Over the Hump

Well, we moved past the hump and are into the home stretch. Yesterday turned out to be frustrating on many fronts from a project perspective, but God allowed other things to move forward.

One crew continued work on the fence at Bob’s house, but were met with challenges in terms of very hard ground, lack of reference to property lines, etc. They will be returning this morning to continue setting posts. The demolition in the Barber Shop was completed, and the third dumpster is now filled. Tile work was slowed due to very slow drying of the thinset, and grouting is scheduled for this morning. We’ll continue working on other projects within the Fellowship Hall, and may also start some drywall work a few blocks away for Rev. Landry on a shotgun house that’s will house free childcare for single women seeking to get into the workplace.

Some of us were able to head to the Projects last nite to join Urban Impact in games and activities there. Smiles on both sides were plentiful.

We also made a scenic tour of the Garden District, under the title of looking for ice cream. While Creole Creamery wasn’t found, Baskin Robins sure was the perfect treat.

God’s been very good to us…Everyday!

Glorious Wednesday

It's been a very busy time here. While work has been slow at times, there are many things in the works and things are being accomplished. We waited all day yesterday for a dumpster, which slowed our demolition progress, but it gave us a chance to spend some time with the Nehemiah guys and work on smaller loose ends that have been hanging around here. Tile work in the Fellowship Hall went very well, with a group of hard working ladies taking charge. Once things dry a bit this morning, grouting will start and 95% of the space will be completed.

This morning we have 1 crew at Brother Bob's house starting a fence. Another crew including our brothers are filling the dumpster with everything that was tore down yesterday. Work is also going on a couple different small projects. This afternoon when the rain starts, we'll have a crew heading a few blocks away to assist another church. They have a building that will house a free daycare that needs sheetrock work, etc. Tomorrow, we'll have a crew finishing the fence posts, and building/installing steps at another house in the 9th ward. Others will be working on jacking up ceiling joists and building a supporting wall in the Barber Shop. Still others will be completing the tile work, and others building an interior wall to seperate the new kitchen from the Fellowship Hall. As you can see...the needs here far outweigh the efforts we can put forward. While almost overwelming at times, we continue to keep our focus on glorifying God, and know that the timing, pace, and experiences are in His plan.

Last night, we experienced an event that will be remembered for life. Without spilling the beans...it's something that made New Orleans famous, and not involving Mardi Gras or Bourbon Street. Make sure you ask team members about it upon return....it was over 3 1/2 hours of unforgettable fun. Our gracious thanks to Pastor Pierre and his friend Popagee who presented us with such a remarkable gift.

The whole crew is heading to Cafe Reconcile for lunch today. I can almost taste that peach cobbler...

Sorry for the Delay...

We've been having problems connecting to the internet, but it's working right now! This is Stretch reporting...

Well, it’s been a very busy 3 days…very rewarding and smooth sailing. The trip down went very well, as we made good time with a limited number of quick stops. Friday night was an opportunity to share fellowship with our old friends, Bill and Lori Younker. The Younkers have hosted the majority of our teams at their house in Farmington, MO as a place to stay on our trip down. As a special treat this time, Lori prepared a homemade spaghetti dinner, which allowed us to spend more time with them in devotions, etc.

On Saturday, we arrived about 5:30 at our old stomping grounds, Trinity Church in Covington, LA to load up a trailer full of tools. We the arrived in Central City about 6:30, and took our gear into the Yellow House. A quick look revealed 2 available beds, and while feeling close as a team, squeezing 3 into a top bunk just didn’t sound too appealing. Plan B, C, and D were enacted…our missions motto is to stay flexible. The girls are now bunkmates with the women from The Crossing Church in Orlando, and the guys are sleeping upstairs in the nursery at Castle Rock Church. Once Steve and Bill quit playing with the toys, we were able to get some sleep…

After a nice breakfast on St. Charles Street, we shared a Bible study at Living Witness followed by the morning service. Pastor Pierre had a commitment this afternoon, so he “cut his service short…” after a few some time at least He and Bob (Caboose) were both dressed impeccably for their regional duties…we think Bob literally glowed in his all white outfit. Bill got hungry, thinking he was witnessing Colonel Sanders in person.

Sunday afternoon was spent seeing a few sites in New Orleans, including the Sculpture Garden in City Park behind the Art Museum, a driving tour in the Garden District (no more walking when the temp in the truck reached 100) and finishing in the French Quarter for dinner.

Sunday evening, we joined our brothers and sisters from The Crossing Church for a time of sharing. They have 14 people here, many of whom are on their first mission trip. We took some time to answer questions and tell our story of how Cedarbrook became involved with serving at Living Witness/Nehemiah Ministries. We have many projects in the works this week, and know that God has some great experiences in store for us.

Monday morning we were treated to breakfast at Living Witness...grits, eggs, bacon, and biscuits, then an orientation from Terry Sistrunk of Urban Impact regarding expectations on the mission field. Right after that, it was work time. We started gutting the interior of the fourth Living Witness building, that will be renovated into a barber shop, etc. The leaking roof has left everything covered in mold and dust, so we tore off the walls, then started the ceiling off of scafolding. Two 10 yard dumpters were filled, and we have a ways to go tomorrow.

This evening Steve, Bill, James, and myself went to scope out a couple of additional projects in the community. We're going to be starting a fence at Bob's (Caboose) mother's house in the 9th ward, and possibly insulating the attic. We're also going to be putting some steps in place for another lady from Living Witness.

Everyone on both teams really poured on the effort today, and we all should sleep well tonight. God's presence is definitely being felt among us.

We made it!

Team 1 has made it to Central City! Travel was great, with no unexpected problems, smooth sailing right into the Heart of New Orleans. A little dinner on St. Charles, (traditional Po-Boys) and then off to their "home away from home".

The team is looking forward to worshipping with our brothers and sisters at Living Witness in the morning. Please continue to pray for them, that this would be a great time of fellowship, and team building, and that each heart is filled with love only the Holy Spirit could bring. Pray for strength and endurance for the long hot week of work ahead of them, but mostly pray that God is working with them, and through them for His kingdom, and His glory here on earth.

Posted by Mama Bear, for Team 1

Summer 2008

Yep, we're at it again! Cedarbrook is sending 2 more teams to Central City to continue our partnership with Living Witness Church/Nehemiah Ministry. The first team leaves this Friday, July 25, and the second team leaves August 1. We have a good mix of veterans and first timers, and are anxious to see what God has in store for us.

We'll continue working on the fellowship hall that was started last summer (wow, has it been a year already), do some demolotion in an adjacent building and start putting the roof back together, and work on a number of different projects in the surrounding neighborhood.

Please keep us in your prayers during travel and while working through the heat. Stay tuned for updates during the next few weeks.