Homecoming:
Words cannot put into perspective all I felt at the shack and another year of relating to families. Our current total is $96,213 towards our goal of $100,000. We will continue to keep our campaign open for two more weeks.
It was good taking a hot shower, drinking a steaming cup of hot cocoa, lounging on a soft sofa and reflecting on the week. Moments of laughter, kids, and telling wonderful stories of God’s work. I thought about so many friends near and far who made this so special. Sleeping on a bed instead of an air mattress with a sleeping bag and insulated from the outside noise, not overrated. Resting my voice, my feet, and my soul so needed.
My heart is heavy reading stories from the coast and parts of Southeast Georgia. Effects from Hurricane Florence in the Carolina’s are devastating. Hurricane Michael compounding the disaster. One friend in Panama City lost her entire home and is moving her family to Enterprise, Alabama. Her church and school were also destroyed. My mind reels.
It made fundraising difficult for us. Our hearts are heavy. Yet, Hurricane Michael did not stop our phone from ringing with people in our own community calling about needed repairs or the need for a wheelchair ramp. These still come day in and day out. Sometimes the need triggered by moderate storm damage, other times, traditional maintenance with out of reach expenses.
Devastation so massive overwhelms us and many times paralyzes us. Hopefully, it also throws us into response mode as we feel we can all do something; pray, give funds, and possibly help in some physical way. The story of the starfish and caring for one family at- a- time is so relevant now.
What is next for ARM? This Saturday, we celebrate 20 years of ministry with a special alumni brunch and evening celebration. On October 27 and November 10th, we are working locally doing home repair. Joe travels to our site in West Alabama on November 4th to train crew leaders for their local repairs. In November and December, we will attend 3 housing conferences that build our capacity to serve more families. Locally, our veterans’ project in Tuskegee is underway. A grant is funding the rebuilding of a needed fence at our guest house and remodeling efforts improving our site at Tuskegee Methodist aka Tuskegee Mission Hub continues.
Our ministry team will support my absence as I take time and travel to the coast to assist with damage assessments and participate with a team planning the recovery efforts. Here is why it is especially moving for me; I lived in Panama City, Lynn Haven, Port St. Joe, and Marianna. All of these areas were decimated or received extensive damage. Churches from these communities routinely come to Alabama to help with our systemic home repair needs. It only seems fitting we can move into their grief spaces and help in these areas.
Thank you again for all of the prayers and well wishes! We all have a lot of work to do. Our homes are our most important physical structure where our families bonds are strengthened and our neighborhoods foster community. Let’s keep working together to develop spiritual leaders that create sustainable homes, strengthen families, and build community partnerships for the glory of God!
Grace and peace,
lisa
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