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
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