Mr Scott reported on Saturday's visits, some drama in the camps and new friends to share it with. We had a couple of new friends from Grace wanting to visit our friends, so they got to see life. Many years ago, when it seemed every Saturday we were faced with some form of drama in the camps, one of our friends made the comment where there is drugs and alcohol, you will have drama. Another reason, for prayers to rid the dependency of this terrible addiction.
We were contacted a month or so ago, by a young man living in Houston, wanting to visit our community. Well he has arrived and spending time with Lomax and Joey. Ricky has stepped in and quickly become a new member of our family. If you are around, be sure to welcome him and get to know him.
When I got to the center Monday afternoon, Ms Lisa and her crew of Centenary students were preparing the children's area for after school activities. What a blessing to have these young people willing to step up and share their lvoe with our children. Lauren and Princess, our summer interns have returned, along with a new student, Parrish, along with Joey and Lomax, we have a great group of young people.
Don't know how many of you are keeping up with our Gus, but the Lord is blessing him with many, many gifts. Gus has written a book, The Truth about Walls and Bridges. You can find the book at his blog:
http://friendshipcommunitylongview.blogspot.com/2013/08/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none_27.html. Another exciting thing, is your donation to purchase the book goes to restoring his Community House! Gus and his community have purchased two houses and are in the process of restoring one of them so they can share God's gift with others. Very exciting, thinking how all of you touched Gus with your lvoe and now Gus is doing the same in Longview.
Tuesday evening continues to bless our men of the community, with the reading of the Word and the sharing of their hearts. The group of men this evening had all ages of men, from one of our young neighborhood children, a Byrd student, to a grandparent bringing his little grand child. Matt read from 2 Chronicles, talking about God telling the people to go to battle, but not to worry, because your battles are mine. How often do we go into our battles and not let God into our lives until we mess it up so bad, the only thing left is to turn to God. We must turn to God first, we must let go and let God in our lives, for nothing is too small or too great, that God can't handle it.
Wednesday afternoon was our first day of tutoring. Walking into the children's area, was great to see every table full of our children being helped by all our friends. Different rooms being used to help with homework. Spelling going on. Math problems being solved. Ms Lauren is our leader and has taken on the task of putting up goals for our children. Great to see such enthusiasm being displayed and lvoe all around.
Thursday afternoon, not sure how to describe all that is going on. From washing of laundry, to the music and preaching in chapel, to helping little ones in the children's gathering area, preparing 80 grocery bags, young ladies Bible study going on, preparing a meal, serving and cleaning up our meal, checking out our clothing room, the handing out of grocery bags, what an evening of fun and joy.
Thanks to all for making it happen. Pastor Jackson and Wes in chapel, Sarah and Scott and their young students helping with the little ones, Momma T, Ms Abbie, Ms Lisa and BJ in the grocery, clothing area, Ardis, Tim in the kitchen, dining area, Ms Vicky and the Airline Baptist folks, Beth and John and the Digging Deeper class. Wow! God continues to bless us with special people who are willing to share God's lvoe with others.
Prayers needed for Ms Dorothy. We don't have the complete story, but she is not doing well. Fell, hurting her shoulder and then found out some more bad news about her health. When we find out more, we will report her situation. William as he continues to struggle. Prayers for Smokey. Smokey had to go to the hospital with appendicitis. He had the operation to remove it, but now is suffering from the toxic elements that got into his blood stream. He is home and taking medications for it. Prayers for our direction in the community.
The thing, that comes to mind as I sat down for supper Thursday night, is how everything is running along. After chapel, I went in through the grocery room, there Ms Lisa was checking off the names, saying hi to the children. Ms Abbie handing out announcements, Travis and Rickie helping with the bags, walking through the clothing room, BJ keeping things organized, people going through the clothes. Then walking into the fellowship hall. Folks serving I have never seen before, people both visitors and community cleaning the tables, stacking the chairs. The dishes getting washed by some of our outdoor friends, Ms Sarah having her small group session in the children's area.
Just amazing to see it all happening before my eyes. From a time not too long ago, when there were 3 of us maybe 5 on a good night, to now, folks showing up we don't know their names! Don't remember in the beginning being able to sit down and eat, to where I walk in now, get a plate and sit and visit. Isn't that what it is all about? Having the courage, the faith to let others come and share their gifts with our community. Learning my ways may not have been the best, allowing others to say, what about doing it this way.
Community is about learning from each other. Community is about letting go of our ways and letting God lead us. Community is about being there for support as new ways and new ideas are tried. Community is about listening. Community is about lvoing. Community is about all of you. Amen and amen!
Have a great weekend, have a blessed week. God is sooo good!!
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