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Current Mission Trip Report
Personal Reflections
from the Mission Team...
 Robert Ayars, Pastor, White Hall Baptist Church (Northumberland)
Driving from PA to Texas was an enjoyable experience. We were able to make the trip easily in 3 days (each way), stopping each day before dark and enjoying the scenery along the way. Gas and lodging for the 3 of us (myself, Donald Miller, White Hall Baptist Church and Galen Ryder, Moreland Baptist Church) cost about $210. We carried snack items and enjoyed free breakfasts at each motel, so our food costs were not great. We were able to take personal equipment and luggage that would not have been possible had we flown. The trip was just over 1,500 miles each way. We were able to purchase groceries before the rest of the group arrived and have the noon meal ready when they reached the UMCOR facility where we stayed. After they left for the airport, we were able to finish the cleanup process before we departed, leaving some food items to be used by the group arriving the next day.
The Lord watched over us the whole trip - especially as we returned. We learned, after the fact, that a tornado had preceded us through Mississippi. The only evidence we saw was a slight amount of debris along the highway when we passed through. God provided for all our needs. The skills of the group of 18, plus a friend we met from Jersey Shore who had already been in Galveston 2 weeks, were just right for accomplishing what the Lord had planned during our week together in Galveston. The Recovery Staff and the people of Galveston can use our continued prayers and support. The task is far from completed.
 Sue Fairchild
Watsontown Baptist Church (Northumberland)
Even though I've not been away from home by myself a lot, I went. I was so homesick! But, by the end of the week, I wanted to stay longer. A week is not enough time; but I know many, including myself, can't take more time from work. But, when I can, I intend to!
 Mary Lewis, Pastor,
First Baptist Church of Punxsutawney (Laurel)
and ABCOPAD President:
Our last evening in Galveston, we had the privilege of visiting the Mexican Baptist Church where Tim Schwartz ministers (and where the 1st Galveston team was housed). Some of the women made us a Mexican feast, and then we had a time of worship in their beautiful sanctuary. Two of the women – Lucy, who serves as a translator for this bilingual church, and Eunice, the pianist - told us about what the church looked like after the hurricane – the flooding (there was 8 feet of water in the church) and mud, a huge stump in the middle of the sanctuary, the piano was broken apart. Eunice said she didn’t even recognize it as a piano at first. Though it had been 18 months since it happened, and though we sat in a sanctuary that was completely refurbished and truly beautiful, tears filled the women’s eyes as they told the story. 16 women – who were told by everyone that they should just give up on the church – refused to give up.
Many churches helped with gifts of money, labor and materials, and that beautiful building stands as a constant testimony of their faith and of God’s faithfulness. There were many tears that flowed (and not just from Lucy & Eunice!) as we stood around in a circle and prayed. As my turn to pray came around, I said that the sense of God’s presence was so “heavy” in that place – as if all the love and generosity and the prayers of those who had given to restore that sanctuary lingered in that place. There was just such a powerful experience of the Lord’s presence as soon as I walked into the room - and I’m not someone who says those kinds of things very often!
I felt humbled and honored to just stand in that place, to worship and to pray with those women of faith, as well as the team who had so blessed me all week with love, laughter and joy. I suspect that my week in Galveston will forever define for me what true Christian fellowship is.
Galveston Volunteer
My Bible verse that helped me through then and now is Philippines 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Galveston Mission Team: Friday Report From Rev. Dave Cox
The team has been busy throughout the day finishing various projects started during the week. Repairs have continued to be made on the Primera Ingelsia Bautista Church parsonage. One team reworked wiring and electrical service at the parsonage bringing it up to code, allowing the work to pass inspection. A second team textured the walls of a home, preparing it for painting. Yet another work team finished mudding a house that is also now ready for painting. The fourth team finished hanging drywall in a home which is now ready to be spackled. Later tonight the group will gather at the Primera Ingelsia Bautista Church with Tim and Jenn Schwartz for a authentic Mexican dinner being served by the ladies of the congregation. Pastor Dave encouraged everyone to continue to remember Tim and Jenn in our prayers. Tim is struggling as he recovers from brain surgery. It is clear the surgery has been a burden on both Tim and Jenn who remain in need of our prayers and support.
Pastor Dave noted the morning devotionals and evening worship has been energizing and healing. Everyone has experienced a deep sense of Jesus presence on the trip. As the world has turned its attention and support to the people in Haiti, the groups traveling to Galveston have been evaporating. Dave hopes more groups will make the trip from ABCOPAD to Galveston to help the many who remain in need. Dave shared that American Baptist are making a difference on this little island and experiencing spiritual revival as they serve. (The latest pictures of crews at work are in Photo Album 4)
Please remember the mission team in your prayers as they return home, some leaving today and others flying home tomorrow.
Galveston Mission Team: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Curtis Malanowski, First Baptist Church of Transfer, 2-time Galveston volunteer, will celebrate his 18th birthday today! Please remember him in your prayers.
Galveston Mission Team: Wednesday Report From Rev. Dave Cox
On Tuesday night the Mission Team enjoyed a delicious Shrimp Boil. With over 27 lbs. of shrimp along with potatoes, corn and sausage, the team was unable to devour the entire feast. Tim and Jenn Schwartz joined the crew. Pastor Dave shared Tim looked weak and tired, not his usual talkative self but he was with the group (and as you can see from the picture in the photo album, on the mend.) Dave reported the team is currently working on 4 projects. The first project was to install drywall at a home. The team finished the drywall and will start spackling and sanding tomorrow. The team is also working on (second project) the electrical wiring at the parsonage of the Primera Ingelsia Bautista Church. There are two other sites where the team is doing drywall and spackling. Wednesday afternoon was to include some time at the beach and doing a bit of sightseeing on the island. Pastor Dave also shared the team is doing devotions every morning lead by different volunteers in the group as well as worship each night with a full praise band. God continues to bless the people of Galveston through our Regional Ministry. The news from the team remains exciting. Thank you for your prayers and your support of our ministry together.
Galveston Mission Team - Monday - Tuesday Report From Rev. Dave Cox, Team Leader:
The ABCOPAD Mission Team made it safely to Galveston, Texas, on Sunday. Dave reported all went well with both the flights and the rental van. They arrived safely in Galveston and started work on Monday. The Galveston Disaster Relief Construction Manager has been staying with the work crews and assisting them the same way Tim and Jenn did on our first trip. Dave shared that a Shrimp Boil was scheduled for dinner yesterday and both Tim and Jenn Schwartz joined the team for dinner. A link to current pictures is below.
It was easy to hear the excitement in Pastor Dave’s voice as he shared everything that is happening. WOW. Mission work on the cutting edge. What could be better?
Thank you for your continued prayers for the team. |