborhoods handing out flyers for an event called Feed the Multitudes. It opened doors and as God led we prayed and held hands with the people we met. It was awesome. It took more courage this year because the week before we arrived, right out in front of St. Roch Church there was a drive-by shooting. As Steve told us these are dangerous neighborhoods so be careful. Yet I never felt any fear. I felt boldness. Anna and Kathy were by my side. I never feared for their safety because there was such a presence of God in our midst. “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The answer is no one.
Last year we went and worked on Gloryland Baptist Church in what looked like a very rough neighborhood. I felt a little uneasy going from the car to the Church but figured we were safe in the Church. This year God asked me to walk the streets of this neighborhood handing out flyers but also praying and sharing and most importantly – listening.
Part of my group was Marshall Long, Tucker Long, and Elaina Long. Talk of no fear – these kids were waving down passing cars to hand them a flyer. The people for the most part stopped and had huge smiles on their faces. I don’t think they had ever seen anything like this before. The other kids soon joined in.
We went door-to-door giving out the flyers and meeting with the people. I even had the privilege of praying with a pastor who lived in the neighborhood. My heart was no longer looking in suspicion but looking at this neighborhood wishing my neighborhood could have such wonderful people who were anxious to tell us their story and we were able to remind them of the goodness of God.
The day of the event I volunteered to work the Prayer tent. This is where God would make known I Peter 3:15. Funny how God works because my partner from GRPC was Jamie Carty who I had gotten to know in the Wednesday night Men’s bible study last fall. Jamie married Sara just two months before the mission trip. Jamie has such a gentle spirit to go along with I Peter 3:15. He and I would be partners for this day and I am glad the Lord put the two of us together.
What happened that day in the Prayer tent still breaks my heart. I grumble because the food is cold and yet I prayed for a single homeless mom whose only prayer request was to keep her family together. She had two boys and the youngest at around 2 years old had cerebral palsy. We prayed for two men who had lost everything. One of these men lost 4 homes. They talked how they helped build this city and you could see some bitterness yet after the prayer time with them they all had smiles and appreciation for our prayers. And finally the reason I think this year I was there. Scotty was raised Christian but I believed had turned his back on God when his father died. He came into the tent only because it was also the way out. He is from Ohio and now lives under a bridge in New Orleans. His friend said to him, “I already had somebody pray for me – get somebody to pray for you.” He rolled his eyes but followed us.
He knew enough scripture to challenge us yet was respectful. He had around his neck a cross that had the inscription, “Jesus Saves” but also around that same chain was a snake. He made sure we noticed but I reminded him what Christ had done to the serpents head. He crushed the head of the serpent. He shook his head yes. To me it showed how much this man was deceived by the prince of liars.
As we continued to talk his challenges were changing into what did God really say in the Bible. He even asked for a dream interpretation. It wasn’t my words impressing him but how I believe the Holy Spirit was dealing with him. When I talked to him about the love of God and how I understood when my daughter was born what it meant to give your one and only child over to be butchered for our sins. This man with the hard looks and tattoos had a tear run down his face. This man’s heart was melting and he almost apologetic said “I was taught to never cry in public and show your weakness.” I told him it was not weakness but a showing of his heart.
I promised him I would pray for him and that I was coming back next year. I asked him to turn his life over to God and call the Church who sponsored this event for help. I would be back next year to hear what God has done for him. And then we prayed.
I was exhausted. Not even the first day of 112 heat index of tearing down a garage compared to what I felt. I knew more had happened there then just 3 men sitting and talking. A spiritual battle had taken place and I felt God was right there in the tent with us. My reason for being here was made known to me. I am still praying for Scottie as I promised and my greatest hope is he will be there next year standing victorious over his life through the power of Christ.
For all of you that supported or prayed for us God bless you. Each time I go out on the mission field God opens the door wider and I allowed to do more. God is awesome. God is sovereign and we can truly trust Him. If you feel called then come with us next year. You will be amazed at what God can do through you!
24 " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace." '
Numbers 6
Monday, July 13, 2009
mural created by Mike
Here is the wonderful mural created by Mike at Bethal Colony. I had the wonderful privilege of talking to Mike and hearing his testimony of how God has blessed him with this wonderful talent that he was able to express at other church locations. What a GREAT JOB!!!
God is Good All the Time......
How To Re-live Your NOLA Mission Trip When You Get Home
By Michele Wallace
10) Set out your breakfast every night before bed and be sure to make 12 cups of coffee.
9) Dig lots of potholes around the neighborhood.
8) Change your white noise machine to a recording of three or more people snoring.
7) Make 20 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.
6) Drive past the road that you want to turn left on, and turn left at the next intersection.
5) Get ready for your shower, and then stand outside.
4) Fry up some dough and dust it with powdered sugar. Pour extra sugar all over the floor.
3) Stand in the middle of a crowd and shout, “Praise the Lord!”
2) Wake up when you really need to go to the bathroom…and then hold it.
1a) Fill up a trash bag with groceries…and toss it in a dumpster.
1) Look around… See the needs…Meet them in the name of Christ!
Trying to put it into words...
Wow! what a week! I'm still debriefing. Michele, Jesse, Julia, and I are enjoying rest and relaxation with my sister in Baton Rouge. So many things happened this week that I would get carpal tunnel syndrome relaying them all to you. Team two attitude check….PRAISE THE LORD!!! Sorry I digress.
Simply put, God is doing great things in the city of New Orleans. He showed me about his faithfulness in using this broken vessel to share his love with David Guy at Feed the Multitudes on July 4th. I was blessed to be a part of the evangelistic team sharing the gospel with our guests as they ate. David was a unique man with a unique story - a father of 4, a husband to none, addicted to drugs and alcohol. David heard me share of my relationship with Christ to his friend Clinton. The door with Clinton was closed as he rose to go get a haircut, but the Holy Spirit opened David’s heart. I shared why we were in New Orleans. Only because of the grace Christ showed us on the cross we were compelled to share that love with others. After two hours of sharing, soul-searching, crying, and praying, David told me that he knew I was in New Orleans for a reason. I agreed, and told him I thought that reason was so he could know new life in a relationship with Christ. This time we prayed that Christ would invade David's life, change his heart and bring him to forgiveness at the foot of the cross. What an awesome experience to be at the point where someone meets the God of the universe, is humbled, and comes out not turning over a new leaf for the umpteenth time, but becoming a new creation, with a promise of eternal hope!
My stories are many but my time is short, please ask me to share of Sister Josie and of the incredible fellowship with many broken saints at Bethel-Colony. Tired in body, refreshed in spirit the Wallace family returns to Middletown tomorrow. Pray for us, that this experience will not become a snapshot in our lives filed and forgotten, but the beginning of a fluid life, a live action video, listening and responding to Gods call on a daily basis.
Thanks for your support both through prayer and financially.
--Dave WallaceSunday, July 12, 2009
It's not over....
As all of us have returned to our normal everyday lives, we must ask ourselves “what did we take from this mission to New Orleans?” Will we remember a month, 4 months, 6 months later who the people were we met and what did God do for us to help or minister to them? Our family does not plan on losing site of His vision. Just because our mission to New Orleans is over, does not mean our mission is over. Our Lord Father has a plan for every one of us. What is your plan? I know in my heart of hearts it has been changed not only for the good, but spiritually. I am counting the days until we return to New Orleans. There has also been talk about missions locally and globally.
We have witnessed the brokenness of individuals and families only to learn that their faith in God never changed. What an empowering thought. I still cannot fathom the love I have for our Father and the trust we instill in Him just by faith alone, however this outpouring of faith in our Lord God was shown beyond our imaginations in New Orleans. One week will never encapsulate the belief in our God that the families and the people of New Orleans live by every day.
Try not to look as if the mission to New Orleans is over….look at it as your new beginning. Our family has. I have!
“Thank you Lord for the wonderful opportunity you gave my family to minister to those who are in need…not just in need of physical help, but in need of spiritual help. We know in your divine way there is a purpose for us…a plan. We pray that you keep us focused, spiritual, and speak only in your words. Allow us to continue spreading your word, your love, your devotion to our sisters and brothers and let us plant the seed in those who truly do not know you so that they may come to know you. We pray that you continue to give strength, wisdom, courage, and spiritual guidance to all we have met, our mission’s team, future mission teams, our leaders and pastors, and any that believe that you sent your only begotten son to die for our sins on the cross. We pray for those who do not know you….will come to know you!! We pray this in your name…Amen.”
We have witnessed the brokenness of individuals and families only to learn that their faith in God never changed. What an empowering thought. I still cannot fathom the love I have for our Father and the trust we instill in Him just by faith alone, however this outpouring of faith in our Lord God was shown beyond our imaginations in New Orleans. One week will never encapsulate the belief in our God that the families and the people of New Orleans live by every day.
Try not to look as if the mission to New Orleans is over….look at it as your new beginning. Our family has. I have!
“Thank you Lord for the wonderful opportunity you gave my family to minister to those who are in need…not just in need of physical help, but in need of spiritual help. We know in your divine way there is a purpose for us…a plan. We pray that you keep us focused, spiritual, and speak only in your words. Allow us to continue spreading your word, your love, your devotion to our sisters and brothers and let us plant the seed in those who truly do not know you so that they may come to know you. We pray that you continue to give strength, wisdom, courage, and spiritual guidance to all we have met, our mission’s team, future mission teams, our leaders and pastors, and any that believe that you sent your only begotten son to die for our sins on the cross. We pray for those who do not know you….will come to know you!! We pray this in your name…Amen.”
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Finish Line!
Thank you all for your prayers this week. We have had very limited internet access, so we haven't been able to give you too many updates, but we have had an amazing week of ministry and have been so blessed by the people here. We are just now recovering from a very eventful evening, highlighted by a great time of debriefing and a visit from Sister Josephine, a woman who has a grassroots ministry to children in a very rough neighborhood. Expect stories from the team in the days and weeks to come. Please pray for safe travels tomorrow and especially for Patti Thompson's health.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
lake ponchatrain
Here we had devotions. As you can see in the background is the largest bridge in the world. It was a beautiful sight. Everyone had a great time.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Bethel Colony South Worship
We had an amazing time experiencing god's blessing at Bethal Colony, a transformation ministries for men with addictions, and watching them worship our lord. We also, had the privilege of serving them a great meal made by the Rhem family.
Here is a small clip of God's blessing to this ministry experienced through these men.
Enjoy,
God is Good All the Time
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Christmas Shopping in July
Steve Jeantet took the Thompson family to Toys R Us this afternoon and told Jack and Julianna to spend some money.St. Roch has a subsidized Christmas Shoppe that is open during the Christmas season. They offer gift items at a discount of up to 70% off the retail price for the community so they can afford to buy presents for their children.
The instructions that Steve gave Jack and Julianna was to pick out gifts that they thought the children would like and told them what the budget was. Jack and Julianna came up with a strategy prior to buying the gifts. First they wanted to check out the sale flyer. When entering the store they noticed the flyer box was empty so they went to the customer service window. They only had one flyer in the entire store, so the children had to study it before shopping. They had a “red hot” special going on with an additional 20% off any clearance item. Jack and Julianna each had a cart and headed straight to the clearance section. They thought carefully about each purchase and the children that would be receiving the toy. They made wise purchases and found some great bargains. Two carts were overflowing with bags of toys that God blessed us with. Our support money was infinitely more than we could ask or imagine so the community of St. Rock will be blessed.
--Patti
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Home...
It is a bitter-sweet moment for the Shepard family as we are sad to be home because of the many relationships we have created with the residents of New Orleans and the family we have come to know and love.....the missions team. We spent a week with individuals that we only had a brief time during our meetings to get to know, to virtually knowing every little detail and uniqueness of everyone.
As for New Orleans, our family experienced a revelation in our hearts that is urging us to continue His work. We feel that the Lord has moved our hearts and passion into a different direction and we pray that He will continue this feeling and unfold His plan for our family. I myself felt very torn leaving because the work is not finished. I am already counting the days until I return to continue to minister in any way, shape, and form. So many ideas are swirling in my head at this very moment. I want to find new ways to help and minister to everyone in New Orleans, that it is hard to grab a hold of just one. This may be just "the new car" feeling because we have just returned and its fresh; however, I believe that He is providing so much more!!
We will continue to pray for the families in New Orleans, Steve and Kim, and the safety and health of Team 2. I cannot wait to read all about the ministry that Team 2 will provide to New Orleans this week. We will pray each and every day for you!!
***A special note for Billy - Let Mike know at Bethel Colony that I am looking forward to the mural to be posted and I apologize for not being able to see the finished product. We will pray for all of the men and leadership at Bethel Colony as well as all of those at St. Roch!!!***
Steve and Kim - Thank you for a wonderful and spiritual week. It was a great pleasure to get to know your family and we hope that this is not the end......Its only the beginning!
John and Dawn - Thank you for the support that you gave Steve and Kim and the leadership you have provided for all of us. We have grown and will continue to grow spiritually with the excellent leadership that you and the Jeantet's have provided during this short but powerful journey. (John - I know the Lord speaks through all of us in one way or another but thank you for speaking for him and selecting me for the many opportunities to pray for the team. He continues to bring us out of our "comfort zone" and encourages us to speak his word. Each time its get easier and the words become even more clearer.)
Thank you Team 1 and our Father in Heaven for opening our eyes and becoming our new family in Christ!!
As for New Orleans, our family experienced a revelation in our hearts that is urging us to continue His work. We feel that the Lord has moved our hearts and passion into a different direction and we pray that He will continue this feeling and unfold His plan for our family. I myself felt very torn leaving because the work is not finished. I am already counting the days until I return to continue to minister in any way, shape, and form. So many ideas are swirling in my head at this very moment. I want to find new ways to help and minister to everyone in New Orleans, that it is hard to grab a hold of just one. This may be just "the new car" feeling because we have just returned and its fresh; however, I believe that He is providing so much more!!
We will continue to pray for the families in New Orleans, Steve and Kim, and the safety and health of Team 2. I cannot wait to read all about the ministry that Team 2 will provide to New Orleans this week. We will pray each and every day for you!!
***A special note for Billy - Let Mike know at Bethel Colony that I am looking forward to the mural to be posted and I apologize for not being able to see the finished product. We will pray for all of the men and leadership at Bethel Colony as well as all of those at St. Roch!!!***
Steve and Kim - Thank you for a wonderful and spiritual week. It was a great pleasure to get to know your family and we hope that this is not the end......Its only the beginning!
John and Dawn - Thank you for the support that you gave Steve and Kim and the leadership you have provided for all of us. We have grown and will continue to grow spiritually with the excellent leadership that you and the Jeantet's have provided during this short but powerful journey. (John - I know the Lord speaks through all of us in one way or another but thank you for speaking for him and selecting me for the many opportunities to pray for the team. He continues to bring us out of our "comfort zone" and encourages us to speak his word. Each time its get easier and the words become even more clearer.)
Thank you Team 1 and our Father in Heaven for opening our eyes and becoming our new family in Christ!!
This is a picture of Connor and a woman named Barbara. We met Barbara at Feed The Multitudes on July 4th. Barbara is a small elderly woman and was not able to carry her groceries from the rally to her bus stop. Connor and I had the priviledge to take a 45 minute walk with Barbara. She talked for a while and she seemed glad that she had someone to talk to. Barbara really opened up to us about her knowledge of God. She grew up in the Catholic Church. We discussed the many traditions of the Catholic Church and she came to the conclusion that the traditions distracted her from really knowing God in a personal way. She recently left the Catholic Church and is attending another another Bible Preaching church. After talking at length with Barbara, it was clear that she is a believer and has trusted in Christ and Christ alone for her salvation. Her house was totally destroyed by Katrina. A local church is now rebuilding her house - 4 years after Katrina. Barbara said watching people she doesn't know rebuild her house has strengthened her faith in God's people. Connor and I will never forget Barbara, the next time we see her will be when we are worshipping God in Heaven. John Hoopman
Within His Reach
Monday morning as I sat in a room filled with over seventy men recovering from drug or alcohol addiction I was shaken awake by the scripture, praise, and shouts of joy these brave men declared. Some were wide-eyed, some had heads down, and some seemed to be fixed on every word with eyes closed and mouths proclaiming words of truth and power. Their worship time was replaced that morning by a fiery preacher who is known for his extra long exhortations. The worship, which several on my team had experienced last year, was described as one of the highlights of the 2008 missions trip. I left Bethel Colony after Monday morning's chapel time with hope that I would experience their worship some time this week.
My hope was fulfilled the next evening. After our team prepared and served dinner for this same group of men, we joined them for worship. The room was small. The humidity was high. And the sound was nothing I've ever experienced before. But what my senses took in was nothing compared to that of my spirit.
It's taken me a few days, but from that experience came this poem.
It's taken me a few days, but from that experience came this poem.
Within His Reach
Where have you been, what was your path to arrive in this place?
Did you know Him before and find yourself trapped
in a world with claws of torment, demons in disguise?
Or did you land here against your will, taking Him in for the very first time?
Whatever the route, you're here now and He has you...
held captive by the Word of truth and songs of praise,
and by those who have preceded you in a similar trap
crafted by the enemy of our souls, yet sifted through the very hands of God.
Those who have been taken from darkness into light
right here in this place.
You're here now and He has you...
transforming by the power of His spirit
building the bridge day by day from destruction
to redemption; casting your sins from east to west
and soaking you with crimson drops of pardon.
He has you... and the evidence is clear,
illuminating smiles and bright songs of joy
declared aloft air so moist and dense
the Words of truth and praise to Him on high
just sit and hover and linger and tell the story from where you came
and where you are...
now.
You're here now...
and He has you.
Where have you been, what was your path to arrive in this place?
Did you know Him before and find yourself trapped
in a world with claws of torment, demons in disguise?
Or did you land here against your will, taking Him in for the very first time?
Whatever the route, you're here now and He has you...
held captive by the Word of truth and songs of praise,
and by those who have preceded you in a similar trap
crafted by the enemy of our souls, yet sifted through the very hands of God.
Those who have been taken from darkness into light
right here in this place.
You're here now and He has you...
transforming by the power of His spirit
building the bridge day by day from destruction
to redemption; casting your sins from east to west
and soaking you with crimson drops of pardon.
He has you... and the evidence is clear,
illuminating smiles and bright songs of joy
declared aloft air so moist and dense
the Words of truth and praise to Him on high
just sit and hover and linger and tell the story from where you came
and where you are...
now.
You're here now...
and He has you.
We're Home!!!!!
Well we just arrived home! We are all safe and sound at home. Guess what!? It is 67 degrees here in Delaware. On the plane the pilot said, "We will be arriving in BWI airport shortly. It is 67 degrees and sunny so we should be on time. Thank you!" When he finished, we all gave a good "whoop!" since it had been at least 105 degrees EVERY DAY!
When we got to the church everyone had to say there good-byes. It was hard for us all to split up because we have been a family for a whole week living and laughing with each other. Anna was telling me and I agree that it is going to be weird waking up and not having everyone to say good-morning to, or prepare breakfast with, or say "You snore and you know it!!!!!!!!!!!". I'm defiantly going to miss that. I'm going to miss everyone and everything about them. I hope that even if we are miles apart phisically, that we will stay together as a family in our hearts and minds.
When we got to the church everyone had to say there good-byes. It was hard for us all to split up because we have been a family for a whole week living and laughing with each other. Anna was telling me and I agree that it is going to be weird waking up and not having everyone to say good-morning to, or prepare breakfast with, or say "You snore and you know it!!!!!!!!!!!". I'm defiantly going to miss that. I'm going to miss everyone and everything about them. I hope that even if we are miles apart phisically, that we will stay together as a family in our hearts and minds.
Washing Feet
The past two weeks have been amazing. It has been such a blessing as a leader to watch the lives of both the people of New Orleans and of Glasgow be transformed. As team 1 is getting a few hours of sleep before they fly home and team 2 has crashed after a long day in the sun, I finally have a chance to reflect...
Today was awesome. We were at Feed the Multitudes, a free food festival for the poor of New Orleans. Four thousand guests poured through the gates of the Lakefront Arena today and were overwhelmed at the display of unconditional love before them. They were offered assistance writing resumes, health screenings, haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. There were huge water slides, balloon animals, snowballs and face painting for the kids. Guests ate endless portions of jambalaya, red beans & rice, chicken and hot dogs under an entertainment tent that was bigger than any one I've ever seen. And when they left, they were offered prayer and not one, but two loaded bags of groceries to take home.
Our team was spread out among almost all of these activities and so was I, but it was at the end of the day when the festivities were almost over that I had the chance to be Jesus to a woman named Agnes (pronounced Ahn-yes). Under the spa tent, in the heat of the afternoon, Agnes came to my station for a pedicure. It was the first pedicure she had ever had. I washed her dirty feet, massaged them, filed them, and polished them. I listened to her story and told her parts of mine. But it wasn't until later that I realized that that was the exact example that was given us by our Lord Jesus. He didn't just preach and perform miracles from on high. He came to where the people were and loved them as they were. He washed the dirty, grimy feet of the disciples. He called us to kneel as servants to others and love them unconditionally. And that is why we are here.
Today was awesome. We were at Feed the Multitudes, a free food festival for the poor of New Orleans. Four thousand guests poured through the gates of the Lakefront Arena today and were overwhelmed at the display of unconditional love before them. They were offered assistance writing resumes, health screenings, haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. There were huge water slides, balloon animals, snowballs and face painting for the kids. Guests ate endless portions of jambalaya, red beans & rice, chicken and hot dogs under an entertainment tent that was bigger than any one I've ever seen. And when they left, they were offered prayer and not one, but two loaded bags of groceries to take home.
Our team was spread out among almost all of these activities and so was I, but it was at the end of the day when the festivities were almost over that I had the chance to be Jesus to a woman named Agnes (pronounced Ahn-yes). Under the spa tent, in the heat of the afternoon, Agnes came to my station for a pedicure. It was the first pedicure she had ever had. I washed her dirty feet, massaged them, filed them, and polished them. I listened to her story and told her parts of mine. But it wasn't until later that I realized that that was the exact example that was given us by our Lord Jesus. He didn't just preach and perform miracles from on high. He came to where the people were and loved them as they were. He washed the dirty, grimy feet of the disciples. He called us to kneel as servants to others and love them unconditionally. And that is why we are here.
Friday, July 3, 2009
When Glasgow invaded N'awlins
Just when I was feeling the drain - after all, 2 weeks of intense missions work in a place where it is flirting with 100 degrees everyday is exhausting - God surprised me a boost. Team 2 arrived today. Just the thought of their arrival got me going, but it was bringing the two teams together that overwhelmed me.
Tomorrow is Feed The Multitudes, the big event that we scheduled both trips around. Tonight they had a rally for the volunteers who will be serving tomorrow. It was there that Team 1 and Team 2 first intersected and let me say, "Wow!" We are now just shy of four years out from Katrina. That day - that event - stands as a scorch mark on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in this city. Enter the people from Glasgow Church some 1800 miles away. Amazing.
Last year, 21 of us came. This year we have 50 people spanning the two teams! What a blessing and what an encouragement it was to see all 50 of them in the same place, eager to serve. Tomorrow will be Team 1's last day of ministry here while doubling as Team 2's first day. For that one day, Glasgow Church is invaded N'awlins, making the invisible kingdom visible through the feeding of the hungry, the preaching of the gospel and the call to repentance. Pray for us - all 50 of us - as we serve together, to the glory of God.
Tomorrow is Feed The Multitudes, the big event that we scheduled both trips around. Tonight they had a rally for the volunteers who will be serving tomorrow. It was there that Team 1 and Team 2 first intersected and let me say, "Wow!" We are now just shy of four years out from Katrina. That day - that event - stands as a scorch mark on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in this city. Enter the people from Glasgow Church some 1800 miles away. Amazing.
Last year, 21 of us came. This year we have 50 people spanning the two teams! What a blessing and what an encouragement it was to see all 50 of them in the same place, eager to serve. Tomorrow will be Team 1's last day of ministry here while doubling as Team 2's first day. For that one day, Glasgow Church is invaded N'awlins, making the invisible kingdom visible through the feeding of the hungry, the preaching of the gospel and the call to repentance. Pray for us - all 50 of us - as we serve together, to the glory of God.
Caution: Kids at Work
All of the kids have been working diligently to help with some pretty difficult projects, including tiling the offices at St. Roch and helping to refurbish one of the properties the church owns and plans to provide for former residents from the neighborhood.
Random Fun Pics...
Dr. "Shep"....Jared is doctoring up Sue Carty. (**note the doctor gloves**)
"Randy vs. Wild"
MUST.....SHUT......DOWN.......NEED SLEEP NOW!!!!
"You were supposed to go to New Orleans....Why does it look like your at Walt Disney World?"
"I think we need more paint..."
Thank you everyone for a great missions trip...Our Lord God Almighty has a plan for each and every one of us....grab a hold of what He commands us to do and do as he wants done. Amen
"Attitude check..........Praise the Lord" (courtesy of Bethel Colony)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Posters, Flyers and Prayers
All the teams have been taking turns going out into the neighborhoods of the Eighth and Ninth Wards, to get the word out about the Free Food Festival this weekend (aka Feed the Multitudes).
As we've been going out, we've met the residents, prayed with them, listened to them, and shared with them. The people of New Orleans are extremely friendly -- friendlier than any other people that I've come across. And with their friendliness also comes an openness to share their prayer requests.
Today, we prayed for a woman with Parkinson's, a 90-year-old woman whose home was taken by the city and demolished due to taxes when her husband died, a family that has been separated in three states since Katrina, and numerous other severe health and financial requests.
While the needs are great, their thankfulness and praise for the things they still do have is just as strong. Everyone has a story to tell and most of those stories include both trial and praise. It is a blessing to be meeting each and every one of them.
What a wonderful week......
What a wonderful week....
*Tuesday - as other blogs showed....tore down a 2 car garage. Went to Bethel Colony and was moved and inspired by the energy and humbleness of the men of Bethel Colony. What a joyous and Godly event to experience. Men that have been completely broken down by the Lord only to be brought back loving our Father Almighty...That was awesome. I do not want to give to much away because the 2nd team is not here yet. They need to witness this powerful display of God's work.
*Wednesday - Back to the ROCK!! (St. Roch that is) We moved Ben's office and the storage room out and continued the tile laying process. God's work continues to move us in many ways we never could have imagined. Wednesday night was free night...we enjoyed group time in downtown New Orleans. It was hot and humid but we had so much fun. We ended our night as a group at the Oceana for dinner and fellowship...It was a great experience. The whole night was a great experience (right S. J.) 
*Thursday - We started at the ROCK!! again...but this time God's plan had Tom, Marshall, Tucker, Elaina, Becky, Levi, Ian, and Jerry to report to 9th ward to hand out flyers. What another awesome experience. The people of the 9th ward were so receptive to the invitations for "Feed the Multitudes" and willing to share their stories with us. Becky had a wonderful visit with a couple of ladies and asked if they had any prayer requests....again, God's will and power put us all there today to lift the spirits and renew hope for those who are still suffering. It gave us the opportunity to let those who are suffering know that God has a plan for them and trust and believe in his word.
*Friday - We shall see........
*Tuesday - as other blogs showed....tore down a 2 car garage. Went to Bethel Colony and was moved and inspired by the energy and humbleness of the men of Bethel Colony. What a joyous and Godly event to experience. Men that have been completely broken down by the Lord only to be brought back loving our Father Almighty...That was awesome. I do not want to give to much away because the 2nd team is not here yet. They need to witness this powerful display of God's work.
*Wednesday - Back to the ROCK!! (St. Roch that is) We moved Ben's office and the storage room out and continued the tile laying process. God's work continues to move us in many ways we never could have imagined. Wednesday night was free night...we enjoyed group time in downtown New Orleans. It was hot and humid but we had so much fun. We ended our night as a group at the Oceana for dinner and fellowship...It was a great experience. The whole night was a great experience (right S. J.)
*Thursday - We started at the ROCK!! again...but this time God's plan had Tom, Marshall, Tucker, Elaina, Becky, Levi, Ian, and Jerry to report to 9th ward to hand out flyers. What another awesome experience. The people of the 9th ward were so receptive to the invitations for "Feed the Multitudes" and willing to share their stories with us. Becky had a wonderful visit with a couple of ladies and asked if they had any prayer requests....again, God's will and power put us all there today to lift the spirits and renew hope for those who are still suffering. It gave us the opportunity to let those who are suffering know that God has a plan for them and trust and believe in his word.
*Friday - We shall see........
Flyers
Today I went to the neighborhood of the church we worked on last year. Each day last year we worked in the church but had never met the people who lived around this church. I have to tell you it felt a little scary last year working in this neighborhood but now it felt okay to walk around the neighborhoods with the children and one other adult.
We took 4 children and 2 adults counting myself. The children were fearless. They ran to each house ringing the doorbell in anticipation of telling people about Feed the Multitude event on Saturday. I marveled at how they were enjoying what many adults like me are scared to do. I thought no wonder that the Lord said about children, "for such is the kingdom of heaven." I even watched as the children flagged down cars and the smiles on the drivers who took the flyers. I was so glad to be a part of their day.
During our morning walk-around I met a man loading a lawn mower. He allowed me to tell him of the event and then he told me, " I wished your group was staying past Sunday or I would invite you to my church." A little stunned I asked him if he was a minister and he said yes. We talked some more and then I asked if I could pray for him. He quickly took my hand and asked me to pray strength for him. I did not know what he was facing but it was a privilege to hold his hand and go before the Father and pray for him.
I met a lot of friendly people this morning. Everybody smiled and listened to me or the children. Not one person refused to take a flyer or to refuse to have us pray. I wished my own neighborhood was this friendly. My first impression could not have been more wrong.
We went back to St. Roch Church for lunch. The sun felt like it had fried my head. The one thing I forgot to bring was a hat and my scalp was paying the price. Yet I could find patches of shade every now during the morning. I was relieved to get out of the sun and heat but my spirit was soaring from all my morning meetings.
Before I continue I wanted to share with you that this was so far out of my comfort zone that three years ago, I don't think I could have done it. Talking with strangers on cold calls was just not something I would have thought I could do. But today and this week I was enjoying meeting these people and sharing my faith. As I walked I prayed to meet more people and not empty homes. If you have fear about sharing your faith, prayer for God to give you courage and strength. He will give you the words to say. He will give you courage and you will be blessed. I felt like God had given me a very special privilege to represent Him to the people of New Orleans. Many of them touched my heart.
I met Melvin the man who had diabetes. He had lost part of his leg and his left thumb. He was very thankful for somebody coming by and praying for him. He promised to come to the event on Saturday. We met Paulette who was so gracious to us. She asked for prayer for her family for these difficult financial times. The last family we met the daughter was in a battle with her family over her mom. The daughter was over fifty and her mom was in her later 80's. She cried as she shared their struggles. We came in and met her mom and we prayed for both. She was very grateful for our visit and also promised to come Saturday.
As I looked back after the day was over I recalled the faces of people facing difficult times but who smiled and shared their story with us. It reminded me how much these people needed a Savior. "How will they know unless someone is sent." "Who will answer the call?" Is it you? I remembered something I heard before I left, "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." On this trip I am so grateful to my Lord because He called me and He qualified and I say this very humbly because I know who I am - a sinner saved by the grace of God. It is nothing special in me except for the Holy Spirit given to me by God. God doesn't need me to do a miracle but His love for us allows us to be part of His miracles. He can qualify you too if you answer the call. We truly serve an awesome God that nothing is impossible for Him!
Please keep praying for all of us. The second team is coming on Friday so we will all be here. God is doing great things. I wish you all were here.
Take care and God Bless!
Tom Bendler
We took 4 children and 2 adults counting myself. The children were fearless. They ran to each house ringing the doorbell in anticipation of telling people about Feed the Multitude event on Saturday. I marveled at how they were enjoying what many adults like me are scared to do. I thought no wonder that the Lord said about children, "for such is the kingdom of heaven." I even watched as the children flagged down cars and the smiles on the drivers who took the flyers. I was so glad to be a part of their day.
During our morning walk-around I met a man loading a lawn mower. He allowed me to tell him of the event and then he told me, " I wished your group was staying past Sunday or I would invite you to my church." A little stunned I asked him if he was a minister and he said yes. We talked some more and then I asked if I could pray for him. He quickly took my hand and asked me to pray strength for him. I did not know what he was facing but it was a privilege to hold his hand and go before the Father and pray for him.
I met a lot of friendly people this morning. Everybody smiled and listened to me or the children. Not one person refused to take a flyer or to refuse to have us pray. I wished my own neighborhood was this friendly. My first impression could not have been more wrong.
We went back to St. Roch Church for lunch. The sun felt like it had fried my head. The one thing I forgot to bring was a hat and my scalp was paying the price. Yet I could find patches of shade every now during the morning. I was relieved to get out of the sun and heat but my spirit was soaring from all my morning meetings.
Before I continue I wanted to share with you that this was so far out of my comfort zone that three years ago, I don't think I could have done it. Talking with strangers on cold calls was just not something I would have thought I could do. But today and this week I was enjoying meeting these people and sharing my faith. As I walked I prayed to meet more people and not empty homes. If you have fear about sharing your faith, prayer for God to give you courage and strength. He will give you the words to say. He will give you courage and you will be blessed. I felt like God had given me a very special privilege to represent Him to the people of New Orleans. Many of them touched my heart.
I met Melvin the man who had diabetes. He had lost part of his leg and his left thumb. He was very thankful for somebody coming by and praying for him. He promised to come to the event on Saturday. We met Paulette who was so gracious to us. She asked for prayer for her family for these difficult financial times. The last family we met the daughter was in a battle with her family over her mom. The daughter was over fifty and her mom was in her later 80's. She cried as she shared their struggles. We came in and met her mom and we prayed for both. She was very grateful for our visit and also promised to come Saturday.
As I looked back after the day was over I recalled the faces of people facing difficult times but who smiled and shared their story with us. It reminded me how much these people needed a Savior. "How will they know unless someone is sent." "Who will answer the call?" Is it you? I remembered something I heard before I left, "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." On this trip I am so grateful to my Lord because He called me and He qualified and I say this very humbly because I know who I am - a sinner saved by the grace of God. It is nothing special in me except for the Holy Spirit given to me by God. God doesn't need me to do a miracle but His love for us allows us to be part of His miracles. He can qualify you too if you answer the call. We truly serve an awesome God that nothing is impossible for Him!
Please keep praying for all of us. The second team is coming on Friday so we will all be here. God is doing great things. I wish you all were here.
Take care and God Bless!
Tom Bendler
Hope in Christ
It's hard to believe but we are in the back end of our trip to NOLA. It's been such an honor to help lead and serve along side this team. We have been reading and studying 1 Peter this week. What more encouragement do you need than the words of joy and hope that Peter offers in 1 Peter 1:3? We are called into a living hope of eternal life. What a great message to deliver to the hurting souls of NOLA that if you trust in Christ no matter what pain and suffering you may experience in this life it is not your final experience. Eventually they will live with Christ forever!
My prayer for this trip was that Christ would change our hearts - the hearts of the people in this city and hearts of the people on this team. Being here is so much more than just being a strong back. We have done several work projects in order to further the Kingdom, however it's easy to lose site of the goal of humbly glorifying God and to become prideful about the work we have done.
We have been praying especially for the people we are ministering with. These men and women are such an encouragement. We show up like a whirl wind and are gone in a week. They are diligently working at these ministries 52 weeks a year. Their ministries are on corners where drive-by shootings occur. They are watching young men who have walked a path into addictions, show up at their doors pleading for help. They need us all to be praying for them.
It's been awesome watching the kids on this trip emerge into young missionaries. Stepping out of their comfort zones to hand out flyers to complete strangers. Steady working in the 112 degree heat to help beautify neighborhoods. Levi and Ryan have also mastered tasks requiring precise measurements and extreme attention to detail.
I can't wait to see what God has planned for the rest of the trip! We are excited about Feed the Multitudes coming up this weekend. I'm confident that God has come before us and He will do infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine!
My prayer for this trip was that Christ would change our hearts - the hearts of the people in this city and hearts of the people on this team. Being here is so much more than just being a strong back. We have done several work projects in order to further the Kingdom, however it's easy to lose site of the goal of humbly glorifying God and to become prideful about the work we have done.
We have been praying especially for the people we are ministering with. These men and women are such an encouragement. We show up like a whirl wind and are gone in a week. They are diligently working at these ministries 52 weeks a year. Their ministries are on corners where drive-by shootings occur. They are watching young men who have walked a path into addictions, show up at their doors pleading for help. They need us all to be praying for them.
It's been awesome watching the kids on this trip emerge into young missionaries. Stepping out of their comfort zones to hand out flyers to complete strangers. Steady working in the 112 degree heat to help beautify neighborhoods. Levi and Ryan have also mastered tasks requiring precise measurements and extreme attention to detail.
I can't wait to see what God has planned for the rest of the trip! We are excited about Feed the Multitudes coming up this weekend. I'm confident that God has come before us and He will do infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine!
Flying FTM (feed the multitiudes) Flyers
As the group of, Elaina, Levi, Ian, Tucker, Marshall, Tom, Becky and Jerry we passed out flyers to people in the Gentilly Ward they we overwhelmed with happiness and joy of hearing of the upcoming event Feed The Multitiudes.
We were going up to people in there houses and they we welcoming us in. We we flagging down people in their cars and they we overjoyed to hear about the event on July 4th. We were so glad to be going out handing out flyers to citizens who were interested. We thank the people who said that they would come.
Also we want everyone to pray for a woman we met named Linda. She was going through a tough time when Katrina hit because her neighbor and her lived in a boat outside of her house. We also want people to pray for her great grandson who just had open heart surgery who is only five years old. So just be praying for them.
Levi
We were going up to people in there houses and they we welcoming us in. We we flagging down people in their cars and they we overjoyed to hear about the event on July 4th. We were so glad to be going out handing out flyers to citizens who were interested. We thank the people who said that they would come.
Also we want everyone to pray for a woman we met named Linda. She was going through a tough time when Katrina hit because her neighbor and her lived in a boat outside of her house. We also want people to pray for her great grandson who just had open heart surgery who is only five years old. So just be praying for them.
Levi
Meet Wanda
Today (Thursday) we were passing out flyers for the event this weekend called Feed the Multitudes. We saw Wanda sitting on her front porch. We walked up to her to give her a flyer. We said hello and gave her a flyer. She looked at the flyer for a minute and said "Wow, this is going to be a beatiful event." She said this over and over again. When we seized the opportunity, Mrs. Massey asked Wanda if we could pray for her. She said "Oh yes. Could you pray that I get a job and a home." "Isn't this your house?" asked Mrs.Massey. "No. This is my mother's house. My home was destroyed in the storm." Wanda answered.
After we assured that we would pray for her she continued to comment on the Feed the Multitudes event. "I can't wait to see this. This is going to be wonderful." she went on. "I'll definately be there"
Unfortuantly we asked Wanda if we could get her picture but she was a little uncomfortable with the idea. I wish I could have shown you the smile on her face.
As we walked away I think I still heard her saying,"This is going to be beautiful."
After we assured that we would pray for her she continued to comment on the Feed the Multitudes event. "I can't wait to see this. This is going to be wonderful." she went on. "I'll definately be there"
Unfortuantly we asked Wanda if we could get her picture but she was a little uncomfortable with the idea. I wish I could have shown you the smile on her face.
As we walked away I think I still heard her saying,"This is going to be beautiful."
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
First Responders
Today I pitch-hit for First Responders with John Long. We visited many firehouses today. With each visit we listened to their stories of how they lost their homes and some their firehouses. They did not complain but simply told us how they did what they had to do to rebuild their lives. Many of the firehouses were rebuilt by volunteers who cam along side them and help them rebuild. They were very thankful for all the help.
Two things really came out from this day. The first was how we were not finding firehouses where they should have been. It could have been frustrating but we both said that this must be God's timing. Then we finally came upon the next firehouse. The entire crew was washing the firetruck. We had heard from a previous firehouse that a dump fire required all the houses on the East side of New Orleans to fight a dump fire. We knew these guys must be tired and we almost thought we should pass them by but something or I should say Somebody stopped us. We walked up with First Responder material and they welcomed us into their firehouse.
They were very eager to hear about our mission. Even though they must have been physically tired because it is very hot down here but they were very attentive to what we had to say. At the end they even asked us for more material as they spoke out names of people who could use these CDs. It just reminded me that we should never go by our "own understanding. Trust in the LORD with all heart. In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5 & 6. You see it was the Lord's timing for us to meet these men when they came back from the fire and now we hope seeds have been planted.
The other thing that I noticed was how quickly and warmly these fire fighters greeted us when they heard John say he was a fire fighter too. I could see how firefighters are a part of a larger family beyond their own firehouse walls. They share a common bond with one-another. They welcomed us in and shared their stories of Katrina and also their experiences fighting fires. They made us feel welcomed and also listened to what we wanted to tell them.
Again this was a fine example of what we are called to do in the Church. We should welcome those around and make them feel like they are part of a larger family - our family - the family of God. To reach out and greet the person next to us because they could be a visitor passing through our area or had just starting attending our Church. We are part of a bigger family and we share a common bond in Jesus Christ. Don't let the opportunity pass us by to make somebody next to us feel like they are part of God's family and welcome them in the Name of our LORD. Please keep praying for us. May the grace and peace of God be yours in abundance.
Tom Bendler
Two things really came out from this day. The first was how we were not finding firehouses where they should have been. It could have been frustrating but we both said that this must be God's timing. Then we finally came upon the next firehouse. The entire crew was washing the firetruck. We had heard from a previous firehouse that a dump fire required all the houses on the East side of New Orleans to fight a dump fire. We knew these guys must be tired and we almost thought we should pass them by but something or I should say Somebody stopped us. We walked up with First Responder material and they welcomed us into their firehouse.
They were very eager to hear about our mission. Even though they must have been physically tired because it is very hot down here but they were very attentive to what we had to say. At the end they even asked us for more material as they spoke out names of people who could use these CDs. It just reminded me that we should never go by our "own understanding. Trust in the LORD with all heart. In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5 & 6. You see it was the Lord's timing for us to meet these men when they came back from the fire and now we hope seeds have been planted.
The other thing that I noticed was how quickly and warmly these fire fighters greeted us when they heard John say he was a fire fighter too. I could see how firefighters are a part of a larger family beyond their own firehouse walls. They share a common bond with one-another. They welcomed us in and shared their stories of Katrina and also their experiences fighting fires. They made us feel welcomed and also listened to what we wanted to tell them.
Again this was a fine example of what we are called to do in the Church. We should welcome those around and make them feel like they are part of a larger family - our family - the family of God. To reach out and greet the person next to us because they could be a visitor passing through our area or had just starting attending our Church. We are part of a bigger family and we share a common bond in Jesus Christ. Don't let the opportunity pass us by to make somebody next to us feel like they are part of God's family and welcome them in the Name of our LORD. Please keep praying for us. May the grace and peace of God be yours in abundance.
Tom Bendler
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Before and After
Day 1 - The beginning of the end of the garage project
The End of Day 1 (Chocolate Tomatoes and Boots Brigade)
Beginning of Day 2
End of Day 2 - No more garage!! (The Fun Bunch and The Gator-aids)
The End of Day 1 (Chocolate Tomatoes and Boots Brigade)
Beginning of Day 2
End of Day 2 - No more garage!! (The Fun Bunch and The Gator-aids)
Monday, June 29, 2009
The glue is all over us!!
We have been here for three days and let me just say.....WOW!! Sunday we had the wonderful privilege to see a fantastic and motivated Preacher J. B. Watkins at St. Roch Church. It was a powerful service with a diverse audience. We had the pleasure of having lunch with the congregation and enjoying their fellowship....What an enjoyable and Godly experience. We look forward to working with this congregation throughout the week....
Sunday afternoon we had the opportunity to visit the hardest hit areas of New Orleans, the 9th Ward. It was so desolate and disparaging to visit; however, the Lord opens our eyes to the light of renewal...I mean that's what it is all about...tearing us down and building us back up the right way...in God's way. We saw many lots with no houses and just steps, lots with concrete slabs, and vacant houses hammered by the hurricane with the furniture still left in it. A few blocks down the road there is an understanding why nothing was left. Steve brought us to the levees that brought New Orleans to ruins. I was awe-struck when it was realized that we were looking up to the water. The very thought that the the levee broke and all of the water from the canal came rushing in just makes you wonder how anyone had time to leave. God's will had me turn to the right to see a house being rebuilt. It is in his grip what he wants done and praise him that it is.
We begin to leave the 9th ward and pass by a couple of vans from another church helping to rebuild a house and the irony to that is I was thinking "are we the only ones helping?" Again, proof that God's plan is already mapped out for us.
Day 3 of our journey involved us returning to St. Roch church. What did they have in store for us today? Ben was our project leader and asked if anyone was handy in laying tile....immediately my wife shoves me out in front of the pack knowing full well I did not have any experience. God's will wants me to have experience or my wife...either way, I am willing to try it. I was placed with a husband and wife (Jamie and Sara :-) ) as well as my son.
The job seemed simple enough....find the center of the room, lay the tile to see if it is the best fit, and then lay the glue and place the tile.....simple enough. We get started and find that after the first 1/4 of the tiles were placed, the glue is very, very, very tacky. Jamie, Sara, Steve, and myself had a great system going, then we branched off. Steve teamed Sarah up with Kim and I was with Jamie...Jamie was a great partner with patience and a positive attitude. You needed that because coming close to the end, the glue was all over us. We had to literally had to pry our hands off of the trowel, the marker we were using to mark lines, and it got to the point where it became laughable to see what we could put our hands on without gripping it to see what we could pick up. God places us in situations for a reason. For learning, for coping, for helping others in need, and to branch out and lead others.
Today was a great day!!! I can't wait until the morning.....its only the beginning and we are so lucky to be able to share this with you.
Sunday afternoon we had the opportunity to visit the hardest hit areas of New Orleans, the 9th Ward. It was so desolate and disparaging to visit; however, the Lord opens our eyes to the light of renewal...I mean that's what it is all about...tearing us down and building us back up the right way...in God's way. We saw many lots with no houses and just steps, lots with concrete slabs, and vacant houses hammered by the hurricane with the furniture still left in it. A few blocks down the road there is an understanding why nothing was left. Steve brought us to the levees that brought New Orleans to ruins. I was awe-struck when it was realized that we were looking up to the water. The very thought that the the levee broke and all of the water from the canal came rushing in just makes you wonder how anyone had time to leave. God's will had me turn to the right to see a house being rebuilt. It is in his grip what he wants done and praise him that it is.
We begin to leave the 9th ward and pass by a couple of vans from another church helping to rebuild a house and the irony to that is I was thinking "are we the only ones helping?" Again, proof that God's plan is already mapped out for us.
Day 3 of our journey involved us returning to St. Roch church. What did they have in store for us today? Ben was our project leader and asked if anyone was handy in laying tile....immediately my wife shoves me out in front of the pack knowing full well I did not have any experience. God's will wants me to have experience or my wife...either way, I am willing to try it. I was placed with a husband and wife (Jamie and Sara :-) ) as well as my son.
The job seemed simple enough....find the center of the room, lay the tile to see if it is the best fit, and then lay the glue and place the tile.....simple enough. We get started and find that after the first 1/4 of the tiles were placed, the glue is very, very, very tacky. Jamie, Sara, Steve, and myself had a great system going, then we branched off. Steve teamed Sarah up with Kim and I was with Jamie...Jamie was a great partner with patience and a positive attitude. You needed that because coming close to the end, the glue was all over us. We had to literally had to pry our hands off of the trowel, the marker we were using to mark lines, and it got to the point where it became laughable to see what we could put our hands on without gripping it to see what we could pick up. God places us in situations for a reason. For learning, for coping, for helping others in need, and to branch out and lead others.
Today was a great day!!! I can't wait until the morning.....its only the beginning and we are so lucky to be able to share this with you.
Bethel Colony Project on June 29, 2009
Our job today was to go to a home and tear down a garage. The garage was severely damaged beyond repair from Katrina. The home is managed by a man named Harry who is on the staff at Bethel Colony. The home is being used for men in the second phase of their healing process from addictions. The first phase is 6 months inside Bethel Colony where they live, work, eat and sleep. Every morning in Bethel Colony the day starts with worship and every night ends the same way. It is only through the power of God and the fellowship of other believers that these men break their addiction. The second phase helps them transition back into society.
When the garage is torn down Bethel Colony will build another garage with apartments above the new garage. These men from phase 1 know God but they need help with the transition. They can live outside the Colony while they search for jobs and find a home church to keep their faith strong. This new garage will allow two additional men to live on the property. It currently is home to two men plus Harry. I wondered as we tore down the garage to make way for a new garage who would be staying here. I thought of how these men will serve God and impact their neighborhoods in the name of Christ. I hope they all honor Jesus that way.
Later that night as we gathered and sang praises to our God at a Church near to where we were staying a message came to me about the work we did that day. Our lives can look just like the job we were working on. Without God in our lives we tear down our lives with the sins of this world. Soon it looks broken beyond repair. But when Christ enters our hearts He tears down the old self and rebuilds us and makes all things new. Just like this old garage that gets torn down and a new one built in its place, Jesus makes us useful again for His glory and for kingdom work.
I wanted to share with you about Harry the man who managed this home. Part of what we like to do is to listen to the people of New Orleans. Harry shared his testimony and his home with us. His life has been restored through the power of God and Bethel Colony. He told us he went through this program twice with Bethel Colony. One time after finishing phase 1 when he thought he had made it, he slipped back into his old life style. He told us God broke his heart and right in the middle of his sin and he fell to his knees begging God to forgive him. He has stayed on the straight path ever since that day. He shared how Christ had changed his life. His life was no longer about how much money he can make or about his personal possessions. His life is about sharing the love of Christ to the people he meets and helping other men beat their addictions through the power of Christ in their lives.
On this day that we were scheduled to work he cancelled his doctor's appointment for a knee brace he needed from a car accident that totaled his truck. He cancelled his appointment to help us. He shared his house with us and insisted that the kids eat their lunch in his living room. How many people do that? His love for people and hearing him talk about God's forgiveness in his life is evident in how he cares for people. He is reflecting God's light in a dark world. His life led me to do a self evaluation. We all need to reflect God's light for the world to see and I encourage all of us to let your light shine today.
God Bless you and thank you for helping us do the work for the glory of God.
Tom Bendler
When the garage is torn down Bethel Colony will build another garage with apartments above the new garage. These men from phase 1 know God but they need help with the transition. They can live outside the Colony while they search for jobs and find a home church to keep their faith strong. This new garage will allow two additional men to live on the property. It currently is home to two men plus Harry. I wondered as we tore down the garage to make way for a new garage who would be staying here. I thought of how these men will serve God and impact their neighborhoods in the name of Christ. I hope they all honor Jesus that way.
Later that night as we gathered and sang praises to our God at a Church near to where we were staying a message came to me about the work we did that day. Our lives can look just like the job we were working on. Without God in our lives we tear down our lives with the sins of this world. Soon it looks broken beyond repair. But when Christ enters our hearts He tears down the old self and rebuilds us and makes all things new. Just like this old garage that gets torn down and a new one built in its place, Jesus makes us useful again for His glory and for kingdom work.
I wanted to share with you about Harry the man who managed this home. Part of what we like to do is to listen to the people of New Orleans. Harry shared his testimony and his home with us. His life has been restored through the power of God and Bethel Colony. He told us he went through this program twice with Bethel Colony. One time after finishing phase 1 when he thought he had made it, he slipped back into his old life style. He told us God broke his heart and right in the middle of his sin and he fell to his knees begging God to forgive him. He has stayed on the straight path ever since that day. He shared how Christ had changed his life. His life was no longer about how much money he can make or about his personal possessions. His life is about sharing the love of Christ to the people he meets and helping other men beat their addictions through the power of Christ in their lives.
On this day that we were scheduled to work he cancelled his doctor's appointment for a knee brace he needed from a car accident that totaled his truck. He cancelled his appointment to help us. He shared his house with us and insisted that the kids eat their lunch in his living room. How many people do that? His love for people and hearing him talk about God's forgiveness in his life is evident in how he cares for people. He is reflecting God's light in a dark world. His life led me to do a self evaluation. We all need to reflect God's light for the world to see and I encourage all of us to let your light shine today.
God Bless you and thank you for helping us do the work for the glory of God.
Tom Bendler
Ministry Madness at Bethel Colony (The Bumper Gets Busted)
While we were working at Bethel Colony, the guys were trying to tear down a fence. they tied one end of the chain to the fence and one end to the bumper of the van. As a result, well you saw what happened.
Elaina
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Team Photos from Week 1
Group picture in front of Glasgow Church as we prepared to leave for the airport on Saturday.
During our tour of the ninth ward this morning, Steve Jeantet gave a brief overview of the effects of the devastation of Katrina and post-event related activities.
(Photos by Levi)
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