Kairos Journals

From Waveland, MS

December 1, 2006

 
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.

 
 
 
 
 
     

 

 

 

 

 

Pathfinder Mission, P.O. Box 3313, Bay St. Louis, MS 39521

 
     
 

228-469-0507

 
     
 

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