Many of you have asked me for some more detail regarding our HS Camp that shifted from New Orleans to Middle TN as a result of the recent flooding. Although I don't have a lot of detail as we are rebuilding some of these trip elements from scratch - I hope the content below will bring you up to speed on the most common questions we are hearing.
COST
Certainly this element impacts everyone and it would seem that serving at home would equate to fewer expenses. Since we have already worked diligently to manage our normal costs in the New Orleans area, though, our expenses are similar for a local trip. I'll break some of these down and in doing so you should see some other answers to questions we've heard.
LODGING
Lodging is not an expense in New Orleans since Metairie Baptist does not charge us - so there is no savings in that area. In fact, since we are working just as hard to maintain the group dynamic that happens on our NOLA trips (as well as position ourselves to be efficient in reaching work sites in a timely manner), we will likely not be staying at GBC. That means we might incur a slight unexpected lodging expense that we wouldn't have in NOLA.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation might seem like an area that we could save, but we will still be renting our transportation to get us to all of our job sites. The largest potential for savings here might be with fuel, but we are still trying to budget this wisely to prevent any surprises. Although van rentals are cheaper than the buses we rent, we will need more of them. I do expect a slight savings here, but this will depend on the work we get and the geographic location of that work.
THE "SINCE WE ARE HERE" FACTOR
One of the huge benefits to our mission trips and camps is the isolation we get as a group that contributes to our focus to our mission and to each other. Our leadership have agreed that this is not something we are willing to sacrifice just because we are close to home. To that end, we will not be able to accommodate requests of students wishing meet us at the job site. There are some students needing to take the ACT Saturday, June 12. We will allow students needing to take the ACT to meet our group after testing, but not using their own transportation - you will need to be dropped off. Students will not be allowed to drive their cars to job sites, group meetings, or have them available at our lodging site.
THE WORK
The work is continuing to pour in - just another affirmation that we are in the right place for this trip. Our focus will be just as targeted as it is in New Orleans, and we will treat every aspect of this trip as if we are 8 or 10 hours from home.
Thank you for sharing this vision with us. As soon as we have finalized all the details of this trip we will communicate all the particulars. That communication will include any adjustment in cost savings we can realize and pass back to you.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Summer Trip To Our Backyard
Many of you know that this past Wednesday night I announced that we would probably shift our focus temporarily (for one trip) from New Orleans to Middle Tennessee. I want to update you on that announcement as well as share some other information that might help you digest our decision to focus here for the summer.
To recap briefly for those who do not know our history, our high school group have served the Gulf area, specifically New Orleans and surrounding cities/parishes, since Katrina hit in 2005. Between our efforts and those of other groups in our church, we have taken 21 trips to the area and have served churches, homeowners, and school systems rebuilding their lives - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As a result of those trips, our students have gained unique skills that lend themselves perfectly to the flood damage we are currently seeing among our friends and neighbors in Middle TN. Our students are experienced in gutting homes, treating them for mold prevention, installing insulation, drywall, flooring, and much, much more. As it became apparent to me that the rebuild effort in our area would be substantial and specific to the skills our students have acquired in New Orleans, I felt led to pray about the matter and discuss a possible change for our June trip with key leaders in our church and our student missions leadership. They agreed and communicated that they, too, had the same convictions.
After announcing our intent this past Wednesday night, I began to make phone calls to those who would be impacted by our decision to remain home for the summer. With each communication to those involved, I received more and more affirmation and confirmation that we were taking appropriate action.
- Matt Blair, Worship Pastor at Life Community Church in Wilmington, NC
Matt was my first phone call. He was to serve as our worship leader for the Mission Camp in June. Matt told me that he had not committed to travel expenses yet, so he would be able to make arrangements to come to Gladeville instead of New Orleans.
Matt also told me that the students at his church would be very interested in participating in the rebuild effort in Middle Tennessee. He suggested that we partner in our efforts to maximize the impact we can have on our community for God's Kingdom.
- Pastor Henry Ballard, Pastor of Christian Fellowship Church in Violet, LA
Pastor Ballard and I have been working together for our students to staff a camp at his church similar to our "KidzDays in the Glade." This camp was to take place during our June trip this summer. Circumstances at their church, however, had shifted our five-day camp experience to a three-day experience, and circumstances in the community had narrowed our target group for participation. The camp had not yet been advertised, so there would be no direct impact on his church our ours if we delayed our first attempt at this camp experience with Christian Fellowship Church.
Pastor Ballard commended our attention to our home and asked that I convey his adamant stance that we take care of and minister to those who are facing the same struggles he faced with his family and community due to Katrina. In fact, he shared with me his desire to work with his church toward the possibility of mobilizing a young adult team to come to our area to assist in rebuilding efforts.
- Chip Luter, Youth Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA
Chip has been a friend of our ministry for several years, and Franklin Avenue Baptist Church feels more like our "other" church home than a place we serve. Chip was to be our camp pastor at the Mission Camp in June, but strongly encouraged us to minister to those in our area. He sends his regards and prayers, and plans to connect with us when we return to New Orleans in October of this year.
- Dr. Thomas Strong, Pastor of Metairie Baptist Church in Metairie, LA
Thomas and Metairie Baptist have been our dear friends and partners in our efforts to minister to those in the Gulf area. In fact, without the partnership in ministry that we share with Metairie Baptist Church, the scope of our work in the area would be much smaller and the logistics of continuing to chase our vision for that part of the country would be incredibly difficult.
We are so thankful for their faithfulness that has allowed us to continue to minister to people beyond the walls of their church and even outside of their parish to Orleans and St. Bernard. Thomas, like all the others, commends our decision. In fact, his exact words were, "I think that is best." He commits to continue to pray for our area and our ministry.
There were conversations with Tommy & Shirley Strong, Dave Shelley, and others who would have served in key roles for us for our Mission Camp. To sum up, all have agreed to join us for our new summer trip to our backyard. We will still have our High School Mission Camp, June 12 through 19, but it will take place right here in Middle Tennessee.
We are already working on the logistics of the trip, tweaking our transportation needs, redesigning our plans for food, and addressing the eight thousand other little things that accompany a trip of any sort. You can help immediately by praying for clarity, direction, and that those we help this summer will experience what we have seen on the faces and in the hearts of those we have served in New Orleans.
The true HOPE that we will bring is not drywall, new floors, insulation, or a salvaged home. And the HOPE we bring is not our work - but the "why" of our work. Our "why" is the transformational power of Jesus Christ. Our work here, as in New Orleans, is in His Name and so He will be made famous - so that His message of faith, hope, and love may be evidenced by our actions.
To recap briefly for those who do not know our history, our high school group have served the Gulf area, specifically New Orleans and surrounding cities/parishes, since Katrina hit in 2005. Between our efforts and those of other groups in our church, we have taken 21 trips to the area and have served churches, homeowners, and school systems rebuilding their lives - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As a result of those trips, our students have gained unique skills that lend themselves perfectly to the flood damage we are currently seeing among our friends and neighbors in Middle TN. Our students are experienced in gutting homes, treating them for mold prevention, installing insulation, drywall, flooring, and much, much more. As it became apparent to me that the rebuild effort in our area would be substantial and specific to the skills our students have acquired in New Orleans, I felt led to pray about the matter and discuss a possible change for our June trip with key leaders in our church and our student missions leadership. They agreed and communicated that they, too, had the same convictions.
After announcing our intent this past Wednesday night, I began to make phone calls to those who would be impacted by our decision to remain home for the summer. With each communication to those involved, I received more and more affirmation and confirmation that we were taking appropriate action.
- Matt Blair, Worship Pastor at Life Community Church in Wilmington, NC
Matt was my first phone call. He was to serve as our worship leader for the Mission Camp in June. Matt told me that he had not committed to travel expenses yet, so he would be able to make arrangements to come to Gladeville instead of New Orleans.
Matt also told me that the students at his church would be very interested in participating in the rebuild effort in Middle Tennessee. He suggested that we partner in our efforts to maximize the impact we can have on our community for God's Kingdom.
- Pastor Henry Ballard, Pastor of Christian Fellowship Church in Violet, LA
Pastor Ballard and I have been working together for our students to staff a camp at his church similar to our "KidzDays in the Glade." This camp was to take place during our June trip this summer. Circumstances at their church, however, had shifted our five-day camp experience to a three-day experience, and circumstances in the community had narrowed our target group for participation. The camp had not yet been advertised, so there would be no direct impact on his church our ours if we delayed our first attempt at this camp experience with Christian Fellowship Church.
Pastor Ballard commended our attention to our home and asked that I convey his adamant stance that we take care of and minister to those who are facing the same struggles he faced with his family and community due to Katrina. In fact, he shared with me his desire to work with his church toward the possibility of mobilizing a young adult team to come to our area to assist in rebuilding efforts.
- Chip Luter, Youth Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA
Chip has been a friend of our ministry for several years, and Franklin Avenue Baptist Church feels more like our "other" church home than a place we serve. Chip was to be our camp pastor at the Mission Camp in June, but strongly encouraged us to minister to those in our area. He sends his regards and prayers, and plans to connect with us when we return to New Orleans in October of this year.
- Dr. Thomas Strong, Pastor of Metairie Baptist Church in Metairie, LA
Thomas and Metairie Baptist have been our dear friends and partners in our efforts to minister to those in the Gulf area. In fact, without the partnership in ministry that we share with Metairie Baptist Church, the scope of our work in the area would be much smaller and the logistics of continuing to chase our vision for that part of the country would be incredibly difficult.
We are so thankful for their faithfulness that has allowed us to continue to minister to people beyond the walls of their church and even outside of their parish to Orleans and St. Bernard. Thomas, like all the others, commends our decision. In fact, his exact words were, "I think that is best." He commits to continue to pray for our area and our ministry.
There were conversations with Tommy & Shirley Strong, Dave Shelley, and others who would have served in key roles for us for our Mission Camp. To sum up, all have agreed to join us for our new summer trip to our backyard. We will still have our High School Mission Camp, June 12 through 19, but it will take place right here in Middle Tennessee.
We are already working on the logistics of the trip, tweaking our transportation needs, redesigning our plans for food, and addressing the eight thousand other little things that accompany a trip of any sort. You can help immediately by praying for clarity, direction, and that those we help this summer will experience what we have seen on the faces and in the hearts of those we have served in New Orleans.
The true HOPE that we will bring is not drywall, new floors, insulation, or a salvaged home. And the HOPE we bring is not our work - but the "why" of our work. Our "why" is the transformational power of Jesus Christ. Our work here, as in New Orleans, is in His Name and so He will be made famous - so that His message of faith, hope, and love may be evidenced by our actions.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Update - We Are Home!
Kelley got to come home yesterday around 5:00 PM and had a pretty good night. Looks like Kelley is going to be spending a lot of time on the couch. It's much easier for her to get up and down from it rather than the bed.
She was most excited about seeing Carver. This was the first time they had been together since Saturday night. Carver is used to me being gone for a week or so at a time with students, but this was the first time he had to be away from mommy for so long. He was SO happy to see her!
Thank you all for your prayers. We are so thankful to be home and to begin her recovery.
She was most excited about seeing Carver. This was the first time they had been together since Saturday night. Carver is used to me being gone for a week or so at a time with students, but this was the first time he had to be away from mommy for so long. He was SO happy to see her!
Thank you all for your prayers. We are so thankful to be home and to begin her recovery.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Update - Pathology Report
I know all of you have been waiting anxiously to hear this news. God, as we have experienced so much this past week, has continued to hear us and prove Himself faithful. The report shows that the cancer in Kelley's body was very, very small. In fact, it had not yet formed roots (forgive me if that's not the correct terminology).
Kelley is feeling SO much better tonight. Her pain continues to lessen and she sounds better and better every time we talk. If everything goes as planned, she will be coming home tomorrow evening.
Again - thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I know that they will continue for the next several weeks as she recovers. And thank You, God, for your faithfulness.
Kelley is feeling SO much better tonight. Her pain continues to lessen and she sounds better and better every time we talk. If everything goes as planned, she will be coming home tomorrow evening.
Again - thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I know that they will continue for the next several weeks as she recovers. And thank You, God, for your faithfulness.
Update - 1:00 PM 12/02/09
Just left Kelley's room after a quick visit. Last night and today have been the roughest so far. The level of pain she feels has increased significantly, and rest is challenging for her at best. Still awaiting pathology reports.
Took Carver for a follow up visit for the tubes he had put in six months ago. They look great...no problems at all.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Took Carver for a follow up visit for the tubes he had put in six months ago. They look great...no problems at all.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Update - 1:00
Just left Kelley's room to go pick up Carver from Weekday at GBC. Kelley is looking so much better today and aside from some pain, she is feeling well - all things considered. She had some ice cream to eat earlier today and was about to get some solid food for the first time just as I was leaving. Hopefully she will be able to keep this down and they will be able to get her some longer lasting pain medication orally. (She's currently using a morphine pump).
She logged on to her email for just a minute or two, but bending her arm kept setting off her IV alarm. I know she would like to update you all personally, but for now she's keeping her focus on rest and recovery. I know that would be your encouragement to her as well.
It's looking like we may not get the pathology reports today as we had hoped. We are not alarmed by this as we were originally told they would take a few days to process. I think we may have received some inaccurate information yesterday when we were told they might show up this morning. As soon as we have them, I will post the results here.
She logged on to her email for just a minute or two, but bending her arm kept setting off her IV alarm. I know she would like to update you all personally, but for now she's keeping her focus on rest and recovery. I know that would be your encouragement to her as well.
It's looking like we may not get the pathology reports today as we had hoped. We are not alarmed by this as we were originally told they would take a few days to process. I think we may have received some inaccurate information yesterday when we were told they might show up this morning. As soon as we have them, I will post the results here.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Update - 6:00 PM
Dr. Dudley stopped by Kelley's room around 6:00 PM to see how she was doing. He went over much of the info we have relayed today and confirmed all went just as he had expected. We should have the pathology reports tomorrow and are praying they will confirm all we suspect to be true about Kelley's condition. If that is the case, this surgery will be the extent of treatment for her cancer.
When I left her this evening to pick up Carver-man, she was alert. Naturally she had a bit of pain, but she was in good spirits and relieved to hear the progress reports. I tried (as best I could) to relay every single message we had received today. More than likely she will be able to log on tomorrow and catch up on her blog. I know we have said it a bunch - but, again - thank you all for your support and prayers.
Little C had a bath tonight when we got home from Mimi's (my sister, Lisa) and was able to talk to his mommy and say his prayers with her over the phone. He is currently lying in his bed doing what he does almost every night - fighting sleep! :-)
Kelley is in room 765 at Saint Thomas Hospital.
God, we thank You again for hearing our prayers and proving Yourself so faithful. Psalm 31
When I left her this evening to pick up Carver-man, she was alert. Naturally she had a bit of pain, but she was in good spirits and relieved to hear the progress reports. I tried (as best I could) to relay every single message we had received today. More than likely she will be able to log on tomorrow and catch up on her blog. I know we have said it a bunch - but, again - thank you all for your support and prayers.
Little C had a bath tonight when we got home from Mimi's (my sister, Lisa) and was able to talk to his mommy and say his prayers with her over the phone. He is currently lying in his bed doing what he does almost every night - fighting sleep! :-)
Kelley is in room 765 at Saint Thomas Hospital.
God, we thank You again for hearing our prayers and proving Yourself so faithful. Psalm 31
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)