Friday, October 21, 2011

Homeless shelter





Today the team made and served lunch at the Watered Gardens Homeless Shelter. Some were able to sit down and eat with their new friends. Most of the team comes home tomorrow.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

5 months later



The top picture was taken from a hill on which a church used to sit. The hospital in the background was not visible before because of all the buildings in between the two areas.

Children's program


Working hard



The team hard at work.

Pictures from Joplin




These pictures were taken at the block party on Saturday, October 15.

News from Joplin

The team is all working hard and having a good time. Some have been busy putting together sheds that were donated from our church and friends of the team. Others have been helping prepare for a Kids Quest program held at the church and feeding 50 kids dinner 3 nights this week. On Friday the team will be feeding 100 of Joplin's homeless community lunch.
The team has met many incredible people who have amazing stories and grateful hearts. It has been a true blessing to serve in Joplin.
A couple of the team members have colds and the weather has turned very chilly. Please pray for healing and strength to finish the job.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

No internet

The team does not have internet access where they are so that is why no updates have been posted. The team is doing well and are looking forward to sharing when they get back. Keep checking back in case they get to a place where they have access.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Day 2

Today team members did a variety of activities.

Team 1: Built sheds across the street from New Creations church.
Team 2: Cleaned up debris from a yard and used chain saws to cut up fallen trees!
Team 3: Went to the home of elderly friends and help them clean up and offered listening ears.
Team 4: Shopped and prepared for the block party on Saturday evening.

Bet everyone sleeps well tonight!

Day 1

Trying this from my phone. (For those of you who know me well, quit laughing if you are reading this. It means I was successful.) IFlights were smooth. Mark & Tom had a good trip coming by truck arriving 20 minutes prior to the team flying in from Sacramento. Jenny joined us in Texas and Dale & Diana arrived safely a few hours later.

We did a prayer drive w/our new friends from Colonial Pres-140+teens-through the 13 mile path of the tornado, stopping at several locations for stories and prayer. We then had dinner & devotions, a time of fellowship & then off to bed. Thanks for your prayers.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Arrived

Just heard from Paulette and the team has arrived safely in Joplin and is checking out the rental vans. The adventure really begins now.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Ready or not here we go....

Here is today's devotion- Coincidence? I don’t think so…

"Grace for the Moment". Max Lucado- October 13

The Voice of Adventure: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry for what you don't try right? You can't fall if you don't take a stand, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don't try it. Take the safe route.

OR or you can hear the voice of adventure--God's adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Go to Joplin, Missouri (added by Paulette). Make a difference. Sure it isn't safe, but what is? --


Father God:

You are a gracious and loving Father. Thank you for planting in each of us a spirit of adventure. Thank you too for allowing us to join you in your work in Joplin Missouri. May we truly be one in spirit as we serve the people you have planned in advance for us to meet and may we draw closer to you this week. We lift up Tom and Mark to you who have already begun the drive with our supplies and ask that you keep them from harms way. We also lift up the members of our team who have are joining us in Dallas, (Jenny), and Missouri (Dale and Diana). We pray for the people we will be working alongside this week Father. May you be preparing the spirits of those who are far from you to hear and/or see you this coming week. Give us wisdom on when to speak and when to be your quiet example of love.

Father we pray we honor and glorify you in everything we do. And it is in the name of your precious Son, Jesus Christ that we pray,
Amen

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Ready to go...


Dale and Diana left yesterday, via San Diego. Mark and Tom are leaving today with all our luggage. Please pray for safety in travel and that all our supplies make it. The rest of the team will be leaving on Friday!