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2012 05 01-Good morning (and happy bday Uncle Roy!)

James is back at home probably sleeping or riding a bike or running or something, but in his seat is Gary. Gary and Craig arrived Sunday night, but today will be their first day on the job site.

We head out a bit weary, but very re-energized by the additional support of these two key vets, but also from an unlikely source, two new friends, Jim and Shirley (who wants us to refer to her as “Nannie”). While slathering on our morning sunscreen by the cars, all the guys were commenting on Jim and Nannie’s words from the night before. When asked why he comes down to work on these projects, especially at 80+, Jim said “we come down to make God look good, that’s all we have to do,” “I don’t need to see another castle.” The words fell on a smiling but silent and humbled group of men.

Put so simply, it was humbling to hear that perspective from someone that has gone before us. Nannie piped in “I want you to know, that I wouldn’t have come down unless God told me so.” Their friendly servant conviction was inspiring and … well.. once again, humbling.

And these two are going to be working with us on the job site.

I hope we can keep up with them.

Oh, and speaking of keeping up, we have a wounded warrior, Steve. Steve, the marathon man, likely the most fit of us all, has been carefully guarding his recovering right ankle. But when he woke up Sunday morning with his swollen left ankle, it came as a total surprise. We continue to ask for your prayers for his recovery, and also for his patience in his current state. Flexibility is both a physical and a emotional thing. We look forward to seeing how God will use him today.

Tommy’s devotional this morning was simple and sweet. Last week, while working on the window sills, Pam and Millie were trying to get the cuts just right. Tommy told them “that’s why God invented caulk.” (Caulk is that white silicone fills spaces in the wall) “It’s like grace, it covers a multitude of sins,” he continued. But as Tommy reflected on his joke, he says that the commonly used phrase kind of cheapens Grace. Grace doesn’t mask and cover over your mistake, it redeems it.

With that in mind, we thank you for your support and pray that you experience the Grace of God in your life today.

Millie just called to wish us a good morning and made a point to wish Uncle Roy a happy bday. If you get a chance, please take the time to read her entry.

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Millie’s notes…from her blog

Millie was yes, the youngest on this team, but had a pretty full experience…even on the plane… She said we could share her (personal) blog entry with you, and we felt it was best shared in its entirety.


When we read it aloud, we were at a common stop for us, Bop’s, some tears welled up, and we missed our coed teammates.

2012 Gulf Coast Missions Relief Team

DREAMS. PROMISES. HOPES.
Having known Jesus for several years by now, last week was my first missions team.  Some how, I’ve managed to say “mm… no thanks” to different opportunities each year.  And thanks to the Lord’s timing, this Katrina trip would be my first experience.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I’ve heard testimonies from hard-core evangelizing, “Gospel bombing” the poor souls, to the crazy supernatural encounters of divine appointments and out pourings of healing.  What was this trip going to look like?  Although I had dreams of being the “conduit” for others to have a supernatural encounter with the Lord, I had no expectations besides the Lord’s promise to me that it was going to be a good trip.  My hopes for myself was that this trip was an opportunity for me to walk securely in who the Lord has created me to be, to walk securely in my identity, and to know that the Father loves me and is pleased with me regardless of what I do or don’t do.
RESTORATION. HEALING.
Leaving with 14 other Evergreeners, all predominantly my parents’ ages, I had the privilege of being the kid of the group.  For some strange, unknown reason to me, the “kid in me” (cute kid, not bratty kid) was overflowing.  The way I talked. The way I acted.  And with this child-likeness came a child’s joy – even a joy to be master Uncle Steven’s little minion.  No one told me to grow up like how I had to 15 years ago, during my childhood that was deprived of being a child.  Never did I think the Lord would use this one week to bring restoration and healing to my childhood.
UNITY WITHOUT UNIFORMITY.
To me, my team was the best picture of what church unity was meant to look like.Unity without uniformity.  Everyone had different roles.  Everyone had different personalities.  Everyone had different gifts.  Everyone ministered differently.  Some love talking.  Some love listening.  Some love working.  Some love helping. Some love thinking.  Some love making mistakes.  Some love leading. Some love following.  All love Jesus and all love each other.  Each were equally important.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we were baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body… and were all given one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many… But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. – 1 Corinthians 12:12-19
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY.
Bradley and Paul were our fearless, humble, knowledgeable, patient leaders.  Peter was the busy bee that took the first opportunity to talk to every nonEvergreener.  Carol was my momma and made sure we all had our fruits.  Kelly was my pops, watching over me to make sure I didn’t chop off my fingers or electrocute myself.  Pam was my partner I worked alongside with, and for being a “non talker,” I was quite impressed with how many people I saw her talking to.  Uncle Steven was my beloved, verbally unfiltered uncle and master whom I have a special love-”hate” relationship with.  Grandpa Roy was my cute, adorable grandpops, and it brought me joy to see him enjoy working so much.  Mo was my knowledgeable pops, who would teach me anything I had questions about.  Lorin was my joyful auntie who just loves to chit chat and laugh.  Tommy was was my profound pops who gave me wise tips – especially the tip to never settle for a scumbag boyfriend.  Jamesie was my mysterious, contemplative photography buddy who is always eating.  Arthur was my quirky, funny, weird uncle who makes me laugh.  Gary was my considerate, funny uncle who blessed me each time he asked me how my day was or if I had fun.  Kenny was my quiet but yet not quiet uncle who impressed me with how many nonEvergreeners he talked to and worked with.  Adlai Christopher was my jolly, happy, animated uncle who also made me laugh.  And I was the kid and student, and in Uncle Steven’s case, little minion.
IN HIS PERFECT TIMING.
Prior to leaving for Mississippi, I received the words that “the conversations will come to me.”  I don’t need to stress over going around to find the conversations, but that they would come to me naturally.  Through out the week, I wondered when they would come.  I had good talks with Tommy and Jamesie.  What about with nonEvergreeners? Sure I had small chitchat, but conversation? Little did I know that my social skills would be stretched on the plane ride back, all in His perfect timing.  Even if I wanted to run from the conversations, I couldn’t because both flights were full.  While fighting my body’s feelings of nausea, I talked to Noma for an hour on the way to Texas. I prayed for her, and was blessed by her tears that messed up her make-up.  Then, while fighting feelings of sleepiness, I managed to talk to Lisa for 3 hours on the way back to LA.  I prayed for her and was blessed by her appreciation of that being the first time anyone has directly prayed for her.  All in His perfect timing.
WAIT. WAIT. WAIT.
Unsure of what my own gifts are, I wasn’t sure how I was going to minister to people.  Prior to my trip, the Lord gave me John 2:4, “My hour has not yet come.”  Jesus’ time had not yet come, but yet he still turned water into wine.  My time for ministry has not yet come, but I was still going to Mississippi (since the Lord didn’t tell me to not go).  As I’m “growing up” and figuring out what ministry is supposed to look like for me, Jesus is my primary model.  And I believe Jesus lets out his “secret method” in John 5:19-20.  For me, that entails being led by the Holy Spirit – doing what He leads me to do and not doing what He leads me to not do.  So for the time being, my season is towait – to wait for me to grow in the Spirit’s leading, and to wait for me to be secure in His identity.
Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.  For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. -John 5:19-20
PMS.
Post missions syndrome. PMS.  It hit immediately last night as I stepped into the car.  Honestly, this missions trip was more of a vacation for me.  In fact, it’s the most memorable and most enjoyable trip I’ve ever had (which to me is a sign of how the Lord’s been healing my inner being).  The Lord kept His promise, for this was a GREATtrip.  My soul aches to be back with my beloved teammates, but there is a time for everything. And it is time to return back to my real long-term missions field of being at home.
WHAT LIES AHEAD.
Although this might be the last year Evergreen sends out a Relief Team to Mississippi, I’m excited for my next trip.  Though I know not of what lies ahead, I’m excited to see what the Lord does in my life from now until then.  I’m excited to see how I minister to others differently, which will be a natural fruit of my relationship with Him.  And forget about going for one week. Sign me up for the two week team!



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Art’s Reflection:A divine opportunity missed…





Art has been coming on the Mississippi Gulf Coast “Katrina” Missions for 4 years. He talks about his encounter with opportunity and God during his flight home…

A divine opportunity missed…

After a weeklong stay in Mississippi working with great Habitat for Humanity (HFH) friends, partner families and Team Evergreeners, I began to question whether I’ll have a “divine appointment”. Up to this point, others on the Team have had encounters to pray over people and impart God’s love and mercy on them. Part of me wanted to bestow that same blessing on others. But it’s God’s timing, not mine. It wasn’t until our layover in Dallas on our (co-ed Team) return trip from Mississippi where I had my “celestial engagement”.

As our team was waiting for our connecting flight to LAX, I heard a ticket agent announce over the loud speaker that the flight was full and if you had oversized luggage to approach the counter and check it in for free. Not sure what motivated me more, God’s prompting, the invitation to check in my protuberate friend (guitar case) or that it was free. Being Chinese, I couldn’t pass up a good deal! So I approached and queued with the other large baggage offenders all the while thinking they fell prey to the no cost alternative. I digress. What happened next was what I considered my divine appointment.

It was my turn. As the crowd at the counter parted ways to allow room for the extra large appendage, the ticket agent and I struck up a conversation to assess the appropriateness to check in said appendage. She hesitated a moment and called me over to the side away from the other agents. Was I in trouble? She then beckoned me in closer with her hand in that come-hither-but-not-too-close motion. Cautiously, I leaned in. She wrinkled her nose, slowly shook her head and mouthed an emphatic “NO!” It was as if she meant to say, “you idiot, why would you want to ruin your delicate instrument by checking it in?” We chatted a little more about her heightened level of concern and discovered she was a fellow guitar player and would never, ever, do such a thing! She also noticed my HFH t-shirt and was volunteering with the local chapter for the first time on Wednesday. I applauded her volunteerism and quickly blurted out, for fear of angering the natives in queue behind me, our team’s LA roots and foray into Mississippi. She smiled and whispered that she’ll let me board first to guarantee a place for my precious cargo. Excited, I quickly gathered my backpack, boarding pass and guitar to be one of the first to be let in before the premiere members! Is this what it feels like to be a person that either needs assistance or has a child in tow? Being neither, I felt pretty special to be bestowed this honor…thank you Lord.

In my timidity with the agent, I must admit I was remiss in not praying for her right then, but rest assured I later did while in my seat aboard the plane. I should have been more bold to take the time and pray for her at that moment. What an epic FAIL! Fortunately, our God is a God of second and third chances even fourth ones. I’m sure I’ll have other divine appointments later, but next time I’ll be prepared!

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Day of work at New Life (Videos)

Was a long, hot day, but one where we didn’t work at the Habitat site, so instead, we served by working at New Life Relief Center, our home while we’re in Biloxi
We trimmed hedges, painted buildings, did minor repairs… and tried to stay cool…
We met Jim and “Nannie,” a couple that, we’ll say, Uncle Roy called “Uncle and Aunt.” they referred to Roy as “Just starting out. They’ve come to relief Habitat builds at least 13 times. 4 times at this site. They have experience, heart and a spiritual perspective that really energizes, convicts and compels you. They keep trying to get their friends to come to a Habitat build because “once you get the bug, you won’t stop.”
They joined us for our worship/devotional time and even requested a song. Craig led a heartfelt devotional on being vulnerable and honest before God, and we all prayed for him, even Jim.
It’s truly amazing coming across country and meeting new people that share the same passion for God, restoration of areas that are damaged, and restoration of people’s spirits.
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Kelly’s reflection on a transition

Saying goodbye as the girls return

Kelly works in a supporting all of the team, making sure we have everything we need, and Brad can give a direction and that it’ll be followed up. He saw everyone excelled in their job.

The first week is almost over and the most standout thing so far for me is being able to watch Pam Fong and Millie Liao working together. Brad, our site supervisor gave the two of them the task of making and installing all of the window sills (the ledges at the bottom of the windows) starting on Thursday morning and they jumped right in never having used any of the tools they were going to use yet proceeded with confidence and boldness. What a team. They probably don’t know how inspiring they are to me.

I’m so proud of them and proud to say that I am a teamate of theirs. Be sure to speak to them about it. Also, if you get a chance ask Carol Nakatsui and Lorin Lew about the green colored caulking. The weather got warm and humid by the end of the week but everyone stayed in good spirits. I’m sad that the first week is ending and the co-ed team is leaving. The Lord has blessed all of us with the fellowship that we have been having while still being able to serve and help others. I hope when Craig and Gary come out on Sunday evening the we can continue.

Kelly

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Good morning.. 2012 04 30

We’re not going anywhere
We’re staying right here…

Mondays are non-work days for Habitat. But we don’t get the day off. We’re trying to make the most of our time here. So Mondays we’re working at the site where we stay. New Life Disaster Relief is the non-profit organization that provides our housing. We actually live in/at a church building, Biloxi Christian Church, which is leased/borrowed/used by the non-profit. So we’ll be paintin’, trimmin’, fixin’ and restockin’ this place on this “off” day.

It’s a really good day to hang out with Ken, the director of the organization, and his family, as well as give back to the place that has offered us low cost temporary housing while we’re here to build low cost (permanent) housing.

We’re talking about how different organizations and agencies responded to Katrina, how some of the new builds have slowed down, but how there’s still a lot of work to be done in the area. Volunteerism has dropped off as the years since Katrina have passed, but there are still groups that come down. Apparently EvergreenSGV is one of the longer committed groups. Ken seems to have a heart for spreading the love of God in ways practical and spiritual, seeing that they go hand in hand.

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The Cavalry has arrived!

Craig and Gary have arrived!

It’s good to have them back. Glad they tried to keep up to date with the blog.. we barely had to bring them up to date…

Here’s video and some photos of their sendoff