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From Waveland, MS December 1, 2006 |
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Greetings.
Sorry that I have been late
in getting this out. I am not certain where the time
has gone. During the month of November we have had a
number of churches send volunteers to the camp, First
Baptist of Orlando, Eclectic United Methodist-Eclectic,
AL, Lighthouse Church - Throsby, AL, Harmony Baptist -
Dawsonville, GA, Bowmar Baptist- Vicksburg MS, and High
Desert Church-Victorville, CA, Saddleback Church -
Forest Hills, CA, Christian Reformed Churches from the
Demotte, IN area, and Bellsouth Volunteers from Jackson,
Naxapater, and Hattiesburg, MS, and friends from
Woodstock, New Hampshire. I think it is a toss up as to
who receives the greatest blessing ... the volunteers
or the residents they help. I often receive notes from
folks who have volunteered here describing the impact
serving on the Mississippi gulf coast has had on their
lives. This is an excerpt from an e-mail I received
yesterday -- "I came down in June with a group of
high school seniors to volunteer at the camp. Some have
since gone on to college, one joined the Marines
(Mark-whom you gave the Marine Corp Bible to) and one is
working. They stop in from time to time and always talk
about our trip to Mississippi. It continues to affect us
all and I know I think of you all every day" Martie
and I are so fortunate to be able to participate in this
ministry.
I was thinking about the
diversity in the church groups that come here. Psalm
133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live
together in unity! As I watch the volunteers
work and minister, that is the verse that comes to my
mind. There has been a magnificent unity of Spirit here
over the past months. Many denominations represented
but one Lord and one Spirit. In John 17:23 Jesus said
: "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to
complete unity to let the world know that you
sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
We are letting the world know
(specifically the residents in this area) that He sent
us and the love that God showed us, we are, in turn,
showing the to them. Awesome! In Romans 15:5-6, Paul
Said "
May the God who gives
endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of
unity among yourselves as you follow Christ
Jesus, so
that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. " With one mouth
and one heart we are glorifying God with our service on
the Gulf Coast.
We had the opportunity to
speak at Bowmar Baptist Church several weeks ago during
the morning worship services. It was a great
opportunity to thank them for their wonderful
support for the Gulf Coast and to see those who have
joined us in ministry here at Pathfinder. I was talking
with a resident of Pearlington this week after we
delivered a Pod to him. He said that all of the things
that have been done -- Pods - rebuilding - food, etc,
have been wonderful ... but the best thing of all has
been in knowing that people care .... Wow! Jesus said
to Peter -- "Do you love Me Peter? Then feed My sheep"
-- show Me and the world that your care about what I
care about -- in James 2 the Word says " Show me
your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith
by what I do." Thank You Lord for letting us join
You in this great outreach.
Pod Project
During what I call California
week ( Saddleback and High Desert were here at the same
time) all of the Pods that we had the parts for were
built. That puts us close to 400 pods built and
delivered from Pathfinder. We have about 25 that still
must be delivered. Since I first spoke with the woman
last December about building her a shed, over 900 pods
have been built and delivered between Shoreline Baptist
and Pathfinder Mission. God is awesome. At an
estimated $230 per unit for materials that is over
$200,000 provided by churches across the U.S. At this
point, we don't think we will be building any more Pods
but will be focusing on getting people back in their
homes. Those volunteers who built pods are still needed
to help with rebuilding.
Americorps volunteers have
been helping us deliver pods this week. I tell them
that we are a faith based camp and they are under no
obligation to participate in the discussions and prayer
that we have with the pod recipients. They are free to
go back to the van. In every instance they have
participated with us. We trust that seeds
we have planted in their hearts will take root and God
will bring an eternal increase.
Rebuilding
We have been busy helping
several families with their homes. I want to emphasize
that we can use all volunteers, no matter what the skill
level. You don't have to be a master carpenter to make a
difference here - just have a willing heart. I was
talking to a friend about a decision he has to make
concerning God's call on his life. He is certain he
knows what God wants him to to do, it's the "when" that
he is unsure of. He thought he knew and then something
came up that could require him to wait. He was
uncertain about what to do. I told him that something
will always come up when you decide to step out in
obedience to God's call. It is not about being reckless
... but being bold. Confident in the Lord's power and
might .... God is "NOT" surprised by these circumstances
that come our way. It is not about pragmatism, but
about walking by faith and not by sight. You have to "
step into the water .... wade out a little bit
deeper ... It's time we the people stand up for
what is right it's time we squared our shoulders back
and raised our swords to fight for the Bible is my
weapon and the Spirit is my shield the church needs more
members to be workers in the field... There's victory
for the Christian who walks the narrow way there's been
a prize appointed for the soul who does not stray O I
want to live for Jesus and be all that I should be ..".
Can I get an 'Amen'?
Computer Classes
Brian Roe, a local resident,
continues to do a great job on the Internet and E-mail
class we offered. We
will be offering an Excel class after the first of the
year.
Purpose Driven Life -
40 days of Purpose
With each Pod we deliver we
give a copy of Purpose Driven Life as well as a
Bible. ( recall that friend of the Ministry sent 240
copies of PDL to us) Our plan is to conduct a "40 days
of Purpose" study after Christmas. We are considering
offering the study here in Waveland and in Pearlington.
BTW, if any of the churches have the DVD's for 40 days
of purpose, we need to borrow them. Thanks!
Celebrate Recovery
Jerry Wells from Lighthouse
Church in Throsby, AL is joining us to lead the
Celebrate Recovery ministry. We plan to launch the
program after Christmas. We have met a number of folks
over the past months that we will be inviting to
participate in CR. Jerry will be re-visiting with them
during the coming weeks. Please pray for Jerry and this
ministry.
Our Cottage.
We are making good progress
on our cottage. We thank everyone who has helped
us.
I see by the time that the
volunteers will be stirring soon so I will end this
update. It is 37 degrees right now, a little cool for
the Gulf Coast. Better put on another pot of coffee.
Be blessed. Martie and I thank the Lord for all of
you.
Charley
Charley & Martie Elgin Pathfinder Mission Waveland, Mississippi http://www.pathfindermission.org (228) 493-1081 Isa 58:12…. you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. |
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Pathfinder Mission, P.O. Box
3313, Bay |
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228-469-0507 |
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