Hello everyone!
This is Lindsay Beck. I’m out here in New Orleans with the rest of the missions team and just wanted to give yall back home a lil update and maybe get a small taste of some of the amazing things going on down here.
God is definitaly at work. We have only been here 3 days(2 working, 1 settling in) and already have seen God working. This week we are working at Mr. Diamond’s house. We have been painting the outside of the house, putting up dry wall, mudding, taping, sanding, drilling, sweeping, and much more on the inside. He has 2 beautiful grand-daughters who are staying with him and his wife(Ms. Vinny) for the summer. Kayla and Shaneesha(spellling?) Today they helped us paing part of the house, and had such a wonderful spirit and attitude that all of us could not help but be happy just have a great time together with them. Their story is incredible to listen to, and they love to tell it. They did not evacuate, but chose to wait it out. They said the water was up to the second hinge on the door frame. They are so thankful and grateful for the love that is shown them. Ms. Vinny is a huge encouragement! She mentions “The Lord’s Work” anytime she can and has the most amazing attitude towards her “new start” God has given her. Please pray for the 2 grand-daughters, we do not know where they are spiritually, but I have had many opportunities to talk to them personally. They are very open, and seem to understand who Jesus is, but we still are unsure where they are spiritually.
When we first got here we were very unsure about what we were going to be doing in the evenings. The church here had nothing planned for us to do, no ministry, or work or anything. The first night we were here they said that whoever wanted, had an opportunity to serve in their VBS they do in the housing projects about 1o mins away from the church. This was very exciting to me, as well as the rest of the group. First because I love working with kids, very very much. And also because we finally knew what we were going to be doing in the evenings. Last night was the first night of VBS, and it was VERY different from what i imagined. We had ages from 6 months up to 14 years old. Actually they 14 year old was the one who brought the 6 month old….who was her daughter. It was a very eye opening experince, but i cannot wait to go back tonight, and every night this week. The lady who was in charge of music (Ms. Jamie) grabbed Becca, Chris, Kevin, Jeff and I as soon as she heard we all were musically talented. It was exactly where I wanted to be. With me on the piano, Becca singing, and the boys on the guitars, we led the kids in singing, and worshiping Christ. They were very good at learning the words to the songs, and some of them already knew the songs. They would make their own beats by hitting tables or stomping their feet and it was truly a joy to be part of that. I could not stop smiling the whole time i was singing. Even thought the kids were very hyper, and would just run everywhere, and talk whenever they wanted….they saw God’s love for them in many different ways. Whether it was a hug from a counselor, or encouragement during games, or listening to their teacher when it came to Bible time.
It is also encouraging to see our group bond together every day. We have group devotion every morning at 6am, and yes, it is early, but so worth it. Getting that time in with each other and with God has become a priority in everyones day. And it shows in the attitudes and actions throughout the day.
We have also had a great time in the evenings playing basketball in the gym with the 2 other churches that are here, as well as some of the attendants of Berean Bible Church. We have all ages out on the court, girls and boys, all playing knock out until anytime as late as 11:30pm. Its a blast. Even those who do not play get into the action by cheering on their favorite, which is sometimes not even someone from their church group. It is great to get to fellowship with other believers my age and get to know them, and develop relationships. Its a new feeling for me since I’ve always been the quiet type and keep to myself and don’t make new friends. God has changed me and showed me how encouraging and how necessary it is to take that step and make new friends, especially those who believe in the same incredible God as I do.
Well it is time for dinner and then another fun filled night of VBS. Thank you for all your prayers and support. It is certainly needed, and appreciated!!!
*L
ps-sorry if it is a little scatter brained, or something doesn’t quite make sense, i only had a few minutes between todays events, but wanted to write a little something for our family back home!! 
Posted: June 17th, 2008 under 2008 - New Orleans, LA.
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