Saturday, July 5, 2008

How has the money we raised blessed others?

AJ and Gaynel now have new windows and a ceiling fan for their home, in addition to all the mudding, sanding and scraping we did.

Jimmy is very close to moving into his house and said this week has restored his faith in teenagers and strenghtened his faith in God. Jimmy's house has a new lawn, new brick walkway, a fenced in patio, plants and flowers, painted walls and doors and more. He was crying as we said goodbye.

Carrie's house has new shelves and fresh paint. Her bills are astronomical and challenges in restoring her old house are huge. We will leave her with $3,000.00 to help her continue to move forward.

The Fisher School has two freshly painted classrooms and a nicely painted office. They also have new playround balls. Once things have settled out we will send additional funds to help this school which was taken over by the state because of it's poor condition, buy the "non-essentials" like crayons, cleaning supplies and teaching materials. Miss Shirley also shed tears with us when we left and said she was so thankful by how God had blessed her.

Future teams here at the mission headquarters now have five new GPS units to help them find their way to their jobsites more quickly. Time lost while driving is time lost in working.

The BBC also has a new commercial ice maker and commercial fridge for teams to use thanks to all who have supported our trip.

New tools to make future teams more efficient include a 12" chopsaw, table saw and stand, compressor and finish nail guns. All were purchased to help continuing rebuilding efforts.

It's hard to believe that our work week is over. It seems like we just got here and there is still so much to do. I know today will have opportunities of its own.

Thanks for your partnership in the gospel and caring for your fellow man. I wish I could show you just how much the funds you gave helped in so many ways.

Scott

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your work and love poured out in New Orleans makes me think of Darrel last summer at church camp. I think it was the last night of camp and he talked about through the ages how Christians have passed the baton of our faith from one generation to the next. He urged us to faithfully continue carrying the baton. Your team took the baton from the groups who have ministered in New Orleans before you. And now it's time for you to pass the baton on to other groups, knowing that God will bless your efforts there as well as provide others to minister.
I have mixed feelings this morning (maybe you can relate)--I'm sad that your work week is over. I'm happy that you're coming home soon. My heart is heavy for the people who are so hardened and hurting. My heart is encouraged by all those who continue to hope within such difficult circumstances. I'm praying for your day--for great opportunities at the block party to share God's love and truth--two things that do not change in this world that keeps changing. Love, Sallie

Anonymous said...

It is so interesting to learn of the different ways you have chosen to use the money God blessed you with on this trip...from the homeowners the the homeless, from schools to the Berean Church, to kids at a block party/BBQ to future groups to come...you have impacted many! From the physical work to the eternal work, you all have, in some cases, planted seeds, watered them, and helped them grow. I am sure our Lord in heaven is smiling, and is well pleased with all that you have done.

It sounds like you have a busy day of a different kind than the last five days. I hope you enjoy it... and each other.

I'll be praying for good rest tonight and a timely start home tomorrow morning.

Love,
Val