DRCongo Photos Here

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Where is the Journey Going?

Big question there.. Where is the Journey Going?

Wouldn't it be amazing if any of us could answer a question like that for ourselves? Oh, I'm headed to this and going to be just like this and have these things and do this with my life. Just after I write that, I begin thinking about how lame that would be. What would I/you do with ourselves if we knew everything before we got there.

I've felt a comfort and to be honest, a security in who I am lately. I am getting a sense of who God has created me to be and for what purpose. I don't think I am responding to anything that God isn't calling us all to be a part of, but I do feel that I am sensing the Spirit of God around me and guiding me towards it.

God is calling us to be better people by loving someone else more than ourselves. I get overwhelmed daily by the amount of people that suffer because I or we don't help them. Maybe we don't help because we don't have thousands of dollars in our pocket to donate or even know how best to help. But, I don't think that that is what it's about. It's for me to say I don't know how to fix that but I'll find someone that can and by doing so, commit to someone else.

I know my blogs probably sound a lot alike, but it's part of the journey right now. I can't get over it and I'm in journey for myself to get this concept.

I have to help first and foremost...

The Journey is good

Hello Again

Hello friends..

Sorry for such a delay. Life has been hectic with NLFW and getting prepared for Congo.

You can get up to speed at these links if you choose.

www.atthelink.com
www.allaboardthehtrain.com

It's been an overwhelming in I guess a good way couple of weeks with the new pressures that face me at NLFW and the work I'm attempting to get done. Never thought I would become a social worker but it's what's happening. I guess we all should be social workers because we're all dealing with people everyday and I believe the world would be a little bit better if we all make efforts of understanding the factors facing each others lives.

We've got to acknowledge that we can't, no matter how hard we try get away from "people." Unless you're willing to move to some remote place in the world and live off the land by yourself forever. How amazing that sounds and how meaningless and lonely you would be.

I don't know where the journey is going..

Africa Team

Here is the team from FMC that will be headed to DR Congo in July/August

Gwen
Andrew & Michelle
Clint & Emily
Tony & Megan
Cheryl
Lisa
Rena & Furquah

Super stoked!

Africa Finalized

Africa is finally finalized for Michelle and I.

We'll be departing on July 27th and returning on August 7th.

We're really excited for the opportunity and can't completely comprehend what the experience will be like, but that's a good thing.

Africa Update

Michelle and I were invited to be included in the next couple of trips to the Congo through our church's Project 58 campaign. Project 58 is the name given to our long term commitment to World Relief and to Congo. 58 is a reference to Isaiah 58..

We were asked to go in June and then lead another trip within a year. The hope is that our church can begin pouring in and support the efforts made by young adults and/or couples that would add stability to the project and provide leadership on future trips. We're all about this idea. The first trip is in June and the second would be in August and then again potentially in February.

Well, we committed to the trip in June with our friends Joe and Steph only. Then I was to co-lead with another staff person from our church in August for a group size of 10. Michelle just wouldn't be able to take that much time off with so little time in between. But I could do to the nature of my work.

This has been shaking down for a month or so now and the nature of short term trips are always changing. So, there has been some wrinkles.

The second trip has been coming together despite a later start than desired and the high cost of airfare. $3000 per ticket round trip, crazy!! Late last week we found out that all the exiting flights from Kigali Rwanda are sold out for over a week straight during our trip and when we were planning on leaving. So, the trip is getting moved into July a few weeks.

This puts a pinch on me and my job. 4 weeks in between trips was pushing it, but now only 2-3 weeks is making two trips impossible. Not sure what is all going to shake out, but got to make a decision soon..

Keep you posted.. journey has many bumps

Service Day Saturday

This Saturday we're partnering with Blackhawk Ministries to launch into the NE community of Fort Wayne to meet the needs of a handful of individuals requesting help.

I'm stoked about this because we really could see a lot of momentum in the NE quadrant due to a few churches really embracing serving their community.

What could this look like? Let's see, at least one initiative each month that could include 3 churches and their members reaching out to those in need. It could even look like a few churches each weekend organizing service projects.

Think what could happen if the majority of the churches in the NE quadrant decided to collaborate and meet major needs in their areas. Each church decides to get outside of their walls, meet the felt needs, and take their message of hope with them.

Join us this Saturday...

Blackhawk Ministries - NE Fort Wayne

andrew@nlfw.org if interested

Good Spot

I'm in a great spot as ED of the organization I work for. We are volunteer based organization that seeks out agencies dealing with social issues and needs and operate a website that volunteers can connect to those needs. I say that I'm in a great spot because I don't have to worry day to day about having the funding to continue operation due to a great board of directors.

On the other hand, I am constantly trying to fight and fix things that I see that are broken but in reality maybe aren't. We get lots of projects that our group of volunteers cannot do on a given weekend or due to financial resources not being available. But, we get a lot of projects that can be completed and do get completed. I find myself in the tension of wanting to push forward at my own pace and not the pace of God. In the balance of living in my own strength and not in the strength of the Spirit in which I desperately need to complete the type of work I am attempting.

The people in need need God's grace and mercy and for Him to provide. I need God to provide daily and the organization needs God's intervention to solve bigger issues. Faith can be such a fine line, especially when we have skills and resources. In matters of physicality, we can do so much without Christ at times...almost too much.

The Journey keeps getting longer...

Pictures of last Week...

Pictures from the past week taken by my phone. It was a great week long celebration

Happy 2-7 to me I guess

Today is the day I was born 27 years ago… and yes… you get to walk like an Egyptian on your birthday. Bringing you a little vintage Andrew here.

I’m usually not really all that big on birthdays, but Michelle makes celebrations awesome. What a great wife! We’ll have to keep you posted on the festivities and events of the day.

A trip to the doctor is in the plans.. excitement is brewing

House pt 2

So, the house thing didn't work out. There were just too many unknowns with the deal and the risks were high. Unfortunately, we'll wait.

HOUSE

Michelle and I have been looking for a house in a neighborhood that is meaningful to us for many reasons. Many of you that know us, know that our desire is to live somewhere we can embrace community and attempt to live out ideas of community development and allow God to transform us through that process.

We've looked at many houses over the past year in this neighborhood. The one you see above is the most recent house. We looked at this house towards the end of February. This house is what they call a "short sale" type house and is scheduled to go to sheriff's sale on Thursday. We've made a couple of offers only to be turned down by the bank... UNTIL Today.. The bank called the listing agent who called our agent and said that we could have the house for a price that's quite a bit less than the listing price but more than we offered the last time.

We believe it's still a pretty good deal, but we're not extremely sure. We've been praying for this neighborhood and for something to come along, but as you may know, when a decision like this comes along, you can't get enough assurance.

Please think and pray for us on this.. We'll keep you posted. Decision time is tonight!!

Let me tell you a story about my wife

She loves with an unselfish love. She loves children that sometimes have no one else to love them. The children have been ravaged by diseases outside of their control. The kids she loves didn't choose cancer. They didn't choose sickle cell anemia. They didn't choose cystic fibrosis. They didn't choose abusive or neglecting parents.

Sometimes these children have parents that are laying their entire lives and families on the line for their sick child. Going so far in debt that they couldn't even dream of escaping it. Their families are inevitably broken due to the stress a child with cancer places on them. These families are many times left to suffer on their own. No support groups, churches, close friends to journey with them. They are left questioning the God they know or the God that is supposed to save them from all bad things. Regardless of whether or not they know this God, they are left questioning why them, why their child?

More times than you would like to know, you have families that neglect their children through these diseases. They drop their child off at the hospital for a week and only come to visit when it's time to pick them up. They don't monitor their medicines or diets and wonder why their kid is attempting suicide. They wonder why their child is getting in trouble with the law and doesn't care about anything, even living and beating their disease.

My wife is passionate woman that cannot let children suffer alone. She will fight for their lives and fight alongside the parents ready to fight by equipping them with the tools and resources to succeed. She will love these children, she will hold these children, she will cry for these children, she will laugh with these children, she will make the little girls princesses, and she will make the little boys meet their heroes. She will live vibrantly with them and she will be hurt when they hurt.

She shows me more of what Christ's unconditional love looks like for us than anyone else I know. I want to be more like my wife.

First Race

I entered my first mountain bike race yesterday. It's been a long time since I raced anything. My family owned a Honda motorcycle dealership growing up, so I've been riding and racing on two wheels for a long time, but not since early college. I decided last summer that I needed to reconnect to the woods and mountain biking would be the connection.

So, yesterday was the day that I would try racing again. I knew going in that I was not going to be stiff competition for anyone and it was more about overcoming my anxiety to be competitive. The race format was a time trial which is a one lap race as fast as you can go of the given track. This race was held at Winona Lake in Warsaw which is home to a 10-mile loop. I think about 40 people showed to race yesterday. There are the really fast guys, the average guys, and then the beginners like me. There were even a handful of women that raced.

Finally the results... I finished, no wrecks, I had fun, I surprised myself, and Michelle and I met new people. I finished the 10-mile loop in 1:01 and the fastest time was 37 minutes. I have a long way to go to be super competitive.

I look forward to the next race...

Post High Group

Michelle and I had the opportunity to share our stories this past Saturday with a group of post high students looking for guidance and a place to have a conversation about how to be change to a world they are becoming angst about. We were able to share about how the last few years for us has been a whirlwind of life change and growing increasingly aware of the social issues of our city and our world. How I transitioned from a career of marketing to a career of helping people find solutions to their needs. And, how Michelle works with families that have so much going on in their lives with a sick children and a whole lot of other social issues.

We're not sure that we are all that compelling, but believe God is wrecking our lives on purpose so we become more about others and less about ourselves. It's good to see young adults come together and dialogue together about social change...and more importantly get together and talk about how they need to change the way they live their lives to be a part of the solution.

Personal transformation is at the core of it all. Living in the tension of our need to change and living in the tension of felt needs is crucial to our discipleship in Christ.

To a tension filled journey....

Time Warp

So, since I work out of my home, I spend a lot of time in coffee shops. If you are from Fort Wayne, then you know the coffee shop brand of stores called Aspen. Aspen had a lodge type feel to the stores. Light & dark woods, brown leather furniture, etc.. Typical coffee shop feel with a slight Lodge feel.

Well, Aspen recently sold to Espresso Gallery, another local coffee shop franchise. Obviously they needed to update the space to fit their brand of shop and the look they desired. The above picture shows the new look.

It looks like they time warped, but I'm not sure which direction they went. Into the future or back to the past... Good idea, maybe.. maybe just poor execution. I'm not sure and totally realize this is my own opinion and won't be held by all.

If your journey needs a coffee break, stop by and decide for yourself.

Bike Commuting...Kinda

So...I'll be honest and say that I drive a Land Rover. It's pretty amazing. Everything that I could want in a vehicle and it does more than any average human being needs a vehicle to do...BUT if you ever find yourself in the Sahara Dessert or in the traversing the back county in Colorado, you have the correct ride to do so.. Plus it's got a sweet name, Clifford.

If I'm even more honest, I'll admit it's not the most logical vehicle one should drive or spend their money on. It's extravagant and maybe not the wisest purchase I've ever made even though I love it, it's useful for us, and we don't have any interest in getting rid of it. We hope to drive the wheels off of it as most people try to say. If you have known me in the past, vehicles are a weakness.

Anyway.. even though the vehicle is a major contributor to global warming and my carbon footprint and even probably the cause for the gas prices due to the massive amounts of fuel "Clifford" needs, my wife Michelle and I are doing a little more everyday to reduce our effect on the environment. Recycling, renewable resources & daily goods, and the new option, commuting via bike...kinda. Making responsibly decisions to have a positive effect are hard and require constant questioning.

I recently took post close to downtown Ft Wayne on South Calhoun and have decided that in an effort to be more green and to be healthier, that driving to my work post and then commuting around town will be my first step towards these goals. I frequently have meetings or lunches downtown which is just a short ride. My hope is that I will gain the courage to ride the bus from my apartment with my bike to the office and then be totally dependent on the bike and bus. Baby steps.. Navigating the Citilink system seems crazy. The other major factor is the "sweat" factor. Come 80 degree temperatures, comes a new dilemma that follows large guys like me. I'm not too sure my meetings will appreciate a sweaty guy.

So, if you are interested in joining the bikes & buses challenge or want to keep me accountable, just let me know.

Here is to journeys via bikes & buses -

It's About Time

Sorry for the sideway picture, but couldn't figure out how to rotate it in this blogging system. Anyway, just a picture to highlight my new addiction to mountain biking. The trails were beginning to dry out early this week which lead to three good rides. Unfortunately, it's rained again and is in the forecast for the next few days which slows the progress.

I am realizing that mountain biking is difficult. It's like riding a bike through sand at times and like constant sprinting when you hit a hill. I'm glad I have a lot of experience riding trails from my dirt bike years growing up. I upgraded to clip in pedals in which your shoes actually click into your pedals and become attached for those unaware of serious biking. So far it's not as difficult or scary as I was anticipating, but I'm sure I'm in for an epic crash in which I can't get my feet unattached soon enough.

So, anyone that wants to begin riding, let me know. I'm hoping to ride 4-5 times a week or more. We'll see though.

Not Sure What To Think

Friday night I get a call from a like named individual that doubles as a great friend about some recent tickets to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds play acoustically at Assembly Hall on IU's campus on behalf of Barak Obama's campaign. It was a rally to get young college kids to at least register to vote as today is the last day to register in the state if Indiana.

I said it sounds amazing. Dave & Tim acoustic, and part of a political campaign at a major US college campus. I think I'd like to see something like that and just take in the event. Well, the tickets were free to most, but it took some cash to get ours, no biggy, kinda expected. It's a general admission show, which means getting in line way too many hours early just to get a couple of good seats. A free general admission show that includes Dave Matthews and a college campus recently rated to the top party college in the US just means another reason to camp out the night before in line and party nonstop until the show begins. You see a little bit of everything, including a table and chairs in the middle of the line hosting some cards.

Needless to say, most students were way past normal and in full "good times" mode. To say students were there because of their political interest in support of Obama would just not be true except for a small percentage, and those were the student volunteers. As my friend Andrew mentioned, the students of IU are NOT in support of Obama's environmental policy as they leave their trash strewn throughout the place.

In my most optimistic state I believe the youth of this country are the future and the change makers, but my hope took a major blow yesterday. To see the lawlessness and blatant lack of respect for each other and themselves was sad to see. So, the concert and event's purpose was amazing, but not sure if it was worth 4.5hrs of waiting including 5hrs of round trip travel. I'm glad it was the nicest day of the year!

What's Right?

Had a good morning in a place I need to spend more time. A place where Christ following individuals are trying to help people, but in a way that forces the recipient to be part of the solution. A place where the leadership holds people accountable to the assistance they are seeking. A place I think a lot of people providing assistance to people need to serve.

For example. If you are requesting financial assistance for an electric bill due to not having a job. Not only must you provide you bill, ID, financial records, you must answer a handful of other questions. They check to see if there are any warrants out for your arrest and also IndianaUnclaimed.com to see if you have any money out there waiting for you to claim. Say you owe $500. They review all the info they've collected and may decide they will provide $125 towards that bill, in which they will write directly to the service provider. Before you get that cash, depending on your situation, you must come up with the rest of the funds to completely pay the bill somehow, attend at least one church session at a church of your choice, complete two bible studies just to get the person in the word at their home, look for a job in at least 10 places, and do all this within 2-weeks. You have to do all this prior to them writing the check. So, it makes you really work for the assistance. I felt like everything they were asking of someone was within a healthy boundary.

As I interact with more people in need and wrestle with thoughts on community development and understand more of who Christ is calling us to be, I need more situations like this to operate in. I quickly realize that I need to be in situations where I interact with those in need more often to know what is the right or the wrong thing to do. I can't continue operating out of my safe, comfortable area and feel confident that I know what's best. What I think is best, is typically jaded and best for me, not them.

Think about that you as you journey this week.. Are you spending time in the margins.

I love birthdays..especially when they are at Takaoka

So, my niece turned 11 last week and the family celebrated at Takaoka. The great Japanese style steakhouse here in Fort Wayne. Every time you sit in front of a fire hot table and watch an Asian or Hispanic (lunch chef at Benihana last time we went) slice and dice his way through dinner, it's gonna be a good time. Our chef was really good last night and pretty funny, he even make a rap song joke by singing Fat Joe's "Lean Back" when he lit the onion on fire and chuckling. I nearly lost it because I was the only one that got the reference.

Last night was also Birthday Night. In the hour and half we were there, there were probably 10 birthdays celebrated by a grainy recording of Happy Birthday in Japanese and sprinkler lit rainbow sherbert.

So, if you find yourself in need of a fun evening with your date of choice, consider a little Japanese at Takaoka.

Timber!

Timber!

What Does Easter Dinner Look Like For You?

“Lk. 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.””

Mine needs to look a little like this...

The Journey is blinding

Yeah Right...Maybe?

Lk. 12:32-33 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Could we really live this out? Could we, in today's society, the society that consumes and suffocates us, live in a way that our pockets would be emptied for others and not ourselves? Could we sell our possessions and give to the poor?

If we can't live this exactly, then how can we come as close as possible? Could we relocate into a marginalized, under resourced area of town? Could we start a new business or learning center to educate and train individuals?

I don't know.. There are more questions than answers, and I think it's because just about any answer that moves you one step closer is the right answer. And, when answers come, more questions come requiring more steps towards answers.

Journey on my friends

First Ride

It is such an amazing day outside today. Such a great feeling to actually begin feeling Spring is on the way and to get outside and be active.

Today, I get home from a few meetings and decide it looked like a good day to put in the first bike ride of the year. I break out the air pump, pump up the tires, and hit the road to the coffee shop. I get there, have a nice cup of tea, and decide to take off for home.

Let's just say...as nice as it was riding to coffee, it was even better walking home. Guess it's time for a new tube (hopefully it's just a tube)

Double Blogging

Wanted to inform everyone that I am also blogging at.... www.atthelink.com. A blog that I set up for my new job and NeighborLink. I'm trying to keep them both going at the same time. So, if you don't see anything new here, check that blog out as well.

We're going to change the World together.. I can feel it.

The journey is just beginning....

Week 2

So, it's the beginning of week two as Executive Director at NeighborLink. It's been great so far.

List of things experienced so far:
1. My first non-profit networking luncheon
2. Developed my first few proposals for growth
3. Have a number of meetings set up with existing partnerships
4. Overwhelmed feelings of what did I get myself into

I've got so many ideas and thoughts rumbling in my head. Accumulated from five months of unemployed reflection on my life, state of this world, who is God in my life, what does it mean to live missionaly, what does it look like to invite others into a missional worldview, giving my time to and abilities to non-profits making a difference, and countless conversations with those engaged in the margins.

I believe that the Lord has given that time for this time and platform in my journey. Five months of questions and burdens only to have the platform to pursue the answers and relief from those burdens.

It was true when I was let go from Big and it's true now, God responds to the prayers that you place at His feet. I asked for a radical new way of living and that's where I am given the choice everyday to live.

The choice is ours.. To respond or not to.

Be a blessing..

Day 5 and the drive home

I'm posting a little late since we worked all day Friday and hit the road about 6pm that night to make the journey back and the exhaustion set in all weekend. So, today you get the final Hope City, Feb '08 installment. And a good one it is...

It was another rainy day Friday, but it was a little more sporadic than Thursday. We had a powwow during breakfast to get rallied up one last time and to get a game plan for the day. Friday was a shorter day than the other days due to the fact that we were leaving that evening and we needed to get the camp really clean. Also, we planned to visit a newly finished house that one of our teams was able to finish.

After breakfast everyone was rallied and took off towards their projects. Johnathan and I packed up and headed back towards the small church to finish up what we could that day. When we got there, our goal was to get a kitchen and the main sanctuary finished and sanded so it could have a texture sprayed on the ceilings and walls which is the last step. We sanded and sanded and sanded for most of the day. There's nothing like sanding drywall. It's a very tiring and messy process. We accomplished our goal that day and left on a really good note. Definitely a sense of accomplishment.

Orange peel texture














As everyone landed back at camp, similar stories of accomplishment began to be told. Everyone seemed to be really content with the work they were able to complete during the week. The Spirit was there all week in every one's hearts encouraging them to give all they had and to be reminded of the reason to serve. We all packed up, cleaned up, and left camp and headed towards the finished house.


The ladies bought me some boiled peanuts. Great southern food that I miss














The new house was awesome and probably one of the most adequate homes I've ever seen. The tenants were two wonderful, grateful, and inspirational people. Two people that most of us would walk by and write off on the street any day. After taking a tour of their 1,000 - 1,200 sq ft, two bedroom home, we convened in the living room/kitchen area. The new homeowner began to tell he and his wife's story of what their journey has been like over the past couple of years since the storm and the hope and faith they have had in the same God we all have was touching. They thanked everyone from HCRN, Monty and his family, us, and all on behalf of their family and every family that HCRN has provide houses for. It was well spoken from the heart and in turn broke all of ours as we reflect on the past week.

From there Monty spoke up and began to tell us a few stories and speak of his gratitude for all of us being there and continuing to come back. Now, Monty on the outside seems to a be this tough and reserved guy, but in reality, he is a very compassionate and passionate man. As Monty began to tell a story of money running short on a project, dipping into his families pocket to pay for some paint, and later in the day someone giving him the exact amount as a donation due to be more than needed for their project totally anonymous. He told story after story of God's continued blessings on those that give more than they receive. As he told his stories, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. The Holy Spirit moved through the room softening every one's hearts. We finished praying for the house and for Hope City and Steve Binkley spoke up and mentioned that we should pray for me as I begin my new role at Neighborlink and continued this spirit of servant hood and missional living at home. This was a very humbling moment for me that I won't soon forget.











































We all hit the road that evening. Some chose to drive straight through, some stopped, and some decided to sit down for a dinner prior to the trip. We chose to the hit road running and get home. We made excellent time and made it home safely by around 8:30am on Saturday morning. If I had to sum up the trip with one word it would be, beautiful. Everything about how people meshed together, projects were completed, relationships built, weather, etc. Everything was beautiful.

As a short journey ends it only fuels the bigger journey. I am inspired.

Day 4

Rain..Rain.. And more rain today. No one stayed dry today. Everyone had wet pant legs up to their calves from the water wicking up. Not a whole lot to report today. We started a few new projects for other clients of Hope City and continued trying to get work done around home base here to make life easier for the people that call Hope City home and future teams that make the trip down here.

Today I ventured into framing with Johnathan and Jed, who is a young guy that came last spring and again in June and hasn't left. So, he's here on staff helping out. Great story, great artist, great guy. I've never framed before and was eager to give it a shot this morning. Our goal was to finish a second level in one of the Sprung Huts which houses lumber and other supplies here at camp to create more space. This hut has a large door which needed to be open in order to work and it just happened to face the blowing rain which kept us cold and wet. The hut is also crammed pull of stuff and there is nowhere to work and everything has to be moved in order to work in any given spot. We did a lot of shuffling. It's was a very trying day today for me. Totally out of my element, nowhere to work, trying to stay dry, etc. I found myself ready to give up after about a half hour and very frustrated with everything in which made me overwhelmed.




























After everyone made it back to camp, it seemed to be the feeling held by most everyone. Cold, wet, dirty, crummy jobs, bugs, uhhh. It was very testing for everyone. We shook that off tonight by heading to the infamous Shed BBQ joint which truly does make some great BBQ and is a shed. With stomachs full and pant legs still wet, we relax tonight and look forward to tomorrow. Most of us will work all day, get cleaned up, and hit the road tomorrow evening. Please pray for us as we hit the road home tired.

Day 3

Day three came and went pretty quickly. The team was back at the drywall again and getting pretty good. We finished up what we could within about an hour in the morning and then had to wait quite a while for everything to dry. The ladies also began staining the front porch and staircase and had quite a fun time doing it. Each day someone in the church provides us lunch as a thank you for the volunteer labor. Today was an experience as we went to a Choice grocery for a "soul food" buffet. It was surprisingly good for a grocery store. Who knew you could get bread pudding and beef stroganoff at a grocery?

After lunch we got the brilliant idea that it's time to begin sanding the large room you see in one of the pictures by hand. We quickly tired out after about 5 minutes of continuous sanding. Everyone has been working in long sleeves up to this point because it's been a little cool in the house. We quickly got down to t-shirts after breaking a sweat. All and all the little church is coming along. Everyone is beginning to feel a sense of accomplishment as we see the church come together and the drywall come to an end.

Steve, Johnathan, Andrew














Dinner Prep














Tonight was the extended time of sharing after a wonderful chicken creole dinner. For the next hour and a half after dinner, we entered into a holy place as we invited God in and began to tell the stories of how Hope City is impacting us this week. It's hard to write about and get all the details correct, but know hearts have been moved and burdened in a missional way in just a few days. To hear about some individuals describe their need to get out of their own way and to realize it's not about them. To hear the admiration and appreciation that we all have for each other in just the short time knowing each other. The relationships that have been built in a few days have been amazing and for people to share openly their appreciation for the other in public is beautiful. We then finished the night by having the Brenemen family come to the center and they all knelt and we laid hands on them and lifted them to the Lord to pray for their lives and their service to Hope City. This family of six gave up the comfort of their lives in Indiana to lead a bunch of ragtag northerners week in and week out down here. Talk about missional living.




























I was hit on Tuesday night about how Hope City has impacted our body at FMC. After seeing what happens down here now twice, and to see the body of FMC engage in serving others and a concentrated time of relationship building, I can see how these trips over the last two years have changed the way people live at home and at church. Take Steve Binkley for instance, who out of his missional heart came down on his first trip and has taken it upon himself to educate, promote, and continue to lead trips to Hope City. This is the impact this place is having on FMC as Steve spends most of his time back in Indiana affecting lives there as well.

Continue to pray for us as rains move into the area and put a stress on the project management of this place and limits what some teams have been doing up to this point.

The journey is good...

Day 2

Another beautiful sunrise welcomed us as we exited our trailers into the brisk temperatures. Now I know it isn't as cold as Indiana is right now, but 40 degrees is 40 degrees. But we are becoming spoiled by the sunrises and sunsets over the Gulf.

As I mentioned before, everyone was pretty tired after day 1 so no reminders of lights out around here. Just a bunch of old guys ready to sleep. There was another great breakfast created by the cooks. The cooks have been amazing so far and have kept us well fed. I cooked last time I was here by myself for 20 people so I know they have a huge task on their hands to keep 40 or so people fed.

My team was back at drywalling again today. We arrived at the chapel eager and moving a little slower today but got right to work. I finished and pretty much did an entire room between yesterday and today and felt really good. Feels pretty good to learn some new skills. It's really tough work. Everyone was dragging by days end. Shoulder, necks, arms, backs, etc.. all tightning up by the time we were finished. We were able to finish about two hours earlier than supposed to and came back to camp. Some helped out at the Brenemen's(Hope City director and family) double wide trailer and some enjoyed the sun and the beach for a little reflection.

We all learned a thing or two about drywall and having fun while we do it.














Having lunch with the Reverend of this little church of about 20. Told us she stayed in her house throughout the entire storm which isn't far from here and have very little damage while the homes around her were demolished.














Finished Room














Hungry individuals














All in all a great day. It's great to hear the stories from the day and here about the new relationship being built and the interactions being had. Tonight we had two families that are in the process of having their homes built by Hope City and hear their stories. Everyone down here to serve is here completely to give of themselves. Over half the team has been here multiple times. We talk a lot about how we at FMC have contributed to Hope City and how in turn are changing peoples lives. I would dare to say that body and staff of FMC have been effected by Hope City. I believe our church community has been shaped by this and is continuing to become more and more aware that "missions" isn't about packing up and hitting another continent, it's everyday life and it's a long-term commitment.

This trip is the focus and experience that I need right now as I enter into Neighborlink. This is a testament of God's plans unfolding before me in His timing and is a result of attempting to live in the Spirit.

The Journey is just beginning....

Day 1

Wow.. I'm tired. I think I've forgotten what work feels like. Four months with a very light schedule has been amazing. I think God knew I was about to get a new job and sent me on a little boot camp to get back into working shape. Funny guy.....

As you can see, it was a beautiful morning. There is nothing like waking up early and watching the sun rise over a large body of water. We were all up early due to the deforestation that took place in the bunks last night by all the snorers. God bless iPods.




























Much was accomplished today by all. Lots of drywall, some finish trim work, new construction, etc. Today, Steve Troxel and I became the #4 and #5 best drywall mudders in camp. 8 hours of this makes me see why nobody likes it. I had a fun time, but won't be able to move my arms above my shoulders tomorrow. I guess everyone needed to be worn down in order to get a good night's sleep.

We worked today at a small church called Unity Chapel. Hope City doesn't have a big connection with this church. They heard of Hope City and asked if they could provide some volunteer labor, so Hope City has been sending teams here for a couple of weeks here and there.















This is John. If you're at FMC, get to know this guy.




























For hire...














A lot of great stories were told of new relationships built among FMC'ers here. This week is going to be a great testament of how all generations and all nations can overcome differences and work in the name of Christ. Tonight we were joined by Orlanda whom is about to receive a new home from Hope City. She told us her story of her home being 8-10ft under water and living in a FEMA trailer for the last 2.5 years.

Stay tuned for more.

Finally Here..

Today started with what sounded like a bear wrestling himself. We won't name names but someone was having problems on the floor in the hotel room. Needless to say none of us slept very well and got a very early, 6am start. Just a few hours earlier than anticipated. So, we got up, took advantage of the free breakfast, and took off for the Big Easy.

We ended up downtown as some were probably ending the day before. As we drove around we quickly realized that it's All Star Weekend for the NBA with the huge mural advertisements adorning the buildings. My marketing mind was in awe of just the idea of wrapping an entire building in vinyl.
















After about and hour of walking around the beautiful French Quarter taking in all the historic architecture and the sites that have made New Orleans famous we found ourselves at Cafe Du Monde which is famous for their Beignets which are amazing French pastries.

























































From the beignets, we decided to check out a very relevant IMAX movie called Hurricane on the Bayou which chronicles local musicians that were filming a movie to raise awareness about the recceeding marshlands of the bayou. During filming, Katrina hit and added to the relevance of the movie. Great show if you're near an IMAX showing the film. Very fitting for our time here.

Lunch time came and the guys wanted a true Creole lunch. Nothing better than crawfish to get you in the mix.

Before














After














As we left the Big Easy, we made sure we drove through the upper and lower 9th Ward where most of the damage/flooding was done. It's everything you've read or heard about. Complete disaster. It seems to look like they have cleaned up everything but things that needed knocked down. So, you have 80% of a street with homes that are either gone completely or vacant and then ever so often there is a brand new house. Makes Brad Pitt's initiative even more urgent. http://www.makeitrightnola.org/











































Everyone made it safe to Hope City and is eager to get started by getting their hands dirty. After a long day of rain soaked travels for those who chose to drive the whole trip today, they arrived to a sunset like no other. Please continue to pray for the team and pray for people to realize their lives are missional and looking like Jesus is as simple as extending a hand.