Relief Trip to Joplin

Most of you probably know by now that I was able to travel to Joplin today with the Nazarene Disaster Relief Team. There were so many God moments today it's hard to even know where to start. We started early with an arrival in Carthage Mo. Their was an overwhelming number of people and equipment had arrived. Trucks, trailers, backhoes, bobcats, and wheel barrels, chainsaws and more. The Nazarene's were ready to do WORK!

Our group traveled into the heart of the worst hit. It took us about an hour to make it through security on the streets and to get through traffic. We arrived at the Joplin High School and then begin heading up into the neighborhoods. What we saw is unable to describe. "War Zone" was all I could think of over and over as I drove down each street weaving through trees, lumber, and wires. After several attempts to help folks (which people are very leery of help). I begin to drive down the streets praying that God would lead us to someone who would need us.

As I turned the corner I saw an older man trying to lift something heavy so I stopped and told him who I was and that I had some strong boys with me. It was then that God opened a door for us to minister. The four kids and I worked for our new friend "Bob" and his 79 year old brother for the next 5 hours. We not only were able to work and clear much of what they needed, we were able to Pray with them and get them introduced to the local Church in Joplin/Carthage.

Bob then introduced us to the neighbors and we were able to help them clear a tree and make a path to their back door. We took a carload of supplies and water to the Heart to Heart trailer and then made our way into another neighborhood were we once again worked with a family to clear a driveway and then began the drive back out of town.

This was hard work, some of the hardest I have ever experienced as well as emotionally draining. I found myself not ready to leave Bob and his brother today. Bob was in shock when we arrived and I think he really felt relieved after we arrived and was able to even joke with us toward the end about having to mow the grass if we kept cleaning the yard!

I was very proud today of my own son Josh, and friends Shannon, Rachel and Matt. Parents you should be so proud of your kids. All of them showed compassion to everyone they met and a great work ethic that can only be learned from home. God used us today to help these families, and He led us to exactly who he wanted us to be with. God also reminded all of us today that material things can quickly turn from beauty in our home to trash on the streets. Tonight I am grateful for my life and family, and praying that Mr. Bob in Joplin will continue to heal from his physical and emotional injuries along with all the other wonderful people in Joplin Mo.

God Bless Joplin