While most of the nation takes a holiday to celebrate the birth of our nation, in a few locations in New Orleans, home sites are abuzz with activity again today.
We have been divided into five separate crews, each with its own site and tasks to take on. Some are working on drywall, some have been tearing out old insulation and installing new, others are priming and painting, and even some room framing and window and cabinet installations are on the schedule. In many of the sites, we are getting the opportunity to meet and work with the homeowners, and many of the homeowners and their families are joining their work team for lunch.
As important as the physical work is, on these mission trips it is often just as or MORE meaningful to be in ministry to and fellowship with those we are helping. Rebuilding and repairing the physical structures is a huge step, but by sharing the love of Christ we can help people rebuild their emotional and spiritual strength, which can be in tatters after such complete and utter devastation. Through the many hands and many hearts we give as the community of Christ, and with the one spirit we feel together through God the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit the Sustainer, we the community of Chapel Hill Fellowship, along with countless others from here, there and everywhere, ARE making a difference here in NOLA, one day, one person, one heart at a time.
Considering the Greensburg devastation in May and all the flooding this spring and summer, we all know all too well that there is great need both near and far from a place called Chapel Hill. And don't forget all the personal floods and storms of life that we all have at one time or another, sometimes endured in silence and solitude. But no matter the kind of storm, if we pick up the pieces, pick up each other, and lift it all to Christ Jesus, how can we fail?
Lets get to work...
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Jeff, you speak of the storms that come ripping through our lives. If you want to carry that analogy to what you missionaries from CHF are doing, just as Jesus calmed the storms with His hands raised to heaven, you all are providing comfort and calm to many still ravaged both physically, emotionally and spiritually in NOLA. Please post the scriptural references to your devotionals so that we can be in one mind with you all down there. That would be inspirational to those enjoying your messages. Thanks, Brad
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