Help.
I met with one of my basketball guys the other day, and realized he really needs more attention. As a young man in his 20’s, in a dangerous, mixed up world – he needs help with education, decision making, job skills and, well, life! He’s started asking some great questions – personal things that I believe will lead to awesome conversations about what God could do in his life.
I want to spend more time with him – other than just Thursday nights. But I can’t. Instead, I’m keeping accurate records, paying bills, balancing the checkbook, keeping meticulous records of all donations and organizing the calendar. And I am excruciatingly slow at this. And I’m not good. I’m pitiful. And I need help.
I’m thanking God over and over or all the secretaries that have served along side me over the years. Doris, MeaDora, Elsa, Marilyn, Sherry, Nettie, Kimba, Becky, Alison, Sue, Linda and Christa – you all rock, and made me way better than I am. And the amazing “bean counters” – you know, the finance people: Mark, Walter, Art, Rick, Steve, Bill, Don and Clarence – how you’ve remained sane all these years, I’ll never know! My respect for you was always high, but it has grown exponentially (math word!) over these last few months.
So pray that God will bring someone along that can help with our finances and general administration. O, how effective we could be, if we were a bit more organized. And O, what a blessing it would be, if I could spend more time with “people” and less with the books. Somewhere out there, is someone who loves to do that, and who is good at it. Pray with me that that person shows up!
And pray for my basketball buddy and his questions about work, decision making, life and God. Thanks.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
God Speaks, People Give, Others are Served
The Portage Team was here a few weeks ago - and Tim, the Electrician came along. We knew that someday, we'd like to transform the chem lab into the Clay Room, complete with Kiln, pottery wheel, etc. Only all we had was the "etc." which in this case meant "basically nothing". Still, while Tim was here, we wired the Chem Lab with 220 - knowing that if we ever got a kiln, it would require a 220 volt outlet.
A week after Portage left, a lady from the East Michigan conference (who just happens to be my Mother in Law) called and said "We bought you a kiln at a garage sale - can we deliver it tomorrow?"
So, that Friday morning, we got up and started cleaning out the Chemistry Lab - making room for the Kiln!
When Mom and Dad Dodds showed up, they not only had a kiln, but lot's of greenware and molds for ceramics. Now, we had not planned on ceramics - but now, we have some neat ideas for Gramma's and Grandkids coming together this fall to make Christmas presents for the "Mom's". It's cool how God directs this ministry!
Now, we still had the problem of the chemicals. When the school closed, they left behind 9 boxes of chemicals in the Chemistry lab. Things like Mercury and HCL and names that are too long to write here. And no one wanted them. I had made more phone calls than you can count - and I was perplexed. But Dave Powless, our pastor at Warren Road Light and Life church, heard about our plight. The very next week, we were able to deliver the chemicals to a Christian school in the Canton area - who really wanted and needed them! We felt FREE!
But still - we have no clay, no motorized potters wheel - we are still a long way from being "legit" when it comes to being a place where people would want to come and create.
That next weekend - we are in Spring Arbor and Mary bumps into our Artist friend Aaron. She tells about the kiln and he says - "I have a wheel for you". So, we met him at his house, and he loaded a motorized potters wheel into our truck, along with about 60 pounds of clay! He also donated a chalice he had made (which we will use for communion!)
Before we left Spring Arbor, my brother Billy and his son Aaron, presented us with a drum set.
So now, we can start doing some "band" stuff - to teach worship music and Jesus to some of my Basketball Guys!
There is no income at The Harbor - aside from people like you who hear God speak, and then respond. Thanks! God is being lifted High at the Harbor - as people are served through your gifts!
A week after Portage left, a lady from the East Michigan conference (who just happens to be my Mother in Law) called and said "We bought you a kiln at a garage sale - can we deliver it tomorrow?"
So, that Friday morning, we got up and started cleaning out the Chemistry Lab - making room for the Kiln!
When Mom and Dad Dodds showed up, they not only had a kiln, but lot's of greenware and molds for ceramics. Now, we had not planned on ceramics - but now, we have some neat ideas for Gramma's and Grandkids coming together this fall to make Christmas presents for the "Mom's". It's cool how God directs this ministry!
Now, we still had the problem of the chemicals. When the school closed, they left behind 9 boxes of chemicals in the Chemistry lab. Things like Mercury and HCL and names that are too long to write here. And no one wanted them. I had made more phone calls than you can count - and I was perplexed. But Dave Powless, our pastor at Warren Road Light and Life church, heard about our plight. The very next week, we were able to deliver the chemicals to a Christian school in the Canton area - who really wanted and needed them! We felt FREE!
But still - we have no clay, no motorized potters wheel - we are still a long way from being "legit" when it comes to being a place where people would want to come and create.
That next weekend - we are in Spring Arbor and Mary bumps into our Artist friend Aaron. She tells about the kiln and he says - "I have a wheel for you". So, we met him at his house, and he loaded a motorized potters wheel into our truck, along with about 60 pounds of clay! He also donated a chalice he had made (which we will use for communion!)
Before we left Spring Arbor, my brother Billy and his son Aaron, presented us with a drum set.
So now, we can start doing some "band" stuff - to teach worship music and Jesus to some of my Basketball Guys!
There is no income at The Harbor - aside from people like you who hear God speak, and then respond. Thanks! God is being lifted High at the Harbor - as people are served through your gifts!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)