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.

Sli..i..i..dell, LA

It's was a long drive today but we finally made it to Slidell,LA. Nothing too eventful. Just a long drive with plenty of good music, good fellowship, and sunshine.. Oh, it's definitely 65 degrees here and it feels amazing.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy....

Movie Time.. And yes, it is Back To The Future we're watching















Catfish One.. as in this place is "mobile"














Steve and Rick enjoying some catfish from a roadside stand















Tomorrow we'll be touring New Orleans and arriving at Hope City in Biloxi. I'll be posting again tomorrow evening with some new photos.

It's Official

It's official, I am now the Executive Director of Neighborlink Fort Wayne. It's going to be a great challenge and one I feel I'm ready for. So, if you get a call from me asking to help me out, please answer.

I'll keep you posted as things develop and I'm sure I will be creating a blog for the organization. If you'd like to receive regular updates on what's going on and how to get involved, just let me know.

I'm off to Mississippi tomorrow in which I'll keep you posted on the work we'll be doing there.

Blessings

Do I?

So, this is the proud logo/badge that I've been requested to carry into the next phase of life. I was recently asked to become the next Executive Director of this organization in which I'm excited to become. It's a huge responsibility and opportunity for a young guy like me.

I have to give a final answer by end of day tomorrow..

I'll keep you posted on the outcome

Devastation...

The look of devastation. This is a picture from Google Earth of the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, LA. It's amazing to see this and to be honest, crazy that it's on Google Earth(creepy).

Thousands of people of commented or blogged about this area it happened so long ago it seems. Almost forgotten among all of the new disasters and the elections and whatever else dominates the media.

This Sunday myself and four other guys will be driving through this area in New Orleans to see the damage first hand. We are taking a detour on our way to Biloxi, MS, where we along with 20 25 other people will spend the next week working on building homes for people that are trying to rebuild. It's part of our church's efforts to help rebuild and provide a helping hand.

I'm excited to drive through this area to see it firsthand but also know that it will be heart braking to see the disaster. I'm also excited to spend next week using my hands and energy to provide someone hope for their future by building them homes. Now, I know pretty much nothing about construction, so it will be a week of learning for me.

My plan is to write and post pictures each day from the work being done, so please check back. And, please keep everyone in mind and prayers for safety, collaboration, and for the Holy Spirit to move in people's lives.

The journey will definitely be long this weekend..

Blessings

Here are a few links to some current stories...
http://neworleans.indymedia.org/news/2007/12/11794.php

http://neworleans.indymedia.org/news/2008/02/12103.php

Extreme..

I'm blown away every time I see ABC's Extreme Home Makeover on Sundays. It's an amazing site to see the overwhelming generosity given by all those that are involved. For a bunch of people and a TV network to step into the margins of families in distress and provide a wonderful home and then some, blows my mind.

What would our neighborhoods look like if we as neighbors stepped in like this? I'm not even talking about doing the impossible of a brand new house in 7 days, but things as simple as helping paint or minor repairs. What would your neighborhood look like if you befriend your neighbors and made sure their needs are being met? Wouldn't the things that you complain or make comments about as you drive by be fixed? Chances are there are more reasons behind your neighbor's negligence than just lack of enthusiasm. Money, age, disability, skills, etc.?

Watching this show gives me hope that my neighborhood, city, and even the World can be a better place. It kills me that it takes a TV network and a bunch of advertisers that have found a creative way in their minds to promote their network and products to change peoples lives.

It also kills me that it takes a TV network and a bunch of advertisers with big pockets to get publicity of people doing great things. As much as we all need to get outside of ourselves and pitch in, there are a lot of people that have dirty hands from giving all they have. Blessings to you that realize that if you do not do something, nothing will get done and another person/family will suffer another day.

Please join with me by getting to know your neighborhood and getting to know the organizations that are doing good work and attempting to improve the lives of the marginalized.

Here are a few organizations that I know and serve with that could use the help..

thereclamationproject.org
communityharvest.org
neighborlinkfortwayne.org

Also, please make Extreme Makeover:Home Edition part of your week and soften up your heart..

Begin the journey....

Child Sponsorship Article

Gotta love Facebook and the connected-ness you can have with people and the insight that can be had into other's lives, thoughts, beliefs, etc.

I came across a post from a person that works for World Relief that I met when I was at their conference in Baltimore. It's and interested article that she posted on Child Sponsorship models of doing ministries. The ones such as World Vision is known so well for. I thought I would share it with you. I am becoming more and more aware of healthy community development and what it means to bring people and communities into a sustainable way of living. So, I really connect with the points of this article, but am also supportive of the organizations that are doing their part in trying to make the World a better place.

Have a read and think about it....

Why Child Sponsership isn't the best form of development

This is from New Internationalist magazine.

Why you should not sponser a child

You might want to help a poor child in the Third World. But sponsoring them is not the best way. Here is an NI summary of the disadvantages of child sponsorship. Not all of these criticisms apply to every agency. But all sponsorship programmes have at least some of these defects.

Family Rifts
Focusing on individuals often means that aid agencies arbitrarily single out children or families for preferential treatment. The chosen few may receive extra food, education, clothes, medical treatment and gifts which others do not. Brothers, sisters or other families become jealous. And parents can feel humiliated because outsiders are providing things which they cannot - or frustrated that only one of their children receives help.

Political Pawns
The way in which a child or family is chosen for sponsorship may reflect the political orientation of the aid agency involved rather than the needs of the child. In order for a child to qualify its parents may have to cease certain forms of political or religious activity - or the child may be pressured to take up activities like reading the Bible. This conditional giving violates the rights of the child to choose its own beliefs.

Maintaining Dependance
The sponsored child is constantly reminded that they are the 'poor relation'. They must always be prepared to show gratitude to the 'rich cousins' on whose charity they depend. The best aid projects foster initiative and enterprise in those they help. Sponsorship programmes always run the risk of fostering dependence.

Cultural Confusion
The exchange between child and sponsor can be culturally insensitive to the child's way of life. Children may know nothing about Christmas, say, but find themselves encouraged to send Christmas cards. Imagine you were a Christian and a wealthy Arab sponsored your child and sent them presents and pictures of their sumptuous lifestyle along with a copy of the Koran to read.

Perpetuating Ignorance
Sponsorship schemes claim to offer cultural interchange between donor and child. But this is generally very limited. Letters from child to sponsor are usually censored to remove requests for money, complaints from disillusioned families and all mention of politics. Professional letter-writers and translators are sometimes used to handle the correspondence - or staff may dictate letters to children according to a sample provided in a manual. The donor finds out little about the child or its culture.

Dissapointed Liberation
Programmes which give education to individual children can isolate them from family and friends. They are educated to uselessness, unable to obtain well-paid white-collar work in their own towns or village and unwilling to do low paid 'menial' labour. As adults they either remain at home dissatisfied, or take their skills further afield, away from the community that needs them.

Frustrated Desires
Child sponsorship programmes can create unfulfillable desires and expectations. A child who learns of a sponsor's large house and reads about their skiing holidays or big cars can become dissatisfied with his or her own community and want to be taken away to that affluent world.

Wasteful Spending
Child sponsorship programmes are enormously expensive to administer. The letters, photos and reports prepared for sponsors are costly and time-consuming. It is sad that so much must be spent for the benefit of the donor rather than the child.

Fostering Racism
Child sponsorship advertisements distort our image of the Third World and perpetuate many negative stereotypes. Children are depicted in deprivation and degradation, as passive victims whose parents are unable to cope. All we see usually is one poor helpless child or family; we are never offered explanations of the causes of their poverty.