Monday

One of the blessings of a project of this sort is the tight spaces.  When one speaks of “close fellowship” they usually are referring to spiritual and emotional depth, but in our case that description has a literal element as well.  The concept of “personal space” is not an option.  We are packed into spaces like sardines in mustard.   I suppose this is one of the reasons we are engaged in so many profitable discussions regarding matters of faith and practice.  I am always encouraged by the liberal display of deep affection that is part of our projects.  Blessed by the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.

Our days are long and full.  They are full of instruction, prayer and praise.  Some of this is formal.  As I write, it’s pushing 2100 hours (9:00 PM for you civilians) and the young people are discussing a biblical topic.  They are attentive and engaged in the ministry.  They were also receiving exhortation from the Word at 0645 this morning with the adults.  These devotional times are bookended by a vigorous work schedule.  During that work day there is much informal instruction, prayer and praise.  The skilled are teaching those who are novices.  There is definite exhortation from the pulpit to pray without ceasing and we trust that is the habit of many.  I hear much praise and thanksgiving overflowing from hearts which are blessed by the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

Taking a week to engage in the mercy work is a sacrifice – make no mistake about it, but today I met Conrad and that humbled my perspective.  Conrad was a successful general contractor up in North Carolina.  He had a crew of 60 men and life was good.  As hurricane Katrina is bearing down on the coast, he prepares his men to deploy.  He arrives in Hancock County nine days after the storm.  The Red Cross hasn’t even arrived on the scene.  They built showers and construct a kitchen.  He comes down as a temporary volunteer and 5 ½ years later is still temporary.  The word temporary must have a broad definition.  He gave his contracts to former employees who started their own businesses and has been involved with volunteer building here in the county ever since.  I asked him how he supports himself, and his answer was two words, “The Lord”.  One of his ministries is to act as an occasional consultant for Pastor Don Elbourne regarding the unusual techniques that hurricane codes require, and that is how our paths crossed.  I have no idea of the flavor of his theology, but I have a good estimation of the quality of his practice.  Obviously there is a vital link between the two, and it an awesome thing to see the Lord burden such men and women to give up so much to serve Christ, by serving their fellow men.

The efficiency of the work has been greatly enhanced by close proximity of the projects.  We are all here on the Lakeshore campus, one big happy family.  We have several objectives we are trying to meet.  They have been articulated and the crews have their targets zeroed in.  We are particularly blessed with a man from First Baptist Church in Clinton, LA who runs construction crews for the state.  He is a no nonsense type of guy who is constantly stressing safety.  This project requires strong leadership, and that means individuals who aren’t afraid to direct people.  This all works well when every subordinate has a clear understanding of the biblical teachings on authority.  It also works well because the leaders have a clear understanding of serving the Lord and building up his people.  It’s a beautiful thing.

Time to make my rounds and watch the manifold goodness of good expressed through the works of his people.  This is a gracious privilege.

Larry Springer

Project Coordinator

The "Mercy House"

A lot of progress after one day of hard work!

 

T-shirts signed by former teams who have helped at Lakeshore previous years,

are used in the dinning hall as decor.

Ways to melt butter when the microwave is down.

 

 First work morning, 

view from the bunk house looking at the trailers and huts.