The volunteers have streamed in all day - registering, picking up t-shirts, meeting old friends from past “Eight Days,” and meeting new ones, setting up sleeping arrangements, grabbing a bite, talking about assignments tomorrow. The sense of excitement is palpable! Imagine 900+ volunteers, motivated by the love of Jesus, working tomorrow to reconstruct 150+ homes!
When our team from Hope Church in Tupelo arrived, we found the leadership team prepared, smiling, giving clear direction. Their attitude is, “how can I serve you?” If leaders lead by example – if people do what people see – then the spirit of this week will be one of joyful service.
Perhaps the earliest volunteers actually arrived the evening of Dec 25, ready to work! Thank God for Mennonites who came with a “can-do” attitude. Also arriving early was the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team – they are already hard at work, preparing meals – thank God for them.
Pictures and impression, interviews and prayer requests will go out several times a day. Check back often. And consider a financial gift to help off-set the costs of Eight Days. Check out the website for information.
Immediate and urgent prayer requests:
Pray for those still traveling
Pray for rest tonight for all volunteers, that we might work with energy and joy tomorrow.
Pray for God’s guidance as we face the task of assigning workers, getting tools and materials and workers to the 150+ worksites, and other logistical challenges.
Pray for physical safety for most of us who do not do this every day.
Pray that the entire Coast will both hear and see the love of Jesus Christ over the next eight days.
(One of the volunteers – Sam Shaw, pastor of Hope Church, Tupelo)
My son is one of the volunteers…it is his fifth trip with 8 Days of Hope and we are so proud that he is a part of your wonderful mission. The work that you all are doing is amazing…..and what a wonderful time of year to be giving the people you are helping some real hope, as well as faith in their fellow men and women.
May God bless all of you as you work to better someone’s present situation as well as their future. You’re giving them hope for a happier new year, when our government has indeed let them down. My best wishes for a very successful 8 days for you and all the volunteers. No doubt you are bringing some happiness, as well as great hope, for the coming year.
I admire all of you and what you are doing. Perhaps next time my husband and I will be able to join you for #6!
One more thing…..if you happen to know who Topper is…wish him a happy birthday! Today, Sunday, December 30th, is his 32nd birthday!!
Sincerely, Susan Topper
E.D.O.H 5 was the trip of a “LIFETIME” I can’t even begin to explain how amazing this trip was. I made so many changes in my life on that trip. I re-committed my life to Christ and I started going back to church once again.
I’ve just gotta say that I’ll be going back again and again just as long as the Lord allows me to.
THANK YALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!
-Leanne H.