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| New Orleans Mission Trip 2008 |
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Watch this space folks!! A team leaves from our church bright and early Friday morning, July 25th. They are headed to New Orleans where they will be meeting about 70 people from all over the country as part of Adventures in Missions. They will be doing construction work, yard work, vacation bible school, and street ministry. Two of my kids (Larry and Kelly) are on the team.
We had a running blog of last year's trip. We plan on doing the same this year as long as people send me pics with updates. Testimonies from 2007 are here.
I am away from home right now, and I don't have the entire list of names of the people going. I will post it as soon as I can or if someone can do that as a comment here, that would be great. We want to keep these people in prayer during the trip.
Godspeed team. May your light so shine that they will marvel at your works and give glory to our Lord!
Update 24 July
The team leaves tomorrow morning. Planned departure time is 7:30. They will drive to Ft Payne Alabama and spend the night on Friday night. Saturday, they will drive to New Orleans. They are staying at the Knights of Columbus in New Orleans - all 88 of them! Breakfast is at 6:30 every morning. Worship is at 7:30 every night. Work all day in between.
Update July 25th
Kids didn't sleep much last night...too excited about the trip.
Here is the team from our church. Please keep them in your prayers. I have added links to those who are here on mychurch. Please visit their sites and leave them a word of encouragement.
Crystal - Team Leader. She was on the trip last year. A young lady that would make any father proud. After God's heart and can be very focused.
Danny - Youth leader from our church. Has a heart for young people. Great sense of humor. Great balance of leadership styles with Crystal. God can put a team together!
Other Adults on the team - Bill and Chris (husband & wife), and Lee (Lee is letting us use her car while our van is on the trip)
Youth team - Sanair, Ryan, Ben, Jordan, Chet, Sean, Rachel M, Larry, Kelly, David, Rachel S, Dimitri
The only people who are repeats are Crystal, Danny, Dimitri, and Kelly. All the others are on their first mission trip to New Orleans.
God's Hand at Work
It is already obvious seeing how God will use the team. Crystal received a confirmation call from the AIM leadership this week. While the typical AIM team will do ministry for half a day and labor (construction, yard work, etc) for half a day, it appears God has other plans for this team. The AIM leadership told Crystal that no other team was prepared to teach the Vacation Bible School. They asked if our team was. Danny and Jordan had done all the preparation which was rather difficult not knowing where or how the team would be doing the ministry. Others on the team (I don't know which ones) had prepared the teachings for VBS, so yes, indeed this team was prepared. So, AIM told Crystal that this team will be leading the VBS effort at two locations in New Orleans. The team is very much aware that when you prepare yourself, God opens doors. He sure did here!
They left this morning bright and early. They were to gather at the church at 6:30. Most were there by 6:00 - guess several didn't sleep much. They loaded the two vehicles - our 12-passenger van and Bill & Chris' Suburban - and pulled out at 7:20.
Brother John, my wife Sword and daughter Kelly loading the van...
Saying farewells...
Loaded and ready to pull out...
Update as of 2:25 pm. Team is near Roanoke, Virginia and doing well.
Update July 25, 5:30.
Received a call they are one hour outside of Ft Payne, Alabama. So far so good.
Sent me the following picture with no comments. I can only imagine that the cost of gas this year is a lot more than last year.
Update 25 July, 10:35 PM.
One has to wonder if they get tired...after a full day on the road...relaxing and having fun by the pool in Alabama...
God's Hand at Work - 11:10 PM
We just received a call from Crystal. She was really shook up, but wanting to share with us something that happened that only the drivers knew. As they were driving in Alabama on the interstate, the Bill was driving his Suburban as the lead vehicle (which Crystal was riding in). Abruptly, he swerved to miss a truck bed liner that was in the middle of the lane. The van was following (which Danny was driving) and had no time to react to get out of the way of the truck bed liner. Danny determined not to swerve for fear of losing control and ran directly over it. The cars  immediately behind the van swerved, hit each other and crashed into the guard rail. All the drivers were very shook up, so they pulled over immediately. Nobody was seriously hurt and, according to Crystal, most of the kids had no idea what had happened. After seeing that everyone was ok, they continued on their journey. God's hand protecting our team in the midst of tragedy.
Crystal told us that she was very concerned about the scratches that are on the van now. We told her to forgetaboutit! It is our family van. It has over 250,000 miles on it. It is 10 years old. One of the reasons God provided us with this van is specifically for these purposes. To the contrary, thank God for such a heavy duty van that provides such protection that the kids hardly knew anything happened!
Please pray for God's peace on Crystal tonight.
God, you are our protection and no weapon formed against us will prosper. That is your promise and tonight we are standing on your word that never, ever returns void. Please give them all a good rest tonight and protection as their journey continues tomorrow. May your glory always shine through them. In Jesus name we pray...
Update July 26, 11:00 AM
Note that the item in the road was a truck bed liner, not a box springs as reported earlier. Nonetheless, anything in the road while traveling at speed is dangerous.
This morning they were off and running on the final leg of the trip - planning to arrive in New Orleans at the Knights of Columbus sometime before dinner is served at 6:00. Worship tonight at 7:30...wishing I was there...
Pit stop in Alabama...ice cream for breakfast? Whatever!
In Mississippi...getting closer to their destination...
Update July 26, 5:15 PM (all times are eastern time, so subtract an hour for their time in New Orleans)
They have arrived at the Louisiana border...45 minutes from their final destination.
It is pouring rain. Nobody wants to get our and get wet. They stop at the Louisiana Welcome Center.
The rain finally lets up, so all the youth gather around the sign.
You know, for a crew that has been driving for 24 hours over two days...they are looking good!
The note with this one said Crystal was drying her shoes after getting soaked in the rain, but...maybe...maybe she is practicing a new dance step she is going to show us when she returns...
As they are getting ready to head back out on the road for the last leg of the journey, Larry gets behind the wheel...just for the picture (I hope) since he is only 14. I know he is looking forward to driving, but not now, ok?
Update July 26, 6:20 Eastern/5:20 Central
We just received a call from our daughter, Kelly. They have arrived at the Knights of Columbus. She isn't on the phone long. Too excited about being there. Dinner in about an hour and worship in two.
Thank you Jesus for the safe journey. You are so faithful to your children. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Let your word inspire them, let you hand guide them, and let your glory be seen through them. Amen.
Update July 26, 7:50 eastern, 6:50 central
Relaxing for a bit after eating dinner at Knights of Columbus.
Rachel S looks so intense...or maybe tired ;^) And what is that thing Rachel M is hugging?
These guys look like they are thinking "food fight"...
Update July 26, 8:20 PM eastern, 7:20 PM central
Update via txt message:
At Intro meeting by Mike McCord he stated that this week is 2 years and 11 months since Katrina. Most funding has stopped. Churches and Help Houses are running out of money. He asks that when we go home please spread the news that more money help is needed.
The following picture is from another blog of some folks that were there in April 2008.
There is indeed a lot of work yet to be done...
Update July 27, 12:30 PM eastern, 11:30 AM central
Txt message - Worship was amazing. The Spirit of God fell on the worship service.
Worship was at Lakeview Christian Center which holds services in an old theater.
   
The message was great and the call to prayer powerful.
Members of our team became alter workers and prayed for others. Stepping out in ministry...kinda like Moses taking that first step into the water...trusting God will honor that step. He did then. He will now.
(Editor's note - I enlarged this pic a lot to see if I could tell who from our team was participating. Looks like Dimitri, Danny, and Sean, but not sure. Can anyone confirm?)
Update July 27, 2:35 PM eastern, 1:35 PM central
Txt message - weather holding out well. Calling for rain this afternoon. Surprisingly not that hot yet.
Kelly spending some devotion time in the Word.
(Editor's note - How do you make a grown man cry? Send him this picture of his daughter. My eyes cry, but my heart sings!)
Update July 27, 3:45 PM eastern, 2:45 PM central
Txt message - Team met Jack. Has been in New Orleans for 50 years. Born in DC. He survived the floods of Katrina with an inflatable raft and a chain saw. He never evacuated. His wife is paralyzed, but Jack is in good spirits.
Update July 27, 5:30 PM eastern, 4:30 PM central
Team spent the day touring New Orleans and seeing the destruction left by Katrina. Amazing how much work needs to be done.
Team visiting the rebuilt levee that holds back the flood waters.
 
Passing by the Superdome where many people spent many days after Katrina.
   
Touring the Ninth Ward where many houses are still abandonded, many are overtaken by weeds and grass, and some have never been rebuilt.
 
Update July 27, 8:35 PM eastern, 7:35 PM central
Txt message - The group is 88 strong. We were asked to find someone we didn't know, talk to them and get to know them, then listen to the Lord to pray for them.
Below is Larry getting to know Grant.
Update July 27, 10:16 PM eastern, 9:16 PM central.
Team attending meetings to discuss activities for the coming week.
After the meeting they broke up into groups and played games to build their interaction and cooperation skills. Here is our youth team playing spoons with another group.
Lord prepare their hearts for your work. Prepare the path they will travel. Prepare the hearts of those they will meet. Let your light shine brightly in the works they perform giving you the glory forever and ever. Watch over them as they rest tonight. Fill them with your peace. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Update July 28, 7:15 AM eastern, 6:15 AM Central
This came in last night after I was in bed. Time on the pic was 12:08 AM eastern time, so it was after 11:00 in New Orleans. This was probably the end of their day. David is praying for the team.
Update July 28, 2:22 PM eastern, 1:22 PM central
They must have sent me these pics during their lunch break. Has to be exciting to see things happening. These pics are all about the VBS program they are doing.
Here Danny, Jordan, and Larry are doing their preparation work for the VBS.
Jordan and Danny made puppets for the VBS lessons out of stuffed animals. (Editor's note: Jordan comes from one of the most creative families I have ever known!) Ben and Chet show off the puppets - I believe they are the puppet masters for the VBS program.
Larry explains the concept of the Bible Store to the VBS kids. Essentially, as the kids earn credits, they can turn them in for games and toys.
Jordan and Larry watching over the Bible Store. All these items were donated. I am told that Rachel S is one of the helpers to set up and take down the store, too. The kids love the bubbles and the candy best.
Update 28 July, 8:00 PM eastern, 7:00 PM central
They sent me several pics between 4:30 eastern and 8:00. Here they all are...
They are so pleased with the turnout for VBS - over 25 local kids...
Playing a game of water balloon relay with the kids.
One of the activities the kids love to do is face painting, but here it is turned around...our youth team lets the VBS kids paint them. The following is a little girl whose name is "Precious" painting Jordan's fingernails...it doesn't get any better than this, does it?
Here is Kelly letting two of the kids paint her face.
The following pictures show an absolutely beautiful side of Jordan and the love this young lady has within her. Just look at the joy she shares.
 
The following pics look like the kids were having a lot of fun. Chet and Rachel S seem to remind me of some band I use to watch many years back...these two deserve a caption contest...ok, anybody have a good one? Sure looks like they had a blast!
 
All in all, it looks like they had a great day of ministry and had some fun while doing it. Thank you, Lord!
Update July 28, 9:10 PM eastern, 8:10 PM central
Back at the Knights of Columbus after a full day of ministry, the teams share about what God did in their lives that day. Here Dimitri shares about VBS.
Update July 29, 10:35 AM eastern, 9:35 AM central.
Txt message - Every morning there is a 40% chance of rain that day. Today is 100%. Team was going to do construction, but instead we are praying along with another group asking the Lord for what He has for us or wants - standby.
Here Sanair is having fun waiting for the prayer to start.
Update 29 July, 9:30PM eastern, 8:30 PM central.
Editor's note: I have been in meetings all day. They sent me pics throughout the day with descriptions of what was happening...l will attempt to put it all back together here.
A typical day, if there is such a thing, starts with devotions, breakfast, assignments (construction, yard work, VBS, etc). Then at the end of the day, the whole team gathers for dinner, worship and something they call debrief. From what I gather the debrief is a time to discuss what God did through the day...some of us might call it testimony time...but it is also to be used to discuss things that need to be adjusted for the next day.
As I noted earlier, they were rained out from the construction work they were going to do today, so they stayed at the Knights of Columbus until time for VBS in the afternoon.
VBS is held in a house called The Dwelling Place. The team goes around the neighborhood and rounds up kids for "Day Camp".
Here are some of the pics from today...
Sanair is the lead teacher for VBS. From what I hear, sometimes the kids take a while to settle down, but it doesn't bother Sanair at all...she just keeps on teaching.
Here Sanair is helping one of the day campers with the t-shirt craft. Looks like they are drawing on the shirts.
Ryan is helping other kids with the t-shirts, too.
Danny does one of the teachings at VBS. It is important to talk to the kids about Jesus so they know what it means to accept Him as Lord and Savior (at their level). This might be the only time the team will see them.
Some how, I don't think this is a picture of Crystal helping with the craft...
When the leader of the team can have fun, you know the rest of the team will, too. BTW, the caption on this pic when they sent it to me was "Crystal being difficult".
Sanair chillin after the day of VBS is complete.
I was told that tonight, as a special treat, Crystal took the team out for dinner. Everybody says the food at the Knights of Columbus is good, but let's face it, if you go to NOLA, you want to try some NOLA food!
Debrief at the end of the day...
Rachel M getting ready to share about the day.
Sean at the debrief.
Tomorrow is Prayer Walk day. Last year (see link to testimonies above) this was a very interesting day with a lot of the team seeing God's hand at work.
Lord, I ask that you prepare the team's hearts right now for tomorrow. Make their hearts soft to hear your voice, to see with your compassion, and to speak with your words. Lord, please use them. Let them point to you in every step they take, every word they speak, and every thought they think. I also pray for the people they will meet, Lord. Prepare their hearts as well that they will be ready to receive. As the team prepares for their prayer walk, Lord, I ask for a hedge of protection around each one of them. Guard them, shield them, protect them. As they shine for you, let the darkness flee. In Jesus name we pray...
Update 29 July, 10:35 PM eastern, 9:35 PM central.
The team had a chance tonight to look at the blog!! Then they sent me this pic...
What a crew!
OK, here is another one that deserves a caption challenge...so tell me, what IS she thinking?
Here is Lee after a long hard day...still smiling!
Update 30 July, 12:33 PM eastern, 11:33 AM Central
Editor's note: I have been very busy at work all morning. This is catchup from last night and this morning.
Seems the team enjoyed the blog, too. Here is Crystal reading through it herself...makes me wonder what I have said about her...;^)
Here is Danny doing his daily devotions this morning. Note his choice of seats...
 
Update July 30, 2:00 PM eastern, 1:00 PM central.
Street ministry morning.
Visiting one of the damaged homes. Looks like David, Danny, and Larry were a team. Three mighty men of God!
First the labor...David and Larry moving boxes and moving plants...
 
Danny and David moving furniture...
Then the ministry...David and Larry praying for the group of people...
Then the fruit...hugs all around...Kelly hugs a lady after praying for her.
Thank you God for hearing our prayers!
Update July 30, 4:30 PM eastern, 3:30 PM central
Lee spends some time in fellowship with a pastor from Minnesota, then joins in with the VBS for the afternoon.
 
Jordan teaches about Jesus taking away your sins...
Ben teaching about Jesus...
Isn't it awesome seeing these young people walking out their faith!
Heading back to the Knights of Columbus after VBS is finished. (Editor's note - that's a cool pic, Danny!)
The Fearless Leaders - Crystal and Danny - back at their home away from home. Thank you, Lord, for them and bless the works of their hands!
Update July 30, 5:30 PM eastern, 4:30 central.
Looks like some of the team was doing some construction work, too. Here is Bill working some drywall.
Update July 31, 8:00 AM eastern, 7:00 AM central.
The team sent me pictures late last night of the worship service.
Wednesday night worship.
Kelly worships the Lord...
The AIM Leadership team (l to r) John, Michelle, KC, Jill, Shannon, Paige. Thank you all for all you do, all you have done, and all you continue to do. We pray for God's blessings on you all.
Update July 31, 12:25 PM eastern, 11:25 AM central.
God's Hand at Work
Today was set aside for something called ATL which stands for "Ask The Lord". The teams spent time in prayer independently seeking God for what He wanted them to do. At the end of the prayer time, our team felt God wanted them to go back to Central City and help Ms Barbara some more. She had a lot of work to do at her house and they only touched on it yesterday. They felt like God had more He wanted to do. After prayer time was over, the teams came back together and explained what they heard from God. Not only had our team heard this, but the team from Ohio and from Minnesota heard the same direction from God. They were all convinced this was what God wanted them to do...so...they all headed back to Ms Barbara's place to help her move things out of her trailer and into her house. Ms Barbara was blown away. God is sooooo good!
Ryan and Ms Barbara discussing what needs to be moved.
Kelly moving drawers for Ms Barbara. Service with a smile...when you know you are in the middle of God's will, even hard work can be a pleasure.
What's that Casting Crowns song say...all work and no play makes Jack a dull man...well, here are Sanair, Rachel M, and Rachel S playing while they work. What a great attitude!
Team takes a breather...
Update July 31, 5:30 PM eastern, 4:30 PM central.
After spending the morning working, they enjoyed street basketball and a bbq for lunch.
Then, it was back to teaching VBS. Here Rachel M does the teaching for the day.
Kelly has fun with one of the VBS kids...
David and Chris at the emergency room. Txt Message - David hurt himself during VBS. He was a good sport in the emergency room.
Update Aug 1, 8:00 AM eastern, 7:00 AM central.
Today is the day they start their long trip back to southern Maryland. They should be leaving within the hour. Their destination today is Johnson City, TN where they will be spending the night in a Ramada Inn.
Father, thank you for this opportunity for the team to serve. Thank you for the hearts that have been changed. Please prepare the way for them as they travel home. Protect them. Guide them. Keep them safe. In Jesus name...Amen.
Received this pic late last night of one of the VBS games.
Update Aug 1, 10:00 PM eastern
I started receiving a lot of pictures at about 4:00 PM this afternoon as I was wrapping things up at work. Looks like folks were sending me pics from their last day in New Orleans. Let's see if I can string them together.
Street ministry team...
David doing some street ministry at the old school...
Having fun at VBS...one pic isn't very clear...
 
The following pics are on the road heading home.
Getting started...
 
Chris looks happy to be headed home.
In Alabama...
 
Still rolling along...entering Tennessee...
 
The many faces of Danny...I am not too sure about the one on the right...
 
Dinner at Cracker Barrel in Tennessee.
We just received a call at 10:10 this evening. They are still on the road....probably two hours yet to go before they get to the Johnson City Ramada.
Thank you Lord for your protection as they are on the road today and tonight!
So much looking forward to seeing them all tomorrow.
Update 2 Aug, 8:40 AM
Txt Message - We will be leaving Bristol, TN at 9:00.
Here is the Ramada they stayed in last night...
Sleeping conditions were...well they were totally adequate...especially for the tired travelers...this is David and Ben just before wake-up call...
Update Aug 2, 11:00 AM.
Txt message - Rachel bought a HUGE lollipop at Cracker Barrel and had to try to put the whole thing in her mouth.
(Editor's Note - other pics here I have been able to rotate...for some reason, these will not rotate for me.)
 
Update Aug 2, 4:00 PM.
Txt Message - eta at church is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Woohoo!!!!
TGBTG!!
Update Aug 2, 5:15
Received a call from Danny saying they expect to be to the church by 6:30. He was 18 miles from 495 in Virginia. Just received the following pic after they merged onto 495...
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| To add a comment to "New Orleans Mission Trip 2008" |
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| July 22, 2008 |
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| Hey I haven't got anything else better to do... why don't you come down and pick me up along the way. Love you all. and I am not joking about this. |
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| July 22, 2008 |
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| Wish I were going........am praying for them!!!!! |
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| July 22, 2008 |
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| Hey Voice you can visit our church while your here, huh? |
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| July 22, 2008 |
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| God be with you all! |
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| July 23, 2008 |
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| Hey voice, if your team is going to be here, I sure would like to meet them if they had time. What part will they be in? |
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| July 23, 2008 |
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| that is sweet! |
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| July 23, 2008 |
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| Praise the Lord! Looking forward to updates. |
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| July 23, 2008 |
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tha ppl that are goin i just wanna say make a change in their lives wish i cld join yall but i cant |
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| July 23, 2008 |
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| How long are they planning to be down there for the projects? Brad & I are moving to New Orleans on Aug. 1 - I'll be praying for safe travels, work projects to glorify our Lord & an impact for growth in the lives of all involved. |
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| July 24, 2008 |
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| Has it been a year already?? Crazy :). Thanks for posting and keeping us connected with this trip purposeful trip. Blessings to the team! |
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| July 24, 2008 |
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| Cool. I will be doing something similar in New Orleans this upcoming spring. |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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| There they go! |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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Awesome! Wishing your team(s) well on the trip, may God's glory shine through them. I came close to going with your church group to NO last year, I wanted so bad to go. In the end, a scheduling conflict prevented me from following through. Eventually I'll go on one, I'm restless! |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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Praying for safety...
Awesome brother!! |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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| Praying for all the travelers by name tonight, and also for the work God has planned for them! |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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| Thanks Kathy...it has been a long day for them... |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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See my blog Voice! Max Lucado writes another good one. "His Wing Shelters You"....they were SOOOO protected!
I will continue to lift this group up. Praying special prayers for Chrystal. |
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| July 26, 2008 |
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Thank you Father God.
Continuing in prayer. |
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| July 26, 2008 |
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| The road debris is so prevalent around here -- especially big chunks of tire. So dangerous, especially at night when it's hard to see. Praise God for their protection! |
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| July 26, 2008 |
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| Wow..thank you all for your continued prayers...it is awesome to know that there are people all over the country praying for this team...to those God has given much, much is expected...with prayer war going on like this, I can't imagine what God is doing in the hearts of people everywhere...Do we serve an awesome God!! |
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| July 26, 2008 |
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yes, we do! Awesome God!!
Breakfast of champions!!! Thems my kind o people!! |
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| July 26, 2008 |
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| I have a very good friend by the name of Pastor Nelson Ligon that will be down in New Orleans during the same time...I bet it's the same program. |
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| July 27, 2008 |
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| Awesome pic!! |
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| July 27, 2008 |
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That is St Bernard Parish- Arabi LA
Where the store was |
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| July 27, 2008 |
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on the back side of that levee where it could be seen from the bridge someone spray painted
HINDSIGHT
it got painted over |
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| July 27, 2008 |
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| God weaves a tapestry of beauty...pretty amazing how close we all are... |
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| July 27, 2008 |
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| Good to hear of the Lord still sending out troops to this area: I will follow your updates and pray for your family while they are away at work. |
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| July 27, 2008 |
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| Thanks Tonya! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| Absolutely Amazing... I am sooo excited your family is a part of this and we get to live through them vicariously... thanks for sharing the stories and the pictures |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| Thanks for sharing...will be following this one closely and praying. |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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Becky and Andy, glad you stopped by.
Angie, the team so appreciates the prayers. |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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It's so nice to see people from our church doing something so amazing. I wish them all a huge blessing. May god take care of them and give them guidiance to whatever he wants to be done over there. |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| Amen, Tina, Amen! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| Hmmm... I'll keep them in prayer. |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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What a blessing these kids are! They are so great... it is so awesome (the photo of your daughter)...
Don't you just know God has a great big smile on His face! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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Oh.... I've been praying for them.
Greg is on a Mission Trip with the Junior High Kids from our Church now. They left early Sunday, June 27th to go to Missouri. He called me at Noon that day. He was driving one of the Cargo Vans. They should return on August 1st. You never know though. |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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Praise God! Keep it going DC.... I feel like this is up to the min reports.. So so cool!! I can't wait to hear all the stories when they come back. Pastor Shawn |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| Thanks for posting! These kids will never be the same! And neither will the adults! I, too, cant wait to hear their testimonys when they come back!!!!!! God is so good! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| pic #1= "It's what?!?!? Get it off!!" |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| I have to admit...Chet looks scary and Rachel looks...well, mean...;^) |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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LOL... kinda one of those "your gonna die" looks
or better yet- Gimme that mud pie! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| ..and whenever I see Rachel at church she always has such a bright smile on her face...is this the deep, dark side we don't know about? Probably not, but it looks like a lot of fun! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| I was thinking more along the lines of Wile E. Coyote checking to see why the ACME Brand exploding bird seed didn't go off before the roadrunner escaped. |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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Yep, that would do it! |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| LOL |
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| July 28, 2008 |
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| just awesome!!! |
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| July 29, 2008 |
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| Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! |
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| July 29, 2008 |
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| Gotta love the One Way sign! |
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| July 29, 2008 |
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| AMEN AMEN and AMEN |
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| July 29, 2008 |
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| thanks for having the blog going! we are having a great time down here! |
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| July 29, 2008 |
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| This group is showing the Love of God in a very spiritually depressed area. What a blessing they are to these kids and there families. It's all about the Love that shines through them! You can see that it is working! God bless them and everything they are in! Thanks for posting this Voice! |
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| July 30, 2008 |
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| Voice, I think it is just incredible what these kids are doing. Jesus in skin! That is what they are, and to these kids that are so in need of such love and encouragement. Thank you so much for all the pictures and the posts. It is cool to see the progress of their trip and I look forward to what is yet to come! |
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| July 30, 2008 |
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| Voice, this blog is so awesome! Thanks for taking the time to update it and let us know what's going on. I agree with Amy in that I can't wait to hear the testimonies when they get back. When Rachel calls, it's only a 45 second convo letting me know she is still having fun and not homesick :) |
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| July 30, 2008 |
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| What a POWER TEAM!!!! |
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| July 31, 2008 |
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| Tomorrow they start the Long Ride Home. Please everyone be in prayer for their safety, for fruit that will remain in New Orleans, and for fruit that will remain in the lives of each team member, as they bring that fire back in their daily lives here in Maryland. |
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| July 31, 2008 |
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| Amen! |
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| August 01, 2008 |
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| WOW! Please thank your team for us. My husband and I have been here on the front line since Katrina. It is so awesome to have people still have the heart to come and help us. Our church had the great privilege to rebuild over 200 homes with teams from 25 states. So teams who come to work have a special place in our heart. It is amazing to watch the church in action. Perhaps we will blog our story soon. PLEASE GIVE THEM OUR THANKS. We pray for a safe trip home. |
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| August 01, 2008 |
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| I cant wait for them to come home!!!!!! I miss ALL of them greatly!!!!!! Lord, please bless the rest of the trip and ride home. Keep them under your wings and under your hand Lord. Bless those driving Lord and keep them alert. Thank you God for the wonderful trip they had thus far! Let the youth and leaders remember this event for many years to come!!! |
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| August 01, 2008 |
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| Several new pics received tonight. Will post soon. |
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| August 02, 2008 |
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| Based on text messages this morning, they are on time to arrive at our church this afternoon about 5:00. |
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| August 02, 2008 |
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| They are forever changed |
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| August 02, 2008 |
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| Awesome! TYJ for a safe journey today. Dave |
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| August 02, 2008 |
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| hehe |
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| August 02, 2008 |
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| Everybody is home. All are pumped about seeing God work. Looking forward to testimony time in the morning! |
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| August 03, 2008 |
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| wow we just (well its been a few hours since lol) got hamo from NOLA it was truely awsome and life changing i hope i can go back some day and see those people people again and see my little buddies from vbs grown up i had such a fun time and im so much closer to God |
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| August 03, 2008 |
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| sory i forgot the lowest gas prices we saw ither in mississippi or alabama was 3.59 |
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| August 03, 2008 |
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| What a great trip! Thank you for sharing it with us! |
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| August 03, 2008 |
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| So glad to hear they got home safely!!! Yeah!!! |
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| August 04, 2008 |
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| Glad to hear they made it. My home church currently has a mission group of youth ing Puerto Rico |
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| August 04, 2008 |
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| Looks to me like you had a good time and is home safely, which is always good news. |
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| August 04, 2008 |
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| Yep. Most of the church service on Sunday was centered around testimonies from the team. It was awesome. I didn't want it to stop! |
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| August 08, 2008 |
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| Great job,May GOD bless the Team,and bring more comfort to the ppl who are needy! |
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| August 08, 2008 |
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| Thank you Esther! Haven't heard from you in a long time. Welcome back! |
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