Category: craig k

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OKC 2017 Team Presentation

On 6/11/2017, the team shared with our friends, supporters and some of the Sunday school classes.

In our last official event as a team, we had an overview of the trip, then four newbies came up to share their experiences.

Craig K – Team Intro: (1:15)
Jeff H – Recap work performed (5:02)

Kevin T (via video) (8:29) :
was on the road, but wanted to share his story both of how circumstances allowed him to go on the trip, and what he learned as part of that process.

Brandon (19:32) :
spoke on the opportunity to go on the trip, previously knowing few people on the team, and moments of quiet, humility and God’s goodness during the trip

Roz (30:29) :
had an unexpected healing moment that could only come in community of church and a supportive family.

Kevin L (45:10) :
shared from the perspective of a dad, and how that related to his relationship with his Heavenly Father, God.

Video (52:39) :
And we wrapped it up with Jimmy’s video, ending in Chris H’s touching prayer on our last day on site.

Thanks to Gary M for shooting and editing this video!

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OKC 2017 Presentation Video

We had our team presentation at church this morning, and we’ll have video of the testimonies and sharing soon.

But we wanted to share with you the video portion that we presented, a 15 minute recap of our trip.

Thanks to Jimmy for editing the video, and for all who contributed to the videos and photos during the trip, and for Gary editing from home while we were out in OKC

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OKC 2017 – Craig’s reflection on meeting Ranger Dan McKee

Team Leader Craig met someone special on the visit to the OKC National Memorial

 
Each year the team visits the Oklahoma City National Memorial, a tribute to the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the horrible and tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. We visit the site to remind ourselves of the pain and suffering this city has experienced not only from natural disasters but the evil of man himself. It causes me to appreciate the good life God has given me yet inspires me to make a difference in this city that God has led us to this week.

Today, unlike previous years, I noticed National Park Service Rangers walking the area around the reflecting pool of the memorial. Having been to the Memorial four times now, I politely passed when Park Ranger Dan McKee asked if I had any questions. However, on second thought, I did have a question so I called back to Ranger Dan. He had an enthusiasm for his job, I thought, as he described the former location of buildings that surrounded the blast site. Soon, other team members joined the conversation and we found out that Dan had worked in numerous California National Parks including Sequoia. As it turned out, Dan did love his job and the visitors to the National Parks in which he was assigned. And, because of that, we made a friend today. Hats off to you, Park Ranger, Dan McKee. Thanks for sharing your life with us today.

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OKC 2017-Commissioning service

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.

After Craig announced our names, he mentioned that we will be sponsoring Miss Smith’s home, and acknowledged Mathias and Gary Murakami, our stay-at-home team members this year.



Click here for some photos from the commissioning 

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.

Only a few days away!

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2013 Day 2-Craig’s meeting with Calvin

I was blessed today to be reunited with Calvin, one of our Habitat for Humanity friends.  Chris and I prayed for Calvin last year and I alone two years ago.  After experiencing the passing of his wife, Calvin was obviously in mourning and seeking the comfort of our Lord during our visit last year.  However, this year, his demeanor was much different.  Today, the Lord demonstrated his goodness as Calvin shared that God gave him a new wife, Kim, who he described as a nice Christian woman.  As Calvin shared about the joy in his life, he repeatedly acknowledged that God was good and despite difficulties, God helps him move forward day by day.  Calvin is selflessly providing for his new family; Kim, her two kids, and Kim’s father.  Chris and I rejoiced at this beautiful testimony and seemingly renewed sense of purpose in the life of our friend.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done.