ARBCA In Lakeshore 2009

To All Katrina Relief Project 2009 Participants,

mskeels — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:01:28 +0000

On behalf of the Katrina Project planning team at Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, I want to offer our gratitude for all of your work accomplished at Lakeshore. It was a tremendously encouraging week! It wasn’t just the work that was accomplished that made it successful, but also the spirit of unity, cooperation and, of course, “Semper Gumby”.
When reflecting on the week, I was profoundly impressed with the spiritual maturity demonstrated by our participants. You may expect that, if this was a pastor’s conference, but we, for the most part, were just regular Joe’s and Jane’s. The many conversations I heard, or took part in, were very encouraging and instructive. The godly examples of conduct that I observed moved me to praise, and I was especially thankful for those works and words of compassion toward our fellow man, Christian or not.
I was also encouraged by those who felt compelled to join us, even though they were not from ARBCA churches. The original intent of the project was to organize the congregations of our own affiliation. As the interest grew beyond our association, all of us were thrilled that others felt confident that they would also be welcome…and they were! The bottom line – it’s the deep, deep love of Jesus that binds us together in service.
Please continue to pray for Lakeshore Baptist Church as it deals with an unsettled future. In conjunction, pray for us as we decide whether to do another project. We evaluate the feasibility one year at a time. Obviously, our plans will be impacted by LBC plans. One thing is for sure. In another year if LBC is still in the present mercy ministry mode, there will be no lack of work. In addition, if they have implemented their own building project, they will need plenty of help. Judging by our participant’s comments, the desire to return is abundant. If God wills, it will happen.

Larry Springer

Flashback: Lakeshore 2008

mskeels — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:35:08 +0000

Lakeshore’s Fate has Always Been in the Lord’s Hands

mskeels — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:50:01 +0000

Local government intends to close down Lakeshore Baptist church’s ministry to Katrina victims. However, we know that the ministry will continue as long as He wills it.

The people of God must surely pray; His will is always done.

Click on this link to read an article about it in the local paper.

…a very present help in time of trouble…

mskeels — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:54:02 +0000

Lakeshore Basecamp Virtual Tour

mskeels — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:10:05 +0000

Here is a walkthrough of the Lakeshore base camp; enjoy.

Mark

Just got Home…

mskeels — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:18:22 +0000

…about an hour ago. Please, if you have further comments, poems, or contributions of any type, make a reply to this post and I’ll contact you.

I really enjoyed the trip and the fellowship and the work…..Pam and I are already talking about coming back next year, Lord willing.

I do have more pictures and will get them onto the blog ASAP. Note a new link under “Pictures” to the left where Deb put hers; I assume they are full resolution so you can probably download them.

I hope you had a good Lord’s day.

Mark

Pastor Elbourne’s Wed Night Remarks

mskeels — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:32:28 +0000

Below is a rough, but listenable live recording of pastor Elbourne’s remarks last Wednesday night concerning Katrina and his sermon on the theology of Christian mercy ministry.

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Thoughts from a Sister Serving at Lakeshore

mskeels — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:00:27 +0000

My week in a Mississippi work camp is nearing it’s end. We made one of the last treks to the latrine by flashlight in the frigid night air, remembering at last by rote to not flush the toilet paper. I contemplate how many of my new found habits, like brushing my teeth with bottled water, will follow me home.
As I return to my warm sleeping bag and safely secure my flashlight to the metal bunk bed frame I wonder how much more I will carry home than just these hygiene habits.
I’ve gone on many “mission trips” before, and this one has been productive in being a ministry of mercy. But I sense the true test will come months from now as to just how productive.
Lakeshore Baptist church has a commitment to minister to the needs of the local people that arose after this area was covered with 40′ of Katrina flood water. True—these needs are hard to ignore—shelter, food, clothing. Yet I wonder what are the needs to be met in my own local geography which I’m beginning to see as equally important.
The local pastor spoke of an organic bond—not a handout with no friendship attached. It’s relatively easy to give a week in another climate, another culture. What I see and desire in this night hour is an attitude of ministry in my normal life as I return home that will be the test of a truly productive week.

Laszlo Pasztor

mskeels — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:55:32 +0000

Laszlo Pasztor

Comments from the Ministry Team

mskeels — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:01:12 +0000

It’s important to note that neither ARBCA or Lakeshore Baptist church believe in a bare “social gospel.” As pastor Elbourne said last night, (I paraphrase) “if we rebuild someone’s home without giving a gospel witness, we’ve only succeeded in making their road to hell more comfortable.” Accordingly, there is a ministry team that visits those who have been or are being helped. The volunteer worker ministry opens up doors in large number for the ministry team and they receive the visitors with open arms.

Here is their note:

“We are seeing how God has used Katrina to reach this community & God has reached into the lives of these people through this trial.

Please pray for the many unsaved who are so appreciative of the many volunteers organized by Lakeshore. Volunteers have worked on their homes, they have seen Christians at work, they have enjoyed meeting volunteers but they still don’t know Christ as their Savior. Please pray for Laura, Nancy and Josette.”