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.