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.