This group came from Tampa, FL area. They stayed two weeks from Sept. 20th through October 3rd. Some in the group came the second week only.
As we have found out after 3 years of ministry helping people, God has a way of changing plans at the last minute no matter how well we plan. Well, this past two weeks were one of those. Hurricane Gustav did more damage here than he should have considering he didn't even hit directly. But we had a strong easterly storm surge as he passed really close to our shoreline and that caused many in the area to suffer flooding.
One family who lives near the camp and lost everything to Katrina were one of the families who had flooding in Gustav. So as an emergency measure, we had to help them clean up the debris and flooded mess. This took lots of man power, many long hours and a fire that was ongoing for days. They were so grateful. And once again we heard the thankfulness and relief when they stated that they were so down and ready to give up when we arrived. But the group gave them so much hope and encouragement to continue on and get things done.
Another family who we have been helping for about 2 years had totally exhausted their funds, so one member of this group donated paint for the couple to be able to have their home completed on the outside. Something they didn't think would happen for a long, long time to come. Then the group painted the entire home. It was beautiful and the family was so happy. They also installed ceramic floor tile and finished the sheetrock in a bathroom. They are praising God for all He has done for them!!
This group was also able to complete some critical work on our own home that we have been waiting for since Katrina. One of the things they did was the outside trim on our windows that was missing and wind and rain was getting in. One of the volunteers used his skill to stucco around the windows and we are so very grateful and blessed for this work. Another item we had been needing was the gapping hole under our tub to be trimmed. One volunteer is a wood "expert" and he created and completed the wood trim. Once again we are so grateful and blessed to have these experts bless us with their work.
Another family was blessed by the group this week. A young family needed to have their trim work complete and didn't know how to do it themselves. God opened the door for us to go into the home. The young man wanted to know how much it was going to cost. We assured him it was not going to cost him anything. He really couldn't understand so he asked if he could make a donation. Again he was told no. Now he was really wondering. God then opened the door for seeds to be planted as the group got an opportunity to explain why they didn't want his money and how the work was for God.
God used the group for odds and ends as well this week. Grass cutting for the elderly and changing a flat tire. All things that show we are ready and willing to do anything for Him!
The camp also got some facelifting. One man in the group painted and cleaned the main front doors and frames and now our entryway is complete and beautiful. Another person in the group made shelves and hangers for the bunkrooms. We are thankful for the work that is done on our camp to keep it in good condition and comfortable for groups to come and enjoy while they do God's work.
We are thankful for the two weeks these people came and served and we look forward to their return next year!!
As we have found out after 3 years of ministry helping people, God has a way of changing plans at the last minute no matter how well we plan. Well, this past two weeks were one of those. Hurricane Gustav did more damage here than he should have considering he didn't even hit directly. But we had a strong easterly storm surge as he passed really close to our shoreline and that caused many in the area to suffer flooding.
One family who lives near the camp and lost everything to Katrina were one of the families who had flooding in Gustav. So as an emergency measure, we had to help them clean up the debris and flooded mess. This took lots of man power, many long hours and a fire that was ongoing for days. They were so grateful. And once again we heard the thankfulness and relief when they stated that they were so down and ready to give up when we arrived. But the group gave them so much hope and encouragement to continue on and get things done.
Another family who we have been helping for about 2 years had totally exhausted their funds, so one member of this group donated paint for the couple to be able to have their home completed on the outside. Something they didn't think would happen for a long, long time to come. Then the group painted the entire home. It was beautiful and the family was so happy. They also installed ceramic floor tile and finished the sheetrock in a bathroom. They are praising God for all He has done for them!!
This group was also able to complete some critical work on our own home that we have been waiting for since Katrina. One of the things they did was the outside trim on our windows that was missing and wind and rain was getting in. One of the volunteers used his skill to stucco around the windows and we are so very grateful and blessed for this work. Another item we had been needing was the gapping hole under our tub to be trimmed. One volunteer is a wood "expert" and he created and completed the wood trim. Once again we are so grateful and blessed to have these experts bless us with their work.
Another family was blessed by the group this week. A young family needed to have their trim work complete and didn't know how to do it themselves. God opened the door for us to go into the home. The young man wanted to know how much it was going to cost. We assured him it was not going to cost him anything. He really couldn't understand so he asked if he could make a donation. Again he was told no. Now he was really wondering. God then opened the door for seeds to be planted as the group got an opportunity to explain why they didn't want his money and how the work was for God.
God used the group for odds and ends as well this week. Grass cutting for the elderly and changing a flat tire. All things that show we are ready and willing to do anything for Him!
The camp also got some facelifting. One man in the group painted and cleaned the main front doors and frames and now our entryway is complete and beautiful. Another person in the group made shelves and hangers for the bunkrooms. We are thankful for the work that is done on our camp to keep it in good condition and comfortable for groups to come and enjoy while they do God's work.
We are thankful for the two weeks these people came and served and we look forward to their return next year!!
