Only the beginning

What a special time of year. Lvoe this season of change. The cooler weather, the rain showers, the leaves changing their colors. A reminder of the awesome power of God and all He does for us.

We had an exciting weekend around the center. We had our friends from Airline Baptist church return with a large group of helpers. They did an outstanding job of working around the center. They hung fans in the chapel, cleaned the chapel, found chairs for the chapel, cleaned up the parking lot, installed door knobs, and cleaned the sidewalks. Momma T had her group preparing the chapel for a worship service Sunday night. After the group left, Krysten and I and then Ms Lisa walked into the chapel and I was blown away by the transformation that had taken place during the morning. The chapel has always been a special place to me and to see it again, where we can spend time with God, reflect on His instructions in our lives, to sing praises to Him, I sat down and did not want to leave. I am hoping, as we move forward in this journey, the chapel will become an anchor, a place where we can go and seek God's direction. Only the beginning.

We had a special visit from Gus Saturday morning, as he went around with Mr Scott and others on our visits. Mr Scott reported, no major drama in the camps. The guys are doing ok. Gus shared he is thinking about an adventure for the Christmas school break. More to come, just the beginning.

Sunday evening, we were invited to host a group from Grace and Noel Methodist as they toured each other's facilities. The new District Superintendent was in attendance and got to see our center. Ms Lisa conducted the tour of the center and then we made our way into the chapel. I had been in Dallas all day and arrived back in town just in time to walk into the chapel. Again, it was magnificent what Momma T, Ms Lisa and others had done to create a special place. Lights, candles, the unique alter, the mismatched chairs all added up to a special evening. One of the tasks of the two churches was to recognize 4 young ladies who have chosen to accept God's calling into ministry. Ali, read a verse, shared a few words and sang a song for us all. Alison was unable to attend, but her mom and dad represented her well. Can't think of a better way to open the doors of the chapel. Just the beginning.

Spencer, from Brookwood came by Saturday and walked into the chapel and the first thing he said is, we need to have a Christmas service in here. Sunday night Ms Sarah, said, the young adults would like to have their candle light Christmas eve service at the chapel. It is only the beginning.

Monday evening, we loaded up Mr Scott's truck with bags and bags and bags of groceries from Grace. A group of girl scouts donated all their can goods to us and what a blessing it was. Mr Scott called me Tuesday to be sure and take some pictures of the stocked shelves. One day we will have our shelves stocked like this each week so the community will have a good assortment of food to choose from.

We continue to have more tutors than children, which is a great thing. Tuesday afternoon, I said, surely the children won't be here with a tornado watch in effect for the city. Well again, I was wrong. As I drove up they were sitting at the chapel front doors waiting on us to arrive. Another reminder to me, one of our greatest responsibilities to our community is commitment. It would have been easy for me not to come, but I think our greatest gift we can offer, is our time. We must remember it is a beginning.

Another good gathering at our community meal. It was nice to visit with some of the folks before we started serving. Tony, a veteran has submitted the paperwork for one of the new houses to be built by St. Catherines. He has not heard anything yet on whether he will be able to get the house. Very nice young man. We offered some of our old brown tables to the community and reminded them again, next week we will have our Thanksgiving meal. Ms Abbie wanted me to share with the community the passing of one of group. Ms Abbie told me it was Ms Ruby and I assumed she meant Ms Abbey on 69th Street. But I was wrong, it was the praying Ms Ruby. Her obituary was in today's paper. Ms Ruby Robertson, was a lady who loved God and would pray before our meals, would sing a song at moments notice and was always dressed up. She always had a hat on to match her outfit. I wanted her to lead us in worship when we began our chapel times. I guess God needed her more than we did, I will miss her.

I was good to have our Thursday evening Bible study in the friendship room. We had to get more chairs because of the crowd. We had Dawn, Beth, Hat, Mary, Momma T, Krysten, James, Charley, Joey, Lomax and Dr Phi. Byron came in a bit later. Joey led us in the reading of Acts 20 starting at verse 17. Paul sharing his thoughts about Jesus to the church of Ephesus. How we are to be shepherds of our flock, to be overseers of our communities and to lead by example of how Christ helped the weak and to remember what Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. All of this still applies to us as we form our community and meet those who God will lead to us.

Prayer concerns for James brother, John who is going through addictions to prescription drugs. Beth, Charley and Joey's friend Phil, who is having struggles in life. Kelsey's upcoming marriage, yeaa! A friend of Dawn, Jonathan. Ms Hat's loosing a long time friend and helping the husband cope with his lost. Krysten's health insurance situation, so she can see about her breathing troubles. Joe and Ms Abbie. Joe has not been feeling good this week. Ms Abbie took him to the doctor as he was spitting up blood. Anytime Joe is not on the front porch when you drive up, you know he is not feeling well. Have not seen him all week. Young ladies who lost their mom. Lift up our veterans today. What a sacrifice those men and women have made, so we are able to lvoe God in the way that we do.

Prayers for Momma T as she leads U2 this Saturday. Lots of fun times will be had. Come by and meet some new neighbors, starting at 10 am. Also Brookwood will be coming to help and work around the center.

Wednesday evening I am guessing around 4, we will have our turkeys delivered. Ms Abbie will need help in carving them up for our meal.
There maybe a turkey leg in it for those who help!

When you have the opportunity to walk through the center with a group and show off the place, you get a sense of awe from the people. At times Mr Brian wants to sit down, put my feet up and say, wow look what I have done. We have a tendency to get complacent and relax and admire what we have done. But God, thank goodness, will have none of that. It has been a miracle to come as far as we have in a few short months, but folks this is only the beginning. We have a fellowship hall available now, where in the future we can have a Community Cafe. Meals being served by young people who will be training in the food service industry. Food prepared by our community learning to be chefs. We have a food pantry room where one day, we will have the ability to have a grocery store. Where folks will come in and pick the items they want to go into their bags. We have a chapel now, where God's message can be preach and praised all day and night. Tutoring rooms where children and maybe adults can come and learn not just in the afternoons, but during the day and at nights. We have a 2 story building just sitting there ready to occupied. God has big plans for that building and He is waiting for us to move forward. We have neighbors to meet. We have children to read to. We have houses to build. We have a sanctuary to fill, where folks will be lining up outside to get in. A garden area that will become a market for the community.

I would like to sit back in my easy chair, relax and say, man that was fun. I've done enough, let someone else do something. But God won't allow that to happen. He has blessed us because we have stayed true to His directions. He will continue to bless us if we continue to move forward and give Him the glory for it all. How exciting to be a part of something that God is leading. Won't you join us? Use your gifts to glorify God. We will all be blessed. It is only the beginning.  Have a great weekend and a better week. Amen.