Keepin' The Shine On!

I've just returned from a 3 day "whirlwind return tour" of Central City New Orleans. This time, Pastor Remy Diederich of Cedarbrook Church, and another leader, Amy Burns,were with me. The purpose of our trip was to seek out some possibilities for our church to be involved over an extended period of time in a "partnership" of sorts with some of the work going on in New Orleans.

As "whirlwind tours" go, this one didn't disappoint anyone! With all that we heard and saw in less than 48 hours on site ... well, it seemed like we were there 2 weeks! I'll outline a few highlights, with pictures.

Pastor Remy and Amy were able to meet Elder John Pierre of Living Witnes Church of God in Christ.

Elder Pierre is pastor of that church, as well as the director of the Nehemiah program, which is a drug and alcohol rehab program. Our team in February worked on starting the renovation of a facility that will eventually provide housing for 30 men who are in the 6 month resident program. It is our hope that we can come alongside with some practical help in this work.

A second highlight was Amy and Remy and I encountering an amazing work at Cafe Reconcile, just a block from Living Witness.







First of all, the food was incredible ... cajun catfish, shrimp etouffee, creole smothered okra, and good ol' fashioned gumbo were among the treats we tested. And, the desserts ... well, sufffice it to say that the South Beach Diets went out the window!!

But not only is the food incredible, but, this entire operation has been established and is being run in order to help teach kids "life skills" through positive influence and hard work.

And the coolest thing of all is that the foundational principles being taught are straigtht from the Bible, and straight for the hearts of those, like Craig, who have given their lives for the purpose of helping to reverse the cycle of poverty and all its effects on the lives of wonderful young people ...

... like Jeffrey like our waiter... who's momma and grandma are both drug dealers, but he wants to get his life on track and break the cycle that has enslaved the previous 2 generations of his family. But watch out!!... Jeffrey's smile alone is enough for you to order another helpin' of bread puddin'!!


And lastly, but certainly not least, we had the extremely humbling experience of sharing a meal with the folks at Castle Rock Church and their special guest, John Perkins.

Dr. Perkins is one of the most well known advocates for spiritual renewal and reconciliation in the world. His story has been told many times in many places, but to personally sit and listen to him teach from God's word, and then speak to him face-to-face was an unbelievable experience which I will remember for a long time, probably for ever!

For me, this truly was one of the most memorable people I've ever met. If you don't know much about Dr. Perkins' story, may I suggest that you start here by reading his biography and then, continue to read more about his organization.

His book, "Let Justice Roll Down" is a classic and a MUST READ in the area of spiritual, social and racial renewal and reconciliation.

So, we certainly came away from this trip with plenty of new ideas floatin' around in our heads! But, there is perhaps one "summary statement" that was spoken during one of our many meetings. We were reminded from Matthew 5:16 to:

"Keep the Shine On!"

And, by God's grace we will!!

Return to New Orleans

I am in an internet kiosk in Chicago on my way to New Orleans.

For the next 3 days, I will be a part of a 3 person contingency who are meeting with community leaders in Central City (a western urban area of New Orleans) to see how Cedarbrook Church may be able to come alongside the folks there to "help create a neighborhood where its safe for kids to ride their bikes." Take a look at www.urbanimpact.org for further information and watch the blog for updates.

The Rock

Yesterday I received word that the father of a dear friend passed away. My friend's words reflecting on his dad are simple, yet powerful:

"Dad was quiet, diligent, faithful and loved his God and God's word. He was a wonderful dad.

Dad's are often "rocks" in our lives. They provide the stability and strong foundation which holds in the midst of life's storms. A father's passing can shake our world, but ... for those whose hope and confidence is not in this life alone, we can all take comfort and be joyful when one whom we love has stood upon the Rock of Jesus Christ, and is now freed from this world and the temporary shell which imprisons us.

Guy Johnson was not only a wonderful dad, he was a man of quiet strength and stability.

He was a rock.


May we sing with Guy today!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Mountain Reunion

As our family has grown and started to live in different places, we have discovered just how much we mean to each other and how much we enjoy being together. At this Easter season, we had a hugely enjoyable visit with Zach where he works in the beautiful mountains of Colorado!

Joyce and Christi and I drove from Wisconsin on Saturday, March 31 and left Colorado to return on Friday, April 6.

Abi was able to get a couple days off for Easter and drove from Wichita on Thursday, so the whole fam was together for one day!

Our time with Zach was absolutely great! ... we did tons of stuff, and can't wait to return to Frontier in July as "Adult Guests" for a week when camp is in full swing! Oh, speaking of "swings" ... check out the blog posting below this one to see Dad and Christi on "The Screamer!" This, among other "high ropes" activities, will be Zach's responsibilities for the summer. If you want to learn more, just click HERE > (Frontier Ranch)

Oh, and if you really want to view the "Family Pics from Colorado" ... click on the words.

Stay tuned for more "building adventures!"

The Screamer

Dad and daughter #2 on The Screamer!

Just click on the arrow ... > ... on the left below the picture to start the video!

Its "New" Amsterdam for me!

After some great conversation and "vision sharing" with Brad Mullet in Budapest on Saturday morning, Chris and I flew to Amsterdam and arrived in fine shape on Saturday afternoon. Chris continued on and is already home! Way to go, Chris!! Unfortunately, one of his bags was lost in transition … oh, well … welcome to the world of international travel! I'm sure that his bag will show up today (Sunday) or tomorrow. The airlines are very good about that!

I have traveled through the Amsterdam airport more times than I can count, but never actually had the opportunity to stop and see the city. I have always wanted to stop and learn more about this beautiful city ... the home of Tyndale and Wilberforce ... and finally, because of a "divine appointment" at Cedarbrook Church this past December, I was able to arrange a 2 day stop-over to visit with some people from the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) organization here in Amsterdam . The people at Cedarbrook connected me with the YWAM people, encouraging me to stop and find out about some needs they may have in the reconstruction of one of their 4 ministry facilities here in Amsterdam.

Once again, God has gone beyond my expectations and provided some amazing opportunities … not only to see potential ministry projects, but also to meet some extraordinary servants of Jesus Christ. I was able to attend a "YWAM Revisited" event at their "base facility" called DePoort. The purpose was to cast some vision with YWAM alumni in Holland for what was going on. You can check out more of their work on their website.

In addition, I am being hosted by Johan and Carolyn Ros, an incredibly gifted couple who work with YWAM. Johan served in the military special forces as a "Dutch Seal." Carolyn has written a book about this couples' story, focusing on Johan's life and their battle with a severe brain tumor. I am going to recommend the book as "required reading!"

Also, I was able to attend a church service at Crossroads International Church Amsterdam. The worship service was exhilarating and inspiring, and the message from the book of Job by pastor Jerard Kelly (an Englishman) pierced my heart. You can read more about this exciting church on their website: www.xrds.nl.

So, I have part of one more day to do a little sightseeing in Amsterdam (Anne Frank's house?) and I will be flying back to the states. This has been, yet another, incredible journey, and I can't wait to see what things God will bring from it. Stay tuned for future developments!

Side Trip

Being part of a cross-cultural ministry changes a person's perspective on a lot of things ... especially God, people of other cultures and themselves. For many people living in America, crossing cultures is often limited to going out to eat to an ethnic restaurant. This is not the case for those who participate in a cross cultural ministry, whether its to an inner city context in the United States, or on the other side of the world.

Yesterday (Friday) it was the privilege of Chris and I to join with Gergu, a 20 year-old Hungarian, and take a train to Slovakia to visit some of my dear friends in that country.

The train left Budapest Keleti at 6:00 AM, so it was an early morning "get-up-and-go" for us in order to catch a bus and take a 15 minute ride to the station. Gergu brought some "cookies" that is mom made (actually they were kind of like buttermilk bisquits) for our trip. 4 hours later we arrived in Kosice, Slovakia. Pastor Peter Pristiak met us and we continued on by van for another hour to our destination; Hermanovce, Slovakia.

We spent a wonderful afternoon renewing old friendships (actually, Chris and Gergu spent much of their time listenting to Dave trying to recall his 10-year-old, mostly dormant Czech language abilities!).


Our "outing" for the day was a short walk up to the the "camp area" which the Hermanovce church is developing with the help of Timberlee Christian Center in southern Wisconsin. Watch this blog and the NEXT International website: (www.nextinternational.org) for future updates.

The Hermanovce church is truly an amazing place. God is using this church to literally touch the world. It will be exciting to see what things will be in store for people to engage in the future.

Chris will be back in the US today (Saturday), and I will be staying in Amsterdam for 2 days to meet with some people with YWAM. Hopefully I will be able to make one more blog entry.

PK's, MK's and Happy Guys!

Over and over again we've seen some amazing things happen in the course of being on a cross-cultural ministry team. Existing relationships are strengthened and new relationships are built between people who had never met a few days before. That's why we talk about "building with living stones!"















While Chris and Brian worked together for the first time, Geza and Dave renew an old friendship!

Jordan Lemmons (a missionary kid "MK" who lives in Hungary) met Jeremy 1 (Mlaker) and Jeremy 2 (Olson) who are best friends in college!












... and father and son (Brian and Al Jicinsky) get to work together and enjoy their first cross-cultural ministry ... together!






All-in-all, this is turning out to be a great week! Tomorrow, Chris and I are going to Slovakia, the rest of the team is going to Vienna, Austria. Stay tuned for updates ... probably not until Saturday!!

Still serving with joy!

Rhino Hungary Team 07

Fitting the Stones Together!

One thing about putting together a cross-cultural ministry team whose purpose is to do construction is that you never quite know what kind of skills people have before you start the project. It's kinda like baking a batch of cookies without a recipe. You might know what ingredients you need, but not necessarily how much of each, what order you put them together.

The amazing thing is that with nearly every team, after a couple days everyone finds a niche and begins to apply their individual talents to project at hand. Our Rhino Budapest 07 team is no different.

Today (Wednesday) Brad, (the cinnamon roll meister) treated us to those world famous home made treats and we were off! We were able to complete the floor system as well as get most of the drywall hung on the facade around the perimeter of the larger meeting room.



A real high point of the day was seeing "THE PASTOR and THE MASTER (builder) working together! What a hoot!!










Again, we want to thank all of you who have encouraged us and are praying and supporting our work here. People are expressing their appreciation each day, and we know that our efforts will produce fruit for the kingdom!!

Tools of the Trade

I have worked for over 15 years with volunteers serving on cross-cultural ministry teams and I continue to be amazed by just how perfectly God seems to put each team together with just the right skills, talents, abilities and personalities that make that team unique, as well as very effective in ministry. I have often said that performance is directly related to preparation!! Our team in Budapest, as with many other teams, has undoubtedly been prepared by the Lord to serve this body of believers in this place at this time. Seeing this team come together and "sharpen one another" is a joy and privilege.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another." Our desire here is to serve one another with our greatest gifts and talents, so that the Kingdom of God may be enhanced and advanced in this part of the world.

Today (Tuesday) we saw more of those "tools of the trade" used. Of course, what group of construction-type people could go without a visit to "the tool store!" Brad, Allen and Chris were beside themselves as we went to a local supply store to buy concrete wall anchors!

On the "construction-side" of things, most of the demolition and "old dust" is done, and we've taken some big steps in putting things together. We've framed a floor (with WOOD!) for a "second story" meeting room and installed steel studding for a sheetrock facade in a larger assembly area (former movie theater lobby).


Days end with some great food and lively discussions ... with people still using the "tools of the trade" ... using their tools to build the body of Christ!

It is truly a joy to serve. Thanks for praying for us and encouraging us as we're here!

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Colossians 3:23-24

Rhino Dave and "Stretch"








Days end

"Coming Home"

From 1993 to 1996 our family lived in Central Europe. We adapted to the ways and customs of that region of the world and saw God work in and through our lives. Since we moved back to the US in 1996, it has been my joy to serve on a variety of projects in a number of countries in Central Europe, Hungary being one of them. The Olimpia Mozi or Kelenfold Ministry Center is the place where most of my efforts have gone in helping to enhance and advance the Kingdom or God in Hungary. During this visit, we are helping to expand that facility for even greater impact.

Dust, destruction and demolition were the order of the day ... and the sparks did fly!!

There were a few moments of "consternation" by the "bosses" ... but, we were able to make good progress and will begin to do some reconstruction today (Tuesday).


We will build a 20 foot by 20 foot floor system for a second floor "conference room" out of WOOD!!

Each time I return to this area of the world, there is some sense of "coming home." But, each time is just a little different as well. This time it is the availability of wood! Most everything here is built from concrete and steel, but today we build with wood!! Praise the Lord!!

One of the great joys of returning this time is to bring "new eyes to see with" as Chris has joined me for his first overseas mission. As we settled into our accomodations in the Olimpia Mozi and finished our hands to the first full day of work, we reflected on the privilege of being here and serving God with those hands. Thanks to all who are supporting and praying for us. It is amazing that we are here and serving God in this way!! Who woulda thunk it!!??


Stay tuned,

Back to Life in Budapest!

Chris and I arrived safely on Sunday afternoon in Budapest ... just a little over 24 hours after when he had intended to arrive. It's a long story, but suffice it to say that God met us in some huge ways during that time.

We joined up with Pastor Joe Mlaker and his group of 5 (who arrived on Saturday) for a quick and fun tour of Budapest,














We are now settling in at the Kelenfold Ministry Center (KEGY), preparing for the start of our work week on Sunday.

Please pray for the team and our Hungarian friends as we serve them this week. Watch for more updates!

Rebound - Up, Up ... and Away!

It's been just a month since the team from Cedarbrook Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin set their compass bearings for New Orleans (pretty much due SOUTH ...).

The impact that trip had on the people we served, as well as the team members remains strong! Not a day goes by where I don't have a conversation with someone about some aspect of that experience. I can truly sense the "building" taking shape!! Regarding the "rebound" aspect of the experience, there is a "scout team" from Cedarbrook being planned to return in April to meet with representatives in Central City and discuss what kinds of things we could do together in the future. If you'd like to read more about what's happening in that great city, check out Urban Impact's website.

So, as for me and my house, well ... we're heading towards a "Fifth Dimension" time ... again. (For the "younger set" ... listen to the song and check out some "oldie but goodie" information on that singing group!).

I will be going "Up, Up and Away" from my lovely wife and family for 12 days starting Friday!




My traveling partner, Chris, and I will be flying from Minneapolis to Budapest, Hungary to work for on a ministry center in the Kelenfold district of that great city!







Over 100,000 people live in that part of the "Buda" side of the Danube River, and this ministry center is THE ONLY EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN THAT AREA!

I have seen God at work building His Church in Hungary since my first visit there 10 years ago. A number of people and ministries have worked hard together in order to have the great Hungarian people be able to not only see and understand the rich Christian heritage that nation has, but also, that they can have a personal relationship with the God who loves them so much. It is a privilege to help in the work and encourage our brothers and sisters there.


It will also be a great joy to work alongside a great colleague, Brad Mullet, again! Can't wait to taste those cinnamon, rolls, bro!!

Another one of the great joys I have in being able to do this kind of thing is that a number of people have been hugely generous in providing finances for this trip. Actually, an anonymous donor provided most of the cost of the airline ticket!




So, with great humility and anticipation, I invite you to "go with us" as we travel across the Atlantic on Friday night and arrive in Budapest on Saturday afternoon.


We're excited to be taking still another NEXT step in
Building for the Master!

Fantastic Thursday and Super Friday

NOTE from DBJ:

I'm "backdating" some of these blog entries so that you can keep up with what happened in the lives of the Cedarbrook Team. Thanks so much to my "ghost-writer," Michele, for keeping the journal so we could share what God was doing in and through our lives. Last week was incredible, and I know that its going to take some time for everyone to process it all. So, we hope you are (and were) blessed by the information we've been sending out. We truly saw the Kingdom of God being built in New Orleans with "Living Stones!!"


It's Thursday, February 22 around 4:30 pm …the temps close to 80 degrees!!

We're convoying home from the site after another incredibly full day. Chris and Justin stepped up today to take the reins of "nucklehead construction crew."

Dave and Steve spent most of the day visiting other people and sites from previous trips ... Big Joe and Rita & Don. We're reminded that its not about the work, its about the people!!

Conversation of the moment…

"Is this level?" -Chris

"Is this temporary?"-John

"no."-chris

"Yeah, it's still good."-John

The rest of us worked at the site….well actually I sat with my foot in a cooler…

Jeremy C wandered off and was gone for a couple hrs…we got worried and started to pray….mid prayer Jeremy shows up…..God is faithful and in this case FAST!!!! A few of us visited the Reconcile Café again.

THURSDAY NITE

Steve found out The Camilla Café was the place to go…so we convoyed there for some good N.O. food. The host thought we were joking when we said ' table for 17'…he did admit he was up for our entertainment. We all wore our I love N.O. shirts…

As we waited on the front porch..we realized there was Christian music playing…

so, during the 45 minute wait for a table for 17, we became the "unofficial greeters." People stopped and asked who we were and what we were doing ... so we told them ... another opportunity to build the Kingdom!!

Much of the team partook in some raw oysters…..Nate almost made it…"I don't think I can swallow it."

We got back to Trinity Church around 9 PM and had our 'debrief' with one of the staff. We were all pretty jazzed up ... and maybe a little bit punchy. I (Michele) had to physically remove myself I was laughing so hard. Hopefully we will be invited back again.

FRIDAY

Dave lead the devotional this morning for all 130 of us at Trinity. Who knew Dave could transform into a local on queue…slang, accent and all. Down to the fire and brimstone yellin' of a true southern preacher!!!

Then we sang the song Pastor Pierre taught us. We profusely apologize Pastor Pierre for how badly we massacred your song!!! But as Deacon Cooper said…"Let everything that has "breaf" praise the Lord…not everything that can sing good."

Fridays are called Super Friday because all the people who are working with Trinity Church and Castle Rock Church go into Cental City (where we worked all week) to help with neighborhood clean-up. We hit the streets with shovels, brooms and wheelbarrows to help spruce up the neighborhoods. Our presence had a significant impact and again, we were able to build bridges for Jesus into peoples' lives.

We gave a photo album to the Guys and the Lord directed to us to buy flowers to plant in their yard. The day ended with one last song and prayer with Bishop Pierre and "the Guys." We're all leaving a good chunk of our hearts at Living Witness!!

Some of us are anxious to come home and some never want to leave. Pray that we will not leave anything here that God intends for us to take with us….that we all come home changed people. That we can carry on this mission that brought us to NO will continue at home and wherever else God directs us.

Reconcilers

**Wednesday, February 21, 2007** (Written by Michele)

It's mid afternoon and the sun is out and 75ish? Got my feet up and ice on my foot. I unfortunately (conveniently?) pulled a tendon in my foot the first day….Wink Wink. God has given me a blessed excuse to mingle with "The Guys"…..

I spent the morning cooking in the kitchen with Lenny for "the Guys" in the treatment facility, us and whoever else showed up. We as a team were soooo blessed to be invited to eat with "the Guys" everyday around noon. Now I know it may scare some of you who know me well that I was allowed to cook. But the Creole smothered okra turned out pretty good. Ask the members on our team….I payed them all well. I was soo awed to find Jesus in a small, airless, never pass the health department in normal situation kitchen; with the true south gospel on the radio, sweating and cooking with an ex-drug user and who knows what else. I truly left a large part of my heart in that kitchen. I pray each member of our team left part of there heart with the people we encountered and I am pretty confident they did.

Despite the loss of such a vital team member on the project…the team persevered and made great progress on the demo and construction!!

We apologize to all of you that there wasn't/ isn't time for every team member to blog…so you are stuck with only my (Michele's) narrow view. There doesn't seem to be words I can find to accurately describe all that we have witnessed, shared and been blessed with…life long relationships that seem to form in moments. People who have given us more of the love of Christ than we could give them no matter how hard we tried. And we saw Jesus working through us everywhere ... From hanging out with "The Guys" at the treatment center…to the intoxicated man at the bar in the restaurant we ate in.

During a short lull in the construction, Brandee, John, Tony, and I went to the Reconcile Café…

Café Reconcile is a non-profit collaborative project. The St. Regis Hospitality Program was founded by Fr. Harry tompson, SJ, and Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church. The hospitality program not only provides on the job training in a working restaurant, but also teaches critical life skills and lands students social service agencies and helps with job placement.

After Katrina, they launched a construction training program, utilizing the same "hands-on" mentoring model and life skills training, which teaches the students building and construction skills on an actual job site. This exciting new program was developed with a number of partners; Crossroads Missions and Jericho Road, and will help provide low cost housing in local neighborhoods.

Quote of the Moment:

"The levee broke. And that was bad. But the levees between the churches broke too..and that is good." -a pastor we met at the Reconcile Café.

Please…talk to any or all of us from the team that came down….we are so anxious to share all that God has blessed us with on this trip.

We miss you all!!!! and wish we could bring back every moment in full sound, color, smell(ok maybe not every smell), and feeling.

Gotta go move my chair back into the sun and the masseuse is here for my massage. J

Same day…Later.

We are stuck in unbelievably aAwful traffic…bumper to bumper… standstill….

Nate, Brandee, Keith, and Michele rode together in Keith's van …they opened the side doors and talked to people and shared the pocket crosses. This team redefined 'street evangelism!!! Some of the other team members were a few cars behind the van…all of a sudden a truck pulled up next to the van and the guy had a pocket cross from our brothers a few cars back…great minds think alike!!!! Nate tried to trade some trail mix for a chicken leg….go Nate!!

3Hrs later we were thankfully back at Trinity.

The day ended with a phenomonal sharing time with people from the community who had come to the weekly "community dinner." Teams who had been working on various projects had invited the homeowners to join us for dinner. Afterward we sat stunned by the stories from people who had lost everything as a result of Katrina, including hope ... but, they are seeing the true Church, which Jesus said He would build, in action ... reconciling people to one another and to God. What a joy to be called reconcilers!

What a Day!

2/21 6:35 am , not sure what day of the week it is…

I do know it's raining.

Yesterday was FAT TUESDAY!!! What an amazing God Day!!!!

We got to work demoing another part of the building. And some of the guys worked on framing the inside.

We took a devotional break late in the morning and invited Father Pierre and Peter (a guy at the Niemiah treatment facility) to join us. Father Pierre taught us a gospel song they would sing as a church out on the streets to bring in God and remove all the prostitutes and drug dealers. They can 'gospel' way better than us. The enthusiasim!!!!

We had lunch shortly after that…and invited 'the guys' to join us. They slowly filtered in. I was so (I don't have a word)..??? working along side them.

This may explain it best….

As we were about to knock down a big wall Chris said...

"We put up walls and God tears them down!"…… AMEN!!!

Michelle injured her heel…and God took her around the neighborhood striking up conversation about her lame limp. So she met the neighbors….they were on the sidewalk in front of their house with large pots and gas burners…..then he showed the truck bed full of blue crab and crawfish on ice. She hijacked one of the crabs and awed the rest of the team from Wisconsin. The neighbors invited us over when it was done…..be sure and check out the pics of the fun…..we are invited back next year!! We could almost feel the heart of Jesus rejoicing….looking at us together like we did it everyday….what a welcoming open family…

Then….at about 3 'the guys' invited us into their dining hall for NO style hot dogs and hamburgers…..after lunch at 12, crawfish and crab at 1:30, we were starving at 3. Ha Ha….it was awesome. We thanked them by singing( and I use that word loosly)…the song Father Pierre had taught us. Earlier in the day I had gotten wind that the Niemiah gang also had a choir….I put the word out and before we knew it we were in the 'Living Word' Sanctuary with our own private concert with drums, mikes and a whole lot of NO worship!!! The smiles and pride on their faces was priceless….I think we all agreed it was a definite top highlight of the trip. We all can't wait to get back today and see what surprises God has planned today!!!!

The traffic was nuts, but we made it back in time to shower and go to dinner. Yes, we all ate. The pastor from Trinity spoke…talk about in a lesson of 'God will always provide!'….It was miracle after miracle…

When we get back ask one of us about…

"the $5 lady"

"God needs your truck."

Ect….

Quote of the Day ...

"I hate so much I think I' m gonna bust!" -Tony

God Bless! ... Jesus Rocks!

Off to Work We Go!

2/19 Monday 9:40am

We have divided into the showered and non-showered. We are on the road again….headed for the big 26mi bridge … with trucks full of tools and hearts full of God!

Today is our first workd day and we are headed to Central City to the "Yellow House"…where we will be demolishing an addition to a house used for men's dorms that are here for ACOA treatment. We will also be reconstructing an existing part of the house that will be used for offices and sleeping rooms. Eventually an addition will be added to house even more people whom the church in that needy part of the city can minister to. We will stay at the yellow house for tonite.

Oh, by the way, our very special brother Steve (and I mean 'special' in the most sincere way) has graciously volunteered to stay behind at Trinity Church and be on the kitchen staff there while the rest of the crew goes into the city to work. We may need to add a special section titled, "Steve's thought for the day' ... here's a starter! ...

BRING IT ON>>>Your Warriors are ready.

2/19 6:30pm…

Done with our 1^st day of hard labor…..Sore bodies and strong hearts for God.. The addition is down…be sure and check out the awesome pictures.

What amazed me is amongst all the rubble there was hope. In the addition someone had painted Jesus on the wall (see photo). The beauty was found in the most unusual places…

We did encounter some new creatures of God's kingdom…cockroaches the size of your big toe … and some cute little lizards.

We met some of the neighbors and the men staying at the treatment center. They express such gratefulness to us…..but I feel so blessed they have invited us into their lives and homes.

The sun is warm and the temp close to 70.

A special thanks to Tweety Bird and Charles, two of the cutest kids ever…..for playing tag with me and giving great hugs.

Yesterday Jeremy C played , or should I say tried…to play b-ball with some of the local kids. They kinda took him to school. But bridges and relationships were built, big time!

2/20 Tuesday…..

God Bless Steve and the other kitchen staff for a deliscious meal last nite. They brought it to us from Trinity Church and stayed overnight with us! Despite all the aches and pains we decided to go an check out the Mardi Gras parade. I admit, I really debated…but they persuaded me…how often will you be in NO and 3 blks from the parade. It was AWESOME!!! We all got beads thrown from the floats and met lots of way fun locals. Jeremy B got all the history from a family we were standing near….so ask him all about it. Jeremy C won for most beads caught.

Who would of thunk….Cedarbrookers evangelizing at Mardi Gras …

We hobbled home around 9 and fell into our warm beds…graciously provided by the Castle Rock Community Church….Brandee met Emily on a previous trip down…so cool the long lasting relationships that have been formed!!! Small world, Big God.

Time to walk across the street and start at it again….."What surprises does God have planned for us today?"…reiterated by Steve, … heard originally from Tony.

Thanks for all the prayers…we miss all of you!!!

More updates to come!

Jeremy C
Nate
Justin
Dave
Jeremy B
Michele
Brandee
John
Bill
Andy
Tony
Keith
Steve
Chris

And the Northwooders

Brent
Ken
Chuck

Oh, and here are a few of our nicknames…see if you can match them with the person they go to…

Buttercup
Daisy
Stretch
Bubba Uno
Blondie

(tune in again for the answers)

Cedarbrook Team On the Road!

Saturday 2/17 8:30am….somewhere close to the Dells.

I know, your thinking, 'I thought they left at 6?' We did! I am just officially awake. By the way this is Michele, your official guide to the 2/07 Katrina Trip.

Chris is as of now our faithful leader and we haven't lost anyone yet. I am just amazed at what a diverse group God has brought together for this trip. Let the adventures begin!

Quote of the moment: "Nanos rock!" -Brandy

Still Satuday 9:55am….honestly I don't know where we are.

But I do know God is amazing. Dave has been filling Brandy and I in on his new non-profit venture. I have dreamt of starting a 'make you house a home' non-profit…and it may fit well with Daves !! Cool!!

12:24 still driving. The roads aren't great. Brandy called Jayne to start up prayer chain. The good news is if we get stranded, we have enough non perishable food to last a long time. Learning lots about fishing and hunting. Oh goody…we are now onto cars.

1:43 Saturday and guesss what?? Yes we are still driving. A great big thanks to Sandy B. for the snack bags!!!!!!!

Quote of the moment: "Do you want some lotion? It’s Mary Kay."-michele

Still Saturday…still driving.

Saw the arch in St. Louis…after 4 tries, finally got a photo.

Quote of the moment: "Did you know flip flops are back in."- Jeremy B.

Still Satuday…8pm.. Farmington, MO!! ... finally NOT driving!!!

God bless Bill Younker for the Homey accommodations and wonderful company.

Ate our weight in food at Rays Buffet.

A time of devotion. A good protion of our team has been to NO on Katrina relief before….they are excited to see some of the work they have done come full circle. How cool for them.

Jeremy C. shared his gift of music with us…on his guitar and we sang. Not quite the Cedarbrook band….but still awesome.

Some "Quotes of the Moment" from other vehicles:

"We're in the lead?" - Steve

"Are we following the right van?" -Dave

"If we are, I don't know who on our team has a walker." -Michele

Sunday, February 18 - 7:56 am…leaving Bill's.

God thanks for our good rest and getting to know your wonderful friend Bill. God bless him and his family.

"on the road again…"

10am Sunday 2/18

Stopping at 'Loves' travel stop…fuel up and stretch. This place is awesome!!! You can buy an oven to plug into your car!!! And it's 38 degrees.

All cars now have radios to communicate….good idea?? I'll let you know.

Tony broke out the shorts.

10:36am…first cotton field.

Quote of the moment:

"Can we speed up? A guy walking just passed us." - Jeremy C

"Put the hammer down rubber ducky." - Steve

12:30 Sunday 2/18

We invaded and took over Quiznos somewhere in Mississippi. Got it to go….picnic at The Mississippi Information center….44 degrees….."it’s just like coming home."

Quote of the moment: "oh man, I left my pants at Quiznos." - Jeremy C

So he and Andy back track to get the pants….and catch us at the next fuel up stop.

Thanks you God…for the safety thus far, the laughs that make the miles fly by and the awesome bonding that is taking place.

2:30pm..Sunday…Oh we all sure missed you guys at church.

Somewhere in Mississippi…just passed the 1000 mi mark!!! And it 50 degrees!!!!!!

6:09pm Sunday 2/18

LOUISIANNA!!!!!!!!!

7:13 pm….

Well we made it …..thank you God for a great trip!

And we are all anxious to meet the rest of the people….get our work detail…and find our sleeping space.

Thanks to all of you back home who are praying and supporting us!!! We miss all of you….and promise to share Cedarbrook' s love of Christ with our brothers and sisters in New Orleans.

Tune in later for further up dates!!!God Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!

Michele
Brandy
Dave
Jeremy C
Jeremy B
Tony
Justin
Andy
Nate
Keith
Chris
Bill
John
Steve

And Now...

The guys from the "Northwoods!"

Animal
Big Mack
Brent

Stay tuned for the team nicknames to come in our next episode of

"As Cedarbrook Katrina 2/07 Turns"

God Bless!!!!!!!!