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.
Friday, July 3, 2009
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)
Diamonds in the Rough
Worship at St. Roch Church this morning was powerful. For those of us returning, we were immediately caught up in the changes in and around the church. Across the street, a huge construction site has been transformed into a park. Inside the sanctuary, the insulation that we purchased, installed and left exposed last year is now covered with beautiful walls and artwork. Instead of the sounds of hammers and saws, the sanctuary is filled with voices singing praises to a God who does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
I was encouraged by the ministry of this small congregation nestled in a community with such significant needs. We are running a race. Between this missional church, our Glasgow Church teams and other missions teams that have worked in St. Roch for the past 4 years, we just keep passing the baton. The work is progressing a step at a time and this church is growing.
But the lasting impression for me in all of these projects and activities is that the more we give, the more New Orleans has to offer. I stood in the sanctuary of St. Roch church this morning thinking of the words of Mother Teresa. She said, "Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them."
My heart feels full and we're just getting started.
I was encouraged by the ministry of this small congregation nestled in a community with such significant needs. We are running a race. Between this missional church, our Glasgow Church teams and other missions teams that have worked in St. Roch for the past 4 years, we just keep passing the baton. The work is progressing a step at a time and this church is growing.
But the lasting impression for me in all of these projects and activities is that the more we give, the more New Orleans has to offer. I stood in the sanctuary of St. Roch church this morning thinking of the words of Mother Teresa. She said, "Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them."
My heart feels full and we're just getting started.
Worship at St. Roch Community Church
This morning we were blessed to attend worship at St. Roch Community Church:
The park adjacent to St. Roch is no longer a messy, muddy construction site, but is now a beautiful community park, full of activities:
What a difference a year makes. Here is Pastor J.B. Watkins behind his pulpit this year:
Here is the team from last year with the exact same wall in the background with Pastor Watkins pictured on the right):
The park adjacent to St. Roch is no longer a messy, muddy construction site, but is now a beautiful community park, full of activities:
What a difference a year makes. Here is Pastor J.B. Watkins behind his pulpit this year:
And so it begins...
After our long day of travel and a brief birthday celebration we got settled into Firehouse(our home for the next week). Steve and I were on shower guard duty tonight when it was so clearly revealed to us why we need shower guards. Two police cars rounded the corner and stopped a man on bike. They began a series of questions and patting the man down while Steve and I read 1st Peter and discussed what the next day's devotions would be. This would be the reason that we lock ourselves in at night! PSALM 27:5 says, "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." After all the excitement we revealed to team 1 a little about what their first full day in NOLA will look like. We will be attending church tomorrow at St. Roch, a PCA church plant located in the eighth ward. We will be able to start serving the people first thing in the morning by taking nursery duty so all of the congregation can worship together.
What to expect??
I must say that this experience has already been rewarding to my family and myself so far....With the anticipation of raising the donations that were needed to go, to which God has truly provided above and beyond, to this past week rushing, working, and finalizing every loose end in our material world...This has been a rewarding experience already. Our family looks forward to the time to mission to others and I personally have felt the Spirit motivating me from within. So what to expect? This question can only be answered by our Father's will and intentions he has for us. It is very humbling to see what I have seen so far. From the abandon and dilapidated buildings to the almost desolation we saw coming in to the our home for the week. Words cannot describe the ache I experience in my heart alone for what New Orleans has been through and I pray there was a way that I could just rebuild it all for them. The truth is, WE, can help build it, clean it, provide where others cannot, and mission to those who do not believe that there is a Lord God Almighty who is very real and sent us, as well as others, to help them rebuild......help them to believe!! I want to make this my mission and I feel empowered by our Father to do this. So....What to expect.....I cannot wait!!! Thank you to God and those who helped us to get here. More adventures to come.....
Fundraising Complete!
Before we get too far into this week, we wanted to stop and say thank you to all of you who have supported this trip with your prayers and with your money. Taking 50 people to New Orleans over the course of 2 weeks is not a cheap endeavor, but we have been amazed to see God provided. Our theme for these next two weeks is "infinitely more," taken from Ephesians 3:14-21, the passage we are all working to memorize together. Truly, God has done infinitely more than we could imagine by raising all the money we needed to pay our expenses and to be a blessing to the people of New Orleans. So again, thank you for your faithfulness!
Team 1 is here!
Just wanted to let everyone know that Team 1 has arrived. After a full day of travel, everyone is safe. Even the luggage all made it! Tonight was mostly setting the stage for the week to come, but we did get to celebrate Ryan Redcay's birthday Happy birthday Ryan! Stay tuned for more stories as the week unfolds.
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