Second full week...

This morning began the second week of CFA flood central. That's hard to believe...

Rather than going in to the office at my normal arrival, I went to the "Disaster Central Command" office. This is our combined staff room with three desks, filing cabinets out of the main office, temporary phone and fax lines, copier and paper cabinet. It is the only room in the whole church with any air conditioning...at least this little window unit provides a little relief from the 95 degree temps in the rest of the main floor.

Started with time in the Word, seeking God for the day and thanksgiving for a good first service at our satellite site. Sounds kinda neat doesn't it? We've got a site off campus...at least we had a place to worship together. Thanks Lord for your provision and direction!

It was quiet for about an hour before the place starting buzzing again with activity: workers working on cleaning the building, workers clearing out mud and debris from the basement (first time attention was given to this war disaster zone), workers disassembling the stage/platform in the youth chapel, steam cleaning the toddler area and one lone worker cleaning underneath the back hallway behind the baptismal tank. This guy wiggled like a snake to finish his assignment of disinfecting the water damage that was clear back to the far wall. Thorough and complete! It's what had to be done to rid this closed-in area of water and moisture.

Then my bookkeeper came into the command central office to find the phones ringing off the hook. People coming in for desperately needed supplies - just about anything to help them get relief and help. Men from the Love Chapel came in to pick up some water, power aide, and other supplies that were left over from the COH outreach. I heard they were low on supplies to assist the many that looked there for help. Seems like everything isn't going to go back to "normal" any time soon. Might as well get used to this paradigm shift that has erupted since the flood. Lord help us prepare to meet the needs of the suffering and displaced. These needs are overwhelming!

People from the church came in and out as well. My wife showed up for service on basement rescue missions with Ted; however, not as successful as in future ones. Pastor Joel joined us back on the "command central" team. I sent him on a hospital visit to Seymour. Plus, we had several other prayer requests and others going into the hosptital as well. David Holman was away on vacation when the flood hit and toured the facility...was blown away when he saw it today. It was great having Randle here to serve as our receiving manager for all inquiries and requests. Great job Rand...you the man! Quite a busy Monday at command central...but a very productive day.

Had a meeting with a couple about future ministry endeavors. Excited about what my God is doing to bring about the vision for "transforming lives through the power of Jesus Christ!" And we do that through synergy and networking. Greatest thing about this move of God...Holy Spirit is in charge of all connections, decisions, personnel, provision, empowerment and resources. Lord, it is amazing to look over your shoulder onto the master plan you have for our regional church ministry center! You sure do know how to pull all the pieces together for disaster outreach ministry, home rebuilding, church restoration, church design and ministry expansion. This is totally awesome!

Had an afternoon appointment to get my eyes examined. Looks like I'll need new prescription lens, and some new frames to go with it. Then I gathered the Church Leadership together to bring them up to date on our progress. Guess where we met? PIZZA HUT. Both my boys were working tonight, plus Nathan, Ethan and Bethany too. CFA is providing an excellent work force for this restaurant. Also, Trenton cooked some pretty mean pizza's tonight! Way to go T.

My brother Dave drove in from Illinois to assess the damage and provide some excellent counsel on building ideas, design and knowledge of time lines. You see, he built a gorgeous church in Lincoln, Illinois with very little help. If you are ever that way, check it out. One thing my brother does well - building and construction, as well as design and implementation. This is not my strength. Glad to have him around for a couple of days.

Well, looks like I stayed up a little too late tonight talking and writing this blog.

Keep the prayers flowing before the throne...God continues to amaze me "beyond my wildest imagination!" Trust you are staying close to the One with the Master Plan...

Love to all. Post a little comment to let me hear from you!