Hot, hot, hot

Cordova tornado from Fox 6 WBRC Birmingham

How could I summarize today?

Hot.

Sweltering, sticky, suffocating HOT!

Excessive heat warning HOT!

Yet I can say that we learned a lot about denying yourself today. We sorted hundreds of articles of clothes and items in a warehouse. The warehouse was a steel structure so it felt like an oven. But at least God provided a breeze and the workers provided huge fans to move the air around.

Regardless, we discovered how overwhelming relief work can become when you are trying to do things on your own. I praise God for the team focus we have in our church.

Our team displayed the core values of a team: passion for God and compassion for people. I praise the Lord for students and adults who sought to live for Christ.

The work was hard, hot, and humid. Yet no one complained. The people of Cordova, AL are in their sixth week of recovery. Some were untouched and least affected. Some were scathed but gratefully spared. Others were slammed and suffer ongoing.  A few were killed and forever scarred.

Yet the ministry of God to each person continues. Our main contact is a little dynamo named Andrea. Her heart of compassion for the Lord to work through her to help people is inspiring yet a challenge to her. She needs rest, renewal, and revival in spite of daily daunting tasks, monumental headaches, and surmounting needs.  Still, she pushes on seeking to help just one more person and to lead them to Christ.

Yesterday, we had many great things happen but one in particular stands out. One man prayed to receive Christ. The student used the ABC gospel outline.

• A-Admit your sins
• B-Believe in Christ
• C-Commit to live for Jesus

God is raising up fully devoted followers of Christ. I think about the change in venue from South Bend, IN to Cordova, AL.It is not a coincidence that we needed to be here because one man needed Christ. Our students were faithful in sharing Christ. And God blessed by bringing one person to Himself through our testimony.

In fact, today also affected several people. Whether people observing our work ethic or other servants watching our worship, God was praised in our team.  May we continue to glorify God and to love others within our team and within our reach.  Til tomorrow when I hope to post pictures and a few short videos.

Thanks for praying and please leave comments. You can also visit www.smtrips.com to read other things too. Follow Pastor Daron's tweets; @daronbutler on Twitter.

"Breakfast is ready..."

The ladies are being served their breakfast first here this morning. We praise God for a safe, uneventful trip.

The students and adults traveled without complaint. We exalt the Lord for lives seeking to live by the Holy Spirit.

Today we depart to help Christian Service Mission on a couple of projects. The guys are lining up after the ladies so I better get in line too. I'll need my nourishment for the day of hard work ahead.

Please pray for our team to deny ourselves, to take up the cross of Christ, and to follow Jesus today. May God the Holy Spirit fill us to do His work today.

You can see some pictures and a few videos from the trip down to AL by following my facebook page. When you see a twitter post on facebook, click the link to view pictures and/or video.  You can follow me on twitter @daronbutler. Direct message me. I will not be able to reply otherwise.  I will try to post pics and/or videos on this blog too as I have time.

Again, we praise God for His heart for mission and outreach that can send us to minister for the Lord this week. May the God of all creation be praised.

NBC teaches the Bible (it's not what you think)

We value outreach.

Often I cite things going on around the world, but tonight I want to praise God for the first of a series of clubs meeting in Wayne County, OH.  Wooster Grace offers Neighborhood Bible Clubs (NBCs) where host families invite children to their homes to have fun, to study the Bible, and to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, NBC teaches the Bible.


The Number 4--This past week Linda Kline, NBC coordinator, taught a club at the Northwestern Religious Education Building in the morning.  60 children enrolled during the week with the average attendance of 47.  The best number was 4. Four children made first time public commitments to Christ. 

Keep praying for the other clubs starting later this summer.  The other club at Carrie Becker's house had 25 children on the last night. More detailed stats were not available tonight.  When I get them I will post them here.

Still, keep praying for the children who came. May each child who heard God's Word continually apply what they learned. May God increase their knowledge of Him.  May each one grow in Christ by remembering that "I am a child of God (John 1:12)."  Moreover, please pray for the two clubs at the Norwayne Religious Education Building.  May many children come to have fun, to study God's Word, and to respond to the Gospel.

Adult Trip to Birmingham AL info

Please note those who are going on this team must receive from Pastor Daron the following pages of information:

1.  Student Ministries Info Page: This page succinctly summarizes the trip. Please keep for reference.  

2.  Luggage/Packing List: Please be sure to review the items listed. We will be staying in a church using their floor space for lodging.

3.  Volunteer Agreement & Release: Please read, sign, and return the Christian Service Mission  (CSM) volunteer agreement and release form. We are partnering with CSM to do ministry with them.  CSM requires your signed agreement. 

4.  Adult Application Page: Please complete application form—contact info; spiritual background; spiritual formation; and your commitment to be on this team.  Your  commitment is to be a high school leader and attend an adult orientation (TBD).  Most likely our orientation will be en route to Alabama. 

5.  Background Check Please sign the form so we can process a background check. All adults are required to get a background check to work with or to accompany students in a program of our church.  You may secure and submit a copy of your most recent background check if you get one done for work or other service organizations.

6.  Trip fees: Please make check for $175, payable to Wooster Grace placing in the memo: AL trip.  

Pastor Daron desires to facilitate your participation in the adult trip to Alabama with our student ministries.  Thanks for your willingness to serve others who need help so desperately.

If you have any questions, then please call me (330) 264-9459 x236.