Wacky sights in the youth room!

Window that awaits replacement

More painting progress today

Clothes ministry donations multiplying weekly

Other donations that await volunteers on Wednesday

Who is this masked man?

Answer: Pastor Joel...raising funds for STL!

Yesterday took a lot out of me. So much happened on that day...my head was still spinning early into the morning hours. Tuesday morning was kinda tough getting going...but my legs moved me up and out!

HOPE Outreach Center was officially closed today; however, Pastor Joel still helped many people that came in for supplies. Our church has become known for hope, compassion and generosity following the Flood of '08. It is a beacon of light on the corner of 10th & Iowa Streets. Don't forget that our church was flooded out, our steeple knocked over, the streetlight on 10th Street came down, many windows and one door were busted out, pews have been disassembled, basement has been gutted out., toddler wing demoed...but in the middle of all this destruction our fellowship hall and church body stand poised to bring HOPE to this community! It is our mandate from heaven...we must obey.

Lots of progress on the rebuilding front:

• Some minor electrical work was completed which will move other projects more readily.
• More painting was accomplished today.
• More windows were installed in the basement area.
• Many phone calls were made checking on all fronts of this rebuild...gotta keep it going!
• Lots of emails were sent pushing people to get their work assignments completed.
• A short staff meeting was conducted in the command center.
  
• Study time was given for my mid-week prayer and Bible Study tonight.

We had a good group at the Adult Bible Study this evening, along with a spirited worship time. Our people have adjusted well to our change of service times. Many needs and lots of people who have visited our HOPE Outreach Center were lifted up by our group in prayer tonight. The vision of being fishers of men is catching hold. This window of opportunity is a prime one that we must not let slip through our fingers. God help us to "launch out into the deep and let down the nets."

Stopped downstairs to check on things after our service, since I usually lock up our "satellite" worship center. Found some strange sights in the youth room. Looks like they accepted Pastor Joel's challenge of raising a certain amount for Speed-the-Light missions...and they took the clippers to his head. You can see for yourself the creative spin they put on his hairdo! (Glad my days of youth ministry challenges are over...)

Tomorrow will be another great day. Trust you are having a wonderful summer. May the Lord bless you real good is my prayer!

Still believing God to help us rebuild our regional worship center DEBT FREE. You can help...go to: www.columbusfirstassembly.org to make your contribution.

Signing off in Columbus. Anticipating many more divine fingerprints in the days ahead...

Love to all.