Many hands will bring us home...

Last piece of drywall getting finished in sanctuary (electrician had to finish his work there first)...

After the flood...

After installing our new windows...

New paint in the foyer/reception area...

Jim painting behind the baptistery...

Jacob and Liz helping out...

HOPE volunteers...

My HOPE energizer cleaning bunny...

Another one of those full-run days....beginning to end!

Started the day with my normal coffee from Circle K and a newspaper (never got a chance to really read it all day!). Hit the front door of the church and was busy all day with phone calls, drop ins, appointments, command center work and checking in with contractors.

Met Mae in the fellowship hall working with a client even before the official start of HOPE Outreach Center. They were busy most of the day with people needing some HOPE! Our volunteers have been great assisting the many needs of those coming in to 10th & Iowa Streets. I even jumped in the church van to provide a ride for a couple who had walked to our church needing supplies...it was raining at the time!

Received a phone call from someone in the Dallas/Fort Worth area requesting to talk with me. This required some time and attention, but it proved to be a profitable conversation!

The painting contractors are finished with the sanctuary (except one small piece of drywall), as well as the hallway and bathrooms behind the platform and baptistery. I believe they've applied the second coat out in the foyer area and are now working in the three offices, plus my little office bathroom. It's nice to see some new colors grace our reception, welcome and work areas. The two main bathrooms off the foyer will be the last rooms painted in the new wing. The drywall finisher applied skim coats to remaining areas that needed it...so it won't be long!

The window contractors continue their assignment in the basement replacing old outdated windows with new updated ones. They are getting closer to finishing their project...but it should be another day or two.

Our architect is finishing up the blueprints since our meeting on Monday night. This is needed, along with city and state approval, before any work can begin in the other two buildings on our ministry campus. Lots of wonderful changes and improvements are included!

Met with the office furnishings contractor today. Took him on a tour of our wounded regional worship center that is getting a huge makeover. We discussed some of his office furniture donations as well as some of our proposed needs for the entire ministry facilities. So many things destroyed in the Flood of '08, but so little resources or funds to replace them. Lord, I look to you for your help with each detail of our church rebuilding project. You are Jehovah-Jireh! I know you will meet our needs for all of our ministry furnishings and resources.

Also talked with both my flooring contractor and pew manufacturer today as well. Trying to get a handle on when their areas will be up for installation. Each piece indeed hinges on the next piece. When their suppliers take longer with their products, that eventually stalls us out later in the timetable of returning home...

Sent out a host of "thank you" letters to churches and individuals outside of our church fellowship. So many have already donated funds towards our Flood Fund and given us a foothold toward the miracle of rebuilding DEBT FREE. I believe in God to demonstrate beyond all limits His power in this area of the campaign. We don't have all the funds to do what we're doing, but we simply trust in God to provide little by little till the need is met!

Would you help us?

• You can give on our church website: www.columbusfirstassembly.org
• You can send your gift to the church: CFA, 2100 10th Street, Columbus, IN 47201
• You can send a work team to our church to help rebuild homes in our community.
• You can drop off food donations for our HOPE Outreach Center...it's getting low again!
• You can most definitely pray for us!!

Thanks for following our historic and dramatic journey of faith! God is on our side...every day is an indicator of that statement!

Listen to this awesome promise:

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." (Eph.3:20 - NLT)

Thanks Lord for your encouraging scriptures that lead us along this faith journey.

Love to all.

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.

Beyond All Limits DAY!

Monday. The start of the work week...the beginning of another HOPE Outreach Center ministry day...the resuming of our rebuilding phase after a busy weekend!

Today was one of those days. There were so many fingerprints of the Almighty on this special beauty. As I look back over these 14 hours all I can do is just smile. "Go God!" God simply moved powerfully today...beyond all limits of my understanding. I love watching God perform amazing deeds and spectacular wonders. Wow Lord, I love what I see you doing in the middle of this atmosphere of faith demonstrated right here @ CFA in Columbus, Indiana.

Dropped my son off for band camp and then headed to the command center. Before I could get settled into my office cubicle, I discovered the painters were ready to go to work. At the same time I met the workers from the glass company who were already starting to demo the old, old single pane windows in the basement in favor of double-pane stylish ones. I can't describe the excitement to you I felt to see those ugly windows being tossed into the dumpster! They were always such an eyesore. Thanks Lord for the nice upgrades you are allowing us to make on your house of worship!

The painters got to work and made tremendous progress on many fronts in the new sanctuary wing. First, behind the baptistery area on both sides. Then out in the foyer with a primer coat on the new drywall. It's starting to come together...

I had an appointment with our sound guy and worked out a nice arrangement for our sound system design and installation. The Lord is working in every detail of this rebuilding project. We already upgraded our platform plugs and channels run from the sound board. We are installing a brand new state-of-the art digital sound system. Then we are outfitting the current system to be used back in our fellowship hall/youth chapel. Again, the time to step up to the next level was presented to us...and we stepped forward in faith...expectantly trusting God to supply for this post-flood need.

Mail time came and we discovered a check for our flood fund from a church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Awesome! Each gift and each sacrifice is adding up to a DEBT FREE God-sized miracle. Just wait and see what God will do...it's going to be beyond our wildest imagination!!

Later, I found an email from a church in Indiana that just conducted their kid's bible school. Our Children's Church was the adopted missions project for their fundraising that week. Guess what? These 45 kids collected 165 pounds of change for our church (I bet Ted was glad that he didn't have to count that offering!!). After counting it all up it came to $540.42! At the program Sunday night another $200 was given to make it a grand total of $740.42!!! Now tell me that God isn't interested in a flooded-out church on the corner of 10th and Iowa Streets in Columbus, Indiana. This is what I experienced all day today...the activity of a loving God in the midst of our stepping out in faith.

It gets better. Are you ready? We are a strong missions-giving church who has more than tripled its' world missions program in less than 5 years. WE BELIEVE IN MISSIONS! And our people have caught the joy of sowing seeds for a good harvest in every area of the globe. One of our Indiana missionaries emailed me today and reported that he had heard our church was flooded out and that he was praying for us. Not only would he pray for us but he is also preparing to send us a check (can you wrap your heart around this statement?). That blew my mind! To see a young missionary whom we have adopted monthly, and also where we have sent other missions gifts to help in their Bible School...now make it's way back through the circle of faith and fellowship. That's what I call SUPER-SPECTACULAR!! Yes, the Lord does reward obedience and faithfulness in your giving.

But it doesn't end there...it gets better! The Czech brethren learned that Columbus First had been a faithful supporter of the work there in the Czech Republic and they have announced our need nationally and asked everyone to pray.

This is what one of the presbyters wrote us:

"Hello, We received a request to pray and have answered the call to prayer for your church First Assembly of God in Columbus. Please pass along greetings from the church in Lysa nad Labem, and pass along the encouragement, which we have received: our Lord Jesus is with you even in this difficult moment, and He is glorified in this entire situation." --Pastor Jirka Sedlacek

I felt like one of the New Testament churches receiving a word of encouragement from the likes of the Apostle Paul when I read this greeting. That's how Paul always wrote to the churches he birthed or visited! Thanks Lord for this exhortation from our brothers in the land of the Czech Republic. You are totally amazing me today!

Then I saw Monty & Susan return from their weekend trip unloading the truck filled with "blessings" from people they met this weekend. There must have been about 20-25 boxes of clothing, food and other supplies for our HOPE Outreach Center. God you just amaze me!
Then I assembled a group of our leaders and ministry volunteers tonight to meet with the general contractor and architect of our rebuilding project. We saw the first set of prints for our complete regional ministry campus and ideas for implementing a new egress stairwell, plus many other updated changes too (bathrooms, showers, new rooms, toddler wing redesign, etc.). You could say we presented a good list of positive changes to his plans that would work best in our ministry environment. Everyone was excited about what we are beginning to envision for the future of our NEW Regional Ministry Center...pretty cool master plan! God you're in charge of this master plan!

I came home to find my wife sitting on our front patio. We talked about our day and shared many things with each other. Lord, thank you for my beautiful wife who is such a partner in this ministry that you have called me too! I love her so much!!

After reading this blog I'm sure you can see God's fingerprints all over my day and all over this ministry center. If you want to get in on the ground floor of something totally BEYOND ALL LIMITS, let me invite you to partner with us in this rebuilding project. We don't have the funds to do what we're doing...but we believe that GOD HAS IT, and is releasing the funds from people and churches all over America, and even in countries around the world. Plus, the people from our church are stepping up to make pledges for our flood fund as well. God has commissioned this to be a DEBT FREE journey of faith and we are following Him courageously and confidently!

You can access our church website for an online gift (www.columbusfirstassembly.org) or send it to us here at the church: CFA, 2100 Tenth St., Columbus, IN 47201.

Rejoicing in the wonder of my creator. I know that my Redeemer lives. What about you?

Much love to you and yours.

Sunday: CFA Gathers to Worship Our Great God!

God blessed us with a beautiful day today.

A great day for the 7th worship service in the afternoon over at our satellite location...that's right, we have church from 12:30 pm until after 2 pm. That's what a church in crisis does...adapt!! We've learned to be flexible ever since the Flood of '08 covered our entire ministry facilities under water.

My staff brings over several boxes of ministry items that we need to conduct our services: bulletins, sign-in pads, offering envelopes, pledge forms, my message tapes, adding machine, offering bank bags, HOPE Outreach Center t-shirts, etc. We kinda understand what a new church plant experiences if they hold services at a school, city hall or YMCA building. The plus for us is that we are borrowing another church that already has pews, a sound system, platform, bathrooms, classrooms, etc. Thank you Lord for a wonderful location for our satellite regional worship center!

Great spirit in our worship service today. Tremendous heart of worship. Powerful time of prayer for special needs around the altar. Many first time guests joined us for worship. A blessed time of giving sacrificially to the Kingdom of God that it may advance right here in Columbus, in our county and around the world. One note: Our world missions program has not wavered; in fact, in the month of June (when the flood hit) our missions giving increased! Go God! Go CFA! Pastor Joel ministered on standing firm...not letting anything or anyone move you. Sweet time of prayer with those that responded to the altar time. Another note: the 3 ladies that committed their hearts to Christ were back in service again. PTL! I gave them a Bible and a first step discipleship booklet. Each one must be plugged into the mainstream of what God is doing here @ CFA. Pretty awesome and amazing stuff!

We shared in fellowship @ Sirloin Stockade after church. This was the last week our church was featured as the Church of the Month. I talked with the manager and learned that he is a pastor of a small church outside of town. We had a great conversation together! Only another pastor would understand the burdens of pastoring a church, as well as the joys and delights. Thanks Lord for giving me your call to pastor CFA!

Short afternoon because I had to go to the "command center" and prepare for my leadership meeting tonight. Again, a sweet spirit of unity as we watch God lead us in the land of the unknown. Never been in this position before, but God is guiding every step that we take. Conducted that session in one of my leader's homes...very cozy and very comfortable! Thanks Lord for the kindness and hospitality of your servants!

Looking with expectation to what God will do this week as we believe in His promise of rebuilding DEBT FREE. Our people are responding to giving into our Flood Fund, other churches are giving to our Flood Fund, other people are sowing into our Flood Fund, people are contributing online through our website...God is moving! The mountain of our rebuilding costs must move when people sincerely demonstrate expectant faith in the promise that He gave to us. Huge costs, yes...but we have a HUGE GOD! We simply choose to believe and stand out of the crowd for God to do a God-thing right here in our wilderness journey. Can't wait to see the finished product.

If God is leading you to sowing a seed into our rebuilding efforts, we know that God will bless you beyond measure in return. It's biblical, it's supernatural and it's God's way to advance the gospel into the harvest fields. You can go to: www.columbusfirstassembly.org and click on the online giving box or you can send your gift to CFA, 2100 10th Street, Columbus, IN 47201.

Thanks so much for following our journey of FAITH right here @ 10th & Iowa Streets in Columbus, Indiana.

Drop a comment and encourage our people...each day they surf to my site to catch up on the latest news and action of our rebuilding and ministry projects.

Blessings BEYOND ALL LIMITS to those who believe in His extraordinary promises!

Love to all.

She's gone...

Me, Sarah and Pastor Brent

Josh at work behind the sanctuary platform

My office manager giving Bethany her volunteer assignment

Josh and Martha stripping wallpaper

What I mean is that that old swing set that was in our backyard was SOLD today!

So happy to hear that my lovely wife got rid of it in her garage sale. It was rusting and quite the clunker. Tammy did very well with her friend in clearing out lots of things from my garage...and basement too (I can set my ping pong table back up - thank the Lord!). Remember I told you that my wife is the garage sale queen. Proud to have a Proverbs 31 wife...

Today I went to pick up a computer donation for our church ministries. Took my oldest son with me to get the personal files off of it and clear out the hard drive. We were all amazed at the way he swiftly went about his business in assisting us with this project. My son is the computer whiz-kid of the family...and probably the church too! Thanks J for helping your dad out today!

After I got back from our errands and helped Tammy and Dana clean up from the sale, I waited for the buyer to come and get the swing set. After they loaded 'er up, I headed for the shed to get my mower out. What a joy to cut the grass without having to go around and through the swing set...looks so nice now!

Heading into our 7th Sunday away from our regional worship center. Hard to believe. Expecting a great time with our church family in worshiping God, being together, praying for one another, giving sacrificially, and hearing the Word. I have my youth pastor preaching tomorrow...I know he'll do a great job in the pulpit!

As you head to your church for worship services, lift up a prayer for CFA! We continue to flex our muscles of faith in rebuilding DEBT FREE!

Much love from my heart to yours.

Rock is up!

That's right...the team from Mansfield First Assembly led by my friend, Pastor Brent Salyers, rocked the house...literally!

You see, they drywalled the complete house for one of our neighbors across from CFA yesterday and today. Bruce was thrilled at the amount of work that was done on his house in this 28 hour make-over. When they arrived here from Ohio, Bruce's house was only stud walls (see previous post and pics). When MFA left, the entire house was rocked (or sheetrocked!).

What an amazing group of people from Mansfield, Ohio (8 guys and 2 ladies). Brent served as my youth pastor when I was pastoring in Ashland, Ohio. Since our time together, this friend of mine has blossomed and grown so much in his leadership abilities and ministry opportunities. He currently serves as the Executive Associate Pastor @ MFA. I am so proud of him and what God is doing through his ministry! Way to go PB (Pastor Brent)!!

HOPE Outreach Center was open at our church today in serving flood victims and others affected by the recent disaster. Lots of people were served by the joyful volunteers of CFA! I am so proud of our people and what God is doing through them in ministering to so many people. It was a joy of mine to see several people ministering to a lady who recently was saved through our outreach. My Associate Pastor, Joel Paine, introduced me to Jane and it was amazing to witness the good things that God has accomplished through these awesome workers. I'm so proud of each one that is serving faithfully during this window of opportunity following the Flood of '08! Soon we will again have to be transitioning out of our current space (fellowship hall)...not sure of where we will go next, but God's got the master plan!

Painting started in the sanctuary today...hip hip, hoooray....sorry, HALLELUJAH, MY GOD REIGNS!! It was wonderful to see paint finally being applied to the walls that were wounded and damaged by the recent flood. It should be another week or so before the entire new wing (or 1/3 of our entire ministry facilities) are fully painted. This encompasses our new sanctuary, foyer, three offices, bathrooms and Information Center. We all can't wait for the day when we will return to worship our Lord right back on 10th and Iowa Streets in our regional worship center. Not sure of the day...but we are getting closer each and every passing day! Thank you Jesus for the progress you are giving our church! Keep it going strong Lord!

Said our goodbyes to the MFA team. They took some quick showers and then were off on the highway for a 5 hour road trip. God blessed us through this group of love-filled believers in Christ. They were hard-working, courteous, generous, easy to work with and fun too. My daughter and son will miss some of their new friends on this team! Thanks Lord for the people you are sending us in the rebuilding of our community! Keep it up Lord!

Don't forget to....

1. Contribute to our overwhelming rebuilding campaign budget: www.columbusfirstassembly.org (any gift will get us closer to our goal of rebuilding DEBT FREE. We believe in God to provide these funds! He has the plan.)
2. Pray for us to remain strong in this long faith journey. Pray for souls to be saved!
   
3. Send us your encouraging comments on this blog that is read by hundreds of people weekly! (Post them up for all of us to read!)
4. Send us your work teams...contact us @ (812) 376-7833! Already many have done so for the next couple of months.

Gotta go, I'm tired...been a long but exciting week!

Love to all.

CFA Welcomes Mansfield First Assembly!

Team huddle with Monty

Sparky, Susan and Bruce (home owner)

Bruce's house being primed for a home makeover

Lots of drywall and supplies

MFA transportation

Team picture

Jovial John at the fax machine

We welcomed my good friend Pastor Brent Salyers and his team from Mansfield First Assembly today... http://www.mansfieldfirstassembly.org

They drove about four hours from Ohio and arrived at 1 pm sharp. Pastor Brent outfitted his team with our CFA HOPE Outreach t-shirts and they met with Monty for a team huddle and directions on their assignment. They would be drywalling the home of one of our CFA neighbors directly across from the church on 10th Street. Bruce, home owner, was ecstatic about this team from Ohio who came to help him get back closer to being in his home. He has been living in his garage since the flood hit back on June 7th. You could tell that he was thrilled with what our church was doing to assist him in the rebuilding of his home! God is doing some great things in his life and we continue to minister God's love to him. Lord, let Him be drawn closer to you through this ministry team from MFA!

I went in to the office for several hours this morning to check on things. Found John W. faxing about 51 important pages for FEMA SBA. He and my staff have been working hard to compile the list of needed items for this assignment.

Made a bunch of phone calls checking on different people this morning. Called on the three that made decisions for Christ this past Sunday. Got a hold of one of them and they sounded enthused and excited. She said I would be seeing her this coming Sunday! I'm getting a Bible and new convert book ready for her and the others. Lord, keep your hand upon each and every person who has made a public profession of faith since the Flood of '08!

Was able to take some time off in the afternoon and wind down at home. (I had one of my seniors reprimand me about taking a full day off and getting away from the church...she said they can do without me for one day...she loves her pastor and wants to keep me healthy and strong!...Thanks Mary Lou!) My wife had to work today, but when she came home we had several errands to do together. Later, we worked to prepare for our garage sale tomorrow. She really has become the garage sale queen...she has it down to a science. She has a friend that is partnering with her on this sale and adding things to make it a bigger sale! You should see all the "stuff" they've collected between them...my goodness what a mountain of madness!!

Not much happened on the rebuild front today...should carry on tomorrow. I'll give you a report if we were able to get our subcontractors in and working.

Please continue to pray and keep us posted on your support level. We are receiving some contributions for our Flood Fund. We are receiving work teams from across the country to help us rebuild homes in our community. We are continuing to minister three days each week through the HOPE Outreach Center.

My heart is full of the things I'm witnessing in my church. God is stirring us and stretching us. God is leading us to rebuild DEBT FREE! We are following His lead...even if we seem to be 'out there' on a tree limb. With God all things will be POSSIBLE! We choose to BELIEVE in God and in His promises for our church.

Where are my friends when I need them to leave "encouraging comments" below? Your silence is making me wonder...come on, talk to me!

God is doing a new thing...

Love to all!

WEDNESDAY WAS A BIG DAY!

Starting at the beginning...

Arrived at the church and did my normal...checked on the dehumidifiers and emptied them in the basement...checked on the workers to see what they've accomplished...and checked in at the command center. Then we put up our signs out on 10th Street for the HOPE Outreach Center. My youth pastor hitched up the church trailer to his pick-up truck and we were off for Indy.

A church from another community (they were also flooded!) gave me a lead on some good used office furniture up in Indianapolis. The good part...it was FREE for schools and churches. When we found the huge warehouse I went in to speak to one of the ladies in the office and made the connection. Some paperwork was filled out and then we could look at any of the hundreds of items categorized in certain groupings. Well, we searched for the best filing cabinets, shelving units, tables, chairs and some other smaller items. We loaded 'er down and locked 'er up!! Thanks Lord for this bounty of blessings that will be used mainly for our basement classes and children's ministry rooms. (Remember, the entire church basement filled up with some 9 feet of water in the Flood of '08 and everything was destroyed and hauled out to the dumpsters!! God is good...all the time!)

While in Indy I received a call from Susan concerning a shipment of goods that was donated to our church for the HOPE Outreach Center. Pastor Joel and myself made some calls for more hands to help with these 6 skids of cleaning supplies, toiletries, water, bleach, meal packages and other goodies. They set them up by the other supply skids that have been dwindling down over the last several weeks. It's amazing how God provides and takes care of the needs of those flooded out and others who've fallen on hard times. Don't forget....each person that comes in our center receives valuable supplies...and also powerful and valuable prayers that are lifted up to heaven on their behalf. Many continue to give their hearts and lives to Christ through this fruitful ministry! PTL!

After our bounty trip we drove over to the other side of Indy to meet with our flooring contractors. I finalized the flooring contract with my rep and also searched for the other donations this company was making to our church in the form of desks, chairs and bookshelves. We had a little difficulty at first locating our gifts, but later learned that they would work out the issues on their end. I was assured of some quality office furniture to be used in our office suites off the foyer and also entrances to the church building. Thanks Lord for the way you continue to amaze me with each detail and specific part of this rebuilding phase! You are good...all the time!

Stopped by CT Church before getting on the interstate. Met with one of the staff members and checked in with them about our church situation. Laid the seed for a God-sized harvest!

Then we arrived back to CFA in the middle of the afternoon. My bookkeeper had informed me while I was up in Indy that two God-sized checks arrived in the mail today. PTL! That will get your heart racing...one was the flood insurance check we were waiting for (a complete coverage check...but still way short of the total rebuild cost)...and the other one was a generous offering check from a friend's church in Illinois. Awesome! Little by little...the miracle of rebuilding debt free is unfolding!

Kristy had a little trouble with the large insurance check at the bank so I arrived to see what I could do to help. Looks like I couldn't do much better...but in pressing through we arrived at a decision of opening up a special account with our mortgage banker. Had to call in our church check signers to arrange the specifics...and then we were done...about 5:15 pm! Thanks Ted and Bill! You guys are amazing!!

Went back to the church to wrap things up for the day...and then off to home about 6 pm! Wow...what a huge day!

Tonight we helped Tammy out a bit in getting ready for her big garage sale this weekend. Cleaned the front of our house...remember the top of the post where mama robin raised her chicks?....she was really messy, so that had to be cleaned up. Then I kinda got carried away cleaning all the siding and windows around the front porch. J helped me out, plus D and A too!

Later, "J", "D", "A" and me went out on our usual bike ride to wind down the night. Rode by many homes that were "hit" and damaged by the Flood of '08. Stirs your heart to see families struggling to rebuild their homes while living in RV trailers parked in the driveway. So many homes flooded out...so many businesses that had to relocate...our church and others were destroyed...such devastation to our community! But God...

Gotta wind this blog post down and sign off...

**Before I do it's been a while since I've had a "comment" from the hundreds of listeners out there. How about some of you jot me a line to let me hear from you....OK? You would make my day...even better!! (Click on the comment line below to record your thoughts...it's really simple!)

Thrilled at the way God moved in my faith journey today. What does He have in store for me tomorrow? What does He have in store for you? Get ready...

Love to all!

Tuesday tidings...

Shan, Charles, friend, and Derrick

Ends and racks waiting for new pews

And the walls came down...

Kitchen being drywalled

Jay - volunteer from the hospital

Ron putting in our stairs to the baptistry

Even though our HOPE Outreach Center was officially closed today we still had people coming in and looking for help. Many of these we were able to assist with needed supplies, food and water...and of course, plenty of prayer in the name of Jesus! God has indeed opened up a rich avenue of ministry right in the center of the flood zone of 2008! We continue to be His hands extended from 10th and Iowa Streets.

More work was accomplished today on our regional worship center. I saw some new faces on the work crews hard at work in many areas of our buildings. They were back behind the sanctuary building a set of stairs, putting up drywall in the kitchen, moving a partition wall, and also tearing down an unneeded stone wall in the fellowship hall. Plus they cleaned up after themselves too in many parts of our spacious building.

The phone guy was in and continuing to work behind the scenes getting ready for the installation of our new system after the painting is completed. The architect was in again with his helpers. Much measuring must be finalized to prepare a good set of drawings of our two current older buildings. All in all a good work day indeed!

We had a man from the hospital directed to our church who wanted to help so I put him to work removing the foam and fabric from the sanctuary that was demoed from the pew salvage job. I put a picture in my posting today of all the ends and book racks from our former pews that are awaiting our new pews next month. This helped us save thousands of dollars overall!

I had several visitors drop in today from out of town. This group came from Frankfort, IN and also had a guest speaker with them who is a pastor from New Orleans. Pastor Charles Garrison experienced the same kind of destruction with his church after Katrina and shared some words of encouragement and exhortation. He was leading some revival services in Frankfort. Plus I was honored to meet Pastor Shan Sheridan from the New Hope Church there in Frankfort and two young people from his church. They came to be a blessing and a blessing they were. Thanks Lord for the people you continue to send my way who bring encouragement and strength for this wilderness journey!

Tonight was our mid-week prayer and bible study service. We experienced another good time of worship, prayer requests, praise reports and a study from Luke Chapters 3 and 4. Plus our fellowship time around the room is strong ties that bind us together.

Several times today...in our staff meeting, with our guests from Frankfort and at service tonight... we called on God to release the funds that are necessary to bring us back to our regional worship center @ 10th & Iowa Streets DEBT FREE! The Bible says to ask, agree and believe in the name of Jesus and it will be given to you. We asked in faith, we are dependent upon God and we expect to witness miracle after miracle in this march of HOPE.

If you would like to be a part of the DEBT FREE miracle that God is working, you can go to our website @ www.columbusfirstassembly.org and make your donation on our online giving site. Thanks in advance! Today I received two gifts given for our Flood Fund! I hope to receive yours in the next day or so.

To God be the glory great things He has done and is doing!

Love to all!