Power of Prayer Ministries

PISGAH BAPTIST CHURCH, FOUKE, ARKANSAS

2011-06-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

These nice folks, plus two sisters (not pictured), were first time visitors to Power of Prayer Ministries. We are so grateful to them that in spite of the recent happenings, they still came. Many people near them and around the nation have been devastated this year with floods, fire and tornadoes. We well know what it is like to be in the first stages of devastation and nearly everything depends on volunteers.

We also know that after 6 years one would think, if you are not from here, that things should be back to "normal" or as normal as it can be when in reality it will never be the same. But, there are so many people still in need and businesses are still not back. So many people are assuming all is well. I think if you ask the group from Fouke about that, they will testify there is so much more that needs to be done.

So, they were able to accomplish much this week for many. For one family, whose home was washed out to sea and the aunt's home they purchased to repair to live in (over 20 feet of water damage), it has been a long and arduous process taking a huge toll on the family. With each group they are so grateful for the help and it gives them hope and encouragement that maybe, just maybe they will finish the house one day. These servants completed installing insulation throughout the home and began sheetrock installation.

Then another team from the church worked at our local distribution center, which is an ongoing ministry here that serves all of the people of the Bay / Gulf Coast region. They are always in need of help since Katrina as so many of the local people have been left with very little. The group helped organize clothes, food and miscellaneous items to be distributed.

Thanks once again to the people of Fouke (remember they host Big Foot in their creek and surrounding woods - and to think - I was warning them about our alligators and Bob cats!!). God bless you all and we hope you can serve here in this area again some day.

Westview Baptist Church and The Carpenters for Christ, Opp, AL

2011-04-09T13:00:00.003-05:00

You know the evidence that there is indeed a God in heaven (Jesus is His name), Who looks down on His creation and loves them enough to send His own to show that love and concern. Such is the case of all who come as volunteers in His name. And such is the case of these wonderful men who love to serve Him by caring for total strangers!!

So touched are they by God, they continue to come and minister in this area almost 6 years after the storm that changed our lives here in Waveland forever. And we thank Him and we thank them!

Once again, the group was able to help many families. On one house they were able to add sheeting around the perimeter of the house and to the interior walls as extra protection in case of another hurricane! With another family they were able to help with electrical work, plumbing and framing of inside walls. They also restructured a stairway for a family and cut down a damaged tree for another. Ministry comes in many forms!

The group also had a prayer team. Two wonderful men who simply wanted to share Jesus' love and pray with those who welcomed them. So many people shared afterward they were very touched and happy to have them come visit and talk/pray to show their concern for them. One elderly woman had just lost her husband this week and needed that love and prayer so desperately. She was so appreciative as it came at just the right time!

We look forward to the continuing ministry of Westview and the Carpenters for Christ to come anytime they can.

First Baptist Church of Vidor, TX

2011-03-11T09:00:00.004-06:00

This was the first time volunteering here at Power of Prayer for this wonderful group of men both young and not so young! And it is also the first time anyone from Texas has come to our camp. We were very excited that they came. The group obviously had a really joyous time as they served our Lord Jesus. And we could tell by the "Texas" sized pots they cooked in outside they enjoyed their meals together!!

They were able to help two families this week. In the first family, the house was flooded with 12 feet of water but the structure was still there. It has taken 5 years for this family to rebuild and before December of this past year, no volunteers have helped them. So we are overjoyed that God miraculously planned that meeting between us to begin our help to them. The one thing we have so enjoyed in this ministry since it began is to watch God in control. And when we get in the way as we so often do trying to do things in our own simple thinking, He wonderfully corrects and redirects us in the proper path - HIS!!

So the Vidor church went out in His name and this family got the help they needed to complete the new electrical wiring for the house and some framing and carpenter work in other areas. The other family home was completely destroyed and the new home is in need of everything. The group helped with various projects inside the home to get them really close to being finished. Both of the families are very grateful for the hard work these men performed and were also so thankful that they spent their time off for their spring break to do it. Servants of the Lord Jesus - there are no greater people!

EWING BAPTIST CHURCH, EWING, KENTUCKY

2011-02-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

Although some of the people pictured here have been coming to the coast since Katrina helping with the rebuilding, this is the first trip for this group to our camp and we welcome them. We are grateful that after 5 1/2 years God is still speaking to people about our continued need here on the gulf coast of MS.

This week was a wonderful example of how God works to show us He is in control when we let Him and His way is the perfect way!! All of our best laid plans were thrown out and He took over. Of course, all of the group were very happy indeed with what He did this week.

They had the pleasure of helping two families get further along on the rebuilding of their homes by building staircases, electrical wiring and rewiring and many other various construction projects. The families were so grateful to be blessed by God by having these wonderful people come and give of their time, money and care to them this week.

The ladies had their hands full helping organize "the shed" at our local distribution center. It has been closed for a couple of months waiting for the final inspection of their new facility. Some of the men of the group were able to give a few hours to help them to reopen by completing some of the tasks needed to be done.

The Ewing church indicated how blessed they were by serving God this week and took away as much or more than they gave. And it is critical that they were able to see first hand that we do indeed have much more work to do not only to evangelize but also in the rebuilding process. We look forward to working with them again some day.

Westview Baptist Church, Opp, AL

2010-12-04T17:00:00.000-06:00

This group of volunteers came to serve for the weekend and helped in many areas. They also came to see what help they may be for future trips and to meet some of the residents of the area and hear their stories. Getting to meet the people personally and seeing the needs first hand helps to understand the importance of the ministry to the area that is ongoing.

The group helped with little chores like moving boxes out of an attic crawl space to helping a resident rebuild his home destroyed in the storm and helping in our local distribution center. There are many ministry opportunities to serve the Lord if one is willing. We thank the Westview mission team and the Carpenters for Christ for their service to the people of the Gulf Coast of MS.

Faith and Mercy Missions

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

We've lost count on how many trips to south MS this group has made since Katrina. Their ministry is certainly Spirit-led as they have a deep and abiding love for the people of Waveland and Bay St. Louis.

This time their ministry was a bit different and continues to grow. They had a day camp at the community of Bayside on Saturday and at least 60 youth attended. 20 gave their lives to Christ!! And the Lord blessed mightily with great weather, food, fun and serious life issues.

They held a sports, music and Bible camp during the day and in the evening they had singing and a dramatic real life situation skit, then a short message by their pastor under the tent.

The area children love this group and were asking when they were coming back! Thank you to this mission group for having a desire to serve in this area. We look forward to your next trip!!

Thank you also for the many trips you have made lately bringing food, clothes and supplies to the people of the Hancock County Gulf Coast communities. It has made a huge difference in the lives of the people here and all are so grateful!

Special Prayer Request

2010-10-26T08:13:00.003-05:00

We are asking for prayer for Marguerite, Linda's mom, as she prepares to enter into rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She has certainly lived a wonderfully long and faithful life to His service and as she enters into her last days we pray for passing with ease into His presence. Pray that family relationships will heal during this time before her passing as her time of grief has been long and hard. We thank you for the kindness shown to her during your visits. And we thank you for your prayers for her and our family during this time.

Youth Build, Atlanta, GA

2010-10-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

This is the second visit for Youth Build to our camp. We are grateful they have chosen this area in which to train their group for a combination of hard work and missions for the Lord's service.

This week was spent working with an area church in their service to the residents of the Gulf Coast.

Some in the group also were kind enough to help us with our ongoing "tree house" project. We were installing insulation when they offered to help us complete our mission! We are so thankful to them for this days work and we were able to complete the task. We are sure God will use this special house for His glory as He has already revealed to us some of the many ways He will!! Wow - who knew?!

Thank you Youth Build for serving here on the Gulf Coast of MS. We look forward to your return!!

Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold, GA

2010-10-14T08:00:00.006-05:00

This was the 10th trip for Poplar Springs!! Their visits lift our spirits and give us encouragement. Each of the families they have made lasting relationships with have expressed just how much their presence means to all of us. We are surely blessed to have them on board to serve in this area.

The church gathered many items of used clothing and supplies and brought them down to our distribution center for the Hancock county gulf coast area, one of the poorest areas in the poorest state in the US! Literally everything that is donated can be used by the people and we are so grateful for all of the effort it takes to gather these things and bring them here.

One group from the church helped the distribution center this week by unpacking the items they brought and organizing them in the tents. They also helped organize another storage unit that has winter clothes and other miscellaneous items now ready for distribution to the needy.

Another group helped "Mercy House" get closer to completion by painting the ceiling in the bottom floor area that will be used for the supplies and distribution once it is complete.

Other areas of service included helping our area elderly with various chores that were impossible for them to do. They also visited and spent some quality time with some of our residents.

And, of course, one of their ministries that is so appreciated by the families here is the great nightly feasts and fellowship times that are served up with love, care and good food!

Greetings 5 Years After Katrina: August 29, 2010, Blessings

2010-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

A years worth of hard work on a new dream home - all lost. All tools, supplies, materials, every bit of paper work, certificates or memorabilia that indicated that we were in business for 35 years - gone. 85 years of anything belonging to my newly widowed mother including her home - gone. And over 100 years of buildings and family "treasures" stored in them that could never be replaced - gone. Family and friends - devastated as well. You could say all was lost.

As for Waveland and surrounding areas, we have a long way to go to be restored. And it will never be restored the way it was. We are still somewhat devastated. Our main shopping areas have not been rebuilt and the buildings remain gutted. We had at least 4 grocery stores before the storm and still there is only one. There is no bowling alley, skating rink, nor movie theater and shopping of any kind is very limited. Our roads are completely torn up with so many pot holes they have ruined our shocks on our cars and everything else in it rattles. We still are waiting for new sewer lines and water lines to be installed and the pipes lay everywhere along the roads so the grass cannot be cut. People just left their homes or land where homes were and the grass and trees are out of control. All in all it is pretty ugly and nothing like the beautiful little seacoast town it once was.

The area has 5000 families still without housing. And a recent poll showed that more than 30% of the people on the coast are either stressed or very depressed. And now enter the BP oil spill. Dead fish, sea turtles, dolphins and other sea life washed up on shore along with birds covered in oil all over the news. All fish and seafood suspect for contaminants contrary to what they tell us. And so many people out of work with the recession and the oil spill. They are asking, what next? They cannot take anymore. An area that was not fully recovered from one storm - hit again.

But if anyone had told us on August 29th that that hurricane would turn out to be one of the greatest blessings of our lives - well, we would have been very skeptical to say the least. Now the Lord did hint at it right after the storm in some of the scriptures that He gave us in Jeremiah 29-33rd chapters, but He also wanted to surprise us. Isn't that just like Him! He takes our tragedies, our sorrows, our "storms" and turns them into pure joy. Miracles. Wonders. Blessings. Awe. That's what the past 5 years have been watching Him at work. And we wouldn't trade it or go back to life before the way it was for anything. We are so grateful for being able to take this ride on the wings of our Lord.

And it isn't over. No. God is still working. He isn't through with Waveland yet. And we are so thankful that we are a small part of what He is doing. We are fully ready to be used by Him to continue the work still left to be done. Are you?

Faith and Mercy Missions, North East, MS

2010-08-21T14:00:00.004-05:00

An awesome and very touching sight was that which happened this past weekend. This group came after work on Friday down from north Mississippi to fulfill a mission impossible - but not with God. In less than 3 weeks of hearing of our dire need down here for food, clothes, furniture and miscellaneous household goods they filled not one but two 16 foot trailers to overflowing.

God has put us together with our local distribution center run by Lakeshore Baptist Church which serves about 500 local families. Recently, with the recession and then the oil spill, the center had run seriously low on any type of supplies, especially food. We put out the word to any groups we knew of who are coming down to help if they could. The response has been awesome and we are so grateful for all of the food and supplies. We surely did not expect to see the two trailer loads of goods filled to capacity with so little time in which to fill them.

The local newspaper, The Pontotoc Progress, helped spread the word to the people of North East MS. A collection center was set up at a local church, By Faith, and people brought goods and supplies until the day the group was leaving. No one expected that two trailers would be filled! One trailer was filled with food and clothes. There was a dire need for men's and children's clothing and the people supplied!

When the trailers were being unloaded the center's director, Ms. Bea, could hardly believe it! The center has operated the Quonset hut distribution tents since Hurricane Katrina. The group spent the entire morning emptying the boxes and bags of food and clothes into one tent and the furniture from the other trailer into the next tent. Then they organized all of the food out of the boxes and onto the bare shelves. They also organized and distributed all of the clothes by size onto the clothing areas. It was wonderful to see the shelves full.

While the group was unloading Ms. Bea contacted one of the families who was in dire need. They had just moved out of their 10 X 12 foot shed into their new 900 square foot home built by the center. They had no furniture and they were sleeping on the floor and sitting on buckets for chairs. The family came to the center and began to cry when they were told they could have one of the table and chair sets the group brought down and also a bed! Well, this began quite a large cry party among the group, real tears of joy brought down by God Himself!

What joy it is to see all of the wonderful blessings the Lord has in store for those who serve Him.

________________________________________________

For anyone interested in helping the distribution center you may contact us at 228-206-4660.

Westview Baptist Church and the Carpenters for Christ, Opp, AL

2010-07-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

This was the first time Power of Prayer Ministries has been blessed to have with us the Carpenters for Christ and the Westview Baptist Church. We were personally blessed and the area was as well by their dual ministries and multiple skills.

Some in the group love to meet the area people and to minister by talking to them about their needs and praying with them sharing what Jesus can do in their lives. Since this area is in such dire need at this time, we are so grateful that we still have people coming who care for us that much.

The VBS (Vacation Bible School) children from Westview collected a large sum of money as did others from the church for food for our local distribution center at Lakeshore Baptist Church. Many large cases of baby food were also donated. Two young men from the group went to deliver and helped stock the empty shelves. When presented with the check for food the center leader, Mrs. Bea, was very taken away by God's goodness at a time when it was so desperately needed. God is awesome and He provides for our every need at just the right time!!

Others in the group performed many various jobs. One group worked for a nearby neighbor who was just recovering from the storm and lost his oyster business in the oil spill. They were able to finish texturing sheet rock on the walls and ceilings. Then they primed and painted all of the rooms, cut, painted and hung crown molding throughout the house and completed painting the exterior of the home.

Another group of men worked to install hardi-plank siding to a nearby home. The owner stated it would have taken him 2 years to do the amount of work that they completed!! He was very grateful for this valuable help.

Then another wonderful job the group performed was one which we doubt they ever dreamed they would do on a mission trip. They helped us complete the siding and helped us close in our grandson's tree house!! Now that is servant hood!! A personal project that we have been trying to complete for a long time, it is finally done thanks to you wonderful Carpenters for Christ. And thank you, Lord.

Then we can never forget the ones who serve in the kitchen. This time an all men group who had all men cooking and cleaning as well. We could tell the men were fed well by the looks of the wonderful food served. This is such an awesome ministry that not everyone can do; to take care of 20 plus hungry men who are working in 100 degree heat.

We look forward to serving with you again someday.

Chickamauga Baptist Church Chickamauga, GA

2010-06-25T14:00:00.002-05:00

This wonderful group of volunteers from Georgia are not new to P.O.P. or the Gulf Coast of MS. They have been coming since Katrina helping many, many families rebuild their homes and lives.

What an extraordinary time of learning flexibility and patience while finding out exactly what God's plan was for the work week! All of our best laid plans were not what He had in mind. So after doors were shut tight in two different places with two different ministry goals, the servants proceeded with what they were led by God to do.

This mission team also divided up into three major groups. One of the groups performed construction skills working to complete sheetrock work on a home whose owner recently lost his job of oyster harvesting due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf. They also painted his home on the exterior. Both jobs were beautiful and the homeowner is thrilled to have this work done.

The evangelism team went to Dunbar Village, an assisted living facility where they had an amazing time of fun and fellowship with the very appreciative elderly people at the home. They played games and sang songs with the residents who had a wonderful time with them and especially the young people. They also had a very blessed time of visiting the shut-ins in their rooms. After the fourth day, the center was so grateful for all of the attention given the residents that they returned the blessing by fixing the group desert and refreshments. Awesome!

This team also mowed and cleaned a yard for one of our elderly neighbors. She really was thankful for this help.

Another interesting thing that this team did was divide their youth into three groups at Wal-Mart to purchase groceries for the Lakeshore Baptist Distribution Center. They made a contest out of it giving each group money and ideas for food. They had fun while serving in this much needed ministry. They delivered all of the food, plus more food they had collected from their church members before they came. They also helped the center organize it on the empty shelves. Then they helped sort winter and summer clothes. The center feeds over 250 families weekly and the number is growing due to the economy and the oil spill.

The third ministry was, of course, the food. Feeding the church groups three meals a day is not an easy task and two of the ladies on the mission team were happy to perform this necessity. They also had a Wednesday night dinner for the people whose homes they worked on this time and in the past. It was an awesome time of great food, fun and fellowship where we shared our experiences of Katrina.

Northbrook Baptist Church Boiling Springs, SC

2010-06-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

This versatile group from South Carolina had a very busy week in the Bay/Waveland area.

The mission team was divided into three groups. One of the groups was the construction group who sub-divided into two groups and worked on several homes in the area. They worked on electrical, plumbing and sheetrock mostly, but also performed various other tasks for other families. As a group they were able to help one particular family who is still living in a shed to get further along in the process of rebuilding and provide for their needs by purchasing many household fixtures. Everyone was grateful for their week of labor, care, love and service they provided.

Another group was the evangelism team. They were also divided into sub-groups to be able to perform many tasks. They held a VBS type kids camp in the morning where they had at least 30-35 kids attend. Many of the children were provided transportation and picked up on either a church bus or a church van. The children were so excited to be able to attend the camp that taught them about JESUS.

In the afternoon, the youth in the group held a sports camp for the older children where over 30 teens attended daily. There were many sports including water sports offered and so appreciated by the youth as it was one of our hottest June weeks. They also were provided opportunities to learn about JESUS.

And then in the evenings, their pastor held a revival on the same property giving everyone in the community the opportunity to hear more about JESUS. All in all anyone living in this community, kids and adults alike, had many chances to learn of the saving grace of our Lord and approximately 12 people came to know Him!

The other group was the cooking team. Wonderful ladies who served up luscious meals everyday for the 43 people in the group. Everyone working together well organized helped to make this a great mission week with many people being shown the love of JESUS.

Also, this group brought a truck load of food items for our local food pantry that helps to feed 250 families weekly.

Youth Build, Atlanta, GA, May 28, 2010

2010-05-28T18:00:00.001-05:00

This wonderful group of YouthBuild students and their leaders came to the camp willing to take on any project where the need was greatest. It was the first time for most in the group to come to MS. We really thought at this time we would be asking their services to de-oil birds and clean up the beach. But thankfully that hasn't happened as yet so they were able to help in various different projects this time.

One of the projects they worked diligently on this week was reinstalling a long section of a wooden fence for neighbors of the camp. Portions of the fence actually floated on to our property with Katrina while the rest fell. The owners propped up the fence all these years and put it on a to-do list with all of the other storm damaged items. With yet another hurricane season quickly approaching they really were very grateful that the group was able to completely rebuild the fence with much sturdier posts and concrete. It was quite an undertaking, but they finished it and it is even better than before the storm!

Another project that was completed and for which we are very grateful was the cleaning of our future storage slab. It was heavily loaded with an array of items collected since the storm. One was an entire pecan tree that was a victim of the storm that was cut into huge pieces and stored on the slab. The remains of an older green house, and various other trash was loaded onto a pickup truck and 3 loads of trash went to the dump. We are so very thankful for the help to clean up the slab and yard of trash, much of it leftover from Katrina. It's hard to believe after almost 5 years there is still debris, sad but true.

The group also went to the Lakeshore Baptist church distribution center to help with the sorting of winter and summer clothes. The center is still very active in the distribution of food and clothes and is at this time in dire need of food. So many people who were victims of Katrina now find themselves victims of the oil spill and are very needy.

The group was able to see first hand the extreme need by visiting this church and touring the area. They have stated they are committed to coming again in the fall to help once again. We will surely welcome them back!

Faith and Mercy Missions, Northeast, MS

2010-03-21T16:00:00.002-05:00

F & M Missions came for their annual spring visit with two purposes in mind. One was to plan their annual fall trip in which they minister to the Bayside community. The other was to have a camp "care" mission. And oh did they take care of our camp and the grounds!!

Much was accomplished by these 30 wonderful missionaries in just 2 days. Unbelievable!

One of the goals of the group has been to help us in our upkeep of our camp by making repairs and updates to the facility itself. They gutted one side of our bunkhouse and painted the entire room, added new carpet that they donated and brought with them, then added new vinyl baseboards. This not only updated the room and made it seem so much brighter and bigger, but also added comfort for the many people yet to come on missions or retreats in the future!! Beautiful.

They also donated and brought with them new and much needed foam mattresses for all of our bunk beds. After 4 1/2 years of use by thousands, the new beds will bring great restful sleep after all of the hard work in which our volunteers are involved. Awesome.

Also to update our shower house dressing rooms, 4 fantastic new benches were built by one of the men in the group gifted and handy with wood. Each has a handy shelf underneath and a cushy vinyl seat on top! Our volunteers are going to love this addition!! Fabulous.

We are also very grateful for the electrical system that was run from the shower house into our greenhouse. An all day project headed up by another man gifted in electrical skills. This will afford us many different ways to heat and fan our plants. Terrific.

Another project that was completed that is invaluable to us was the extension of our lean to on the side of the camp. Everything was removed (and there was a lot of junk as well as good stuff) and everything was then organized on shelving newly built by yet others talented in this field!! Wow! It doesn't look like the same place. Looks like one of those reality shows came and had a complete remake. Now everything is neat and tidy and we can actually find things! And there is room for more stuff! Spectacular.

The sidewalks leading to our camp from the parking lot and the one leading from our camp to the shower house got a complete face lift by gardening experts! They weeded, remulched and weed eated the entire walkway. It is beautiful. They also changed our batteries on our solar lights and we once again have lighted pathways at night. It is amazing.

Other hard work was done believe it or not. One thing was the running of a water line from the front end of our garden to our mayhaw trees and also to the muscadines. Pipes were laid and facets were installed. Also, limestone was hauled from a large pile by the camp to the sides and back of the camp for water run off. They cut grass and weed-eated many other areas. Fixed our outdoor security light. And a very talented young man with a tractor leveled ground on the side of the camp! Remarkable.

Added to all of this, the group had a great cook off where one of the men in their group who is mighty talented in cooking, cooked steaks and fixin's and invited others to join us in a great time of food, fun and fellowship even though the weather turned really nasty and rainy. But, he was able to use his pit under the newly remodeled lean to! Yummy.

And to end the trip we had a wonderful Sunday morning service in the camp where the Word was preached by their pastor Scott who had brought his beautiful wife and three lovely children with him. Thank you Lord for this unbelievable time. We look forward to the next trip!!!

Meadowood Baptist Church, Amory, MS

2010-03-17T08:35:00.003-05:00

This group of 28 came and stayed at our camp and went to work in downtown New Orleans which is just a short drive from here. The groups Youth Minister had been here twice before with another church and brought his young people down to help out with disaster relief.

This time they were coming to work in Covenant House where the young ladies volunteered their time working with the children in the day care.
The guys went to work at Bethal Colony South where they painted and helped with the construction of a new womans facility. They also helped hand out fliers for "Hands-On" day in New Orleans.

One of the things they enjoyed most was feeding the homeless and being able to fellowship and eat with them as they ministered. It was a most humbling and fulfilling experience to be sure.

GREETINGS!

2010-03-02T10:55:00.001-06:00

Well, Power of Prayer Ministries is now entering into it's 5th year of ministry!! We can hardly believe it. And after a pause in volunteers over the harsh winter months that we have all suffered through, we are now moving forward with our work. Many groups have expressed interest in continuing the work here and we have had several groups who have booked in spring and summer.

We have helped in the beginning construction of a new home from ground up in Waveland. Another amazing "God" story. We are excited to see God's work in this family. We are also excited to see what He has in store for us in this coming year. We invite anyone interested to contact us and see what God can do in and through you as you serve Him here on the Gulf Coast of MS. Remember that this area is 86% unchurched - what an awesome mission field in which to serve.

Merry CHRISTmas and a very Happy New Year

2009-12-15T11:07:00.001-06:00

We here at Power of Prayer Ministries would like to thank everyone who has helped support our ministry in the past years since the hurricane. We could not have continued without your care, prayers, and financial support. As we come to the end of 2009, we are so grateful for the awesome miracles of the past 4 years that God has shown to us.

God is still working in the area of ministry with the area people whose homes and hearts have been opened up and have continued to grow due to the outpouring of love shown by the continued faithfulness of God's servants coming here and sacrificing their time and money.

Please pray with us for the coming year as we seek God's guidance in continuing the work He put into place here on August 29, 2005.

Have a very joyous Christmas as you celebrate our Savior's birth!

Dave, Linda, Monica, Brandon and Marguerite

Volunteers from Oak Hill in Pontotoc, MS and Surrounding Communities

2009-11-15T13:00:00.003-06:00

This wonderful group of volunteers are our regular attenders who understand God's plan and purpose here on the Gulf Coast. It is still very much ongoing, God's work, and we are so thankful that this awesome dedicated gathering of servants not only understands the mission, but is willing to participate and help carry it out!

The group led a tremendous effort to blitz the Bayside area with love, care and fliers telling of the event that evening. A wonderful concert held by the Fishers of Men singing group from north MS. Plenty of fellowship and food preceded the concert and many new people came to the event. Many lives were touched and changed forever.

A giant new pavillion in back of the Bayside church was used for the first time with this event, making the pastor and the man who donated it to God's service, very excited and encouraged that more would follow. In fact, not only were the members of Bayside encouraged by this mission group, so were we here at Power of Prayer Ministries.

The group also helped correct some maintenance issues we were having at the camp itself. We are ever so grateful for this help that keeps our camp up and running.

We thank you and look forward to your next return.

Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold, Georgia, October 2009

2009-10-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

9 members of the group above were scared away by the "swine" flu and are not pictured. One of the above photographed members came in on Saturday with a van load of people not knowing she was infected until later that night. She wound up having a mild case and was fine by the time she left. No one else contracted it so we were thankful.

Unbelievable record heat for October came this week due to tropical storm Olaf that blew in from the Pacific across Mexico and Texas and gathered up all the heat we believe was located in those two places!! The heat index soared at about 106 degrees for 3 days. Also, for one of those days torrents of rain fell that is almost always welcomed here!

A terrific attempt was made on Sunday to have a simulcast service with Poplar Springs church. We had our den set up with a large screen and webcams at both places, invited neighbors and got ready to join them in the service when the computer at the church suddenly went on the blitz not allowing us to hear or view the service. You know you are doing something right when so much goes wrong!! Swine flu, tropical storm and this!

None the less, of the group who stayed and managed to work out the situation, it turned out to be a wonderful week. The group helped us rebuild our greenhouse that was taken down in Katrina and later built as a shower house for our camp. We are very grateful that after 4 years we once again have this structure going up that will help us continue to minister to the area people by being able to share the produce grown. We had a temporary structure for the past two years that we were able to use and the much bigger new permanent one is truly a blessing.

The group also helped us clear a grown up area behind our shower house that was harboring snakes and black widow spiders, and oh, poison sumac!! Wow, what sacrifice!! They helped us relocate the contents (a lifetime collection of rocks and minerals) to a permanent location inside Brandon's playground. We are ever so blessed and grateful for this labor of love as well.

But, the most important work that was done this week was the continuing work of the Lord leading us into fellowship with those He has given us as friends in the area. Meals were held on the back porch due to the "quarantine" of the swine flu in the camp. We still had a wonderful time of caring and sharing despite the heat and the bugs.

We didn't get a chance to say it on the webcam on Sunday, but Poplar Springs we want you to know we are ever so grateful for the commitment your church has in supporting us in your prayers, your love and devotion to coming here and continuing the work God has brought before us with Hurricane Katrina. We certainly pray it continues for as long as He desires.

Oak Grove Church, Drasco, Arkansas, August 2009

2009-08-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

This was Oak Grove Youth Group's first visit to Power of Prayer Ministries and it was their first trip to the Gulf Coast. They really didn't know what to expect, knowing it was 4 years since Katrina.

Much to their surprise there is still much destruction as Waveland was center of ground zero of the storm. Trees are still left standing dead in their places by the thousands. Slabs still remain where houses once stood. And for the most part land is empty of residents who decided not to return leaving ugly overgrown shrubs and weeds where there once were beautiful manicured lawns. Our streets are still torn up from all of the heavy equipment and pot holes are tearing up our vehicles daily little by little. Our beach is also being reworked and much of it is torn up right now as well. So all in all, Waveland is still not a very desirable place.

But what is here are the lonely, the oppressed, the depressed and the lost. A mission-minded person's paradise. And this week, that's just what these young people were interested in doing, administering God's love, grace, mercy, and hope. They did this through loving acts of kindness shown by mowing, moving, cleaning, planting, painting and staining.

They also performed an amazing skit at Davis grocery in the Bayside community. They all sang and played praise music on the "cement stage" where they also painted 5 beautiful paintings depicting Jesus death on the cross for our sins. Make sure to check out the pictures on Flicker! They rented 2 large spacewalks, one obstacle course and one jumper with obstacles inside. The children from the community enjoyed these as well.

Thank you to Oak Grove Church. We hope to see you again some day.

Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold, GA, July 2009

2009-07-31T19:00:00.006-05:00

Thank you Poplar Springs for this visit. As always seeking to do God's will. And we know God has surely blessed this week.

We see it in our community and in our own families. People searching, seeking, floundering, unsure of what they really want and what their real purpose in life might be. Looking for fulfillment in life by seeking things, pleasure, security, or other people to fill the void in their lives and give them the contentment and satisfaction they so long for. They are missing the very essence of life. What they are missing is JESUS.

Together with God's disciples that is the message we are striving to share with the world. Sharing the gospel message is what we as Jesus' disciples have been called to do; ministering together in the cause of Christ. That was what this week was about.

We thank these two families who came and served and we look forward to October and the church's next visit.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHICKAMAUGA, GA June 2009

2009-06-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

As you scroll across the pictures of the beautiful little faces of the children who were recipients of this wonderful groups efforts to have Backyard Bible Club in the extreme heat of this particular June, you can surely see God at work. I can't remember a June this hot and yet these wonderful servants brazed the heat each day to do His work with some of His most treasured, the children. And we say this with the utmost respect, not all of His workers were young, most were of good age. Which goes to show, whether young or old, all can be used of God if we are willing no matter what the circumstances!!

The others in the group, the highly skilled men and women of the construction type, were used by God with their talents and gifts in this area. So much work was done in one short week it was once again simply amazing what God can do.

Some of the work included working in a local church installing ceramic tile flooring. Installing insulation and sheetrock in the home of one of our Waveland residents whose home was completely washed away in the storm. Two of the men came back a couple of weeks later to complete the sheetrock finishing. The care shown was completely mind boggling to our resident who is ecstatic about the work that was done.

The group also helped another family who they had met the year after the storm while here working with Samaritan's Purse organization. The wife came to the camp and gave her story of what happened to she and her husband in the midst of Katrina as they both stayed and suffered serious injury's both physically and emotionally. But with God's help they are trying to overcome both.

This was the first time FBC of Chickamauga came to work with Power of Prayer Ministries. We surely hope they make this home for mission work in the Gulf Coast of MS. Thank you so much for all of the work you have done here.

Pleasantdale Baptist Church, MS, June 2009

2009-06-13T22:00:00.002-05:00

Pleasantdale did it again. They came in for a few days and worked themselves silly in those few short days! We don't know how they do it except that they are young and full of energy and so willing to work hard for the Lord.

Some of the men worked on a home that is just now in the framing stage. They worked installing blocking inside the walls of the home and blessed the owner with the next phase of the work nesessary to continue framing.

The females did a variety of what they always do and seem to do really well. Clean yards, cut grass and this time they pressure washed a home and made it look new again. But most importantly they did this work with happiness and care that showed God's love come shining through for all to see and feel. It is work like this that continues to be such a shining light through the darkness to those who need it and helps us bond with the community people.

Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold, Georgia, April 2009

2009-04-14T18:46:00.003-05:00

For many reasons we are so excited each time this wonderful group from GA comes down to Waveland. This was their sixth trip since Katrina!! They have made many lasting friendships and have added many new ones this time while serving the Lord in so many different ways. They are also a tremendous source of encouragement for us as we continue in the work the Lord has laid out for us to do.

They arrived on Saturday evening and wasted no time meeting the area people with whom they were going to work on Sunday. We listened to a wonderful testimony from a local store owner who had stayed for Katrina. God revealed Himself in so many ways to him after the storm that he came to know Him personally and has given his store grounds for His work. After attending church with them on Sunday, we took him up on his offer to use his land and had an egg hunt there for the community children. Many children came and were ministered to and one child gave her life to Jesus, Amen!! It was a fun-filled exciting day for the children as they learned about Jesus.

Later that day we gave our young neighbor a surprise party for her "sweet sixteenth" birthday. Besides the 28 people from GA and all of our family, her family and some of her friends came for a "sweet" time of food, fun and fellowship. By the look on her face she was very surprised! She also received many nice gifts from the group which really pleased her and made her very happy. This time of fellowship was a very neat way to encourage this young girl in her new walk with the Lord.

Monday began some very difficult work on our family property. We are so excited and appreciative of the groups hard work to clear the land in the woods and blaze a trail that downed trees had destroyed after Katrina. For three days the group worked to clear a path 7/10ths of a mile long with the help of our neighbor and his working machine! This trail allows us to access a part of our land we have not seen for years. It will be used for our neighbors to enjoy as well as volunteers who come to serve here. We thank you for this wonderful ministry!

Also, we had repair work to our shower house done by an able bodied craftsman and his helpers. Hurricane Gustav had damaged a tree that fell on part of our building and destroyed some of our siding. They were able to repair the building and add a gutter to prevent water damage to the front of the building and the sidewalk leading up to the shower house. Then the entire sidewalk was removed, dirt was added by our youngest helpers who shoveled and moved wheelbarrow loads of dirt to lift our sidewalk and level it as well. It is beautiful and our little missionaries learned how to have a servant's heart while working hard for Him! And after almost 4 years our pump house finally received its siding and two coats of paint!! Wow, what a difference all of this makes to the camp.

Many in the group worked on the local church we attended on Sunday. They painted the interior hallway and doors of the classroom area. This church has a large ministry with the children in the community picking them up on a bus every Sunday. The area that was painted is heavily used by the children. The pastor was encouraged by the group on Sunday in church and again in the afternoon with the egg hunt that he and his wife attended. They were excited that this event led them to meet more locals they did not know.

Many area people were ministered to as well this week. One family whose home was destroyed both by Katrina and flooded again by Gustav, had the bottom of their home gutted of the last of the inside walls and fixtures. These people are so grateful for this work because they are exhausted with all they have been through these past few years they can barely exist. Dirt was moved and spread for another elderly couple. Weeds were pulled for yet another elderly lady. Baseboards were set and cleaned for another neighbor. The Waveland police and fire department were visited and given gifts for all they've done and endured these past years and they were taken away by the thoughtfulness of these volunteers representing Jesus. One man with whom we've worked for about a year is so close to finally moving into his new home built mainly by volunteers. This group was able to put the final touches on his home preparing for move in by cleaning the home of dust and dirt. The owner was very appreciative.

And last but not at all least, 28 area people were fed this week by these wonderful people!! Wow! Through food and fellowship God was indeed lifted up, honored and praised. We are encouraged and thankful for this past week and look forward to their 7th visit!!

Oak Hill Baptist Church, Pontotoc, MS

2009-03-15T10:00:00.002-05:00

There are no words that can fully describe the amazing and miraculous events that happened this past weekend. Among many wonderful happenings, we saw how God used 38 people to touch an entire community because they did seek Him and did not let the enemy have his way.

We knew wonderful and mighty things were going to happen through this group on "Day in the Park" day, March 14th, that they have been planning since last year. We knew because of who they are, servants with a loving and giving spirit willing to serve no matter the cost and we knew because of Whose they are, God's children who have the power within to fight the enemy and win and they did.

We also knew because just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong even before they arrived. Besides things at the camp breaking and causing much trouble, the rain came in torrents and along with the rain more gnats than we could possibly ever describe. All this and even a last minute change of venue could not stop God working mightily throughout the day and into the night to produce one of the most spirit-filled events this community has seen in a very long time.

The area community in which they worked is a much neglected part of our county. Most people are very poor. Drugs, alcohol, stabbings and shootings are common place. The only church has 15 adult members, yet this community is one of the largest populated in the area. They were very hard hit by Katrina, literally everyone suffering severe flooding and damage, adding to the already depressed living conditions.

On Saturday the group set up tents and held Bible and craft classes for children, youth and adults. They set up in a park next to a grocery store at the front of the community. There were more than 40 children alone who attended. Surprising were the amount of teens and adults who also attended even with the rain and gnats. Everyone was very attentive to the Word of God showing their hunger for Him. And they were also very hungry for the attention that the volunteers gave showing Jesus' love for them. After the classes they were fed lunch. Game time was interrupted by the rain so everyone waited for the evening meal and concert.

With the rain coming down in torrents it was time to move to the only church in the area. There the group of volunteers fed many people a wonderful evening meal before entering the small church to hear the Fishers of Men gospel singing group perform their wonderful music. God has also gifted the musicians with sharing their own personal testimonies from their hearts that further leads everyone into worship of our Lord and Savior.

On Saturday night, the church was filled with the singers, the volunteers, the church members, the people from the area and the Holy Spirit who filled the place with His presence. We worshiped, prayed and many gave testimonies giving glory, honor and praise to Jesus. And three people prayed to receive Christ as Savior!! Hallelujah!!!!
What a night. One we will never forget.

We also want to give praise to the Lord for four special men who worked in the rain and gnats digging a much needed water line. This work was so important to us and we are indebted to them. Also, there were many in the group who worked on Saturday putting up a pavilion at the church. All in all, much was accomplished for His Kingdom in just one weekend! The group is planning to come back in the fall and we are so grateful for them. We know God will richly bless you Oak Hill.

Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, Zuni, Virginia

2009-02-26T07:00:00.002-06:00

This highly skilled group returned this year to bless yet another family with their talents. Last year they came with two contractors who were able to frame two homes. This year one of the contractors returned and had the help of his capable church family and Pastor Bill to help in the project. They took on a rather large house that was built 14 feet high up on concrete pilings. The family, James and Marque and their two teenage sons, watched in amazement as this group of men framed the home in less than a week. They are so grateful to have this help and see and feel the love of Jesus this group demonstrated as they worked.

A terrible event happened this week, but God miraculously intervened and saved this man's life. One of the volunteers, Craig, was working on the top of the framed house, when he lost his footing and fell 26 feet to the ground below. Fear grasped the workers as they helplessly watched him fall to the ground and hit his head upon impact. Although his injury was serious, a compound fracture of his femur bone, we all knew it could have been fatal had it not been for God. Praise Him, Praise Him. That is what we all have been doing. What a tremendous miracle was witnessed by everyone. Craig was brought to the hospital by ambulance and had surgery on his leg. His head was fine! He is doing well and the doctors say he should be back to work in two months. What an awesome God we serve!!!

The group also painted and ministered this week at the home of our neighbors, Mike and Geri. It is always a blessing to have something more done for us that we don't have to do considering all we've been through. The three ladies took care of all of the meals, shopping and cleaning for the crew this week and brought lunch daily to the job site. They did an awesome job of meal planning so the men could continue working.

A huge thank you to this group for all of their service this week and for feeding us and some of the others in the area. We know God will surely bless you for all you've done. We hope to see you again next year.

The Rock Church

2009-01-31T14:00:00.011-06:00

These volunteers have continued to come and minister to the people on the Gulf Coast since Katrina. This was their second visit to P.O.P. We were happy to meet the new folks and also Pastor Ricky who was able to come for a couple of days.

Don’t be fooled by the pictures!! Yes, we enjoyed a lot of food, fun and fellowship while serving our Lord together but this team blessed a lot of families with a lot of hard work this week including our own.

One of our major projects has been the ongoing ministry we have with the Butler family. The team of volunteers helped him by installing siding to his home as well as completing the framing, caulking and painting of his interior windows. Some of his baseboards were also cut and installed. This work has helped the family get closer to their “move in” date of February 16th. They are ever so grateful for the sacrifice this group made with their talents, time, care and concern shown to them while they were here this week.

This group also worked on Woody‘s home, a man to whom God led us in January of last year when we framed his home with a team from VA. Since that time Woody has also been blessed to receive lots of help completing his beautiful home. This team caulked the siding and windows of the exterior of the home. They also spray painted the home it’s beautiful green color! Woody is also very appreciative of all of the hard work and sacrifice. He will also be able to move into his new home soon!

Another couple God has us ministering to since the storm are our neighbors on the lake, Brian and Jan. Their home had extensive damage from the flood surge but still had it’s basic structure remaining. This team was able to help them by installing railing around their porch missing since the storm. In a storage room under the house they installed a very large storage shelf and another shelf beneath it Brian calls his “workbench”. The couple are always amazed that people would do so much for them and they too have seen the love of Jesus pour through the hearts of the volunteers.

Our camp facility was once again blessed by the work of this team. Last year they installed porcelain tile in our kitchen / dining area which has been an unbelievable blessing to us and all who have come since. This time they painted our two restrooms and one of the bunk rooms. WOW! It brightened up the areas and gave it a fresh, clean look that is able to be wiped down and cleaned and also added an air of cheeriness to the spaces. P.O.P. is so thankful for this work!!

Last but not least, we have been so, so honored this week to have the same wonderful father and son team who worked on our camp floor to install ceramic tile in our tub area and shower stall. They also completed Monica’s tub surround and step. Words cannot express our gratitude for all of the outpouring of love, sacrifice and care this group of people have shown to our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you.

Sheetrock Solution

2008-12-29T19:31:00.002-06:00

This young man, Richard King, came as a blessing to the Butler family and right before Christmas. Richard had come here the year after Katrina and worked with one of the first families we helped right down the street from the camp. He worked installing and finishing sheetrock. He still had a heart for the people on the coast who lost everything to the hurricane. So, this year he wanted to come back and give of himself once again.

He came to us this time hoping to volunteer before looking for work in the area. Little did he know that the Butler's home was in the sheetrock stage on the interior and it fit right in for him to volunteer to do this work. He worked for 3 weeks on the home taping, sanding and finishing the sheetrock. The Butler's are very excited that he stayed this long working as a volunteer for them. Thank you Richie for hearing from God to come here and do this valuable work. We know you will be richly blessed for giving of yourself for 3 long weeks!!

First Baptist Church Saltillo

2008-11-29T14:00:00.005-06:00

These wonderful people gave up their Thanksgiving and the time to be with their families to come down here and volunteer their labor to install sheetrock for a family we have been working with since March.

They were able to complete all of the sheetrock installation and now all we need to do is complete the taping, floating and finishing.

We are so grateful for their sacrifices and for their understanding that our work is still ongoing and more critical than ever because we have fewer volunteers coming now.

Building relationships with the area people who need Jesus and are unchurched is what our ministry is all about. Allowing others to see a difference in us and through us while performing services for them is key to leading them to Christ.
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We thank all of the groups who have sacrificed their time, labor and money and have continued to come this year in spite of the high gas prices we saw and the state of the economy that is the worst we've seen in many years. God is well pleased with His servants.

Please be in prayer with us that we will be able to continue on until God closes our doors reaching new people for Him in the coming years. Also, please pray for those folks whom you have met and worked with this year who need Jesus.

We pray that each of you has a wonderful and joyful CHRISTmas and a very Happy New Year!!

County Line Baptist Church

2008-11-06T16:47:00.002-06:00

Thank you to the faithful men of Countyline Baptist Church who have committed themselves to continued service to the Lord by coming and working here on the Gulf Coast time after time. God is pleased, we are grateful and the family who they helped are very blessed indeed.

This church bought sheetrock, brought it down from Pontotoc County and installed it in the home we have been working on. They were able to install about half of the ceiling work and some of the walls in the home.

We are thankful that through this ministry we are able to continue building our relationship with this dear family as we help them rebuild and hopefully soon be able to move into their new home.

Thank you also, Countyline, for bringing new folks and introducing them to the much needed work that is here and will be for a long time to come. Thank you church for your generosity and love that you have shown to the people of the Gulf Coast. You are very much appreciated.

Power of Prayer Ministries Celebration

2008-10-12T16:40:00.001-05:00

We want to let you know of a wonderful Celebration of God's work here on the Gulf Coast that took place on October 11, 2008. The people of Oak Hill Baptist Church worked for many months to pull together this awesome event held at the Pontotoc County Agri-Center in Pontotoc, MS.

The event was to thank those from this area who have worked with us for the past 3 years to help rebuild the homes and lives of those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. It was also to let people know that the work is far from over and still very much in need of volunteers and it is estimated the work here will be ongoing for the next 6 to 10 years.

It was extraordinary to see all of the efforts of these faithful people in everything that was done. The first thing was the food. Awesome!! A giant trailer with the biggest cooker we've ever seen in our lives cooking the most food we've ever seen cooked at one time (we think over 30 Boston Butt pork roasts!!). It was sooooo good. And it was free to anyone and everyone who came!

And all of the people who helped with all of the activities. The pictures of the past 3 years of work at Power of Prayer was put onto two TV's set up for groups to see as they came in. A video of testimonies of some of those who have been helped through these past 3 years was playing on an enormous big screen in the arena. And one of the families on the video came in person to the celebration to honor those who have sacrificed so much to come and help from Pontotoc.

Workers were everywhere. There were people cooking and serving food, helping with people signing in, selling T-shirts and helping with donations, decorating the stage, printing up information sheets on P.O.P. for distribution, and people who made signs. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way.

We were thrilled to be able to see so many of the people from this wonderful north MS county of Pontotoc who helped us get started and have continued to help us through these 3 years. We enjoyed meeting with you in your "neck of the woods". We love all of you dearly. Thank you again for your times of service. We look forward to working with you in the future!!

And of course, the music was unbeatable. First there was a very beautiful and unusual performance put on by members of Oak Hill. It was in the dark with black lights and just their hands that sported white gloves were visible and they "signed" with their gloved hands to some very touching songs. Very impressive indeed!!

And those wonderful guys of Fishers of Men with their big booming outstanding voices always giving God honor and glory. It was great to meet you on your turf and meet your wifes and families. And to hear your joyous singing once again. And we look forward to next year!! Thank you so much for your sacrifices.

We want to thank the local radio station who broadcast the information and the local newspaper who had an article about the event and P.O.P. Ministries.

We also appreciated hearing from our speakers. And it was a pleasure to have with us our friends and helpers from the start, Kim Faulkner and Barry Boyd.

Barry presented Power of Prayer Ministries with a beautiful etching of an eagle and a dead tree. Very significant to us. While praying about whether to begin P.O.P.out in our back field of dead trees, God sent a bald eagle right overhead. He circled us for a while, then disappeared. It was very touching for God to do this, because before the storm we had a family of four eagles living behind the swamp from us. We would see them nearly every day and sometimes they would fly really low over us in the woods. One day before the storm, Linda was by herself on the boardwalk Dave built for her and she saw a shadow cast on the walk. When she looked up there was one of the eagles so low she could almost reach up and touch him. We worried that the storm had killed the eagles or sent them away because we did not see any living bird after the storm for months. But this day, when he circled us out in the back field where we sat, we knew this was somehow a sign from God that we should indeed begin P.O.P. and that we would "soar" as the eagle if we did. We have not seen an eagle again until October of this year while we were praying with a group from Florida out on our front drive, 3 years later exactly!!

We truly feel that is what has happened these past 3 years. God has allowed us to "ride on His wings" to see many blessings and miracles of what He can do with complete destruction of lives and things. It has been nothing short of pure joy for us to be a tiny part of His plan and we are humbled and honored that He choose us to do it. Thank you, Jesus. We wouldn't trade it for anything else. We have seen God's glory manifested in ways we would have never seen without this storm. We have gained entry into homes and into the lives of people we would have never met and ministered in ways we never dreamed possible. We have heard stories that were unbelievable of survival and of God's grace. Many have given God honor and praise for their being saved from certain death. And just about everyone has given God praise for you, His volunteers. A huge turn around from the signs on the roadway we saw when we first arrived back, "Christians go home".

So, thanks again for the wonderful celebration. We pray to be able to continue the work God has started for His glory and we are thankful that we have you to join us in that journey.

Bell Shoals Baptist Church, Brandon, Florida

2008-10-04T19:30:00.005-05:00

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!!

Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

We want to thank everyone for your concern and prayers during our very nerve racking time we just had with Hurricane Gustav. God has decided to spare our home and the camp for now and we are ever so grateful. We came very close to flooding (our neighbors one street over had over 5 feet of water under their home and lost a car as well). The water came up from the lake located in the back of our property and flooded our back field but did not come up as far as the camp. Some tree limbs are down and one pecan tree is leaning over but other than that everything is fine.

We returned home today from evacuating and only had time this afternoon to assess some of the damage on some of the homes of people we have been helping and ministering to. We are sorry to say that the home of Joe and Cynthia Butler received 3 feet of water and they once again have lost everything to flooding. (He cannot get insurance because he lives within 1500 feet of the water). They just had gotten a new bedroom set for their son that some of you helped them put together. They are trying to be strong, but I know they are hurting wondering why this had to happen to them again so soon.

There are many others who have been flooded. We will go out tomorrow and visit more people and give you an update if we find others that you would know who are in need.

We know P.O.P. ministry is continuing to be used by God. Everyone was petrified as Gustav approached and everyone we know who stayed for Katrina left this time. We are praying that as more storms come it will be a time of awareness once again that God is mighty and He has and will continue to use disasters to get the attention of men and nations. And that life is about Him and for His glory.

Thank you once again for your love and prayers. We ask you to pray for us as "Ike" comes next. We also ask you to pray for our newly formed Bible study here in our home on Sunday nights.

PS check out our pictures on Flickr. We will be adding some as we go out and about.

Second Baptist Church, Bowling Green, MO

2008-08-02T08:00:00.004-05:00

This group came July 26th and left August 2nd and it is the third trip for some in this group to P.O.P. Many others have been coming since right after the storm hit until now - almost 3 years later. We are so grateful for groups like these who recognize the need and see the opportunity for evangelism through the tragedy named Katrina.

They blessed several families this week with their skills working on their homes. Two families received electrical work. Another family had some heavy duty rough-in plumbing work done and also some hardi-plank installed. All of this physical work led to a wonderful time of spiritual enrichment for this family.

A husband and wife team were involved in visiting and evangelizing the area residents and also led a movie night with free meal and drinks. Everyone enjoyed this time of fellowship with the volunteers.

Also, the camp received some beautification by two wonderful teen girls who were excited to revisit the camp again this year. They painted the outside entryway surrounding the front doors which gave the camp a facelift. They also painted the interior doors and door frames which was also a huge improvement to the inside of our camp.

We are also grateful to the group for sacrificing one of their men to helping us finish some interior work on our home. We are very appreciative of the help we received that puts us ever closer to our own home being complete.

Thank you Second Baptist for another great year. We are ever so grateful for your love and support. May it continue to bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lee Road Baptist Church, Taylors, SC

2008-07-19T15:08:00.001-05:00

This group from Lee Road Baptist Church arrived on Sunday, July 13th and left on Saturday, the 19th giving them 5 full days in which they worked in many capacities.

The men stayed together and worked as a team to complete two “Hardi-Plank” siding houses begun by other teams earlier. The hard part was left on both of these two homes; the high part of the second story and the eaves. One man in particular in their group was the most experienced and he did most of the precarious and dangerous work on the tip top area of the two story home. However, all of the members of the group including 3 teenage boys and a younger brother worked hard to complete this project. The owners were in tears and very grateful as they saw their home completed on the outside, waiting almost 3 years to see it finished!

The interior of this home needed a staircase completed. The framing was completed by a trim crew from this same group of men and this work helped to complete the first floor interior of the home. The family was also very appreciative of this expert work that the homeowner simply couldn’t do for himself and couldn’t afford to hire out to professionals.

The crew then moved on to a single story dwelling and a home that we began from the foundation. Once again, the Hardi plank siding needed completion on the upper part of the home. The men accomplished this and also hung the undersiding on the front and back porches of the home.

The final days the team moved on to our third home. It was the home that received 32 feet of flood water. It is also a two story structure. The temporary vinyl siding was removed on the first floor and hardi plank was begun. One of the men set up jacks for other crews coming behind them to be able to install the siding on the second story. The homeowner was very happy to have this work begun on his home and a system put in place and left to assist future volunteers with installation of the siding.

After these 5 full days in mid-July heat and high humidity, these South Carolinians were exhausted and ready to depart. But they must feel they have become Hardi-plank siding experts working on 3 homes requiring this work!! Thank you so much!!

The second team of this group included 3 ladies who worked all week at the Gulf Coast Community Ministries in Gulfport a mission of our church, 1st Bapist Church, Gulfport. One of the ladies is an Optician and gave her time and talents this week to help open a Vision Clinic in the mission with a retired Ophthalmologist who also volunteered his time each morning to give eye exams to the needy. Two other ladies from Lee Road assisted in the mission work at the Clinic this week.

The ladies were astonished to see how many truly needy people there are here on the Coast in the aftermath of Katrina, many of them homeless. They gave out 175 pairs of reading glasses to the needy this week and gave out 50 Vision Service Plan Gift Certificates for free prescription glasses. It broke their hearts as they literally had to turn people away due to lack of time only one week allowed and they wished they could stay on longer!! Many, many people were witnessed to by this team as they all wore salvation bracelets and were able to share what they meant. Many people requested prayer and all were so grateful for the entire vision ministry.

We were very blessed and thankful for this past week. We are praying that more of you will come and volunteer in this very needy area. As you can see, no matter what your skill God can and will use you if you are willing.

Friendship Baptist Church, Smithland, Kentucky

2008-06-28T19:37:00.006-05:00

It is truly amazing all of the ways God uses what we consider troubles and delays to bless us and others. This was the first trip for this group from the Paducah Kentucky area down to the Gulf Coast to help with the Katrina rebuild. On the way they had not one, but two blowouts delaying them many hours. But God used both times to teach them many wonderful life lessons in how He works good for those who are obedient servants and soon they were on their way arriving in time to meet the family they were to serve this week. They came on June 23rd and left the morning of the 28th.

The group’s project for the week was to build a stairway and porch landing for a family whose home had 32 feet of flood water and were left with very little. They worked together as a team and completed the porch and stairs in a little more than 2 days! This family is so grateful to finally be able to access their home on stairs instead of an extension ladder. The volunteers also put together a desk / bunk bed set for their sons and performed various other tasks for the family. Lifelong bonding between the family and the group happened this week, one of the greatest blessings God gives us through this work.

The group also worked on our camp installing wood on the front surrounding our doors where black paper has been since the conversion of our barn into a volunteer “camp”. We are so thankful to them for this work! They also built a ramp into our pond so that our family and future volunteers can fish and feed Allie. It is beautiful! We are thankful for this work as well and we know it will provide many hours of fun and recreation for many, many people.

They also helped with our ongoing ministry of taking care of the elderly in our neighborhood. They manicured the lawn for one of our dear ladies who suffered terribly as a result of the storm. And they also fed our family as well as the people they were helping this week. We are praising God for groups like these who follow God’s lead to come and help us in an area that many around the country think is “back to normal”. Nothing could be further from the truth and now this group can also spread the word of the work needed here. Thanks to all who came and served.

Pleasantdale Baptist Church, Pontotoc, MS

2008-06-14T21:00:00.002-05:00

Most of the groups who come down lately have been “regulars” to our work. This group is no exception. This has been the third trip for Pleasantdale. We are so grateful for faithful servants to God’s work here in Waveland. The ones who have been here before recognize the need because they see it first hand. And year after year they see the slow progress that is being made to rebuild. It is such a struggle for most of the people here.

This group came all the way down here to work for two days. The men of the group worked continually on Joe and Cindy’s home to complete the rough in electrical system. They are so thankful to have this work done. They had 32 feet of water destroy their home. Rebuilding is difficult due to very strict building codes now in effect since Katrina, triple costs of insurance and other government enforcements hard to comply with for most people. But through it all, God is there for them sending volunteers to help in His name.

The ladies of the group did yard work. Working on a yard that we thought impossible to deal with!! Never have we seen such a sight. Hundreds of plants in containers, there since before Katrina woven together with very high grass and weeds scattered throughout the entire front and back yard. It is truly impossible for this elderly lady stoke victim to contend with. But not for our fearless crew! They tackled this yard with vigor and determination to at least cut paths through this maze of plants so Ms. Betty could walk and enjoy what is left of her beloved plants. They did a very fine job and she was so pleased she gave them plants as “pay”.

An unusual request was answered by our group as well. A neighbor of Ms. Betty asked that they weed her little flower garden. She even provided them with a “hoe” and gloves to perform the job. She was tickled to have this done for her and they were tickled by her kindness and sense of humor!!

They also cut the yard of one of our elderly neighbors we minister to on a regular basis. Thank you gang for coming down and working so hard in so little time. The rain held them up on the second day, otherwise, they would have done more.

This group also took time late in the evening to enjoy learning to “skin board”. Thanks to our young neighbor for sharing his skill with our groups so that they can enjoy the beach and water. We are also thankful that Brandon has a good friend in the Lord, Noah, who comes with his parents on these mission trips and that they have bonded and hopefully will be lifelong friends. They enjoyed swimming together and playing games.

County Line Baptist Church, Randolph, MS

2008-06-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

This week, June 1 - 7, was the fourth trip to Power of Prayer Ministries for this hard working group of volunteers from Randolph, MS. The first trip for the youth of the church. The young people of the church work very hard as well!! Many lives were touched this week as they worked with the area people then invited them to camp to share and enjoy their company.

Some of the work and fun this week were of the rare and unusual kind not as yet done here at POP. One of them was the laying out and planting of hundreds of daylilies donated by one of their church members who grows the daylilies as a hobby. Along the sidewalks leading up to the camp and our shower house we cleared long beds for the lilies, then after the plantings, a watering system was installed. Mulch was then added and the final touch was the lighting system! What a beautiful addition to our camp this donation has made!! God has got to be pleased with such a sight. His wonderful creations in every possible color and style lining the path for all to see and enjoy. WOW!! A big thank you to all who came and participated in this truly amazing work and a million thanks to Billy for his wonderful donation of the lilies.

And as if this donation of lilies weren’t enough, Mr. Billy and the hard working youth of the church also cleared a bed along the driveway of one of our neighbors to plant more of the beautiful lilies he brought especially for them!

This group also worked hard in the hot sun this week cutting grass for some of our elderly neighbors POP ministers to on a regular basis and a new contact that we made. They were very grateful for this tremendous help. One lady came to the camp for the first time to have dinner with the group. She was delighted to have been invited and to visit with the young people because she has no living relatives. We are thankful that God has put us in touch with this lady through the servanthood of this group. We will surely continue to keep in touch with Ms. Shirley.

All of this hard work led up to special times of fun. One thing we did was have a “tea party” for the youth in appreciation of working the flower beds. Our neighbor Aimee, who was the recipient of the donation as well, helped to serve the youth. First only the girls joined in, however, the boys couldn’t stand it and they soon joined in to enjoy the tea and fun! They also enjoyed going to the beach and learning to “skin board” by one of our teenage neighbors. He invited them to swim in his pool which they also enjoyed. We know God is happy when we serve Him together working hard for others and then having fun together in His name afterward!!

Covenant Presbyterian, Ligonier, Pennsylvania

2008-05-10T20:00:00.004-05:00

This was the second trip for this wonderful church group coming farther by car, we believe, than any other group staying at P.O.P. From Ligonier to Waveland is 1081 miles! Wow, thank you volunteers for making that long trip with gas prices higher than ever to help the people of the Gulf Coast. God is good and we are grateful that He has touched your hearts to serve Him in this place. We look forward to your return!!

God was once again very busy this week guiding and leading us in helping those He chooses. We were able to continue helping our neighbor down the street complete more of the tasks on his home. The group finished hanging the remaining 30 sheets of Sheetrock in his home. The ladies were able to help him with two very tedious tasks. One was insulating all of the pipes under his home. This required stooping (or sitting) underneath the house and wrapping the pipes with the insulation and duck tape. The other task was to paint all of the porch rails for the back porch and stairs. Both of these jobs were very time consuming and the homeowner was so excited and blessed to have all of these projects done for him. His home is beautiful!

Next, the group went to our ongoing project of the home we have started from ground up. They were able to install more of the hardi-plank siding and that portion of the home is nearly complete. We also helped the owner install his exterior doors and his home is now closed in and able to be locked.

This week God led us to meet a new family who are also in desperate need. A family of four whose home had 32 feet of water. The entire second story of the home was washed away and disappeared into the Gulf. The bottom floor was left standing but had extensive damage. The homeowner has not had any help since the storm. He says he signed up with many organizations, but no one came to help. We are the first people God has chosen in the almost 3 years since the storm to help this family. We feel this is very significant and we take the task seriously. They are remodeling the first floor and rebuilding the second floor. They are also in serious financial trouble as the husband was injured and lost his job.

The group helped the owners paint and clean on the first level of the home as well as correct some electrical work. They also installed windows and a door on the second level. This was critical to keep out any more rain water that is damaging the bottom level.

We are grateful for the opportunities God gave us this week, especially the new family that we feel so commited to helping. Thank you gang for having a heart for this ministry and listening to God to come and serve Him here. We are ever so thankful for you!!!

The Rock Church, North Carolina

2008-05-02T20:00:00.005-05:00

We are so grateful that God has led us into fellowship with The Rock Church. They have been working in this area since the storm many times with Samaritan's Purse in Kiln. Since Samaritan's Purse has had to leave this area, a neighbor whose home The Rock Church helped rebuild, asked us if they could come to P.O.P. to stay while working on her brother's home. The timing was right and we know this will be a long lasting relationship!

After having car trouble, they had to travel until 5:30 a.m. to get here. Tired and exhausted, these servants began their 4 days of work full steam ahead. They began on our neighbor's home, bringing with them a trailer load of vinyl siding he had purchased in their area at a bargain price. In just two days they had completed the 2100 square foot home and then also completed the detached garage. They also began working on installing sheetrock in his home. They were able to complete the ceilings and began work on the walls.

Next, they tackled a major project for P.O.P. and one that has been needed since our beginning - a floor for our kitchen and dining area. What a tremendous blessing for the many volunteers who will come and serve here in the years to come. God, in His timing, provided the long awaited labor and material for the porcelain tile. Not only will we now be able to keep the area clean, but it is so beautiful, making the area much more functional and comfortable. Be sure to look at the flicker sets for the pictures.

They were also able to make new friends in the neighborhood. For one of our elderly neighbors, they cut her entire lawn. They were also able to visit with her, hearing her story of barely surviving the storm. They have made lasting friends. Another neighbor called to say their lawn mower had been stolen. The group went to their aid and cut their lawn as well also making friendships as they served. We were also able to introduce them to another couple in our neighborhood who weathered the storm and barely survived. Their home is almost complete and they will soon be able to move out of the Fema trailer they have lived in since the storm.

We are so grateful God has put us together with The Rock Church. We feel this relationship is just the beginning and part of the grand plan God has in store for P.O.P. Each group has contributed in their own way to the work that God has begun here. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Indiana

2008-04-12T07:53:00.010-05:00

We want to welcome these volunteers from Indiana who worked with us this week on the two homes we are continuing in Waveland and Hancock County. This is the third trip they have made to help in the rebuilding efforts here on the Gulf Coast. The first two trips were to Harrison County. They have now felt led to begin working in Hancock County, ground zero of Katrina.

This week they got a lot accomplished on both of the homes. For the Waveland home, they installed beautiful hard wood floors. They did an awesome job and the owner, who is a local pastor, is excited about having his floors put down. Not an easy job, but what a blessing this has been.

On the other home in the county, they performed many various tasks. One of them was the rough in plumbing. A volunteer who has worked in plumbing for 50 years did this job! Another job was installing hardi plank siding on the front of the home. This was the first time this group worked with hardi plank, but did an outstanding job and they were happy to have learned a new craft. The rest of the hurricane clips were installed by an energetic young man on a ladder. He completed the task and we can now close in the porch ceiling.

Electrical was also installed and roughed in by another volunteer from this group. He also helped with the air and heat system installation. This was completed this week and the owner can now call for inspection. The group also finished installing shingles on the roof and installed vented ridge caps. They braced the rest of the roofing as well. Another group of young people helped with the cleanup of the home. The owner is so pleased and delighted with all of the work that was done this week and has been done for him since the beginning. Another awesome blessing showing God's love for another victim of Katrina.

Although this group did not stay at the P.O.P. camp, we hope to work with them again in the future and we want to thank them so much for their contribution to God's work here in Hancock county.

Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Georgia

2008-04-04T20:26:00.006-05:00

This was the 4th trip of Poplar Springs Baptist Church volunteers from Ringgold, GA. This group performed many different tasks for a lot of people. They were also able to fellowship with many of the friends they have made during the previous volunteer trips and made new friends as well.

Some of the projects they worked on was yard work which included cutting grass and weed eating, debris removal, and spreading dirt. For one neighbor around the corner from the camp they leveled the foundation soil under his home so that he could make a level path to an elevator that he will install. Because the soil had hardened this was a very tough job and a huge blessing to the family.

This group also worked on many homes in the area. They painted a neighbor's house and by the looks of it had fun while doing it! They began installing hardi-plank siding on the house we are building from ground up. For our neighbors on the lake they installed some insulation and spread waterproofing on their deck. And for still another family they performed plumbing work on a bathroom.

Other projects this week included organizing a tool closet and removing trash for another volunteer organization. They also emptied a concession stand at St. Rose Church and school.

Thanks to those of you who worked hard on landscaping for the ministry grounds! Landscaping timbers were laid and leveled. It is beautiful. Also to those of you who cut and cleared around our pond and cut our entire grounds. We also appreciate those of you who cleaned our cars, and our neighbor's truck.

Some of the fun activities while ministering included space walk jumping, watching and feeding "Allie", singing and listening to a neighbor play and sing Christian music on his guitar, basketball, and fun at the beach.

You ministered in so many ways. One special time we had this week was when we visited a very special lady in our neighborhood, Ms. Betty Smith. She was very ill, but welcomed everyone from the group inside where we talked and prayed with her. The group also cut some bushes off of her fence and out of Betty's way so she could see down the street from the porch she loves so very much. They also installed some vinyl siding on her home. One young girl from the group was very touched with Betty and went back on several occasions to help with Betty's therapy and hand fed her. We are sad to say that Betty passed away on Friday, April 4th at 7:13 p.m. She will be sadly missed by those of us who loved her here at P.O.P.

Hopewell Baptist Church, Savannah, TN

2008-03-29T08:41:00.009-05:00

This was the second trip to P.O.P. for this group of wonderful volunteers who came from Savannah, TN to serve this week. They performed many different tasks and served many people.

One of the projects they tackled was the roof of one of the houses that we began from ground up. They installed a drip edge, the fascia and began installing shingles on the roof. They did a fine job of working on the roof and it won't take long for the next group of volunteers to complete it. No one who worked on the roof was a professional, but no one could tell from the expert job that was done!

A major project that this team performed this week was the clearing of storm debris from the neighborhood around the camp which had not been completely cleaned since Katrina. The lot in front of the camp was especially loaded down with debris. Thousands upon thousands of tin cans as well as odds and ends there since the storm had to be hauled away. One was our own pump house that had floated there with the tidal surge and had to be broken apart and carried bit by bit to the trailer. They hauled 5 trailer loads of debris to the dump!!

Another project they worked on was for a neighbor to the camp. They painted his garage outside and inside and also painted some doors. The completed work will allow him to work on vehicles and equipment once again as he did before the storm. This same group also painted on another home of a local pastor in the area. They painted on the inside of the home. They did an awesome job of painting this week.

For another elderly couple they cleaned their lot and that of their son who lives next door and filled a dumpster to the rim with debris from the storm. Then they tilled an area for them to be able to plant a few vegetables. The couple were thrilled with all of the work and the yard is beautiful.

This group also cut and cleaned a few yards this week. One was for an elderly lady who was coming home from the hospital critically ill and would be under hospice care. She said when she got out of the ambulance she was so surprised to see her yard so beautiful, mowed and manicured and it was a blessing for her to see and enjoy. How wonderful to serve in this way.

This team also tackled an unusual task. The removal of a grape arbor that had been growing and entangled for about 50 years. The storm had taken it's toll on the vines and it needed to be removed. They first had to remove all of the wire and pipes that held up the grapes. Then they hooked a chain to our truck and pulled the vines up and then by hand they dug the beams out of the ground. We thank you team for this hard but necessary work.

Thank you team for coming to this area once again this year and serving the Lord with us showing this area the love of Jesus. We hope to see you again next year.

First Baptist Church Saltillo and Auburn Baptist Church

2008-03-15T10:42:00.001-05:00

This week two churches teamed up together to come and work on a home that began a couple months ago from the slab up and the project is ongoing. One team was from Saltillo, MS and the other was from Tupelo, MS.

This group continued and finished putting up the framing for the back porch, tying it into the roof on the back of the house. They also completed work needed on the roof putting up sheathing and black felt paper. They installed the facsia board up around the roof as well.

On the interior of the home they were able to complete the framing of two tray ceilings, installed all of the windows and worked on rough-in wiring of the electrical system.

Some in the group also helped one of our elderly ladies who weathered the storm in her home do some odd jobs she couldn't handle on her own.

Thank you so much team for all you accomplished for the Lord this week!

Windham Presbyterian Church

2008-02-15T14:01:00.009-06:00

This group of volunteers came all the way from Windham, NH to work all week and were able to bless many of us as they worked in various capacities on many homes.

Our own family holds a very special place in our hearts for the two people pictured here. And this week has been a very precious time for us in so many ways having them here. It just so happens they were part of a group from their church, who first came to help us after Katrina. Ken and Bonnie were among the first responders who came down here and helped others as well as our own family during a week of heat, stench and a mold filled environment risking their own lives gutting our home and our storage building that is now P.O.P. They also dealt with the extreme emotions our family was going through and were able to console us that week in ways that they may never understand. They are our “heroes”. Ken and Bonnie, we love you and we thank you for all you have done for our family. What a privilege it was to serve with you this week, dear friends. May God continue to bless you richly.

We were also blessed this week meeting the rest of the members of this wonderful group who ministered to us as well. Betty, Dorayne, Jo and Mary Lou we love you guys and enjoyed our time with each of you. We know we have made lifelong friends!

This week Jo used his expertise to install a wireless internet system and a TV antenna in the camp for ministry use that will both be a blessing to our camp volunteers. A laptop computer was donated to the camp as well.

One of our dreams has been to add beauty to the camp property since all of the flower gardens and plants were lost in Katrina. God used Dorayne's training and love for gardening to help with the design and layout of our spring and summer flower gardens and she and Betty also worked to spread the truck load of soil in the beds. We know it will be an awesome sight when the flowers are blooming because it is already quite beautiful!

The group also painted in one neighbors garage, moved a platform and ramp and built a handrail to make a much needed safer entryway into the home of another elderly neighbor. They also installed interior trim work and various other projects in her home. For still another elderly lady they moved a mailbox, repaired a screen door and performed other needed tasks the elderly simply cannot do for themselves. All in all we were all blessed this week by the servanthood of these wonderful people.

We would also like to once again thank the church for their financial support that was used in part to pay the debt on our shower house. What a blessing that was!

We are looking forward to working with all of you again soon!!

County Line Baptist Church

2008-02-08T14:00:00.002-06:00

The 8 person team from Pontotoc County, MS are also not newcomers to Power of Prayer Ministries. This trip is their third and they plan on continuing to come as many times as they can as long as there is a need. Thank you gang! They continued framing, and did some roofing and sheeting on our two homes.

The home owners were very grateful for the hard work of both groups and the contribution they have made to the rebuilding of their totally devastated homes. We look forward to working with both church groups in the future. God Bless you every one!!!

Second Baptist Church

2008-02-08T13:57:00.002-06:00

These two volunteers came from Bowling Green, MO and teamed up with a group from Randolph, MS to work on the two homes that were framed the previous week.

Our two man father and son team from Missouri did electrical work on both homes all week and also some electrical work needed on the camp. This was Chris’s (son) second trip to P.O.P. and his church, Second Baptist of Bowling Green, has committed to supporting us in our efforts here. We are grateful to them for their hard work and their continued support. Thank you! We thank you, Joe for your first visit in serving here and we hope to see you again some day. Your efforts surely were a huge blessing to those you served.

Tucker Swamp Baptist Church

2008-02-01T12:14:00.001-06:00

This wonderful church group from Zuni, Virginia had many trials and difficulties before leaving home and many of the members who had planned to come were unable to do so. What began as a 25 person team ended as 12 coming. God had planned for them to frame two houses and we weren’t sure how that was going to be possible with such a small group of men. And the other bad news was the forecast for rain at least two of the five days they were to be here.

Why do we ever question or doubt God? He used those who came in a mighty and powerful way. It did not rain during the working hours neither of the days forecast and after splitting the team into two they were able to frame both houses! Both homeowners are praising God for sending them all the way from Virginia to do this work.

Before the week began (Left)... After the week was over (Right)!!!

God also used this team to minister by way of food this week. Three ladies worked diligently in the kitchen and they fed both families, other workers on the jobsite, our neighbors and all of our own family! We also enjoyed the fellowship of these wonderful Virginians as they ministered to us in all these ways.

Another seven person team came from Jackson, MS to join in the work efforts on Thursday. They helped frame one of the homes and helped one of our neighbors paint his garage.

We thank God for all of you and we hope to see you all again soon.

First Baptist Church Saltillo

2007-11-25T18:19:00.001-06:00

This is the second group from First Baptist Church Saltillo, located in north Mississippi. This part of the group came on Thanksgiving day and stayed until Sunday. They continued the work installing Hardi planks on the same house that the first group had started. The family that received help from these dedicated volunteers were so grateful. They were in awe that people would sacrifice their own holiday to give to others.

We are also so grateful to ALL the volunteers who continue to come here and volunteer their time and skills in labor to help in our community. We can't say thanks enough. We also can't tell you enough how much you are still desperately needed. Please pass the word that this area still needs help. Please consider coming back and helping again. We pray the Lord's blessings on you for your dedication to His purpose and work.

First Baptist Church Saltillo

2007-11-20T20:28:00.001-06:00

The First Baptist Church of Saltillo spent the week of Thanksgiving here volunteering their time and skills on some construction jobs. The week was split between two groups. Pictured above is the first group that arrived for the first part of the week. They started their time on a roof of a house near camp. This home has been sitting untouched for almost a year. The homeowner had just recently gotten his grant money. He was extremely happy to finally get a roof on his home.

FBC Saltillo's first group also blessed another family with their skills installing Hardi planks (siding) on a home. This family also just received their grant money and are finally able to finish up their home as well. They are hopeful to be out of their FEMA trailers and in their home for Christmas. They are so grateful to all of the volunteers who have built their home from ground up.

Oh, one of these volunteers did some electrical work on two different homes.

There are a lot of families in this same situation; waiting on grant money to rebuild their home. We are hopeful that volunteers will keep coming to help rebuild these homes, and most importantly, share the love of Jesus with those devastated by the storm.

Oak Hill Baptist Church

2007-11-04T19:38:00.001-06:00

This weekend, November 2 - 4, 2007, a group of 28 from Oak Hill Baptist Church in Pontotoc, MS, came to host a concert starring the Fishers of Men. The concert was held on Saturday, Nov. 3rd, in the evening. This event was a community wide outreach with food and music. Oak Hill's pastor, Brother Scott Cockrell (pictured 2nd from the LEFT, standing, blue shirt), shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was one young person who asked Jesus into his heart to be Lord and Savior over his life. Praise the Lord!

Fishers of Men Quartet

The Oak Hill group was also able to bless an older lady in our community with some construction skills. A group of men patched her leaking roof, hung a door, and built a hand rail along the steps to her home.

County Line Baptist Church

2007-10-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

This wonderful group of men from County Line Baptist Church made their 2nd trip to Power of Prayer Ministries to volunteer the week of October 15 - 19, 2007. Their pastor is Brother Wayne Cobb, pictured 4th. They were able to bless a family with their construction skills. They did various construction related skills including insulating, finishing the walls, electrical and even some plumbing. They also blessed another family with some electrical work on their hot water heater.

We were unable to get pictures this week due to Linda's hospitalization, but we were fortunate that a neighbor took this picture for us (thanks!).

Poplar Springs Baptist Church

2007-10-10T14:58:00.002-05:00

This week we've had a team of 23 volunteers from Ringgold, GA down to work. They had a yard crew that helped clear a couple of lots that still had debris left from Hurricane Katrina. They also did lawn work for several people who needed work done. One team painted rooms for two different families. Another team installed Hardy Plank (siding) on two different homes. Some of the children helped pick up and crack pecans. They had food and fellowship every evening with guests from around the community and work sites they visited. One of the ladies from the group helped us get started with this blog which is what we'll be posting to instead of our old website which was giving us some problems.