I Saw Jesus

I returned [at 8:30 am after an ALL night ride in a small bus, pulling a trailer through NJ, Delware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina] on Sunday and I must say this was one of the very best experiences of my entire life.  I would absolutely go again if given the opportunity.

I learned how to tear out sheet rock, rip metal corner braces, remove linoleum, take up sub-flooring, break and tear out ceramic tile, and remove insulation like a pro!  I learned that a nail can be removed with a little persuasion and elbow grease.  I watched a toilet get squished into about a thousand pieces by a front-end loader.  I carried a ton of wood [no exaggeration] to the curb. 

My greatest job of the entire trip was being a front row observer as the men from our church were Jesus to so many.  I knew this was a wonderful group of men to be working with but I witnessed, first hand, how God worked through them to help these desperate people.  They worked hard.  They made me want to work hard.  They worked in the rain.  They didn't complain.  They drove the bus, even when tired [and dealing with the crazy NJ traffic patterns and drivers] without complaint.  They were patient when the women of the crew needed guidance or instruction.  They never complained.  

More than the physical work, they prayed for and with these homeowners.  They listened....to stories of the floods...stories of the memories from house ...stories of the things that were ruined.  They, with the utmost care, lifted pictures and picture albums that were still dripping with water, carefully into bags for the homeowner.  With kindness and compassion, they encouraged her to get the moldy and water logged furniture out of the house...they shoveled the mud and memories into trashbags.  I stood beside them as they laid hands on and prayed for a father, with 6 children and not enough insurance to cover the damage to his home.  I listened to their heart felt prayers for comfort and peace. 

I am very thankful for the opportunity and thankful even still, that God made a way for me to be a part of such an amazing group. 

   

The people of New Jersey and New York need our prayers.  They need to feel that hedge of protection around them as they face insurance and rebuilding and financial issues.  Please pray for them.