Sunday, July 10th

Click on the link to check out the pictures from Sunday, July 10th     https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150236381733789.334418.538788788#!/media/set/?set=a.10150236381733789.334418.538788788&closeTheater=1

Our first day was filled with highs and lows.  It was filled with gratitude and heartache.  It was eye opening.  As we talked in our evening devotion, we need to have a servant heart, no matter how small or insignificant you feel your job is.  It isn't about us...it is about Him. 

It was a shock to our group to see the area hit by the tornado. A "war zone", "everything gone", "sad to know that people lost everything" were just of the phrases used to describe the area. It is hard to describe...it was numbing. I had to fight to hold back tears when I first saw the scene.  But it isn't just about those who lost everything.  The tornado effected the whole city...even those who lost nothing.  You can see it in their faces, in their voices...they are so thankful that we (all volunteers) are here.

We woke up today greeted by the wonderful people of Good Shepherd, Carthage, MO.  They have opened their church to us and it has been wonderful.  The people here are so thankful that we came "all this way" to help their neighbors in Joplin.  Their stories about people they know or just their smile was a big lift to all of us.

We traveled to Immanuel Lutheran, Joplin for worship this morning.  We had the opportunity to worship side by side with people we will be helping or working with.  What a great feeling.   After lunch the work began.  There was wonder of why we were looking for the littlest pieces of glass in a field next to Immanuel.  But without complaining, they did it.  A few also had the opportunity to drive around the neighborhoods hardest hit and hand out drinks to people who were working or trying to clean up.  Then the call came that Mike was in need of major help and quickly.  Our whole group followed Mike to his home and helped him clean out drywall, cover areas of his home with plastic and also gave his home a good floor cleaning.  To see the look on Mike's face as we finished was all worth it.

Lows...picking up glass.  The heat.  Seeing the destruction.  Seeing the "death" number.
Highs...People thanking us.  Helping Mike in his home.   Handing out cool drinks to people.

More work to come.  I know that the Lord will bless the work we are doing.  Major high...seeing the cross still standing even though the church around it was gone! 

To God be the glory.  Keep praying for the people here in Joplin and those volunteering to serve.   The youth will post their experiences and thoughts starting tomorrow. 

In His service,

Terry