As I sat here trying to decide what I wanted my blog to be named I frantically opened my Bible.The pages began to blow in the wind and then instantly stopped on pages 472-473, this would be Psalm 44-47. I look down and there the name was revealed in the only text underlined on the entire page. Psalm 44:26 states, "Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love."
As the world has continued to spin on it's axis the lives in Joplin, Missouri continue to sift through remains of destruction and memories. I was blessed with the opportunity to not only serve in a time of need, but also to be served. The community and members of Webb City Baptist Church were so gracious and grateful to provide all 39+ with three meals a day, a WARM shower, and anything that we might request.
"Sunset Drive" will always hold a special place in heart. A place where grace, humility, hard work, equality, devastation, destruction, serving, and the power of God were all intermingled and intimately intertwined together. "Sunset Drive" is the house/neighborhood our group worked day in and day out. Whether we were picking up debri, sawing trees, moving walls/wood, collecting memorable items, delivering water, or praying there was always work being done.
In a Samaritans Purse safety meeting we were informed that it would be a rarity for any of us to meet the home owners of any work project. I was overjoyed to meet both John and Katherine Sweeney, as well as Elizabeth Kent.
The opportunity to work side by side not only with the five month pregnant woman and mother of Sophia and Emmi was presented, but I also worked with another girl from the church. Her and I were able to work side by side with the home owner loading cherishable items into her vehicle while listening to her stories and testimonies. There is not a way to describe the powerful movement her testimony and story will play on both of our lives. We listened in awe and humility while she rejoiced our Heavenly Father for sparing her and her family's life. We listened intently to her soft voice and stories for there was no devastation but always a praise to our Lord and for the items retrieved. I could have spent several more days listening to her tell her stories of childhood, college, and current life, and yet never be able to explain the powerful moment and impact it will play in life.
Joplin, Missouri is a town of hope, belief, and faith. The attitudes and spirits are high and the town is uprising through the destruction. Every drop of sweat, tears, and ounce of energy excerted was worth it all.
I was blessed with an opportunity to serve and it was my priviledge to serve with many wonderful men and woman including the families day in and day out.
Psalm 44:26
KLa
