I've been in contact with a local agency who is matching displaced gulf coast residents in central Ohio with groups interested in sponsoring a start to their new lives here. Firstlink.org is an established social services agency in Columbus. They are working with other intake agencies to match recipients when they locate a donating group. Recipients have ranged from individuals and couples to families of 7. Seventy Five matches have been made in our area and Kim at Firstlink tells me there is always a recipient available when she has a donor group. I've also spoken with the disaster relief mission coordinator at Indian Run Methodist Church who has sponsored 9 families through this program with great success.
This becomes a more urgent need December 15. FEMA will stop paying for evacuees to stay in hotels in this area 10 days before Christmas. Agencies have been finding apartments for them, but they are in need of furniture and all household items as they have lost everything of this nature in Louisiana or Mississippi.
This is an excellent opportunity for those of you who have wanted to do something from here because you couldn't travel to Louisiana. Firstlink estimates it costs around $3,000 to set up housekeeping for singles or couples. Obviously this would be more for larger families. Firstlink has a list of items here on their Katrina relief site. Donor groups should collect the household items and install them in the new living quarters before the recipients move in.
Listen, I know donor fatigue is a very real thing. Many of us have contributed as much or more than we can comfortably handle this year. As this illustrates, though, the need is enormous and not going to moderate significantly in the near term.
If you organize a group of donors for this effort, please let me know, even if you wish to remain anonymous. If you would like to join a donor group, send an email and we'll help connect you with others.
To sponsor a family, email Kim Kallmeyer at Firstlink or call her at 221-6766 x117
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Team 5 is off and Running!
Our December 3rd team is in Birmingham, their overnight stop for tonight. After a few last minute cancellations, this team is made up of Gail and Carolyn Canini from Westerville Christian. They are staying with Homewood Church of Christ tonight and heading on to Mandeville in the morning.
Please say a prayer for their successful and safe journey.
It is a slow week for volunteers at Tammany Oaks. Gail and Carolyn will be working with the staff and 7 long term volunteers who are there. I spoke with an Ag Science student at Ohio State yesterday though who is leading a team of 30+ down there next Saturday.
Brett White sent a newsletter to all volunteers that have left email addresses while at Tammany Oaks. There were 701 unique email addresses on that list out of 989 volunteers who were registered. That's a lot of volunteers! If you didn't get Brett's email, send a message to whereisawjesus@gmail.com with your name, address, and whether you volunteered at Tammany Oaks. I'll make sure we get you on the list for future updates.
Check back on this blog during the week. I'll post Gail and Carolyn's activities while in the field. They don't have a digital camera, but maybe I can get some new material from our friend Alicia.
John McGuire
Please say a prayer for their successful and safe journey.
It is a slow week for volunteers at Tammany Oaks. Gail and Carolyn will be working with the staff and 7 long term volunteers who are there. I spoke with an Ag Science student at Ohio State yesterday though who is leading a team of 30+ down there next Saturday.
Brett White sent a newsletter to all volunteers that have left email addresses while at Tammany Oaks. There were 701 unique email addresses on that list out of 989 volunteers who were registered. That's a lot of volunteers! If you didn't get Brett's email, send a message to whereisawjesus@gmail.com with your name, address, and whether you volunteered at Tammany Oaks. I'll make sure we get you on the list for future updates.
Check back on this blog during the week. I'll post Gail and Carolyn's activities while in the field. They don't have a digital camera, but maybe I can get some new material from our friend Alicia.
John McGuire
Friday, December 02, 2005
Storm Victims Praise Churches
This article is on the Washington Times site today at http://www.washtimes.com/national/20051201-114736-6989r.htm
Noteables:
Noteables:
Louisiana residents gave churches higher marks than government agencies in responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
On a scale of one (not effective) to 10 (very effective), residents gave churches the highest mark of 8.1, and New Orleans city agencies and state agencies received the lowest rating of 4.6.
Hundreds of churches and synagogues stepped up to help when municipal, state and federal governments faltered in their early responses to the devastation wrought by the hurricanes. They fed, clothed and sheltered survivors and raised more than $100 million to do so.
The survey said 39 percent of Louisianans had a friend or family member stay in their homes, and 14 percent provided shelter to someone they did not know previously.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
December 3 Trip
Well team once again we are sending off workers to assist in the hurricane devastated LA. This week three more have volunteered their time to go and labor in love as we have all been called to do.
I have been excited to learn that many who have attended our trips have gone back down on their own, organized trips of their own and gone, or encouraged others to go. I don’t know why I am always amazed at how the Lord works to get His jobs done but I am. Guess it’s a weakness in faith. If you have gone write and share your stories so we can share them with everyone.
God loves you and so do we. We thank you for all you have done to support His efforts. On 12\26 we will be sending an additional 20 or so down to LA to work and then we have a group of 10 or so plus a group gathering in Dayton to leave on 1\14\06. We, the Spring Road Church of Christ, want to let you know that the Jan. trip will be our final sponsored trip for now. We will continue to monitor the situation, our resources, and ways we can help and keep in touch with you. An independent organization, Servants Unite, is going to take up the mantel and continue to work and coordinate efforts to the region. I will be passing on email lists and information for those working in the effort to use to communicate with all of you. I will be assisting Servants Unite in any way I can and in many areas so don’t breath a sigh of relief, you are not rid of me yet!!!!!!!
Praise God for all He does and provides. Thank you for letting God work on your heart and being involved in this effort to help so many. I want to encourage you to keep the disaster relief staff at Tammany Oaks in your prayers. They are taxed, tested, and pushed every day. They would counter with they are blessed everyday, but seriously, they need our prayers and encouragement. Lift them up, lift those who have lost so much up, and just pray for the continued efforts. You can see more of their day-to-day efforts at http://whereisawjesus.blogspot.com
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to any of you. You are in my prayers and in our hearts and we thank you. Just as an FYI tomorrow we are loading up a trailer that will make its way down to Tammany on Dec 20th. We are loading up 750 book bags filled with supplies, a couch, loveseat, and chair, a washer and dryer, and other items for victims of the hurricane. Thank you to all who contributed. We also plan on boxing and loading items that were not picked up from the church that were used in the efforts. If you need me to set something aside for you to pick up please email me or it will go down there and be put to good use. Again thanks so much for all you gave and have done.
Because He lives,
Brad
I have been excited to learn that many who have attended our trips have gone back down on their own, organized trips of their own and gone, or encouraged others to go. I don’t know why I am always amazed at how the Lord works to get His jobs done but I am. Guess it’s a weakness in faith. If you have gone write and share your stories so we can share them with everyone.
God loves you and so do we. We thank you for all you have done to support His efforts. On 12\26 we will be sending an additional 20 or so down to LA to work and then we have a group of 10 or so plus a group gathering in Dayton to leave on 1\14\06. We, the Spring Road Church of Christ, want to let you know that the Jan. trip will be our final sponsored trip for now. We will continue to monitor the situation, our resources, and ways we can help and keep in touch with you. An independent organization, Servants Unite, is going to take up the mantel and continue to work and coordinate efforts to the region. I will be passing on email lists and information for those working in the effort to use to communicate with all of you. I will be assisting Servants Unite in any way I can and in many areas so don’t breath a sigh of relief, you are not rid of me yet!!!!!!!
Praise God for all He does and provides. Thank you for letting God work on your heart and being involved in this effort to help so many. I want to encourage you to keep the disaster relief staff at Tammany Oaks in your prayers. They are taxed, tested, and pushed every day. They would counter with they are blessed everyday, but seriously, they need our prayers and encouragement. Lift them up, lift those who have lost so much up, and just pray for the continued efforts. You can see more of their day-to-day efforts at http://whereisawjesus.blogspot.com
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to any of you. You are in my prayers and in our hearts and we thank you. Just as an FYI tomorrow we are loading up a trailer that will make its way down to Tammany on Dec 20th. We are loading up 750 book bags filled with supplies, a couch, loveseat, and chair, a washer and dryer, and other items for victims of the hurricane. Thank you to all who contributed. We also plan on boxing and loading items that were not picked up from the church that were used in the efforts. If you need me to set something aside for you to pick up please email me or it will go down there and be put to good use. Again thanks so much for all you gave and have done.
Because He lives,
Brad
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Why all the strong storms this year?
This article is a good meteorological explaination in laymen's terms.
FYI, Tropical Storm Epsilon formed today in the central atlantic, 5 over the previous 1 year record. We've also seen the strongest storm on record and the most to reach hurricane strength this year.
Next year's forecast is for 15-20 like this year was. We went well over that.
Be thinking about the long term of Servants Unite and what role you would like to play. I'll be getting more information and questions out regarding that shortly.
John McGuire
FYI, Tropical Storm Epsilon formed today in the central atlantic, 5 over the previous 1 year record. We've also seen the strongest storm on record and the most to reach hurricane strength this year.
Next year's forecast is for 15-20 like this year was. We went well over that.
Be thinking about the long term of Servants Unite and what role you would like to play. I'll be getting more information and questions out regarding that shortly.
John McGuire
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Tammany Oaks Relief Article
This article was posted today on World Net Daily. This is an excellent "About Us" piece for the Tammany Oaks led effort. It describes the activities, the volunteer experience, and the successes that have been realized.
Of particular interest is the volume of support this mission has provided:
Of particular interest is the volume of support this mission has provided:
- Fed 3000 families.
- Distributed millions of dollars of supplies.
- Provided 500 volunteers; the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars in free labor.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Recommended Reading
OK, I have to confess, I haven't read these articles yet myself, but the beginning of the cover article of the current issue of Time that you can get on the web site without paying for access had me cheering. 'bout time the mainstream media started covering this more. Starting to feel like we are the only ones broadcasting the desperate situation that is going unabated. You can find more info here.Warning: the following is preachy and begging and may turn you off if you don't understand my sincerity. Please take this as a heartfelt plea on behalf of people who are depending on us.
As a nationwide effort, we have fed thousands of people through our efforts. We have cleaned out hundreds of houses. We have been Christ's own tools to touch the hearts of souls who need so much to know that they are not forgotten and that we care. Yet with all we have accomplished, there is so much more still to do.
Some of our Columbus volunteers have made repeat trips on their own and some have committed to full time mission work in the area as a result of their involvement, but as a group, we have not contributed to the effort for nearly two months. On December 3, due to the loss of some volunteers this week, we have 5 people planning to go down. I'm afraid, like the national media and most others out of the area, that even our group is getting complacent.
Please, do not let the enemy assure you that the situation we have been working to overcome is less than dire.
The need is no less than our first month where we sent 160 people and 100,000 pounds of supplies into the area. In some respects, the need has only grown. I'm afraid the breath we stopped to take after the 4th consecutive week of volunteer teams has been mistaken for completion of our task.
We are committed to keep organizing this effort from here, and the organizers in Louisiana are committed to keep serving as well.
- The church in Mandeville is purchasing a building to use as a relief center.
- They continue to receive quite a bit of donated supplies and appliances.
- They are organizing efforts with other churches in the area.
- They continue to accept requests for help from the entire area around lake Pontchartrain and other areas east and west effected by the hurricanes.
Even if you can't go personally, you can help regain our lost momentum. Some are making repeat trips. While this helps considerably, we all have families to support and jobs that depend on us. What our effort really needs is greater recruiting. We need to get more church congregations involved. You can help do this by working with leadership at your church or other churches that are not involved in a hurricane relief effort currently. You can work through your friends who are members of un-involved churches. If you have volunteered, you can tell friends and fellow parishioners of your experience... and the need... and the solace you were able to provide to people who's lives have been interrupted. You can reach out to coworkers and become a resource they know to go to for hurricane relief related questions and help they wish to provide.
We will help you if you ask. We have appeal DVDs published for volunteers and donations. We can help you build a talk. We will also speak in person to a group if you are uncomfortable doing so personally.
I have found 2 people in the last week, now scheduled for the January 14 trip who have been looking for a way to help since the storm. There are many out there who just need to know that our group exists.
Your testimony is powerful and will lead others to this work if you allow God to use you in this way. I pray that you will all respond by redoubling your personal efforts to bring attention to the continued need and be conduits for new volunteers.
John McGuire
Saturday, November 19, 2005
December 3 trip info
Hey teams:
Hope you are all getting ready for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please take a moment and lets remember our friends in LA who have suffered through so much for the last 3 months. I realize the media has left the area and this makes us let them wander from our minds, but stop. Consider the devastation and know the efforts are ongoing. You can see current news at http:\\whereisawjesus.blogspot.com.
The teams are still demucking houses, mostly down in New Orleans. There is ongoing tree and clean up work. Right now they have a real need for individuals who are willing to drive their Penske straight trucks who will be able to feel good about helping to get supplies and needs out to other centers. Everyone cannot be in the midst of the destruction. Drivers are needed and valued. No special license is required. (Editor's note, from personal experience, this is a very rewarding and high impact task)
The relief team has purchased a warehouse with significant opportunities and property. Their dream is to build a dorm for housing volunteers, a kitchen and then have a warehouse for housing supplies in this effort as well as other disaster efforts. To accomplish this they need licensed tradesmen from the construction, plumbing, and electrical fields. They take possession of the building the first of Dec so our team on 12/3 could be integral in getting a jump-start on this God provided opportunity to serve others. If you have these skills please make sure you email me immediately so I can let them know you are coming.
Items we need for our trip 12\3
Book bags - I picked up over 750 book bags filled with supplies in Springfield from a church who collected them and had no way of getting them down to LA. If we can secure the trailers these will be going with us and can serve the children who will be returning to school after the break.
Please review and consider the above needs. Take an hour out of your week and call some people and spread the word. We cannot do this without you and our faith demands that we not forget those in LA and MS who have been through so much.
I look forward to hearing from you as we continue our efforts!!
(For a current, realistic view of the need that remains, this is a great story to read or listen to: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5018068)
Hope you are all getting ready for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please take a moment and lets remember our friends in LA who have suffered through so much for the last 3 months. I realize the media has left the area and this makes us let them wander from our minds, but stop. Consider the devastation and know the efforts are ongoing. You can see current news at http:\\whereisawjesus.blogspot.com.
The teams are still demucking houses, mostly down in New Orleans. There is ongoing tree and clean up work. Right now they have a real need for individuals who are willing to drive their Penske straight trucks who will be able to feel good about helping to get supplies and needs out to other centers. Everyone cannot be in the midst of the destruction. Drivers are needed and valued. No special license is required. (Editor's note, from personal experience, this is a very rewarding and high impact task)
The relief team has purchased a warehouse with significant opportunities and property. Their dream is to build a dorm for housing volunteers, a kitchen and then have a warehouse for housing supplies in this effort as well as other disaster efforts. To accomplish this they need licensed tradesmen from the construction, plumbing, and electrical fields. They take possession of the building the first of Dec so our team on 12/3 could be integral in getting a jump-start on this God provided opportunity to serve others. If you have these skills please make sure you email me immediately so I can let them know you are coming.
Items we need for our trip 12\3
- Trucks and Trailers - I need to know if you have a truck that can tow a trailer down to LA with our team. If you have a trailer (preferably closed in) I need to know the size, hitch size, and type of electrical hook up (4 pin flat or round). I need two of these for this trip please help.
- Funds - we are still in need of $20,000 for funding our 6 trips. Please approach your business associates, your churches and your friends with this need. Checks can be made out to Spring Road COC Katrina fund.
- Personal Hygiene items - deodorant, shampoo, and the like
- Sheet sets - full and twin
- Towels and Washcloths
Book bags - I picked up over 750 book bags filled with supplies in Springfield from a church who collected them and had no way of getting them down to LA. If we can secure the trailers these will be going with us and can serve the children who will be returning to school after the break.
Please review and consider the above needs. Take an hour out of your week and call some people and spread the word. We cannot do this without you and our faith demands that we not forget those in LA and MS who have been through so much.
I look forward to hearing from you as we continue our efforts!!
(For a current, realistic view of the need that remains, this is a great story to read or listen to: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5018068)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Licensed Construction Leads Needed Urgently!!
Like the larger more established relief organizations, Tammany Oaks is looking long term and expanding into some new space, a half finished building they are buying from another church. It is desperately needed to be a warehouse, dorm, kitchen and eating area, office, and indoor showers! Work must be completed by licensed tradesmen (checking on what that means in Louisiana and Mandeville) to pass inspection.
Obviously there are a lot of details to work out, but if there is any possibility that you would be able to help on this building during our Dec. 3, Dec. 26, or January 14 trips, please contact me about this special project. Contact info is on the right.
Here's the blog entry that speaks briefly about it. That entry also has a link to a powerpoint slideshow with more detail that explains what's happening and what's needed to get this thing operational in January.
John McGuire
Obviously there are a lot of details to work out, but if there is any possibility that you would be able to help on this building during our Dec. 3, Dec. 26, or January 14 trips, please contact me about this special project. Contact info is on the right.
Here's the blog entry that speaks briefly about it. That entry also has a link to a powerpoint slideshow with more detail that explains what's happening and what's needed to get this thing operational in January.
John McGuire
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Couple of Tidbits...
Those of us from Ohio, West Virginia, and North Carolina who've volunteered in Louisiana with this group have so many stories to tell and found so many places where we saw Christ working in the hurricane stricken area. You can share these with the greater population of volunteers who have been working through Tammany Oaks by mailing them to katrina_update.post@blogger.com. This blog has been available for a week or so at http://whereisawjesus.blogspot.com. WhereISawJesus is a great place to keep up on what is happening with the mission.
To further illustrate the need for volunteers, as stated in the news article I pointed out last week, large faith based groups are renting facilities planning a multiyear relief effort.
Some new pictures appeared on the sharing site this week (just found them today). These were taken by "Stacey" who I've inquired about further. I built a web gallery of her pics. There are two interesting subjects. They've been working in areas right by broken levies that really are apocalyptic scenes. Also, they've been distributing school and other supplies through schools. You can see an amazing flood of yellow shirts in this work. Her gallery (which says John McGuire at the top of the pages through some frustrating settings in Photoshop Elements) is at: http://www.therenos.com/katrinaPictures/stacey/Gallery/index.htm
More people are inquiring about going on trips. On December 3, just under three weeks away, we will see off the next group. Join us in praying for the Lord to send more harvesters to his field.
To further illustrate the need for volunteers, as stated in the news article I pointed out last week, large faith based groups are renting facilities planning a multiyear relief effort.
Some new pictures appeared on the sharing site this week (just found them today). These were taken by "Stacey" who I've inquired about further. I built a web gallery of her pics. There are two interesting subjects. They've been working in areas right by broken levies that really are apocalyptic scenes. Also, they've been distributing school and other supplies through schools. You can see an amazing flood of yellow shirts in this work. Her gallery (which says John McGuire at the top of the pages through some frustrating settings in Photoshop Elements) is at: http://www.therenos.com/katrinaPictures/stacey/Gallery/index.htm
More people are inquiring about going on trips. On December 3, just under three weeks away, we will see off the next group. Join us in praying for the Lord to send more harvesters to his field.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A thank you and request from one of our new friends
Editor's Note: Received this today from one of the team members from near Cleveland, Lee StaufferSee below for an email from Danny and Luca to see where all the Spring Road donated appliances went. This is a picture of Kevin (Ohio), Danny (Slidell) and Lee (me Ohio) and Luca (Mandeville) in front of Danny's destroyed house in Slidell. In case you didn't know, Dan and Luca are the local men who took all the appliances.
We have an effort to accumulate more donated appliances, kitchen sets, boys and girls bedroom sets, as requested by Dan and Luca. We hope to coordinate our efforts with the Spring Road church efforts, for example, staging donations with you and working delivery through your planned trips in December, January and February
We are exploring the possibility of acquiring some low cost used autos, as the need described by Dan and Luca seems great.
October 11, 2005
Lee,
How is everything going. I tried to call you the day after we had showed you our side of town to see if you needed any help gutting houses. I got your company voice mail, so I figured I couldn’t reach you. We really appreciate the stuff you brought. I have distributed everything to various families in need. I will go through my neighborhood and get a list of things for you. Most have said that they liked the idea of us trying to coordinate the efforts to make a bigger difference.
Many were like I was when we were first talking only asking for clothes, because they do not want to seem selfish. I assured them you all really wanted to help and wanted to know the things that we really need and may be able to continue to use in the future. Furniture and appliances were things that were mentioned. Gift cards to home depot, Lowes, Sears and Wal-Mart also seem like really good ideas.
If this is not what you were expecting from me and I am being too pushy please tell me! I would like to make it easier for you to figure out how to help. I need things just like others, but I see an opportunity to help many with our connection. If you ever have any reservations about anything please let me know.
Just in making the trip down here and visiting with my cousins and I you made a difference. I wanted to let you know that 2 stoves went to a lady that not only lost her house but her rental house that was a form of income for her. One fridge went to my sister-in-law who was living out of an ice chest. One went to my mom who is just basically living with my cousin. One fridge and one stove went to a para from Slidell jr. that is living atop the concession stand at the local baseball field, and the other is going to a teacher who lived on that 1st road we brought you down with all the houses gone. The dishwasher went somewhere, but I don't really know where, because my wife gave it away while I was at work.
I just wanted you to get a small idea of how much you already helped. Tell your friends we thank them tremendously and if they do not mind I want them to send me some copies of the pictures. It takes good men to do what ya'll did and we will not forget it around here. I'll have to send you a mailing address for me, because I do not have one at the present time.
Thanks, you have no idea the difference you are making,
Danny Tullis
Update on tornado relief in Evansville Indiana
I spoke with Bill Bowley, a member of the ministry staff at Crossroads Christian Church in Evansville Indiana this evening with the goal of making plans for a long weekend relief trip. Instead I got a rather amazing waive off. As extraordinarily damaging as the storm was, they have had massive volunteer response and have handled the immediate need.
On Sunday they put out the call for volunteers expecting 50 or so, but 200 showed up. On Monday 400-600 came and worked, and around 600 more today. He has a map showing damaged areas that need attention marked in green and marks them off with red as they are covered. As of tonight, he has only 2 green areas left, individual streets in a couple of developments. WOW! And, the church has been functioning as a Red Cross shelter and relief center this week.
His expectation is that 600-700 will come tomorrow and finish off the immediate need. I'll be checking in over the next week as to their status and he has our contact info should they determine they need out of town help.
God is Good!
On Sunday they put out the call for volunteers expecting 50 or so, but 200 showed up. On Monday 400-600 came and worked, and around 600 more today. He has a map showing damaged areas that need attention marked in green and marks them off with red as they are covered. As of tonight, he has only 2 green areas left, individual streets in a couple of developments. WOW! And, the church has been functioning as a Red Cross shelter and relief center this week.
His expectation is that 600-700 will come tomorrow and finish off the immediate need. I'll be checking in over the next week as to their status and he has our contact info should they determine they need out of town help.
God is Good!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Harrowing Tales Emerging from Sunday's Storms
There are many new victims of another catastrophe for us to pray about and consider helping today. A major twister up to 3/4 of a mile wide destroyed 100 mobile homes damaging another 125, destroyed an apartment complex, and private residences near Evansville, Indiana very early Sunday morning. The path of the storm is over 20 miles long.http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/11/07/tornado/index.html
Local info in the Louisville paper here.
Like other stories that we have been following, the death toll, property destruction, and human suffering that has been wrought is still surfacing. A 22nd person has just been found to be a victim and over 200 have been treated for injuries.
Pray hard and pray often.
If you have connections in this area and can provide information about needs, please get me in contact with them.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Still Going and Going And going .................
Hey team we are still at it and God is at work. He is so faithful.
Yesterday I received a call from a church in Springfield Oh who has 750 filled book bags for kids. They said if we can get them to LA we can have them. I am going over tomorrow to pick up as many as I can get in the trailer I have and we will see about the rest from there.
Praise God for all He does and how he supplies.
We currently have 4 people signed up and about 4 or 5 thinking about the December 3 trip. If you are interested in going then please get with me.
There is a lot happening in Mandeville and God is at work.
Check out this new blog http://whereisawjesus.blogspot.com/ (more on how to post to that later). It is our hope that God will provide the time and information to keep it filled with current activities and praises.
I know you are all in prayer. We love you for all you have done and ask that you continue to remember our brothers and sisters in LA, MS and Fl. Pass on the DVD’s and spread the word. We continue to pick up new interest in working in the area and know God will use us.
Also for those who want to be a part of a single massive effort check out http://www.eightdaysofhope.com.
Pray for us and we continue to be thankful and in prayer for you.
Brad Hayes
Yesterday I received a call from a church in Springfield Oh who has 750 filled book bags for kids. They said if we can get them to LA we can have them. I am going over tomorrow to pick up as many as I can get in the trailer I have and we will see about the rest from there.
Praise God for all He does and how he supplies.
We currently have 4 people signed up and about 4 or 5 thinking about the December 3 trip. If you are interested in going then please get with me.
There is a lot happening in Mandeville and God is at work.
Check out this new blog http://whereisawjesus.blogspot.com/ (more on how to post to that later). It is our hope that God will provide the time and information to keep it filled with current activities and praises.
I know you are all in prayer. We love you for all you have done and ask that you continue to remember our brothers and sisters in LA, MS and Fl. Pass on the DVD’s and spread the word. We continue to pick up new interest in working in the area and know God will use us.
Also for those who want to be a part of a single massive effort check out http://www.eightdaysofhope.com.
Pray for us and we continue to be thankful and in prayer for you.
Brad Hayes
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Message on Missions - Dr. David M. Faust
David Faust, President of Cincinnati Christian University, spoke at Westerville Christian this morning for Missions Sunday. He taught from Mathew 9:35-38 that we've found applies so well to our effort. For reference, that is:
He presented this lesson so well that I asked his permissions to share it with members of this relief effort and he happily agreed. You can find the MP3s of his talk on the picture site in this folder: http://www.therenos.com/katrinaPictures/David%20Faust/
Now everyone gets their own message from any given sermon. Mine was that the calling God has put on my heart is real and will be fulfilled. Many others of you have told me you have the same motivation to spend more time or full time in missions and ministry. While you won't hear it three services in a row running presentation graphics like I did ;-) I think you'll find Dave's talk inspirational too.
The Workers Are Few 35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
He presented this lesson so well that I asked his permissions to share it with members of this relief effort and he happily agreed. You can find the MP3s of his talk on the picture site in this folder: http://www.therenos.com/katrinaPictures/David%20Faust/
Now everyone gets their own message from any given sermon. Mine was that the calling God has put on my heart is real and will be fulfilled. Many others of you have told me you have the same motivation to spend more time or full time in missions and ministry. While you won't hear it three services in a row running presentation graphics like I did ;-) I think you'll find Dave's talk inspirational too.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Faith Based Relief - Times Picayune
I don't know what you all thought you were signing up for when we first got into this, but I imagine, like me, you never considered the long term implications. This article is a front page item in the Times Picayune today. I hope you can all take the time to read it, though it is rather long. Some important quotes:
Life on this planet is practical, however. We can't all up and leave. We have families to support, jobs and employees who count on us, and ministry work locally.
The solution to both problems is to share this experience that we have had. Go when we can, but continually pray for and offer the opportunity to others. This call from God that we are all hearing is to be recruiters and not just doers. If you need any asisstance presenting what we have been doing, seeing, and feeling, where you don't feel you can do so yourselves please contact Brad, Troy, Robin, or I.
Shout it from the mountain tops. God is good! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _!
Amen.
"We feel changed. We'll go back different than we were going in. We've gained much more than we've given," Hoffman said.
For the present, however, "It's impossible to describe waves of compassion that swept through the Gulf region after Katrina," said Jim Towey, [President's Office of Faith Based Initiatives] director. He called the work "historic and heroic."In order to keep answering, our mission requires one thing... More volunteers. Those of us who have gone and many who for very good reasons could not go have felt and continue to hear this call. Absolutely every person who has volunteered that I have talked to since our return has been anxious to go back and heartsick to not be there now.
The Salvation Army has purchased a warehouse in LaPlace to store food for its massive distribution program. "That's a three-year commitment," spokeswoman Capt. Deb Osborn said.
"This is a major, major catastrophic disaster, and it's going to take five years, minimum, maybe a decade, to get people back into shape," said Gordon Knuckey, an official with the United Methodist Committee on Relief. "I know we're settling in for at least five years."
Thirteen Southern Baptist mobile kitchens working in southeast Louisiana are about to reach a landmark of 10 million meals, four times the previous records, set in the Sept. 11 recovery and after last year's cluster of Florida hurricanes, said Robert Reccord of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
Kathy Powers, a staff member at Aurora [Methodist Church] who receives the volunteers, had similar sentiments. "Most people speak of feeling a real compelling call," Powers said. "It's a feeling that this is what God wants me to do, and many say it's so strong they simply cannot say no."
Life on this planet is practical, however. We can't all up and leave. We have families to support, jobs and employees who count on us, and ministry work locally.
The solution to both problems is to share this experience that we have had. Go when we can, but continually pray for and offer the opportunity to others. This call from God that we are all hearing is to be recruiters and not just doers. If you need any asisstance presenting what we have been doing, seeing, and feeling, where you don't feel you can do so yourselves please contact Brad, Troy, Robin, or I.
Shout it from the mountain tops. God is good! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _!
Amen.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Brett White's Video
Brett White, aka "hippie", aka "ministry hobo" build a movie of pics, many of them taken by people from Columbus. If you have broadband, you can find it here. Download will take several minutes. If you're on dialup, don't even try it ;-)
Got Stuff?
So many of you so kindly donated items to be used by our teams while in LA. We thank you for all you have done and for allowing us the use of these items. I know a lot of time and effort has gone into making these items available and in getting them to us. We pray that God will bless your family and expand your boundaries as a direct result of your faith.
The following items remain at the Spring Road Building and are available for pickup most days and during special arrangements:
2 Large Green Tarps
1 portable fold up camp table
12 fold up chairs different colors and sizes
6 folding lawn chairs different colors
8 small propane tanks (filled)
1 blue tent with metal poles
1 sleeping bag – blue outside and red white and blue plaid inside
2 sleeping bags with blue and yellow outsides
1 sleeping bag blue and green outside
1 sleeping bag black
1 green and black air mattress
3 blue air mattresses
1 taupe air mattress
1 small oscillating fan
2 extension cords
2 green and white tents with mosquito mesh sides
Several tools including hammers, crow-bars, and small sledge
1 green and gray cooler on wheels
1 Coleman 1\2 gal cooler
Please make arrangements to come by and pick your items up. Again we appreciate you help.
I also need to inform you that we will be canceling our volunteer trip for Nov 5. We simply had no one sign up for it. We have 3 so far for the first week in December, 6 over Christmas break and several committed for the Jan 14 trip. Please be in prayer about your availability to go and help and spread the word to friends and associates about our work. There is still much to do in LA and MS and they need us. It is our prayer that the DVD’s will help get the word out to some new people to help in our work and in what we are trying to do in our service to our Lord.
He is still at work and He still has a plan …………… we just need to figure out if we are part of it!!!!
Because He first loved us,
Brad
The following items remain at the Spring Road Building and are available for pickup most days and during special arrangements:
2 Large Green Tarps
1 portable fold up camp table
12 fold up chairs different colors and sizes
6 folding lawn chairs different colors
8 small propane tanks (filled)
1 blue tent with metal poles
1 sleeping bag – blue outside and red white and blue plaid inside
2 sleeping bags with blue and yellow outsides
1 sleeping bag blue and green outside
1 sleeping bag black
1 green and black air mattress
3 blue air mattresses
1 taupe air mattress
1 small oscillating fan
2 extension cords
2 green and white tents with mosquito mesh sides
Several tools including hammers, crow-bars, and small sledge
1 green and gray cooler on wheels
1 Coleman 1\2 gal cooler
Please make arrangements to come by and pick your items up. Again we appreciate you help.
I also need to inform you that we will be canceling our volunteer trip for Nov 5. We simply had no one sign up for it. We have 3 so far for the first week in December, 6 over Christmas break and several committed for the Jan 14 trip. Please be in prayer about your availability to go and help and spread the word to friends and associates about our work. There is still much to do in LA and MS and they need us. It is our prayer that the DVD’s will help get the word out to some new people to help in our work and in what we are trying to do in our service to our Lord.
He is still at work and He still has a plan …………… we just need to figure out if we are part of it!!!!
Because He first loved us,
Brad
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Uncommonly Personal Reporting
Was somehow pleased to hear a professional, hard nosed reporter with the impression we have come away with:
Article
Seeing it in person, I can't seem to wrap my head around it. Even as I read over my notes, I can't believe it.
Maybe it'll get easier.
Somehow I doubt it.
Daniel Sieberg
Florida - Thursday UPDATED @ 11:00PM
UPDATE: I talked this evening with someone from Hialeah Church of Christ on the north side of Miami Florida who had been to Tammany Oaks two weeks ago. While he says it's nothing like Louisiana and Mississippi have been, they are none-the-less short on ICE, Propane for grills, and water. Their biggest resource shortage is gas, but not much we can do about that. Destruction is spotty and some are quite needy while others are just fine. We still need to help the needy ones.
We're going to try to mobilize some supplies to them, but that may be one of two forms. We can collect a lot of stuff here and ship it like we have been, but we are checking to see if it is not faster, more economical, and efficient to purchase bulk supplies from a national supply company and have them dropped at the church.
Other ideas are welcome. You can email me, call at 614-523-3996, or call Brad at the numbers to the right.
Check back for futher updates Friday and look for an email when the plan is solidified.
For up to date news from the area:
The Miami Herald has a blog up that seems to be very current and informative at http://blogs.herald.com/herald_hurricane_reports/. The main site is http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/.
Napels news is here: http://stormedition.naplesnews.com/.
The keys are covered by: http://www.keysnews.com/hurricaneedition/
We're going to try to mobilize some supplies to them, but that may be one of two forms. We can collect a lot of stuff here and ship it like we have been, but we are checking to see if it is not faster, more economical, and efficient to purchase bulk supplies from a national supply company and have them dropped at the church.
Other ideas are welcome. You can email me, call at 614-523-3996, or call Brad at the numbers to the right.
Check back for futher updates Friday and look for an email when the plan is solidified.
For up to date news from the area:
The Miami Herald has a blog up that seems to be very current and informative at http://blogs.herald.com/herald_hurricane_reports/. The main site is http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/.
Napels news is here: http://stormedition.naplesnews.com/.
The keys are covered by: http://www.keysnews.com/hurricaneedition/
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