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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.
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.
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.
2 comments:
Hi, You will have to ask the people from The Crossing if they know our oldest daughter, Kerri Abel. She was the first team member to join Kendall and Sherri Anderson when they started the church. We are praying for all you guys!! :) God bless you all and those you serve!! Judy Abel
May the powerful presence of our mighty God guide you through these last couple days!
We're praying and rejoicing in what he's doing!
Oh, and I didn't know Bill had an identical twin!
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