Lakeshore Project 2011: Sunday

“There shall be showers of blessing,”

This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing,

Sent from the Saviour above.

Refreshing has this Sabbath Day been for the participants of the fourth annual Katrina Relief Project at Lakeshore Baptist Church down here in Mississippi. In the last two days we have been showered with the blessed preaching from the Word of God by four very capable preachers. Their messages have touched very vital areas of Christian experience and will prove to be invaluable as we head into the week. I also picked this hymn because of the torrential rain we experienced today. Of course to the locals, who have experienced the likes of a category 5 hurricane this is a gentle rain. This will present a muddy mess for our men who are framing up Pastor Don’s house, but they are a stalwart and tough breed of men, not easily dissuaded.

We have set very aggressive goals for the week, and Lord willing we will make a large dent in the punch list. As usual, the enthusiasm is contagious and the love between brethren is clearly demonstrated. The teams are primed and ready, and will be discharged to their assignments early tomorrow morning. We have a very large contingent of young people with us and at this late hour (late for me, that is) and they are in the background making a lot of joyful noise. You parents out there who have trusted your youngsters to go forth and serve should be greatly encouraged to know that this is one of the wise decisions you have made in your life. This will be a formative week in their lives. They will form new friendships. They will be instructed and mentored. Above all, they will be useful in building the Kingdom of Christ. I must add that they are also a great encouragement to us who are described as “mature”. If you observe carefully you can see godly church leaders in the bud.

Please pray for us constantly. The wet conditions create safety hazards, but the work must go on. We have a highly qualified professional overseeing our work projects and safety is constantly stressed. Please pray that our visitation teams will have open doors to take advantage of the fine southern hospitality. Entering homes to tell the Gospel is a huge part of why we are here, but the Lord will have to move by His Spirit if we are to penetrate the darkness that sin creates in men’s hearts. Pray that we will continue to encourage the brethren here at Lakeshore Baptist Church. It’s been a very long haul. Finally, pray that our hearts will continue to be knitted together by a purpose that will subdue our own personal needs and comfort. Pray, then when you’re finished, please pray some more.

Larry Springer

Project Coordinator