Long day...

Started the day early...dropped by Circle K for a coffee...discovered that the city is under a boil order. No one is to drink city water. Drove to the church and had to go around street blockades. Pulled in the parking lot under a bright sunshine. Began taking some pictures of our property, church, sanctuary, etc. (Will not have the pics available here as I'm using an alternate computer to post this.)

Began meeting our neighbors around the church...witnessing their devastation...feeling their pain...praying with some. One home had its foundation in the back crumble and even shift some. Another barely made it out before they could have been swept up in the current. Another had a car submerged. Another had their home condemned. Many began carrying out their belongings and building mounds of debris out in front of their homes for city workers to pick up. Some I talked to spent a night in the local shelter. Others returned back to their homes to witness utter loss. Others were dry and clear. Such emotional swings. Cry with those who weep and rejoice with those who can rejoice. Let the love of God flow through you!

Making phone calls was next. Had to use my cell because the church phones were out. Talked to many more people. Got the news out about our complete flood loss. Everything was under water - almost everything, but not the platform and area behind it; and of course, the balcony.

The basement was being pumped out while I worked. Took all day to get it within a couple of inches from the sludge and slime and mounds of mud. People arrived to help out. Sight seekers were also in the mix. Can't believe my church is the focus of this national news story. The family of God is strong and wide-spread. As the channel of news spreads, more help is coming. WE WILL MAKE IT! The Lord is on our side.

Visited one of our senior citizen couples. They lost their home. In fact, the entire subdivision was under water. Piles and piles of water-logged furniture, clothes, boxes, appliances and things stood in tall heaps. Big trucks picked them up and placed them in city trucks. I wept and prayed with them. Their family and church members were on the scene helping out...doing what they could...doing what they must. They will be OK...they are staying with some friends in the church. This is the Book of Acts in motion...right before my eyes. Wonderful!

Called on so many of our church people in the afternoon...from my house...because it had a land line phone. Most were in good shape...some had water in basements...and some had total loss. God is with us!

Went back to the church. Hugged some more necks, loved and encouraged our members. Watched the principle of relationships at work. Everyone doing something...no matter how small it looked or appeared. Moving one more step to the goal. Being all that God wants us to be in the vision of transforming lives...one person at a time.

Conducted a brief leaders meeting. Brought them up to speed with the progress of work that day. Set some plans and looked ahead. Will be having worship services elsewhere's until we can reconvene again in our church. Then we prayed...called out to God...acknowledged our ignorance in this overwhelming situation...asked for wisdom...and felt His power in that room. Felt divine strength from above. Knew we would get through this because Almighty God was on our side. The wind of the Spirit was in that room...awesome!

Was greatly encouraged by the calls from our national leaders in Springfield. They were advised of our situation. They were praying. They would send help in any way that we needed it. Happy for Convoy of Hope to be coming here. Letting us extend the hands of Jesus to our community. It will be a holy treat.

Took the first shift of watch duty tonight with my oldest son around our church property...looters have begun looting. A policeman encouraged us to initiate this volunteer endeavor from our church family. Later, a policeman from Cincinnati showed up on the grounds, plus a local officer came in to check on us. Encouraged also by their presence.

Must get some shut eye. We start all over again in the morning.

If you could, send up a prayer for our church. May we let the light of God's love shine brightly at 10th and Iowa, as well as around this city.