Though I am home now in Colorado the home of my choice, I still lament. I had such a wonderful experience in North Dakota. I loved the camaraderie and general up building of each other. It was like a kind of grown-up summer camp. Our mission was clear and determined each e came back dead tired ready for a hot shower and dinner after which was a time of testimony and story telling. This was the highlight of the day! I sort of became a site supervisor thinking that if I can build it, I can tear it down. But nothing got done at all with out the volunteers, myself included. The work was brutal and tiring but ever so faithful were the workers that gave their time and travel to be there. The town came together and all churches and city government came together. Operation Blessing was set up at St. Anthony’s Church and we used their school for a bunk house and they turned over the basement kitchen to us. The Methodist Church invited us for meals and services. In fact, all churches in town were working together with each other and the city government to coordinate efforts! In fact, the Red Cross came to town to provide temp housing but soon left because every one had an alternate place to stay. There was separation of “church and state” in this town, for they needed each other.
Why does it take a disaster for this to happen? Ken from the Billy Graham Association told me that he feels that disaster relief is the new evangelism. That could be; for many hear the gospel by your actions alone. I also grew to a small understanding of the resources to manage this effort. Samaitan’s Purse showed up on the same lot with a fully outfitted 50′ tractor/trailer full of tools and equipment.
It’s no secret that I loved this experience and it fulfills an inner need for me in service. I want to do more but I need financial support to do so, or I need more disposal income to afford just the travel expenses. I sometimes feel lost in God’s direction for my life now. But I am willing and am listening. Please pray for me.
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This post was written by keithblog on April 23, 2009
