Team has Teriffic Tuesday!!

The team had a terrific Tuesday as the work steadily progresses. They have taken a much deserved evening off and are going out to enjoy a sit down meal and give the chef, Diane Mason, the evening off as she will be leaving tomorrow. Thanks Diane for all your hard work and good food.

Here are some pictures of the days happenings!

Arlie & Jack work to complete the first side!

The Hardie Board Girls hard at work!!

Arlie and Jack keep things moving along!

GHH members, Arlie Boyd and Larry Petersek!

Do they look professional or what?

Arlie gives our Wabi-Sabi Sistah, Melissa, a lesson in the fine art of metal clipping. Do you think she got it?
The back door is complete! Back door guests are always best!

We love you Bob!

Jack Mason shows us the completed front door.

You can see from the progress it was a terrific Tuesday!

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad!!

The Hardie Board Girls?

Ever heard of the Hardy Boys? Sure you have but have you been introduced to the Hardie Board Girls?

Well here they are, Christine Boyd and Wilma Vicars. These girls jumped right in as the siding begins to go up on the Cobb home.

You go girls!

On the outside looking in, a smiling Arlie Boyd!

The back porch is completed!

The front porch is completed!

Jack Mason completes the installation of the solar panels by caulking around them to keep out water.

Larry Petersek and Teddy Summit cut the boards while one of the Hardie Board girls takes a chance to check messages. Could it be Nancy Drew calling?

All fun aside, the team is doing an awesome job hanging in there everyday to give of themselves and put their own wants and needs aside to be a part of this project.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

Keep praying for the team as they near completion of the project and pray they will be blessed for their sacrifices .

Siding Going Up!

Wanted to post the progress report I received even though I cannot post pictures right now, the blog will not accept images.
The crew began working on one side of the house today with installing the hardie board siding and almost completed the first side even though it reached 93 degrees . Christine Boyd & Wilma Vickers worked all day on the jobsite, helping with the siding and doing some much needed cleanup around the site.
Diane Mason fixed a wonderful meal of spaghetti with meat balls & salad. Yum! We will certainly miss Jack & Diane when they leave on Wednesday.
Dick & Joanne Schouw, the missionaries that live in Gulfport, came by for a visit and some fellowship. It was great to see them.
Continue to pray for the team as the job nears completion. Pray for the Cobb family who will call this home and that God will be glorified and the Holy Spirit will take residence here so that anyone who enters the home will know that God is there. Thanks again for all of you for you comments and prayers.

Catch this wave!!!

Catch this "wave" of photos that came in overnight!

Even amongst the damage beauty and joy can be found. Jack and Diane Mason find the beauty of the Gulf Coast.

This is James Bobbitt whose apartment we have been using to cook.

The solar panels going up!! How exciting this must have been.
Some of the team from last week.
We are so thankful to all those who have helped with this project. Without each and every one we would not be as far along as we are.

This project is a testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit bringing people together in unity to meet a need.

I am so proud to be a small part of this project.

Work is progressing as I write this and I will let you know the progress of this day later on tonight.

"Catch the wave of blessings God has for you today"!

Coming and Going!

Wanted to share these photos with everyone of the comings and goings in Lakeshore.

This is the "coming" team. They came home yesterday.

Caryl, Donnie, Joe and Bob

This is the "going" team (minus Melissa) that went down yesterday.

L to R, Wilma Vickers, Arlie & Christine Boyd and Larry Petersek.

Talked with Melissa by e-mail and she said they had one of the easiest trip she's had down there and she has made many. So I am hoping that is a sign of God's favor on this team and this project.

Praise God for all He has done and is doing. Praise God for willing hearts that have allowed themselves to be used for His glory,

That's the comings and goings for today. Keep the prayers comin'.

A Little Change of Pace

Donnie Salyers, Bob Yost, Joe Lauman and Caryl Wilson arrived safely home this evening. Thank God for their safe arrival and also for willing hearts that are willing to serve.
The team had a little change of pace today as they worked with the church on moving the kitchen unit and getting it back in place and ready for volunteers that will be coming next week to put the roof back up. Gustav has ended up being a blessing in disguise for the church as they have been able to rearrange the campus and start work on a new church building.
They are also resetting the bunk houses and other things at the campus.
All the decking has been completed on the back porch at the jobsite and now it just needs railings. The project continues to move along while still being able to help those at the church. Tomorrow they will join them for church. Praise God for the opportunity to gather with brothers and sisters to worship Him!
We have another team heading out in a few hours. Pray for their safe arrival. Melissa said we could expect some pictures tomorrow night if all goes well.
Getting late and I need to get to sleep. Sweet dreams!

GHH Goes Solar!!!!!

God's Helping Hands have gone solar! Jack Mason, who is a solar energy expert, oversaw the anchoring of solar panels on the roof of the Cobb family's new home today. The Cobb's will now be blessed with hot water by solar power. Jack & Diane Mason brought the solar panels with them when they came last Wednesday. Jack is working with the P.E.A.C.E. Plan at Highlands Fellowship and has joined GHH for this project. Thanks to Jack and Diane for helping us to go high tech and prepare us for the changing needs of energy in this country.
Lots of good things were happening on the jobsite today. The team continues to make steady progress.
The electrical passed inspection today and the plumbing will probably be inspected on Monday. The last window was installed. and the front porch, with all the handrails and the steps, was completed today. The men really enjoyed sitting on the porch this evening for the very first time. Only rocking chairs could have made it better!!
Be in prayer for the four members of the team that will be returning to Virginia tomorrow. Pray for their safe travel and God's favor to follow them all the way home.
A good day was had by all today and we are so thankful to God for this team and for the supernatural strength, determination and "never give up attitude" of all those involved. We Wabi-Sabi Women are so proud to support God's Helping Hands and to be able to serve with them. Join me in this prayer of thanks.

Dear Lord, our most precious Savior and closest Friend,

Thank you so much Lord for the ministries of God's Helping Hands and Wabi-Sabi Women. We thank you for the changed hearts and lives that have led us to this place of service to You. May You and You alone receive all the glory. Only the Holy Spirit could bring us together from many different places, backgrounds and experiences in a spirit of unity that would allow this large project to become a reality for one family and this small beginning ministry. We thank You for this living water for our growing faith. Lord we pray that this will be only the beginning of the good things you have planned for us.

Lord, we pray that you will put a hedge around this project and not allow the enemy to hinder progress in any way. Protect and bless all those people involved in this project and this ministry. Bless those who have supported the team financially and with encouragement and prayer. Bless the remainder of the team that remain in Virgina and continue to minister locally and care for the families of those who have stayed behind while others served.

Lord, we love you and we praise and honor you with highest adoration we can give. We give our lives to Your service and our hearts to Jesus, our blessed Savior and in His name we pray.

Amen

After today we now have power from the Son and the sun! Praise God for He is good!

Things are Closing In!!

The team has been hard at work and the electrical is ready for inspection. Pray for God's favor in that area so that work will not be delayed waiting for inspection.
The decking for the front porch has been completed and one side railing is up. So progress is being made in several areas.
Things are closing in! After the two entry doors and one more window the house will be completely closed in. Praise the Lord for He is good!

Ready for Inspection!!!

Just received the update for tonight via Melissa and I wanted to share it with you all as soon as possible.
The team is still working on the electrical, please pray that it gets done quickly so it can be inspected by Friday as the dry wall cannot be hung until the electrical passes inspection.
All the duct work is done for the HVAC and is ready for inspection.
The front porch will probably be completed tomorrow. Front porch steps will be built tomorrow and maybe the back steps, as well.
One bad window was replaced and they hope to start putting up the Hardie boards (cement-type siding that is used down there) tomorrow.
Insulation will be one of the next steps in the process and the insulation for the house was delivered today.
Melissa will be traveling back down this week-end so then we will get some more pictures. I, for one, am so anxious to see the progress. Thanks again to all of you who are keeping the team in your prayers.

Roofing Completed!

A good day was had on Tuesday and the roof is on...Hallelujah! The team is still working through the electrical process and waiting for inspection so the drywalling can begin.
All but three windows have been installed and most of the duct work for the HVAC is done.
Diane Mason is in charge of all the cooking for the team of eleven. Caryl Wilson & Barb Freeman have been working in The Store at the campus and then helping Diane with breakfast & supper.
So as you can see a lot of work is getting done. Pray that God will continue to show favor and that the team will be energized with new strength and enthusiasm as the next team arrives on Sunday.

Join me in this prayer:

Dear Lord, We stand united before you this day, giving you glory for what you have done through this team already and what you are continuing to do everyday. Thank you for the progress seen and also that which is unseen. The physical tangible part, which is the house itself but also for the unseen, the character building within the team and the love shown to a hurting family and for the heart connections that will never be broken. We thank you for allowing us to serve you in this way. We have given you this project and we ask that as it is completed that you will bless this place with your Presence that will be felt there long after the team has returned home. May your Presence live there and fill every corner of this home. We ask that you be with all the team members, keeping their physical bodies strong and rested but also for their spirits to remain high and lifted up. We pray for the team members that have returned home and for those who were not able to make the trip to know how much they are appreciated and needed to hold this team together and raise them up before you in prayer. We ask for your favor on this project as we come ever closer to completion. Let the evil one and any fiery arrows he may have to fire be extinguished by the sheer joy of this team and this family. We trust you Lord to take care of any negative circumstances that threaten to slow down progress and that all the needs will be met. We pray that favor will be shown where needed and that blessings will just rain down upon them. Lord, forgive us if we fail you in any way. Help our eyes to stay focused on You and You alone. Thank you for all your many blessings and favors. We know all good things come from You.

We pray this prayer and praise you unashamed in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior,

AMEN

Drywall Ahead!

The team is still working on finishing up the rough-in plumbing and electrical and are hoping to be ready to begin drywalling on Wednesday. This team is so amazing. They just take whatever the day brings and continue to stay focused on the tasks at hand.
Another group of the team is preparing to head down on Sunday. Be in prayer for them and also for those who are trying to work out ways to return to help with the completion. Pray that God will open doors to prepare for the needed hands to complete this work. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and encouragement and your willingness to serve those who need a helping hand. Together we are an awesome team!

A Day of Rest in Lakeshore

Sunday the team took a much needed day of rest! This team has been going almost everyday since they got there and a day of rest was greatly appreciated. The ground at the jobsite was saturated anyway from the rains on Saturday.
The new team members are there and they are ready for a full day today. They will continue working on electrical and plumbing and be going full force on the roofing.
I ask that you please continue to pray for this team and for God's favor on this project. Pray that more volunteers will come in to help so this project can be completed as soon as possible. The team sends their love and thanks for all of you who have been praying for them and keeping them lifted up.

Past Pictures

Got my hands on a few more pictures today that were taken a few days ago so I wanted to share them.

Mud won't stop Bob.

Teddy always smiling! Praise God!

Four-sixths of the Cobb family.

Tony, Laura, Madison and baby Mackenzie

Looking forward to hearing how things went today. I hope to have an update tonight.

Rain Slows Work

Saturday the team continued to work on the plumbing and electrical. The crew that came to do the roof was interrupted by rain so the roof work is on hold.
Four new members of the team arrived last night, Donnie Salyers, Bob Yost, Joe Lauman and Caryl Wilson. Willing hands are our greatest resource at this time.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

(Luke 10:2)

This is our greatest need right now. Pray that God will send workers. Pray that those that God has been speaking to will answer the call. Pray that doors will be opened for those who would like to help but are unable. Pray for God's favor to continue to cover this project and for the strength of those who have committed to see this through to the end. Pray they will be lifted up on wings like eagles and that the final stages of the project will bring much glory to You.

Looking Back!

Got some photos in today from some of the team that has returned home and I thought maybe you would like to look back at them. Haven't gotten a daily report yet so until them we'll enjoy these.

This is the early team and members of the Cobb family.

Another of Mom and the kids.

The smiles of the Wabi-Sabi Sisters!

The wabi-Sabi Barber Shop? Anyone need a trim?

Not sure how the internet situation is going in Lakeshore but I will have a current update and some new pictures as soon as possible. Continue to pray for the team down there and for the completion of this job and a time of rest for those who are weary.

Also I would like to ask you to be in prayer for the Boyda family who are members of our church and dear friends as last Sunday their home was destroyed by fire. Pray for the recovery of precious treasures that may be dug from underneath the rubble. Pray for members of God's Helping Hands as they go out tomorrow to help with the clean-up. Pray that understanding and peace will come in the wake of this tragedy.

Update from the Compound

Wanted to update everyone with the progress for today. Here's the update from the compound:

• Roof is ready for the roofers. They will start roofing tomorrow and hopefully be finished by Saturday afternoon (not Fri, as I thought).
• All strapping is completed.
• The bathtubs are in.
• Rough-in plumbing partially done.
• Rough-in electrical partially done.

It sounds like they are making good progress. Keep praying and I will update as I get info. Hoping to get some pictures soon.

Wednesday's Work Day

The Mason's & the Freeman's arrived safely around church time tonight. The church has torn up the driveway & walkway area at The Ark, so Diane & Barb are going to move to the apartment where Tony McKenna has been staying and Tony is moving in Matthew hut with the other guys. The ladies are planning on cooking and the cooking is done from the apartment. Bob and the team have managed to get all the hurricane straps on the house now, block supports on trusses, roof is ready for black paper which they will work on tomorrow. Bob has hired out a friend of Tony Cobb's to put the roofing on. He and his men will begin on Friday morning and be done by the afternoon. Sounds great, as not many of our team know much about roofing and it is very dangerous work. So, the family, esp. Tony Cobb, has been a blessing to the team so many times now. He has been helping since day one, and he knows enough people to help where we are weak. The family that moved in after us Wabi-Sabi's left were still there. The father of the family does tile work and has volunteered to lay the tile down for the Cobb house. He will return after this next week to do the job. God just amazes us with his timing and the favor He continues to show. We are looking forward to some updated pictures soon. Praise God for He is good!

Tuesday Tasks Completed

Tuesday's tasks were: all the sheets on roof are up, the back-end (gable) of the house is closed in, completed some electrical, just about done with the outside nailing & straps. Tony Cobb helped after he got home from work. Wednesday they will put the black paper on the roof. Bob thinks they will be ready to do sheetrock and/or put the roof on next week. Sounds like they really got it going on.
Continue to pray that God will use this team that will help in ways for years to come even after the team is gone. Pray for God to show favor to them as well as keep their bodies strong and pain-free. Pray all their needs will be met and the God will receive glory for all.
It's great to hear that all of you are reading the blog. I will keep it updated as I get info. I hope that will continue to be everyday. This has been a wonderful experience for all of us, even those of us who didn't get to make the trip. God bless all of you for your encouragement and concern.

Our God is Awesome

Our God is an awesome God. Our next team has left for Mississippi to join our three left behind and they are looking froward to having the help.

This is Jack and Diane Mason. They are in charge of the bio-gas development project behind the Global House for the P.E.A.C.E. Plan. They will going to Lakeshore for two weeks.
This is Jack and Diane with Rich & Barb Freeman, who live in Winchester, VA. They have been with the Masons to Kenya--they are 'adopted' Highlanders.
This is the team preparing to leave the Mason's home on their way. Pray for their safe journey. They will be traveling in different cars because the Freeman's will be returning before the Masons. Dianne has so graciously said she will send us pictures for the next two weeks. Can't wait to see the progress.

Jack is bringing solar panels to Lakeshore to help set up a Solar Heating Display. He is going to introduce the area with the idea of using solar energy instead of electricity. Our God is such an awesome God!

Rainy Days and Mondays

Just talked with Tony and Bob and they said they were able to finish the roof today and work more on the electrical. They had some rain today that hampered their work for awhile but they went ahead and went to the store and started getting the stuff for plumbing.
The team members that have returned are really missing them and wanted so much to stay to the end but jobs would not allow for that. They are truly in our thoughts and prayers daily and we are also praying for others to come and join us in this project. As Jimmie said yesterday. The harvest in plentiful but the workers are few so pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send workers.
Pray also for Jack and Diane Mason who will be leaving early on Wednesday to go down for two weeks. Pray for their safe travel and high spirits to make the work a joy. Pray for God's favor on this whole project and those who have sacrificed to be part. God is always with us even on rainy days and Mondays!

The Three Left Behind!!!

I just wanted to share with you all what The Three Left Behind accomplished Sunday with God as their leader.

• finished the roof except for eight sheets that they were short on (will finish tomorrow)
• over 50% of the outside house straps completed
• over 25% of the straps on the trusses completed
• over 75% of the electrical boxes installed (Tony, The Chef, is now The Electrician)
• started building the steps for the front porch will start pulling wire for the house tomorrow
• went after the Mobile Kitchen in Kiln and delivered it back on church property, but it is not in operation. The church still has not decided where it will go yet

The work goes on and those who have returned long to be there to help complete the job. They all have great stories of how God has touched them through all this and has made them appreciate their home as well as being part of such a wonderful group of selfless servants. Pray that work will continue smoothly and other volunteers will join as the Lord leads.

Weary Travelers Arrive Home!

Seven weary travels returned home safely around 7:00pm. They are tired but so charged up and encouraged about all they were able to get done. Three team members reamain, Bob Turner, Teddy Summit and Tony McKenna. They will continue working until the next team members arrive. We still could use a few more volunteers if you or someone you know would like to participate.
Here are the last of the pictures for awhile because we don't have internet connection from there right now. I will try to keep updating the blog with information and get some pictures as soon as they become available.

Bob up on top!

Johnny and Hugh hard at work!
One side of the roof covered!
Randy the middle man.
Teddy and Bill cutting the boards for the roof.
Welcome home to all of those who have served and are now home. Encouragement and love sent to those still there and blessings and safe travel for those who will be heading down this week. Also wanted to thank Pastor Jimmie for mentioning the team this morning in the service. It means alot to the team to know those at the church are keeping up with what is happening and willing to support this effort. This whole team are superstars! We are so proud to be a part of them. As Jimmie said today we are the arms and hands of Christ here on earth and God's Helping Hands are trying to live this out everyday. We all have gifts we can offer in service to someone. Let us do all things as doing them to the Lord.

No Place Like Home!

Ken and Ralph made it back home around 5:15 this afternoon and we are so thankful for them and for bringing them home safely. Some are home and some will be soon. Just talked with Randy and he is tired and ready to get home but he is really torn about leaving the other team members down there. He really wants to be there for the complete job but he needs to get back to work. They got as much done on the roof as they could before dark set in. They had really wanted to get that done so the three members left down there could work inside on wiring. Pray that some volunteers will come over to help them finish the roofing in case weather sets in. Pray for the endurance of those who are remaining and for blessing for their commitment to the job. Pray for a good night of rest for all of them and a safe journey back to Virginia tomorrow. Haven't gotten any pictures from the day yet. I will post them as soon as I do. Thanks for all the calls and comments about the team and the blog. Remember it is not too late to get into this project. We still have three or four weeks of work left!!

More Pictures

Here are some more pictures that arrived this morning. They are from earlier in the week and when we didn't have Internet connection. Check em' out! "Oh Lord, help us get this roof on."
Quonset huts, Matthew, Mark and Luke. No picture of the John?
Ralph readies the roof.
Wabi-Sabi's on the job!
Wabi-Sabi girls, Wilma and Marsha, doing their nails!!!

Talked with Randy just a little while ago and they are on the job putting the sheeting on the roof today. Ken and Ralph left out about 5:00AM on their way home. Pray for their safe travel and for the availability of gas on the route home. Seven more of the team will be leaving out in the morning and hope to arrive home Sunday evening.

This Team Rocks!!

Got some pictures this morning of the progress made yesterday. This team rocks! Here is the first truss going up.

A visual of my honey. I sure do miss him.
At the end of the day all the trusses were complete!!
After the day's hard work Bob rewarded the team with a great dinner at Catfish Charlie's in Gulfport. Great job team! We are so proud to know you and call you friends.

In Spite of the Storm

We may have lost our internet connection to the team so we can't send pictures but work goes on in spite of the storm. The team was concerned that today might bring rough conditions but were awakened to clouds and a breeze. They said it really was a good cool day for work. They have not had any rain today and the water close to huts has gone down since the storm got to the west of them.
They were able to get up all the roof trusses today and were so pleased with their progress they quit a little early and all went to Gulfport to eat at Catfish Charlie's. I am so glad they had a little time to relax and just enjoy. Ken and Charlie will be coming home tomorrow and the rest of the team will put the sheeting on the roof and they will come home on Sunday.
Our God has been faithful and protected our team and tonight our prayers are with those in Texas. Will fill you in as soon as I hear from them in the morning.

Increased Winds and Rising Water

Just talked with Randy and Melissa. Work progressed today and the team was thankful for some overcast and relief from the heat. The winds are increasing now and water has risen up behind the huts at the campsite. The men are there riding it out but the women have packed up and moved into the temporary housing when they have been cooking. They are keeping a weather eye out and praying they can continue work long enough to get the roof on. They will be trying to put up trusses tomorrow.
Right now I just ask that you pray for the safety of the team but also for the people in the direct track of the storm. Pray that God will divert the storm or ease the impact. God is in control.

The Day in Pictures

Here's Wednesday in Pictures!

P.E.A.C.E. sign found and put up at jobsite.
"Hey Grandpa, What's for supper?"
Johnny working the heavy equipment!
Partitioning off the rooms!
Wabi-Sabi sisters gather together before Marsha (left) leaves to return home to VA. A big thanks goes out to Marsha and her husband Randall for coming down and helping out for a few days. This project would not be successful without ALL of us together.

GO TEAM!!!

Coming Together in Prayer

Just talked to Melissa and Randy. Everyone is doing fine down there and the work is still progressing with no problems. They stopped a little early today so they could go to church tonight.
Before going to bed they all came together in a prayer of agreement for a sister back in VA, Pam Moore,who is having a serious medical problem and is a special person in the lives of many on the team.
More updates and pictures tomorrow. For now we just ask for your prayers for healing for our dear friend.

Four Sides Up!!

Just received the latest update. they have up all four exterior walls and have started on the interior!!!

This whole project has been a God thing and we are so blessed to be part.

Gone to the Birds!!!!!

Can you believe it? The team has gone to the birds! Well maybe the birds have come to the team. At least one came by for a break today. She heard there was a hen party going on and she didn't want to miss it. Those Wabi-Sabi Women and God's Helping Hands can minister to anyone or ANYTHING! "Cluck, Cluck, Cluck"

Check out Tuesday's crew at the jobsite. (From L. to R.)

Bill Coalson, Wilma Vickers, Johnny Lester, Ken Stevens, Randy Camper Hugh Wise, Teddy Summit, Randall Self, Marsha Self, and

Ralph Whisenhut

With this wonderful crew look at the progress being made. It is exciting for me to watch it come together day by day and I know the team must be so excited about how much they have been able to accomplish in sometimes adverse conditions. I am so thankful to know this team and be able to serve them and know them. We thank God for bringing us together as a team and spiritually. When we are working toward one goal and are of one Spirit we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Continue to pray for the team daily as they focus on the job at hand. Also begin praying for the team that will go down next week. Dear God,

I just come to you today Lord to thank you for a glorious day and for your blessings and favor you have shown upon this team and also on the family members left behind at home. I pray for their bodies that they will remain strong and pain free. I pray that they will sleep each night in Your rest and wake filled with joy and anticipation for the day. Lord let your Spirit be seen wherever they go and let it shine over the site of this home. Let lives be changed because a few good people from SW VA cared enough to put self aside and do something for someone else and expect nothing in return. Only you will receive the glory for all that has been or will be done through this group. We love you Lord and we live to serve you. We are just normal people, we are not special, we're just willing. We are willing because You were willing, to give your Son for our sin, You were willing to go to the cross and suffer and die so we may be reconciled to God. Any sacrifice we make is nothing in comparison to what you have already done. We worship you Lord. We worship you! I pray you will take care of our team and their families and bring them safely back together. I pray and Praise in the name above all names, Jesus Christ our Savior, AMEN