Greetings from Lakeshore Mississippi,
It’s Sunday morning and we’ve completed our first full day of the project. Saturday is primarily a check/in day integrated with work, as personnel are available. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful, balmy Gulf Coast day full of greeting old friends and welcoming “newbies” to the project family. The only guests that weren’t welcome were those pesky little mini-gnats (my nomenclature) that always come alive with a vengeance when the weather warms. Actually, they live here, so I guess we are the guests. Regardless, it was a great day to meet and greet and even better day to work. Since there were so many folks here early, we were able to start punching the project list right away and surged ahead on our schedule. The great weather across this great nation also allowed for all of the travelers to arrive on time. The Lord has been pleased to grant us a very pleasant start, rather than the challenges that frigid weather has brought our way in the past. No frozen pipes, broken heaters, and the like. Praise the Lord!
This year heralds an even greater emphasis on the support, encouragement, and rebuilding of Lakeshore Baptist Church. We are working very hard to lay the groundwork for the new sanctuary that, Lord willing, will begin this year. Their building plans were completely revamped last year by a change emanating from the local authorities. This change was a blessing as it delayed construction, but will eventually save a substantial amount of money. The property is showing much wear and tear and our hope it to spruce it up to a better standard by the end of the week. The word “temporary” has extended its use into the 7th year. There are many transitions we are dealing with this time, but the First Baptist Church from Clinton, LA has done an extraordinary job of preparation.
Last evening our opening sermon was delivered by Pastor Steve Graham. The text was from Nehemiah and challenged us to put our mind to the work. The “work” to be done expanded to all of our life, not just this one week of service. I found it very helpful when he explained how Nehemiah was just an ordinary man attempting to do something for God that in time became extraordinary. He also pointed out how Nehemiah understood the prophecy of the Messiah entering Jerusalem in the distant future, and that someone had to restore those walls and the gate through which our Lord Jesus would enter. There was much to reflect upon. This project every year is always a time for self-evaluation and encouragement. What is the work that is truly important and will stand the test of time and eternity?
The perplexing question for the day was posed by one of the brothers from Indiana. Why do folks from Pennsylvania say they are from such-and-such PA. People from New York don’t say they are from NY. Marylanders don’t say they are from MD. I’ll admit that I’m from PA, I mean Pennsylvania, and I never realized that we have this peculiar distinction. On the other hand, he admitted that he had no idea what a Hoosier is. These are just a brief example of the deep questions we tackle on our projects.
We need your prayers as the week progresses. We are hosting a large number of people to manage, and there are a lot of moving parts. Safety is paramount. There is a tremendous potential for evangelism of the lost and strengthening of the saints. We are expectantly waiting upon the Lord to bless His work here at Lakeshore Baptist Church.. Pastor Elbourne is literally glowing in delight that so many like-minded brethren have flooded (no pun intended) the property this week.. Please assist us on the home front by pleading to the Lord to crown the project with success.
Larry Springer
No comments:
Post a Comment