July 14 – July 15, 2010 at Life Builders Work Camp Ministry in Smithers, Fayette County, West Virginia
The weather has improved greatly from the beginning of the week. In fact now people are getting sun burnt. But it isn’t stopping them from working hard on their sites.
Yesterday, Wednesday, after having a Gathering Time, groups went to their worksites to work till noon. After that, groups did a variety of thing in the area. Some went to a park others went white water rafting, and others went swimming.
Thursday, groups worked the whole day. There were two sites where expected work had been completed, so they joined another group which could use a number of people. Work that was tackled included siding, tearing out an accordion wall, fixing a floor in a restroom and painting.
The focus of the Gathering Time on Wednesday was about facing our fears. Jeff Berger took a look at how Nehemiah overcame his fears to go and build the wall in Jerusalem. That led to the concept that we can overcome our fears as well with the help of Jesus.
Then Thursday was about overcoming oppositions. Nehemiah had many oppositions to overcome to build the wall. He was able to do so. And with Jesus we can overcome oppositions we face. That led to the presentation of the gospel and allowing time for people to spend with God in prayer, or to talk with a leader about their relationship with Jesus.
During one of the God sighting times a person shared about having a conversation with a person who lived in the area. The woman shared with the man about their work in the school, such as painting a classroom. He told her that even though she may not realize it, for the local people to attend a class in a room that has a new coat of paint gives hope to the students in this area. It is an area that is economically depressed and seeing something like that gives a bright spot in their lives.
So, even though there may be times when groups have been asked to do things which may not have been with local residents specifically. Their service in secret is still seen by the local residents and especially by God. The acknowledgment from God, well done good and faithful servant, should be what is sought the most.
If you would like to see videos from the past few days go to www.youtube.com/theworkcamppeople. You can view pictures of the past few days uploaded to http://bit.ly/aeRTxj
Your continued prayers and support are appreciated.
Becca Said:
on July 19, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I personally enjoyed reading Nehemiah when I worked through some workplace issues. Nehemiah was a leader who listened to God and didn’t forget his purpose- to do what God told him. There was a need that needed to be taken care of- the wall needed rebuilt- and he obeyed and did the Lord’s work. I look at his example and character as a good way of accomplishing tasks. Glad you guys got insight out of that good book, too!
Looks like another good year of ministry, good work to Sam, Mark, and the whole crew!