Bob Gardner - It's NOT all about me!

My thoughts, disjointed as they may be, as I think about my venture back to NOLA next month...

I was watching the season finale of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" a couple of weeks ago. The team was in New Orleans working on a family's home as well as a church that had been destroyed when Katrina hit. The overwhelming theme that jumped out at me was that there is still a lot of work to be done with few workers to do the work. Ed, the designer/carpenter from the U.K., summed it up at the end by asking the viewers to not forget about the people who are still struggling to survive from that storm that hit nearly 3 years ago.

Since going on this trip last year, I have found that some of life's greatest pleasures are found in putting other's ahead of me. Life is not all about what I want and what makes me comfortable and safe. Life is about our relationship with Christ and our relationships with others including my family, friends, and those in need.

The Prime Time group came back from NOLA last year with "service" as our motto. Our focus all year has been on serving others both within the FBC family and in the community. I believe I said that my reason for going to NOLA last year was the people, and I would have to say that hasn't changed at all. Last year it was all about Charlye, Margo, Erika, Lester, Barbara, Annie, and Joe. Who will it be this year?

I am returning to NOLA this year excited to see what God had done in that area as well as seeing what God will do this year through our expanded team. Last year I was able to see first-hand how God works in the lives of those that are going about doing his will. Last year I was able to see God literally answer prayers within minutes of their utterance. This year I have already seen God provide funding above and beyond our goal. He’s got something specific that he needs us to do. How exciting is that?!

I ask that people pray that our team will have eyes that will see what God wants us to see, hearts that will cause us to act on what we see, and the strength to persevere when we're hot, tired, and hungry.

Service in NOLA is all about using our hands and feet to help others so we can be salt and light for Christ in this world. Hands. Feet. Salt. Light. Four things that I desire to be as I seek to serve others in NOLA in the name of Jesus.

- Bob Gardner, adult leader