Conquering Fear

Reported by Anthony Riaza

After spending a week with a group of people who truly showed their love for Christ I have came away with more wisdom and knowledge than I ever imagined. I went into this missions trip not sure of what was going to happen, what we were going to be able to do, or how much we could actually help. When we left I had the answers to those questions and more. With Christ flowing through us I saw us accomplish many great things, but the greatest thing that we accomplished was reaching people for Christ.

Going into this trip I was uneasy about walking up to someone and asking them if I could pray with them. I didn't know how to strike up a conversation with the intent to pray with them. I knew I could talk to them, but I was just afraid of them saying no when I asked. My fears quickly diminished as I watch Christ go through the other members of our team. Watching them wrap their arms around hurting people (like God does for us), comfort them, and pray with them I grew spiritually. In the middle of so much devastation I looked around and could see why we traveled so far. The people. We weren't there to fix houses, rebuild towns or clean up debris. We came to reach people for Jesus.

These people had been put in front of us so we would reach out to them. While we were in Biloxi is when I fully understood this. We had come to that town, that street and that house to meet the exact people that we met. Wow! What an amazing experience to know Christ had placed us right there at that time to speak the word of God and pray with them.

Since returning home I now have no fear when I approach people to speak about Jesus. I know that God has placed people in front of all of us so we can speak to them. Sometimes it is hard to stop looking straight and look around to see these people but this is why God has put them there. For us to reach out to people and speak to them there shouldn't be a circumstance. We should be ready to touch hurting people - our neighbors, our church family, our friends, family and wherever we go.

I want to thank Mark G, Mark S, Dan, Nat, Ben, The Campbell family (Ted, Lisa Cale, Cody, and Clay) James, Curtis and Glen. You were true examples of children of God. I carry with me and use all of the words and wisdom you spoke to me. I love all of you guys.

Praise be to God for allowing us to travel, reach people and come home safely so we can share our experiences. We never know when our life or someone else's is going to end but we should live for today and not tomorrow. Don't wait for tomorrow to plant a seed into someone's heart. Save them today so they can have that wonderful loving relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Return to "Normal" Life Difficult

Reported by Lisa Campbell

Twelve days after leaving the area, I find myself drifting off in the middle of my everyday activities and thinking of the many precious people we met while in Pascagoula. I can still feel sweet, baby Mikayla in my arms; hear the laughter of A.J. and Aaron, and the voice of Gary as he tells me his history in the Biloxi home that is no more. I hear the thank you’s, see the tears and savor the prayers that we shared with the hurting.

It is not easy to return to “normal life” knowing that so many are still not living any kind of normalcy at all. My goal since we have returned has been to help people understand the indescribable devastation that remains along the coast, on every street and as far as the eye can see. There is so much to be done and my husband, children and I cannot wait to return and continue the work that has begun. As I drive my sons to their soccer practices, I see Ernest still sitting on his porch waiting for FEMA and Diane with her small pile of belongings that she was able to salvage from her ravaged home. Hundreds of people are still waiting for their aid, and although waiting patiently and with grateful hearts……they still wait.

The beautiful side of our visit was witnessing the overwhelming, obvious help coming from every church, every organization and every human physically capable to do anything for anyone around them. I love knowing that eventually all will be rebuilt and in the meantime, there is comfort, clothing, shelter, food and water being offered to those who so desperately need it. There is much to do and the Palm Valley family has the opportunity to extend the loving arms of the Lord as the relief effort continues.

The men from Palm Valley worked tirelessly and gave of every part of themselves while in Mississippi. It was impressive to see the awesome tasks they accomplished and I am thankful to have been a miniscule part of the effort. God was so good to direct us to homes, families and individuals that needed either our physical help or our prayers. (Everyone got the prayers.) The Campbell family made friends we will never forget and witnessed human hardship that has left us even more grateful for our Father, our loved ones, our brothers and sisters in Christ (9 of them in particular), and the power of prayer. The things of earth don’t have near the meaning they had before September 11th, 2005.

On behalf of Ted, Cale, Cody, and Clay, I thank the people of Palm Valley for allowing us to be a part of this trip. We are grateful to my parents for handling issues at home that allowed us to leave quickly and the friends that gave us extra support. We each continue to pray often for the ones we hope to return to and for Mark, Glen, James, Ben, Mark, Nat, Anthony, Curtis and Dan as they adjust to “normal” here at home. Our family is thankful for your kindness, for making a place for us and allowing us to “fit in” as we were able. James, Clay still talks about the cross you drew in the tent. All of us cherish the nightly devotions, races in the dark and sharing a tent with Glen.  (Who else can say THAT?)

We claim Romans 8:28 for the hurricane victims and look forward to all of our futures in Christ.

God in Control

Devotion written by Mark Summers on last night in MS

Our Heavenly Father we praise you and are humbled by your mercy! The past few days have been a life & soul changing experience. You are amazing God! All Powerful!

We realize that none of our appointments were by chance, there were no scheduling conflicts, and it was not a coincidence meeting those we encountered on a daily basis. You placed each member of this group here for a reason – it’s all part of your perfect & majestic plan.

Father it has turned out to be a blessing for me to be placed in the midst of such devastation, loss & suffering. This tragedy has allowed me to see first hand your awesome work and it is completely humbling. We can see that this trip was for the sole purpose of showing the power of your love.

Lord I thank You for this opportunity to serve hand & hand with my new brothers and sisters on the front lines. Words can not describe what it’s like to see you shine through each member & to feel your presence in such darkness. We know this hurricane was simply a catalyst for us driving 1700 miles to minister to your people. This trip was not about Katrina & her destructive course or about the houses we physically worked on, but rather the lives that needed to be touched. We thank You for the many, many different opportunities and are honored to work as your ambassadors of love.

Lord you have proven we could not have done any of this by ourselves. You are the calming voice to the distractions. You replace our disorganization with order. You bring hope because Christ will return again. I don’t fully understand all you have in store, but it’s comforting to know you are in complete control! I am grateful to serve you!

Lord, before this trip I wasn’t aware of how narrow minded my walk has been, and I thank you for opening my eyes and heart.

I lay down my pride and I am ready to see your way!

Your Son