Profound thought

I like to look through high school yearbooks and read some of the quotes graduates make. Some are funny, some are sad and some are profound. Here are a few:
"He who laughs last, didn't get the joke."
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
"Be a good listener, your ears will never get you in trouble."
Here is my favorite...Think about this: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
I believe that you and I make an impact on people. Maybe it is through an act of kindness, maybe it is by listening to someone, maybe it is by forgiving someone.
If you are feeling insignificant take a few minutes to think of just one or two people who you are a blessing to.

He who began a good work...

I am sure we know the words that will finish this sentence. He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it. I was reminded of this verse this morning when I received an email from friends in Ohio.

As many of you know I spent close to four months in 2005 helping those displaced by hurricane Katrina. One of the precious families we met in Bayou La Batre were Robin and Holly, the Barbour family. They had lost so much including their home which had many feet of sewer water flood in. I had made a commitment to Robin that we would see them through the process all the way to getting them back into their home.

Many teams came with the COI ministry into the gulf coast area. Nearly each team that came in, either through myself or our staff, were taken to Robin's house to have them pray for her and her family and to meet them. Many teams also worked on this home either by stripping it down to its studs, replacing the flooring, taking out the wood floors piece by piece and bleaching them down, running new electrical, building a new porch or bringing words of hope and encouragement, and many other things.

The very first team we had in the gulf coast kept working and working, raising money and I believe totally adopted this family. They never gave up and recently returned for another mission trip to the Bayou. During their time they were able to complete Robin and Holly's home including furnishings and appliances. They were able to share a meal in this beautiful home.

My heart truly rejoices. God was faithful to complete what we had begun. God had honored my promise to this family even though I was not there to see the finished product.

I would like to thank each and every team that spent time either working on or praying for the Barbour family. You have all made a difference in this family. Most of all I thnak God for His faithfulness to see this project through to completion. The most wonderful thing though is that this is not the end of the relationship. I know that the Barbours have really connected with this team from Ohio and that they along with myself will continue to build a relationship with this family.

Praise the Lord!!!

The Saulis family

I have been sharing with you about the family in our area that have been living in some pretty challenging situations. They have been living without running water, indoor plumbing, and we have just recently finished installing their electrical.

This is the wonderful couple, Labell and Loretta. They said this is the first picture taken of them in years. I thought they looked pretty good.
Please pray for Loretta as she goes to the doctor, she is very concerned about the possibility of having cancer. She comes from a family that has this history and she has been having serious discomfort/pain in her body. She is hoping to have a mammogram right away. I visited with the family this morning and Loretta felt to share this prayer need with me, which I am passing on to you.

This is their kitchen, you can see the insulation which is covered by the plastic. Their sink is one removed from an old mobile trailer.
If you have ever been around people that will inspire you these people will. I never hear them complain, I only hear of how God is all they need and how He is their source of hope.

A praise note to report is that we were able to have a business in town donate some lumber so that Labell can now frame in the windows for their home. At this point they have no windows installed in the home but they do have windows that they can put in now that we have the 2x6's to work with.

I hope this helps you to be able to put a face to the situation I have been sharing. Please lift up this couple along with their sons Winton and Curtis before the Lord.

Victory

Many of you have been praying for a young lady named Shelby. I want to share something positive that is happening in her life.

As I picked her up yesterday to take her to the school to help her get reinstated she shared this with me, "Hey Scott, guess what, I stopped smoking pot and drinking." I was surprised and thrilled for her.

You could see the difference in her face. She was alive. Even the school administrators commented on how healthy she looked.

It will be a very tough road for her to walk out as she is surrounded by drugs and alcohol. I would pray that you would continue to join me in praying that the Lord will enable her to walk out this change. Right now Shelby doesn't have the Lord in her life so we need to stand for her.

My prayer for Shelby is that she can set the example for many others as she lives her life. I know that she has such a desire to help others. It is so encouraging to see even one teen have the courage to stand up and say enough is enough.

Another open door

Yesterday morning during my quiet time I received a phone call from Cathy, a lady in our church. She was making a hot meal and wanted to deliver it to the family we are helping on the reserve. Cathy was taking the gifts she has and using them for God to bless others.

In the afternoon I met Cathy and we delivered the meal to the family. They were so greatful. Cathy was able to stay and visit for an hour or so which was so nice. She was told that she could come back and visit any time.

As Cathy was sharing I asked the family about the possibility of starting a home group at their home. This is the same home that has no running water and not much furniture. The answer was yes, we should start a once a week sharing time and study time in their home. I hope to have this up and running in the next two weeks.

It seems that whenever I visit a family on the reserve that others are visiting and once again this was the situation as two extended family members were visiting. I see this as God opening new doors to share in. I always take the time to pray before leaving and I did so again. I believe that the power of prayer can truly change things.

Work team completes step 1

I want to say a huge thank you to God, first and foremost, for raising up a team of guys to go in and help the Saulis family on our local Indian reserve. A special thanks as well to a local electrician who donated all the material needed to run the electric through this home.
Saturday morning and afternoon became a very productive day thanks to Tom Liddle (electrician) and his son Tim (my brother in law), as well as Matt Collicott and Luke Doig. These four men blessed this family and we were able to run the electric through the entire home.
While we were working I asked the father of the home if he could have ever imagined that God would send a team like this to bless him and his family? He just shook his head in amazement that God would provide in such a tangible way.
This morning I went back to visit the family. I had the opportuntiy to pray with them and for them. Of couse God was at work because shortly after I arrived another family came by to visit and I was able to share Christ with them also.
I am so thankful for the way God is moving on the reserves. I feel like tremendous momentum is being gained and that God is doing a new thing. Please continue to pray for this ministry!!!

Comprehending the reality

I am watching the pictures flash accross the internet and television of the devestating tornadoes that have hit central Florida. I can tell you from my experience working in post hurricane Katrina, that the pictures give only a small glimpse into what the true reality is.

When the reality of a situation becomes "real", perspectives change. People do things differently. They think differently.

I think that the message of the gospel needs to be put into proper perspective as well. The reality is, people need Jesus. He is alive. He cares. He is not someone who heaps condemnation on people. He died for them.

Why are people not able to see what Christianity is truly about? Maybe because they have only seen it from a distance. They think they know what it is like. Maybe the church has not been true to the true nature of Christ. Maybe the church is seen as dead, uncaring, condemning and unconcerned.

As I watch the pictures and listen to the stories being told I can't help but think that this is another wonderful opportuntity for the "church...the body of Christ", to come to life, The body of Christ is alive!!! The body of Christ is caring!!! The body of Christ is accepting!!! The body of Christ is concerned!!!

WE ARE THE BODY!!! I can guarantee you that the church will provide a leading role in the recovery. I saw it in the gulf, I expect to see it again.

Waiting on the Lord

I have been at home this morning praying and asking God to move mightily in a number of situations. I will tell you that I have days when I feel overwhelmed with the challenges before me and at other times I am overwhelmed with the presence of God.
Today I experienced both. As I kneeled on the floor before the Lord I was overcome with emotion at my true need for the power of God to move in a number of areas of my life. I poured out my heart to Him. After nearly an hour I felt a peace of God come to my rescue. His Word spoke to me.
One of the Words I feel He spoke to me was rest. I am in such a need for that. I do not mean do nothing, I mean rest. Rest in Him and think on Him.
I began to do this and God began to remind me of His faithfulness over the years. I needed that. I am carrying some very heavy burdens and I know that I need to find my "rest" in Him.
Please pray for our family and the ministry I am involved in. It would be easier to give up but I am trusting in the Lord's help!!!