I'M REMINDED ONCE AGAIN

Yesterday was bittersweet for us. We had a group of about 50-60 volunteers mostly from the Creekwood COC and a wonderful couple from Memphis, Tn. that worked in the Pascagoula area. Many worked inside the Central COC helping remove carpet and the others helped neighbors around the church building. They all did such a wonderful job serving our LORD!! We also had an awesome meal that was prepared for us when we returned to the Creekwood COC. Thank you so much Ladies, it was delicious!! Especially those green beans! :)

It feels so good to be able to help, but oh how we wish it wasn't under these circumstances.
Our first stop in Pascagoula was at the Central COC where we divided into groups and started working, some at the church building and some at neighbors around the building.

Mark and I noticed a man 2 houses down from the building that kept coming into the street and looking down our way. We walked down and asked him if he needed any help with his house. He said no and that he was ok. Mark preceeded to ask him if he had pulled the carpet out of his house, he just broke down and admitted he hadn't been able to do anything yet. He just didn't know where to begin. This man was most likely in his 40's and it was evident (and he said so) that he is usually "in control" of situations but with this one, he had no idea what to do or where to begin. He told us how he and his mother (who is on dialysis) had stayed during the hurricane, they ended up in the attic when they had 4' of water come into the house from the surge (this is where he broke down again, thinking of his mother, he said he is so grateful that his sister came and got her after all this.) He agreed to let our group pull the carpet out of his mothers house, assuring him that they would be very careful with her "houseful of antiques". He didn't want to put them outside as he was afraid that someone would loot. He will realize soon that these antiques that were once beautiful (dark cherry) did not survive. (the wood will start swelling soon) He just isn't ready to accept that fact yet. He kept saying how he couldn't afford to pay us and asking what his obligation to us is now. We assured him, we wouldn't take any money and that there was no obligation. However........the church 2 doors down from him would LOVE to see him at services some time when their building opened back up :) He told us it had been years since he has set foot in a church building but he felt like it was probably time he did that again. After the group was done pulling the carpet out of his house, he told us (and it was evident) that he felt so much better and he was so glad we helped him. Please keep him in your prayers!! Oh yes.........I remember once again why we're involved in this ministry!!

Another part of the group went to a ladies house that lives near the Central COC minister. She has lukemia and lives by herself. They helped her, then found out she had slept on her bed the night before that had been flooded. She asked them to take her couch to the screen (actually screenless after Katrina) porch so she could sleep on it. The couch had also been flooded, they explained to her that this was a huge health hazard and took her an air mattress that we had in one of our tool trailers to sleep on. She was so grateful when they were finished for the day. She said she was in her 80's and no one had ever done anything like this for her before. We will still go back and continue to help her with her needs. Please pray for her!! Oh yes........I remember once again why we're involved in this ministry!!

Another couple returned to their house for the first time. We were with them as they opened the door and were backed up by the stench of the water/sewage that had invaded their home and was now molding their carpet and belongings. They were able to salvage a charcoal drawing of Christ on the cross hanging on the wall that the husband had drawn. The men helped him open the windows and doors to let it air out. This was all that could be done this day until it aired out. We will return and help them also. Please keep them in your prayers! Oh yes........I remember once again why we're involved in this ministry!!

We received a call from one of the elders at the Somerset church of Christ (our base operations) He told Mark of a 3rd grade boy named Kyle that gave his birthday money to help the victims of this horrible disaster. Kyle, these people are so grateful to you for your generosity!! Oh yes.....I remember once again why we're involved in this ministry!!

I realize this is long, but it is therapy for me :) We believe wholeheartedly in this ministry. I can't wait to get out there today and meet more friends that I can introduce to Christ!
Believe me there are many more stories but I'll save them for another day (and this was just the first day in Pascagoula!!) Please keep us in your prayers as we strive to do the will of Christ.