Sleep deprived, we all marched into the kitchen at 8 am to the aroma of bacon, sausage patties, and fluffy butter pancakes. We were also greeted by Pastor Matt, senior pastor of Hilltop Baptist, a man of cheer, love for God, and respect for his church. From him, we learned how Hilltop returned to the basics of their faith in the congregation after going through the 2013 Moore tornado disaster that resulted in $2 billion in damages within the county. Although God allowed disasters, He also brought greater healing. For without that wake up call, Hilltop might not have refocused themselves or become the hosting site for volunteers from around the nation, such as our team, to serve within the damaged and broken community.
Patrick shared the first devotional of the week, making us all laugh with a parrot/plumber joke before reminding us that the time we have on this earth is a fleeting moment compared to eternity. He encouraged us to make the best use our time by serving the Lord and seeking his will and purpose in our lives. We were also blessed by our cook, Laura, who by sharing her personal story allowed herself to be vulnerable not only to us, but also towards God’s unforeseen plan in using her for his kingdom.
There were no building-related activities for us today, so we had a short visit to the OKC National Memorial in memory of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building that occurred in 1995. There Craig met a Park Ranger, Daniel M., who used to lived in California. He had also worked at other national parks including the Grand Canyon.
Afterwards, we went to tour the OKC Habitat main office to learn more about the daily operations. The tour ended with enthusiasm as team members scrambled to buy signature Habitat tees and sweaters.
We lunched at Bedlam Bar-B-Q under the sunshine and
trees in the backyard patio. Their bbq menu included ribs, hot links,
bologna, and turkey. The number one favorite amongst the crew was the
ribs.
Our first assignment at OKC was to organize the church’s yard sale. We found a number of interesting items; most notably, an extensive collection of clown-themed decor. It was nice to help Hilltop, which lacked the manpower to set up over three hundred items for sale. According to Toby (a church member who, along with Donna, graciously volunteered to cook dinner for us), most members work or are unable to make the commute. Unlike LA, OKC is very spread out and the population is much lower since it’s a rural community.
For group worship, we had music led by John, a returning OKC team member. Lorin shared a personal story from the heart based on Proverbs 27:17, Randy followed up with an activity. Each group of six wrote notes of encouragement to each individual of another group. With groans of disappointment, we learned that we wouldn’t be reading the notes out loud as we had hoped. Rather, they will be distributed tomorrow for each one to read on their own for purposes of encouragement.
We ended the night with around-the-group sharing. Jeff shared a powerful story about listening to Holy Spirit in his encounter with a stranger at a gas station. By obeying the nagging feeling God had placed in his heart, he opened himself up for communication by offering free soft drinks to the man and his girlfriend. The man revealed his struggles with Jeff, who offered to pray for him and shared the Gospel. With the Lord’s leading, Jeff was able to be a comforter in the name of Christ to him. We hope you will continue to pray for God to work mightily in this man’s life.
Tommy followed up on this truth that God blesses and has a purpose for every interaction we have. He recounted how he and his wife gave a car ride to their daughter’s friend. Through their conversation, the Yamadas both sensed some guilt the young girl felt, to which Debbie spoke truth into- that nothing we will ever do can cease God’s redeeming love for us.
What amazing grace! Fast forward 25 years later, and that young girl, now married and a mother of two, reached out unexpectantly to the Yamadas in thankfulness for those very words. Sometimes we don’t get to see the growing process, but we must be faithful in believing God will use our sincere actions for his purpose.
Craig’s Health
Lastly, we also want to update you on Craig’s health. He left LAX for OKC in severe pain, unsure of the cause, but sensing God still wanted him to travel with the team. However, it turns out that it was more than just pain alone. Below is the story:
Craig: “I felt like the Lord was saying, ‘Trust me; there is something that I don’t want you to miss out on.’ So I prayed, ‘Lord, give me some strength,’ and I got on the escalator and got in line for the TSA screening. I was blessed to see that the line for screening was very short and almost effortless. When I got to the terminal, I became very distracted by the pain. Tommy came over and encouraged me, saying, “I think you are being attacked spiritually.” I had already told many in the group about the pain, and many of them prayed for me. I don’t know what happened, but after getting on the plane and sitting down, I finally felt some peace and actually slept through the entire flight. I still felt like the Lord wanted me to come here and even though I didn’t know what he wanted me to experience yet, He gave me a lot of strength starting from last night. I started to feel less distracted.
Being able to lead all of you is something I desire in my heart, and I know that with the other leaders here all would be fine, but I just wanted to see what God was planning when he called me here even in my suffering. I finally got to the ER (earlier today – diagnosis was an infection with a treatment course of antibiotics), but I think the main focus was God’s lesson to me about the outpouring of love. I know that the church family at home and here in OKC was supporting me and lifting me up. It reminded me about the paralytic lowered through the roof, carried by his friends. Brandon, Jeff, and Kevin T. were like Jesus to me (and Virginia was like a caring mother to me). I was sharing with Chris yesterday about a vision I had that God wanted me to play a different role at the job site. I saw myself not involved in one specific task, but rather going around to see what everyone else is doing. I think that part of the reason for my affliction, since the doctor ordered no heavy lifting, is so that I can do that. I feel blessed to lead this team and each one of you is a blessing to me.”
The following is more background information from meeting the Greenwoods. We got back real late last night and didn’t have the time to write a post thoughtfully. With input from team members (especially from Pam and Lorin), here is a more in-depth view of yesterday. Please join us in our continued prayers for this loving family.
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“ Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” Matthew 9:38
Sweat equity, some labor exchanged, is a requirement for Habitat for Humanity grant recipients. Not only does putting one’s mark in the work provide a sense of pride in homeownership, but also allows for connections to be made. That’s how the OKC team came to know Robert and Joyce Greenwood, along with their very big family.
Robert and Joyce Greenwood are of the Chickasaw and Ponca tribe, respectively, and have been married for almost 50 years. They met in the late 60s at a local church gathering. Today they have three grown children and beautiful grandchildren whom they graciously help raise, feed, shelterand love.
“Robert also served in the Vietnam War in which he received a purple heart (note: the Vietnam War ended 42 years ago today…thank you, Robert, for serving our country)!”- Pam
Through the determination of their eldest daughter, Gracie, they were able to apply with Habitat for Humanity to convert their garage-bedroom into a real livable space. With the help of our 2016 OKC team, two new walls were raised, insulation was installed, and an attic access-stairway was added among other upgrades. Now, the Greenwoods’ youngest daughter and her five sons can live in that space without enduring drafty winds and other safety hazards.
“ At that time, there was a total of 8 family members living in a 3 bedroom/1 bath house. After we left, there were 13 family members living there.”- Pam.
Many of that OKC 2016 team returned this year and we stopped by to visit. Joyce immediately welcomed us graciously into her home. We were joyous to find out that their youngest daughter had just moved into her very own home with her sons just the week prior. Now the renovated room is empty, but bursting with new opportunities for the Greenwoods to make home feel more like home.
After a quick group picture, with their youngest granddaughter running out of the room in fear of ‘being in the photo’, we took the Greenwoods to Legacy Grill (interesting fact: the grill was originally owned by Kevin Durant prior to his departure from the OKC Thunder). There, we learned more about the Greenwoods’ deep commitment to their family, spiritual faith, community, and marriage.
“I could see the joy of “making merry” in the reuniting of relationship with the Greenwoods, as well as the bonding of this year’s relief team. ”- Pam
Back at the Greenwood household, we prayed for Christ to continue watching over them, for health, and for safety. In turn, the Greenwoods also gave us a blessing with heartfelt thankfulness wrought with deep emotion. The Spirit of God was surely in the room and some of us had to hold back tears during prayer.
“Ms. Joyce … remind[ed] me that when the Father has us perform a work, it always produces fruit that keeps producing more fruit. Jesus’ description of the Kingdom being like a mustard seed comes to mind, reminding me that any work or conversion we allow God to use us in can have wonderful outcomes.”- Paul Waters
One can calculate the days and time spent with the Greenwood family on one hand. However, in those short moments, a bridge was built and a friendship was strengthened; most importantly of all, a seed was planted according to the will of God.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” 1 Peter 1:8-9
Roz: During the flight I saw the earth from above- the different landscapes and colors of water. I wondered what God saw during creation. I saw the ice crystals on the inside of the airplane window and was blessed by the details the Lord puts into all His works.
Lorin: Chris says he NEVER sleeps on the plane. Guess he’s pretending so [that] I’ll stop talking… Also, as I looked out the plane window, I marveled at the beauty of the mystery of the world that God has carved out for us.
Craig: Prior to boarding the flight, I was experiencing some intense internal pain. Team members prayed for me and by God’s grace the pain subsided enough for me to rest peacefully the entire way to OKC. God is good and I know He is watching over me.
Kevin T.: [I got to know my flight] neighbor Lisa, a teacher from Oklahoma. She was with four of her students for a competition in Anaheim. It was nice getting to know her and speaking to her about her faith. I think God put us together to just encourage each other. It was awesome to hear about her faith and how she’s Gospel-oriented while teaching in a public school. I was reminded how encouraging it is to meet a complete stranger and find out how much we have in common. It was awesome to see pictures of Lisa’s family and hear stories of her grandchildren.
On Reuniting with the Greenwoods
Pam: [What] joy and merriment in seeing and sharing a meal with the Greenwoods who we met while working on their home last year!
John: It was such a blessing seeing the Greenwoods again! They gave me and Alice some great advice about married life – that it’s all about communication and always talking things through together. They have been married 50 years!!
Lorin: It was like we haven’t been apart for a whole year! We’ve been texting each other about once a month, so it felt like we were picking up on our conversation and continuing it. Hearing her voice again, it sounds like the same voice that you just can’t get from texting. I was just really happy to see both of them again and to catch up on family. I felt blessed seeing them face to face and seeing them healthy. It added a whole other dimension to our friendship.
Just a few weeks ago, we were all nervously just learning each other’s names, sharing our fears, strengths and weaknesses.
From the fear of heights, apprehension in making new friends, to a lack of carpentry skills- the OKC team isn’t exactly the A team. However, that’s God’s blessing in disguise. It’s through our weakness, not our strength, that God uses us mightily.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” –1 Corinthians 1:27
As we pack our things tonight, making sure we haven’t forgotten our toothbrush for the umpteenth time, God is quietly preparing each of our hearts and minds for the week ahead of us.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about
my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9
We are not going on this trip alone. We have the Father, Son, and Spirit with us. Nor are we the only volunteers in this mission. Our faithful readers and prayer-warriors are in the heart of this trip also!
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that
we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” –Colossians 4:3
To you who is reading this, we hope that you continue be in this journey with us- whether it be through prayer, commenting words of encouragement, or simply just stopping by for an update.
Sunday, on our last Sunday before we leave for OKC, our team was commissioned during our church service.
At our church, every missionary or service team member selects a small group of friends or family to support them practically and spiritually for the trip. This allows people who are not physically going on the trip to be part of the effort.
In previous years, we flew out in the late morning, but this year, our flight is at 9AM next Sunday (4/30/2017) so we won’t be able to make it to service and get into the airport in time for check in.
Team leader, Craig experienced our church’s intimacy when we realized he didn’t have a microphone for himself, so Pastor Dan shared the one clipped to his own shirt.
Pastor Cory led us in a time of prayer, helping us to stay focused on the spiritual elements of the trip. Sometimes it’s hard with such a task-oriented trip to remember we’re trying to serve God and be open to His leading.
Please pray for our team’s preparation, and for Paul, our friend and previous site manager from Mississippi, who will be flying in to OKC a day before us. It’ll be great to reconnect with him and Chris H, our site manager in OKC.
Thanks to everyone that’s been supporting us in prayer and donations.
Once again, it’s not so much that we are asking for donations, each team member is contributing some of their own funds, and our church helps make this team happen.
It’s really to let others partner with us, especially if they’re unable to join us (physically) on the trip. We believe God could rebuild these homes with or without our help, but if we get the opportunity to participate, we’re trying to jump at that opportunity. So we extend that invitation to you as well.
We also hold ourselves accountable to those who support us, and we prayerfully make decisions on how we use our resources.
So if you want to partner up with us, feel free to read the support letter below, and commit to pray for the team, or if you want, you can support us financially as well.
It’s still a few weeks away, but with Easter and all the activities surrounding it, we had our last team meeting before we leave for OKC. We went over our itinerary, packing list, and had a round table discussion exchanging tips we’ve learned over the years.
Miss Shirley’s Gofundme
Chris C has been corresponding with our site supervisor from COHFH, Chris H. The tentative plan for our work week in OKC is 1 day on new construction (with Jose H) and 4 days on a Critical Home Repair project that Evergreen SGV will sponsor.
We will be sponsoring the home of Shirley S who lost her husband to cancer last year. COHFH has set up a GoFundMe page for her (https://www.gofundme.com/shirley-s-home-repair) if you want a little bit more information. The money raised here along with the funds from Evergreen SGV will go towards the much needed repair work on Shirley’s house.
Support Groups
Each team member has a small support group to support them materially and spiritually for the project. This has always been helpful to be a sounding board for the team member, plus making sure that logistical and spiritual needs for the individual are uniquely met.
Meet Kevin L
After the meeting, Jimmy was able to shoot video on our last newbie, Kevin L. We welcome Kevin aboard the team. Impressed that he was able to talk off the cuff without any warning.
Brandon’s joining us for the first time, while has been coming to Evergreen more than most, but some on the team were part of Evergreen before Brandon was born. Yes, we’ve got an age range….
Hello, my name is Brandon Lum and I have been coming to Evergreen SGV my
entire life. I have always had a heart for missions during my
adolescent years, but never came across the right opportunity. Craig
Kakihara, the OKC team leader reached out to me, and I immediately knew
that this was the Lord presenting the right opportunity for me to serve
Him.
As I look forward to my first missions trip, I am anxious, yet
excited. Some of my anxiety arises from trying to be perfect at
everything I do. I want to do the best I can for the Lord, but it is
human nature to fall short of my own expectations. I ask that you would
pray that I find joy not only in my hard work, but also in my
shortcomings, knowing that the Lord is pleased no matter what
transpires. Our Lord is a God who hears our prayers, and I am confident
that His plan will come to fruition this year in OKC.
Virginia taught about what we’ll be doing in OKC, and how the kids could partner with us and pray for us.
“Auntie” SundayA., the main teacher, did things a little differently this year. She wanted the kids to remember our names, so they could pray for us while we’re gone. That
meant that each team member would have a word associated with their
name and do a hand motion. We weren’t prepared. It was pretty hilarious, and exhausting. One of the team values is “be flexible,” I guess it starts now.
After the intro, the kids prayed for us. It’s always a sweet time. Pam said that one year, one of the kids prayed that the sharks wouldn’t be a problem for us in OKC. As far as we know, the prayer came true.
