Final Post
As we have all now returned home to our families, our hearts are filled with great joy when we consider the week well spent in Lakeshore. The memories will long be a part of our lives. Most of the memories will be dear, but there will also be those that are troubling. We encountered so many folks who lost so much, and in some cases were a moment from death. You would think that such events would sober an individual regarding eternity, but sadly, it is rarely the case. Our hope was that we could persuade as many as possible to receive our invitation to hear the preaching of the Word of God, in hope that their eternal perspective can be dramatically changed.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” I Corinthians 10:14. Friday night, in the presence of many unconverted souls we heard an exceptionally clear message of salvation. The Holy Spirit was empowering all who stepped into the pulpit. Much prayer had prepared the way and there was an earnest appeal for men to come to Christ. Our brother, Steve Graham, was enabled to deliver a penetrating sermon from Matthew 13. Pastor Graham is bi-vocational, a builder by trade. His skills were much needed on the worksites, so he weathered the cold, mud and fatigue and was not in peak condition by the end of the week. With God’s help and some potent tea, laden with lemon and honey, his flagging voice was rejuvenated and the preacher was in the house. The sermon drew out Gospel lessons from four parables. The parables are identified as the four soils, the pearl of great price, the treasure hidden in a field, and the full net of fish. The delivery was dynamic, the illustrations colorful, and the message abundantly clear. He reminded his hearers that the passage repeatedly uses the word “again” to introduce the parables. In fact, he would reinforce the message by saying “Again and again and again”. This was used to emphasize the truth that apart from Christ, we are hard of heart, and Jesus used such repetition to mercifully accommodate our stubborn ways. Pastor George McDearmon then bolstered the sermon with an exhortation to heed the message, and finally Brother Mitch Axsom closed with a benediction that had bound in it a closing sermon. It’s been a long time, if ever; I have heard such an exhaustive and evangelical presentation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are many individuals who I would like to thank for their tireless preparation and labor toward this project. I dare not do this by name, although, because there is a risk that my memory would disappoint me, and I would overlook someone. I am also aware of the humble frame that marks the people involved with the project and fear that my praise would embarrass many. So let me express my sentiments this way. Everyone who stepped on the soil of Lakeshore, Mississippi was a blessing to my soul. The spirit of cooperation, perseverance, and faithfulness was remarkable. I learned much, from both young and old. My heart was greatly encouraged to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. It was great to see eminent pastors, godly women, hearty construction workers, and maturing young folk all blended together in harmony. All with the common goal to see God glorified with our hands and voices. I’m already looking forward to next year, but then again, we have much work to do in our own churches and communities. So let’s get busy doing the work of the Kingdom.
Finally, if someday you are getting flustered by all of the changes the Lord has placed in your path and you just don’t want to adjust, remember “Semper Gumby”. Hopefully, the concept of being always flexible when considering God’s will is at least one lesson learned in 2011.
Larry Springer
Thursday Continued
Our devotional this morning covered a topic that strayed from the usual exhortations that fuel our daily tasks. We were introduced to the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. The intent was to remind us of those wives and mothers back home, described as the Katrina Relief Project Extended. Their care for us is the enabling factor that frees us to do this important work. Of course, that gentle feminine touch is felt constantly in our midst. I asked us to consider the condition of this project if it was an all male production. One of the pastors remarked that we would be reduced to some level of savagery. That is a scary thought. We very much value the work the ladies perform in every segment of this project and thank our Father in heaven for making them gloriously different than ourselves.
The dedication to the objectives we have set is extraordinary. Last night there were crews working in the cold, after quitting time, and in the dark. We had to get them some lights set up, for safety sake. We finally had to drag them off the projects lest they work all night. To complete the project goals we’ve set, we need metal shingles and a garage door to be delivered by Friday morning. Please pray that this will be accomplished.
Last night was the midweek service for Lakeshore Baptist Church, and we were invited to participate. Pastor Don was exceedingly thankful to us for standing alongside the church during this critical time of forward progress. It was an emotional moment, felt deeply by our people. Even after four years of projects and all the preparation it entails, it is still very difficult to wrap one’s mind around the magnitude of what has been done here by LBC and its army of volunteers. As you deepen the involvement with this ministry, there is a temptation to over analyze the situation. When will the recovery be finished? How does the church transition to the “normal”. Where will the funding originate, and a myriad of other questions? Although these questions regarding the future are necessary, in the end, everything moves forward while holding onto a trust in God’s over-arching providence. This type of ministry is not for the faint of faith.
Speaking of providence, on occasions the Lord acquaints two brothers in unusual ways. On Tuesday we were polling the group for birthdays, in order to sing one inclusive birthday song. Two elders, from north and south, were sitting next to each other and discovered they had the same birth day and the same birth year. We were unsuccessful in narrowing it down to the hour, so we don’t know which one is older.
Age and its attending maturity is always an issue on the job site down here, corralling the youthful energy on one end of the spectrum and accommodating the aches and pains on the other end. It even shows up in the pulpit on occasions. Our most youthful speaker (who will remain nameless), one of those thirty something old guys, referred to himself as middle-aged. Made me feel like Yoda, from Star Wars vintage. I guess, in order to make amends, he then further swallowed his foot by telling us that “There are men sitting here that are not really that old, they just look like it”. We still love you brother, but watch your back.
One of the pressing needs we have had is a particular garage door for the Mercy House. Locating and delivery were the first issue. Paying for it is was a second. Remember, we rely upon our merciful God to provide. The door was found and the installer donated it - a $1000.00 savings, just like that.
I have to sign off to go on a visitation opportunity. This is a return visit to a woman who admits to having no hope. She is in constant pain from an old accident. She deals it by succumbing to prescription drugs and alcohol. Her husband is unemployed due to the deep well spill in the Gulf. She asked the team to come back and we will go in the name of Christ, to speak and to pray. The Lord has opened a tremendous number of doors of opportunity for our teams. Time after time, the folks express their deep gratitude to Lakeshore Baptist Church. Again, please pray for Pastor Steve Graham as prepares to preach the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is putting in long days pounding nails and will need a Holy Spirit infusion of special grace. The opportunity for many conversions is at hand, if we pray and believe.
The dedication to the objectives we have set is extraordinary. Last night there were crews working in the cold, after quitting time, and in the dark. We had to get them some lights set up, for safety sake. We finally had to drag them off the projects lest they work all night. To complete the project goals we’ve set, we need metal shingles and a garage door to be delivered by Friday morning. Please pray that this will be accomplished.
Last night was the midweek service for Lakeshore Baptist Church, and we were invited to participate. Pastor Don was exceedingly thankful to us for standing alongside the church during this critical time of forward progress. It was an emotional moment, felt deeply by our people. Even after four years of projects and all the preparation it entails, it is still very difficult to wrap one’s mind around the magnitude of what has been done here by LBC and its army of volunteers. As you deepen the involvement with this ministry, there is a temptation to over analyze the situation. When will the recovery be finished? How does the church transition to the “normal”. Where will the funding originate, and a myriad of other questions? Although these questions regarding the future are necessary, in the end, everything moves forward while holding onto a trust in God’s over-arching providence. This type of ministry is not for the faint of faith.
Speaking of providence, on occasions the Lord acquaints two brothers in unusual ways. On Tuesday we were polling the group for birthdays, in order to sing one inclusive birthday song. Two elders, from north and south, were sitting next to each other and discovered they had the same birth day and the same birth year. We were unsuccessful in narrowing it down to the hour, so we don’t know which one is older.
Age and its attending maturity is always an issue on the job site down here, corralling the youthful energy on one end of the spectrum and accommodating the aches and pains on the other end. It even shows up in the pulpit on occasions. Our most youthful speaker (who will remain nameless), one of those thirty something old guys, referred to himself as middle-aged. Made me feel like Yoda, from Star Wars vintage. I guess, in order to make amends, he then further swallowed his foot by telling us that “There are men sitting here that are not really that old, they just look like it”. We still love you brother, but watch your back.
One of the pressing needs we have had is a particular garage door for the Mercy House. Locating and delivery were the first issue. Paying for it is was a second. Remember, we rely upon our merciful God to provide. The door was found and the installer donated it - a $1000.00 savings, just like that.
I have to sign off to go on a visitation opportunity. This is a return visit to a woman who admits to having no hope. She is in constant pain from an old accident. She deals it by succumbing to prescription drugs and alcohol. Her husband is unemployed due to the deep well spill in the Gulf. She asked the team to come back and we will go in the name of Christ, to speak and to pray. The Lord has opened a tremendous number of doors of opportunity for our teams. Time after time, the folks express their deep gratitude to Lakeshore Baptist Church. Again, please pray for Pastor Steve Graham as prepares to preach the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is putting in long days pounding nails and will need a Holy Spirit infusion of special grace. The opportunity for many conversions is at hand, if we pray and believe.
Larry Springer
Project Coordinator
I am sad to say that this is my last Lakeshore blog post. It has been an honor documenting such an incredible ministry. I will continue to pray for all of you as you wrap up the week. Thank you for your friendship, and showing me what it is to be a servant of the Lord. God Bless each and everyone of you.
-Mary
Please Pray
The ministry teams have been going out every day visiting people in the community who have somehow been connected to Lakeshore Baptist Church, inviting them to a Friday night dinner and worship service. Some of these ministry teams have been given an opportunity to share the gospel with these local residents. We ask that anyone who reads this, and all those back home, to please pray for these people whom the ministry teams have come in contact with. Pray that the Holy Spirit does a work in them, that they may see the grace of God through this ministry.
Thursday
Thursday morning, some of the young folks headed off to the beach for a sunrise prayer meeting.
The group leader :)
Wednesday
We have a participant this year that is attracting much attention. He is exceedingly handsome although rather on the short side. He walks a little funny and is not much for conversation. We are uncertain of his theology, but his parents are known to be staunch Calvinists. Several folks are keeping a sharp eye on him lest he get in trouble. Having said all that, there still is something so huggable about the fellow. His name is Joseph, and by the way he’s just shy of one year old. I wasn’t sure how having a toddler about was going to work, but with a variety of moms, grandmothers and big sisters surrounding him, he’s in good hands.
In the fourth chapter of Nehemiah we are told “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” When the Lord sets his people’s mind to engage in a task as a unit, it’s amazing how much work can be accomplished. Our operations coordinator, affectionately called “The Hammer” has been motivating the crew pre, post and during every day’s tasks. We have clear objectives set in front of us. The primary ones being:
- Finish the Mercy House so that it can open up as soon as possible. It is now flooded with supplies transferred from the old Distribution Center. The teams at the Mercy House have a lot of work to finish and they are making excellent progress.
- Don Elbourne’s house is on schedule as long as the crane that will set the trusses is repaired in time. We have a team member who is going to take a crack at fixin’ it.
- The area where the new fellowship hall will be built is being cleared. We hope to have our heavy equipment in there shortly to prep the area.
- The visitation team has made an extraordinary number of contacts. The opportunities to speak the Gospel to individuals have been numerous.
Our prayer focus covers many different issues but the primary one we have is in regards to the evangelization of the lost. We are planning toward the blessed dilemma of having more visitors to our Friday community meal than we have capacity. Wouldn’t it be a crowning blessing for the end of the week if we packed our facilities to the gills with those who are groping in darkness and then offer them the Light? Pastor Steve Graham will be preaching from the passage in Matthew 13 about the kingdom of heaven being like a treasure being hid in a field. Please pray for this brother as he prepares and delivers this penetrating evangelistic sermon.
One of the sisters made the refreshing observation at our praise and fellowship time last evening that she was being tremendously blessed by laughter. Coming here made her realize how little she laughed recently. But our dining facility team is apparently a jolly bunch. To be sure, this is serious business we’re about, but healthy doses of laughter are administered daily. By the way, our construction boss (normally a serious looking gent) asked me this riddle;
How do you catch a unique rabbit?
You neak up on him.
You might want to ask one of your elders that one. If he’s checking out the blog, he’ll know the answer.You neak up on him.
Larry Springer,
Project Coordinator
Crew working hard on Don Elbourne's home
Finishing the mercy house
enjoying a break at the wood burning pile
donations being sorted for the Mercy House
The GREAT new dinning deck a team put together!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
