Missions Trip: New Orleans — August 2006
…news sent from Dale Russell
August 9, 2006
It’s been a pretty amazing 24 hours. Kent’s headache was completely gone by dinnertime last night, and he’s back to full strength. Thanks for your prayers!
Today, instead of breaking up into two teams and going to separate houses, we stayed together all day. We all went first to Coach’s home, then to Patti’s, and were able to finish both of them. What a feeling of accomplishment! We’ve gutted six houses in seven days! More than that, we’ve connected with people in ways that we and they will never forget.
For each family we’ve worked with, we’re planning to buy a Bible, and have each member of the team sign it, along with their favorite verse and the page where that verse is found. After we leave, Lawrence, the elder we’ve been coordinating with here at Berean Bible Church, will deliver the Bibles in person, and talk through some of the verses. I think that’s a fantastic way to point people to Scripture, and to open the door for a connection to a local church.
We have many more exciting stories, which we’re eager to share with you all when we return. But now, we’re done with gutting houses, and will be heading off tomorrow morning to Ocoee River, Tennessee, where we’ll be doing some white-water rafting. I’m not sure what our computer access will be after today, so it’s possible this may be the last update till we return Sunday evening. Till then, keep praying for us!
— DaleToday’s updates come from Robbie and Amy Houppert:
This is my first missions trip, and God has taught me to be obedient and to listen to what He tells me.— Robbie
— AmyAs I thought today what has impacted me about our trip, “work ethic” came to my mind. I have been so impressed with the level and amount of work accomplished by our team. God is good and knows exactly what would soften the hearts of the people in New Orleans. When we are down and out and someone comes by and helps, how great does that make us feel! Six houses gutted in seven days — amazing!
Some descriptive words: Black mold, fiberglass, cockroaches, mice, bad smells! hot, hot, hot, sweat, respirators, bruises, cuts, rashes, sore muscles, frustration, loss, tears — Joy, grateful, prayer, love, hugs, sharing God’s love, unity, worship, laughter, listening, HOPE.