God Stories
A Letter from Kevin O'Neill Paul,
I just wanted to pass on a story about this mornings adventure of "hitting the streets" to share the love of Jesus and invite the homeless to next Saturday's Men's Quarterly Breakfast. For me and my small "Band of Brothers", it was an amazing God Story! The morning started off without much success in finding the "Homeless" men we had come to reach. I was with John Conlon, Johnny O'Reilly, Dave Ridenour, Bill Getz, & Mark Schaefer and we went to the Carroll Creek area near the Frederick library where, we were told, there are normally many homeless people hanging out by the creek and on the benches. After searching for a while we could not find even one homeless person to share the coffee, donuts, water and brown bag lunches and the love we had come to share. It was, quite honestly, a bit frustrating! All of us were on a "deadline" to get back to various forms of "busy"! We all had agendas for the day and had agreed to come for only an hour or two before "needing" to get back to our list of things to do! Frankly, this delay just wasn't part of OUR plan. Interesting how God always has a better plan for us, even if we can't see it at the time!
After talking for 10 more "precious" minutes about what to do we decided to split up and in doing so we could cover more ground. After all we had food to deliver and our own lives to get back to! It was decided that Conlon, O'Reilly and I would load all of the food and drink in the Jeep to take it back to Centennial church where the others would meet us with their cars to split things up and then go in separate directions to find "the needy" and get the job done.
As we walked into the tent camp, not sure of what to expect or how we would be received, I ran into a man living in his "Home" consisting of a tent, a mattress and a couple of tarps. I asked him if I might share some water with him and he said sure. I also gave him a brown bag lunch and asked him his name- which was John. John looked like what you might picture a homeless man would look like. He had scraggly hair, dirty clothes, a lot of snot running out of his nose, dripping down, and filling his scruffy beard. Frankly, the way he looked made me think that this whole idea might just be a little dangerous and a little crazy! Thankfully, at that moment the Spirit reminded me that God loved him as much as me and I decided to show him that I loved him too. After introducing myself we talked for a bit, I reminded him that Easter was coming tomorrow, I let him know that Jesus loved him so very much and then I moved on to some of the other tents to "get the job done".
After a while Victor came up to me and said that John, my new bearded friend, wanted to talk to me again. When I went back to him he thanked me for coming and told me that he wanted to let me know that he had problems. That he could tell that we were the kind of people that would help him and then he said that not only did he need help, but that he was was "Mental" and a wreck. He was "Messed Up" and he was begging me for help. His plea's were coming from his heart and from his soul, his bloodshot eyes were cutting holes through the back of my head! How could I possibly help him? I wasn't sure what to say to him at first. He proceeded to say that he had done so many bad things in the past and he told me that he wanted to be free from it all, that "Demons" were messing with his mind and he asked if I knew a pastor who could help him. I told him that I did know a pastor, and I would be happy to get one for him. I also told him that I know Jesus and if anyone could help him it would be the King of Kings. He said "I WANT HIS HELP, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE". We then discussed what Jesus had done for all of us, some 2000 years ago this very weekend, and how Jesus had died for him. How Jesus had come to seek and save that which was lost. How Jesus had come to restore his heart. How Jesus could save him. He stopped me, looked me straight in the eyes and asked, "Really?... I know he died on the cross, but did he really do it for me? Even me? Jesus died even for me? Are YOU telling ME with all that I have done wrong that he actually died for someone like ME?" From the depths of my heart I relayed to him that "YES!!!!!!!! JESUS DIED FOR YOU, FOR ME & FOR ALL OF US. It doesn't matter what you have done, Jesus loves YOU as much as he loves any of us! His blood was shed for YOU and he will always love YOU." We then both spent time in awe at what that really meant! Both of us truly loved by God himself! The creator of the Sun and the Moon loves us all! I then told him that he had a decision to make. That knowing and believing that Jesus died for us is not enough, even the devil knows that Jesus did those things. I told John that he needed to decide if he would let Jesus come into his heart. I told him that Jesus doesn't force his way in. That wouldn't be true love! Instead he wants us to decide if we want him to live in our heart. "John, If you do invite Him in He will bring joy and peace and freedom. A fullness that only He can bring! It is a decision YOU need to make, John. Do you really want Him in your life, do you really want to follow Him?"
After more discussion, healing prayer, binding and casting out of the enemy, all by the blood and authority of Jesus Christ, a decision was made. John, my new friend, literally cried out to God, asking him to come into his heart and his life, asking him for forgiveness and literally begging God to free him from the prison of addiction and from his pain! Praise God! Then we hugged him, (snot and all), we hung out with him, and we loved on him. We cried, we laughed and then we left to find others we might love on.
As we drove home no one spoke, we all were just trying to process what God had done. I cried (snot ran out of my nose, too) as I was trying to process everything that had just happened! I realized that the love and attention we gave was honestly more important to him than the food we brought! I believe we all discovered today, that God's plans are much, much better than our own. That if we will be obedient, and follow His leading that He will use us to help others. I am certain, from deep within my soul, that all of us, not just our new friend John, were touched and changed today, literally by the Spirit of Jesus. I was humbled today by His love. I am certain that God blessed me as much as he blessed John. I am certain that I am just as "needy" for the love and fathering of God as those who we label as "Needy". We all need HIM and I thank God for the Grace and Mercy he has shown us. I was shown today that Jesus truly LIVES because Sunday already came! The victory has already been won! Let's all remember that this Easter and live from that place in our hearts!
BTW, I attached a picture of our new friend John. He said he would be there for our quarterly breakfast next Saturday and that he wanted to see us all again. Will you be there to tell him that you love him? He needs to hear it from you! Don't make the mistake of letting busy get in the way of what Jesus wants to do in your life. We almost blew it by rushing through it all and I am so glad we didn't!
Humbly,
Kevin O'Neill
Dear Family,
This morning a really good friend of mine told me a God-story I have to tell someone……….. you! This friend of mine is a recovering addict……… he is SO much more than that, but that is where the battle rages for him. Anyway………..while at work a few days before New Year’s someone came to his job and offered everyone there a case of beer. My friend took a case meaning to give it to his brother-in-law. The case sat in his truck for a day or so and before he knew it, it was New Year’s eve. That case of beer began to work on his head. Early on in the day he knew he was going to finish his day of work, get in his truck, and drink the beer. No way out! After all he WAS an addict, and it was New Year’s eve, and he was too weak to resist. That was that!
Then a friend of his called him and asked if he would pick up the coffee pot for the AA New Year’s party. My friend wasn’t planning on going……… obviously since he had that case of beer to deal with. But because he is a servant at heart he agreed to do this errand. Well, he thought, I’ll just hold off drinking the beer until after I make the delivery. A little later another friend called him, my friend ignored the call. But this guy, Matt, kept calling until finally he took the call. Matt told him he was really in trouble and really needed to get picked up for the party. He couldn’t be alone………. Not today. Because my friend is a really kind man with a heart of gold he agreed to do this.
Realizing God was rescuing him from himself my friend had his boss follow him out to the truck and he gave his boss the case of beer. With that he picked up Matt, they delivered the coffee pot, stayed at the AA New Year’s eve party until after midnight and he has felt strong and clear in his recovery ever since.
2 Corinthians 4 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.”
Whenever I hear someone saying, “I need to try harder!” or “I need to do better!” I think – good for them. I’m not that strong. I can’t do better. I can’t try harder. I’m weak and my best effort is pathetic. God looked at my friend’s heart and saw that he truly wanted victory…….. then He looked again and saw that my friend just didn’t have the strength in his own power to follow his heart……….. so God used my friend’s servant heart of ‘yes’ to do the coffee pot favor, and God had Matt call my friend to ask for help because Matt knew this man loves to help others in trouble. God used my friend’s weakness to serve and love to give him victory in his own battle.
I love this stuff! I love that all I have to do is make myself available to God in a persistent way and He will help me become the man I so desperately want to become. This story has made my day – I pray it will give you a clearer view of God as well.
Dear Boyz,
God is at work! We have started six new tables (a 25% increase!) over the last couple months and new ones are being formed as we speak. If you want to experience God, join him where he is at work. Often we miss out on Gods’ perfect will because we get it backwards….we ask Him to join us where we are.
And how about the choir! Thank you to all the men who so graciously gave of their time. Be sure to thank your wife and family for their support. Singing in the choir for me was like going to war with a 100 men beside me and tasting victory! Now I know that I must go back and daily do battle against the many strongholds that oppose the cross. Put on your armor and be strong in the Lord! Pray without ceasing.
This past Friday I had the pleasure of visiting with a new table led by Bobby Findley, which started a couple of weeks ago in Myrtle Beach, S.C. It was so awesome to meet these men (Keith, Robert, Riney, and Steve) and hear of their hearts for the Lord. They started the table on their own using resources from the Waterboyz Website. They all made their call and they all had their verses memorized! Anyone up for a road trip?!!!
Here is a report from Dave Berg, table leader on Monday nights. How cool is this!
Cam Overs - saw news paper article and then visited the Waterboyz web-site. Cam then came to the Wednesday Morning Table at Lohr's. He was very interested in coming out to sing with the choir, so I came home made up a copy of the CD- took that to him, he listened to it all week and showed up at DRCC Sunday Morning @ 8:30 --- Cam sang with us and is feeling very spiritually fulfilled. His wife and Daughter saw him sing and was very proud and happy. Cam goes to Epiticial Church on W. Church St across from Fredericks City Hall. He made his Waterboyz call for the week, he has memorized his memory verse, Waiting impatiently for Tomorrows Table to be here. He is very fired up about the Waterboyz and wants to bring a few guys from his home Church to some Tables, someday like to start his own Waterboyz Table with his Church.
Maybe send Cam an e-mail or give him a phone call and welcome him.
camovers@comcast.net301-788-1930
Dear Boyz,
I have carefully put together my foursome for the upcoming Waterboyz golf tournament – mixing and matching based on short game, putting talents, distance off the tee………… Not that I needed a lot of help, after all I think you’ve all seen the picture of my literally hitting the ball so hard last year that it blow up……. exploded…….. it was AWESOME! Although last year on the ‘drive closest to the pin’ I lost out to someone I suspect of……. Lets say bending the rules a little……… I’m not bitter. I think I can get it even closer this year than the 99 yards away I managed last year. So how is your foursome coming? Are you ready to accept my challenge? If your foursome beats mine I’ll come to your 10MAN table and will sing whatever song you want. But if my boyz beat yours then you’ll need to come to my table and sing a song of my choice – anyone up for a little challenge? By the way it IS June 4th – a Thursday…….. The original flyer was a little confusing.
This past Tuesday night 97 men showed up for our 2nd choir practice – as we were singing Exalted the Holy Spirit showed up in a powerful way! I can’t wait to see what kind of harvest God brings us, in new men coming to the tables, new tables (they are already in the planning stage), and visitors who will come to see what a100MAN choir looks like. They will be changed by hearing us declare that a sovereign God wants to have a personal relationship with them…….. a speck on an insignificant planet in a vast universe – it is stunning isn’t it? Kingdom fruit will happen and ground will be taken.
Today and tomorrow 8-10 men are helping to build a second story on a home for battered women and foster kid care in Clarksburg. If you would like to have a piece of this Kingdom action give Bernie Thompson a call – 301 639-5943. Last Saturday many of you showed up at the Baltimore block party to enjoy the magic of being part of Matthew 25…… the abundant life! Take a look at our web page for the story as told by Dave Berg and some great pictures! Well done!
Check out the attached Meeting Attendance list - if we are missing your information please send it to me.
Grace & Peace
Paul
The LON Family EXTREME Home Makeover
[ Chapter One • Chapter Two • Chapter Three • Photo Gallery • Daily Diary • Hebrews 11: Hall of Fame • Video]
See WJLA News 7 Story on the Home Makeover
Listen to Paul's Radio Interview About the LON Family Home Makeover
Listen to RADIO BROADCAST or w/ SLIDE PRESENTATION
Dear Boyz,
A few of you sent me your thoughts from the Lon Family project. I know you will all enjoy reading them as much as I did. I have also attached the link to the Germantown Gazette story on the makeover. Along with the article is a video – which does a pretty good job of capturing the spirit of the project. I pray that these articles will cause someone or many someone’s to seek out a relationship with Jesus! I just received a call from the Frederick News-Post and they are running the story about the makeover in the Thursday edition (tomorrow).
In HIM - Paul
Here are some stories from some of the Boyz & Girlz:
Paul, what an incredible journey with the Lon family. I just wanted to let you know God is proud of you Bernie, Greg and the Boyz and for your part, vision and leadership in this adventure! I was reading Acts 5 for my devotion this morning, and came across verse 38-39. Made me think of the Waterboyz and this project. NIV - "Therefore, in the present case I advise you. Leave these men alone, Let them go. For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only be find yourselves fighting against God.” Now, in this case, this was Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law advising the Sanhedrin against killing the apostles, who were preaching that Jesus IS the Christ. Other men were leading uprisings and revolts, but they were not of God and quickly failed and the men scattered. In the case of the Lon house, Men of God rose, had purpose in their activity, and worked together to honor THE CHRIST. I think it is safe to say that all the heart, soul and sweat put into the project was of God. Have a great day - Mark Matheis
Paul, Very simple story: This project provided the opportunity for three men who are a big part of my life to finally meet and for all of us to spend a morning together serving others. We worked, ate, talked, and laughed - it was all you could ask for in a day. Dan Petty
Also, I wanted to share this. When the family was going through the house Jackie came up to me, hugged me like I have never been hugged before, thanked me over and over again when I asked if she like her room, but then she started crying and said "thank you for helping my mom, this will make her life sooooo much easier and life better for all of us, you have no idea what you have done for us" Have a great day! Robin
Dear Boyz,
New Ireland Bath House – The Waterboyz move out into the South Pacific
New Ireland Translation Institute (NITI). At the beginning of 2007 the Waterboyz reached farther than they could image, to the country of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Where is that you may ask? Well! It’s northeast of Australia, and 4 degrees off the equator. Hot there? Well in a way it isn’t. What is hot? Like 117 deg F. (as in Arizona). No, it’s more like 75 F low and 103 F high. Stormy and wet? Yes, with severe lighting, high humidity (24/7). But it is absolutely beautiful with some of the most pristine coral you will observe in the world.
Why PNG, well it seems one of the Waterboyz shared that there was only one flush toilet in the entire village of Sohun, no big deal, except white skins are kind of used to this feature in each and every home, maybe even 3 or 4. Well, there are no showers either, no big surprise for a village without electricity. (However, all of this is changing, with the help and support of the Waterboyz. YOU, have contributed $6000 dollar’s, but there was one small issue, the nationals at first turned it down, this was not bad as their desire was to use any monies donated to NITI for more import things (classroom, housing, food). It’s hard to think that there could be a more basic need, but don’t forget the bush works fine, and for hundreds of years in their culture. When there are 60 plus Nationals and Ten or so visiting translators, and 100 deg F heat, and two outhouses located on the site, well! let’s just put it this way, a National when asked, what do you think, of the outhouses, he said, “the best thing that could happen is to pour in gasoline and toss in a match.
So after some careful thought and the growth at NITI it was decided that flush toilets and showers were not a bad idea. In the summer of 2008, Sherm and Bernie Guyer headed back over to PNG, with three goals, build a classroom, build a house (for guest translators), and the bathhouse. Priority number one was a class room; two housing, and while classes where in session, work on the bathhouse as planned. If any of you have ever traveled abroad you know what to expect, expect the unexpected. Sherm placed the order for wood from state side thru a trusted local National worker. He expected it to be at the site when he arrived. Especially if you allowed three months to four months, as he had built a rapour with the Nationals, and felt comfortable dealing from abroad. Well, Sherm got there – right no wood. It’s cut by chain saw and moved from forest to site the same day some of the time. It was felt that a three month lead time was plenty of time to expect it to be there on arrival. The contracted cutter, contracted out with someone else, plus they had some other issues (excuses). NO WOOD. That’s a big deal. The CUM (block) was being shipped from the main land. When (when they get to it) and when the ocean cooperates. Sherm understood that, and had placed the order in advance, but no CMU.
So, Sherm had his hands full getting the wood cut and house built before the courses started to handle all the students. This trip was full of delays, supply issues, and on top of that a death to deal with (There were Visa issues and much, much more to this story, that I would love to share with you). In addition Sherm and Bernie had to come back to the states early as Sherm’s sister went home to the Lord, and it is a bitter sweet story for the Guyer’s.
The Good News
It’s all there the SUPPLIES (CMU, wood, toilets, sinks, and piping, ready to build). The target date is Mar 8 or (?), for 3 -6 months they will be back in PNG getting ready for the next story God has planned for them. If you ever wish to become a missionary, don’t expect that you will be the most efficient and organized one in the field, your not in control of organization (blame it on others, yourself, the devil, or all the above, but what you have in mind to accomplish – will more than likely not happen. AND be prepared, to place it in GOD’s hands and say, “HELP” then have the patience to trust HIM to make it happen according to HIS WILL. That’s right our plans are important and good stewardship, but be prepared for your plans to change, and be willing to TURST Him.The Real Story,
As I shared with Ed Condra, the translator that spent 17 years getting the New Testament into the hands of the Sohun Village people— A translator I’m not, English is a challenge for me! Just ask my wife (who loves to bleed all over any letters I write). I wrote to Ed, and asked him to share the current status of NITI. I want you (you that took the time to read this) to know what the real work is, and the Story of what NITI is about, not just the status of the bath house.NOTE: It took Ed 17 years, living in the village, building relationships, trust, making disciple, building a house, while learning the language, not to speak of caring for his family, three children and his wife. Wives, could you live without a bathroom, or electricity. They did for a long time—17 yrs!
OK! The real story, here goes it’s the WORD of God (in their native tongue). The Barok (people group) are emailing a number of chapters of Acts to me, which is a great first for NITI. The Nalik language have done the same with newly translated chapters of Revelation which they started at the last course. Do you realize the important of this? It’s not the white skins – it’s the Nationals that are doing this, it’s not just the educated trained translators. It has moved to the Local Nation Church and the National people that are supporting the work of Translation and stepping up. It’s the most wonderful thing that can happen to a Translator (to be supported or replaced, to move to the next people group).
As for an overview, we had our last course in July-August (08) with 11 language teams there. One team couldn't come because of the high seas, apparently, and another was fearing for payback because of someone in their language murdering someone in a language they would have to travel through to get to NITI. (Can you imagine do being able to travel from Fred. to Baltimore for fear of your life) So, both good reasons. We made terrific progress on checking through a lot of translated Scriptures and improving both the quality of the translations and the translation abilities of the translators as they saw what they were doing right and wrong. After the NITI course all the teams went back to their villages and have been translating there. We won't know what progress is being made until next NITI course in April (unless more get to Kavieng (north tip of the 65 mile long island, a 5 hour ride) to email me like the Nalik and Barok have done). I expect this next year we will have a number of books ready for our first formal consultant checks, which will be a big milestone: Mark and maybe Acts in Barok; John in Nalik; Mark in Feni; Mark in both Label and Kandas and maybe more in those two languages; John in Fanamaket perhaps. These languages have been translating on other books too; it is just that these are the ones that we may have to a very good quality by second course next year to have checked. For instance Barok have also been working in John, as have all the other groups; Patpatar has all of Psalms and Proverbs in first draft (which is just waiting for me to have the time to get to again).
At t his very moment I am corresponding with another likely consultant, probably to begin working with the Konomala language next NITI, and we met this week with another couple who are headed to PNG in January and expect to begin working with NITI, probably the Notsi language. So a HUGE praise to the Lord. Right now we just have too many languages for our consultants to cover. I would appreciate their prayers for this.
Meanwhile, for my part, I keep pouring over translated texts in Barok, Patpatar and Tangga to get ready to go over them with the translators at the next NITI, as well as preparing to teach at the next NITI. We will start translating epistles next NITI and this will be much, much harder than the narratives they are used to in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. So, come April, we could use their prayers for that too. Other consultants are working on other translated Scriptures.
Overall, we are making very good progress and the mother tongue translators are keeping dedicated to the task.
A Huge Concern
One note: you may not have heard there was a huge tidal surge earlier this Month (Dec 08) that hit New Ireland. I cannot find out what kind of damage resulted; I read different accounts online. One story reported all the equipment in the hospital in Kavieng were washed away although the patients were safely evacuated; quite a number of houses were destroyed; I'm sure hundreds or maybe thousands had their houses destroyed or at least damaged and under water for awhile. Namatanai area was also hit. So (19km (14 mi.) from Sohun), it may be a very good thing our staff house is up as high as it is on stilts! I'm serious. Or, we could actually have damage, especially to the new wing. I have not had any word from anyone at Sohun, but I assume if there was damage someone would have gone to Kavieng and let us know. However, I also hear the roads have been washed out, so perhaps it is impossible to get to Kavieng.In HIM,
PaulIn HIM,
Paul
Dear Boyz,
Our 3rd Annual ‘Christmas at the Margins’ was a smashing success! We arrived at Centennial Methodist Church Saturday morning to find a basement FULL of toys, clothes, food boxes, and a God-excitement that always produces ‘God-bumps’ and a fresh clear view of who Jesus is. It was so cool to see men arriving, some with their families, some with other men from their tables, and I know of at least one man who had only been to his first 10MEN table the day before who came. They all came in with bags of presents and big smiles on their faces.
We sang a few Christmas carols, remembered that we were giving two kinds of presents – a) our actual presence like the shepherds and b) gifts just like the wise men, and then the semi-organized chaos ensued. Three Santa Claus, Newspaper reporters, and gathering up presents and matching up deliveries, loading up cars, vans and off we went. It was SO much fun.
As some of you know, a reporter from the Frederick News-Post arrived at Centennial and interviewed several of the Boyz as well as Juanita with 2nd Street and HOPE (our partner in this adventure). He talked with a guy who used to ride in a motorcycle gang, a scientist, and a retired police detective about how the Waterboyz for Jesus had affected their lives. On Sunday morning I ran out to the curb and opened the paper to a front page story about our adventure. Here is the link
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=84251.
I’ve also included a PDF scan of the article. (See table below for link)
I wanted to give you three short ‘the rest of the story’ reports. So here they are………………….
First – Here are four pictures that Ron Paulin took – and Dave Kull’s thank-you email to Ron: (See table below for links)
Dave:
What a blessed day it was for all! Kim (the mom that the Tuesday night table had adopted) REALLY appreciated all the gifts! Thank each man at our table for stepping up in this God adventure! Each man will be blessed in a special way. (I have a picture of Kim,too. ) Enjoy – and pass on to the awesome men at our table Ron
Second – here is an email from Dave Berg after his reaction to his time at HOPE ALIVE:
WAY TOO COOL<<<< Paul the look on those kids faces were PRICELESS,,, One little girl looked up at her Mother and said "Mommy I thought we weren't going to have a Christmas and Santa wasn't coming ??" I almost cried !!!!!!
Third – here is an email from one of the moms who were blessed:
Good Morning Dave, I thank you for sending the link to this (the newspaper article), I am so proud of you. You have come so far and changed so much! I was so blessed by you guys. You have no idea what it means to me. Yes I was one of those families in need. I was very chocked up yesterday as they arrived with the gifts and food, by Gods grace, I now can give my kids a Christmas, it has really been rough for me this year, I still haven’t found a job in a year, Merry Christmas.. Thank you so much for being a part of fulfilling someone’s Christmas... love,
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Dear Boyz,
Jim Shields and his Krew arrived in Easton this past Wednesday for our long awaited Easton church build out. As they walked through the building where the new church was going to be built all of them were OVERWHELMED! There was A LOT to be done. The framing had been done but some of it needed to be moved around before the inspector would approve it. Jim saw that the inspector was wearing a cross so he pointed to it and said – “Look we are here to help build this church. I see you are a man of faith so can you help us out?” God used Jimmy to help get all four approvals so we could get to work.
I love this story – Jim told me on Wednesday it seemed like nothing went right. So they got together and admitted they were in, way over their heads. So the solution they came up with is to get up early on Thursday and hold about an hour of worship together. They read, prayed, and worshiped God. They all said that the rest of the trip went SO much better! Their solution wasn’t to work harder……. It was to praise God first. “Save time – pray first!”
By the time the second wave of help arrived on Friday afternoon an unbelievable amount of work had been done. Eric Closs, Greg Lueck and a couple of VERY unskilled labors (Me and Larry Goldman) did a few walls and got a REAL appreciation for how much work the Krew who had gotten there earlier had accomplished. By the time the last wave arrived on Saturday morning there were about 25 Waterboyz and 6-7 guys from Midshore working onsite working together. What a GREAT day! Midshore prepared wonderful meals, we had four 10MEN Tables during a delicious breakfast. The tables were lead by Larry Goldman, Jim Shields, Dave Berg, and Eric Closs. I walked around listening and marveling at how awesome it was to be in the presence of a living breathing personal God. Of course we handed out a memory verse and exchanged phone numbers. Men be sure to call your man this week!
Jim Shields and Dave Berg stayed through Sunday and went to Midsore church. They gave their testimonies as part of the service and were followed by Ryan Smith who talked about his upcoming 12 month mission trip to Honduras. Ryan, whose sister goes to this church told how he was planning to go to help at an Orphanage teaching them how to do high-yield farming. Many members came up to the men afterward and told them how much what they said meant to them.
A couple of my favorite memories are a) seeing Sam Closs (Eric’s son) with his tool belt helping to clean up the construction waste b) The hand written Waterboyz sign above the doorway going into the auditorium c) the view of 4 10MEN Tables meeting Saturday morning d) Larry Goldman and Tim Pitts working on putting up mud and tape in one of the rooms (wait till you hear THIS Story!!!). I can’t think of any place or anybody I would have rather spent these couple of days with. In taking this trip to Easton I heard and I saw the Kingdom of God. It sounded like laughter, saws, screw guns, and looked like a construction site.
Midshore Community Church – THANK YOU for allowing us the joy of serving you. In serving we were all served! (see Luke 12)
In HIM,
Paul
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Estelle's Story
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The Rickshaw & Feeding Families
When the Waterboyz India team went to Calcutta in December of 2007 we invested over a $1000.00 in a local church to start several micro-businesses. With Paul Ramsey’s help we bought two bicycle rickshaws and we are allowing local Christian men to buy them over time at no interest. Which means that each year we will be able to buy two more rickshaws, then we’ll have four and so on. An increasing number of men will have a way of earning a living for their families. For $175.00 we are able to buy each rickshaw and with each one another family began to earn a livable wage. How cool is that?
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Coming or Going Jesus is praised and families are meeting their needs. |
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The Widow & Her Kids (HIS STORY!) — What happened
last weekend January 19, 2008.
James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress"
A couple of months ago Jeff Beatty got a call from Judy asking for a quote to cut down a tree in her front yard. Jeff came out, looked at the tree and sent her a quote. She called and asked if he could cut down half the tree since that was all she could afford. Jeff being Jeff, cut the tree down for half his usual price and after hearing the story of her husband dying of a massive stroke leaving three kids and a wife with MS behind, he knew something had to be done. Every few days Jeff would call me and ask if a few of the boyz could go and help this family. There is a story in the bible of a women getting justice from a judge who didn't care about justice just because he was sick of the lady asking..... well that isn't exactly what happened here.. But Jeff WAS persistent.
Finally God broke through and our service calendar cleared up enough for us to schedule the makeover for this widow and her kids last Saturday. Greg & Sherri Lueck did a site survey and determined all that things that needed fixing. They figured out the colors for each of the bedrooms that were to be painted, what materials would be needed for each task, and went to countless stores to buy the needed material. They prepared the list of jobs that needed to be done (an impressive list indeed). There was everything from major electrical issues, to a simple landscaping job. It was perfect for anyone and everyone regardless of what their skill level was. As I wrote the email letting the Boyz know about the need, and what the list of things to be done were, I had this special God-tingling in my body. I just knew this was going to be something eternal.
As Jeff was racing around last Friday getting all the details taken care for a project this size, he ran into a news crew from Channel 7 - WJLA. He explained what was about to happen and they suggested we contact the news room to let them know about the event. I called and got through to Vince the news director - on a Friday afternoon a real miracle. I explained that 60+ people were going to do an extreme makeover for a family in need and was told that maybe we would be hearing from them. We didn't.
Saturday morning dawned clear and cold. As the first wave of volunteers showed up, we got them right to work. Pretty soon you could hear laughter, hammers pounding, saws cutting, and lots of conversation taking place all over the house. It sounded a lot like "Holy Holy Holy - you God are King of our lives and we love you and will serve you forever!". The two supervisors (Jeff because he is good at it and myself since I can't do anything else....) were racing around helping people know what to do next. The real fun started a little after 9am when the second shift starting arriving. It was like a flood broke loose. By 9:30 there were over 50 people in the house - painting, fixing, carrying trash, building steps, landscaping, loving this family in a hundred ways. It was the Kingdom of God - it was pure religion - it was unforgettable!
By the end of the day several local businesses had contributed various goods and services, Channel 7 had arrived to capture the event for the 6pm news, and 92 men, women, and children had come and served Judy and the kids. They
had answered the call to 'look after the widows in their distress'. Everyone who came was changed in so many ways. In talking with Tom, who was serving for the first time, in the girls room as he was fixing the window I challenged him to take the step of publically declaring himself a follower of Jesus by being baptized - he agreed. A neighbor heard about our plan and showed up to help. He is coming to the Tuesday morning 10MEN table next week. Steve, who I had seen often in church but never really talked to, heard and came to help - he is coming to the table this Thursday night. There were dozens of stories about how in serving, we were changed. It is the difference between building our homes (lives) on sand or on the rock - we heard and we ACTED. I am so proud to call each of you brother and sister. I love the memory of little Mason Davis vacuuming the sofa, the group of kids washing the sliding glass door four or five times, of Cameron Felix
painting with her dad, of my wife and her friend Sue cleaning and laughing and enjoying the pleasure of serving at the margins. So many stories - each will be remembered, told, and rejoiced over while sitting under a tree in Heaven - each will be the beginning of even more stories and we will only see there in eternity the full effect of our day of service. I can't wait to hear it all - I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.
Judy was blown away - she didn't know what to make of it. She wants to visit Jeff's church. She has agreed to have some of our ladies come and help her learn how to keep up with the cleaning. God is loving Judy in a way that only He can. Today Jeff and Marty Weaver are finishing the last of the punch list. Tomorrow the new carpet will be installed. Look for the before and after pictures on our web page by the end of the week. In the mean time if you didn't catch the news report here is a link. Check out this link click[Click Here] to access channel 7 story.
Last Saturday was a little taste of heaven - serving with each of you was SO COOL!
Your Brother on the Journey,
Paul
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A Christmas Story
Sometimes we consider the thought, "Do all the good things we do in the name of Christ really have an impact on anybody?" Angie Chandler and her son Bailey live at the Heather Ridge apartments in Frederick, Maryland. Last Christmas, Angie truly believed that she and her son would have no Christmas. A single mother eking out a meager living at best, Christmas was something only for those who were more blessed by God than she was, or at least that's what she thought. Little did she know that Jesus put her on His special Christmas list to be visited by those who had decided to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
In the kitchen of Centennial United Methodist Church on a cold but sunny Saturday morning, a group of Waterboyz, their wives and children had gathered to pickup boxes of food and Christmas gifts for a dozen or more families. Little did they know that this simple act would change Angie's life and bring some morsel of hope and joy to the other families in Frederick and Washington County. The Waterboyz for Jesus with the help of Second Street and Hope, Inc. were going to change Angie's perspective on life that day and neither they nor Angie knew it....but God did.
As the packages were grouped together by family, Santa appeared in the kitchen adding a magical touch to what was a joyous and fun occasion. Least than two miles away in Heather Ridge, Angie was going about an ordinary Saturday with no idea that something God-magical was about to happen.
As each team of Waterboyz participants received their assigned family and packages, an excitement filled the room. Who did you get? What are you delivering? Grown men and women were acting and feeling like the children they had brought with them to experience the fun. If only the same joy pervading this kitchen at this church could be expressed and shown upon gift delivery. All they could do was pray that it would.
Angie and Bailey received a delivery of a gift that day that was more than a few wrapped presents. From what I heard from Juanita Dutrow who organizes the endeavor through Second Street and Hope, Angie's life changed that day. She and her son were treated to presents, songs and praise. Then one woman, who is known only to Jesus, went up to Angie, threw her arms around her in a tight hug and whispered in her ear "Jesus loves you, and so do we"
Today, Angie is on her way to completing an associate’s degree at Frederick Community College with a new outlook on life. She knows that there are people who care and truly do love her. According to Juanita she's on her way to a new productive and promise-filled life...and why? Well Juanita says it's because a woman whispered in her ear...I say it's because God did!
Larry
Paul, I am crying as I write this.
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Waterboyz Make a Splash in Frederick County
I received a call this week from a friend who helped organize the Waterboyz (and children’s Ministry) this summer as we served Frederick Country at the fairgrounds to raise money for a little girl who had cancer. Renee asked me if our church could do more at the fair next year. When I asked her what that would look like, she asked if we could provide a Sunday School for the day. Could we bring puppets, plays, music, dance teams etc. I was more than happy to say “yes”! (These are the moments I live for.)
“Will the Waterboyz be available as well” she asked? “I’m sure they will be” I replied. “Why?” “We never want to attempt something this big without them” she explained. “As a matter of fact, we had a meeting last week and the person who organizes these events appointed an entire committee to be sure we don’t hold the waterboyz up next year when they come to work. Last year the Waterboyz came in and worked so fast, they ended up waiting while we went to get the trucks for them to load.
Talk about “shock and awe” – the Waterboyz made quite a name for themselves that day. No one had even thought of having “waves” of workers come in so people were always fresh. Renee couldn't say enough about how the men came in and were able to set up, take over, and tear down. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but I may have agreed for “kidtown” to be run by the Waterboyz and Children’s Ministry next September. What an amazing way to witness! People were willing to come and sell things, give things away or wander around the fairgrounds, but most people didn’t see the value of taking care of the kids. The Waterboyz not only kept the kids safe, they upped the fun factor by throwing them onto velcro walls, teasing them as they entered the mouth of the giant caterpillar and made playing games the highlight of the day.
Another wave of men hit late in the afternoon when everyone was too tired to care anymore and helped clean up quickly and efficiently. There are many ways to witness to our neighbors and friends – but this was a HUGE one. The men in the Waterboyz stepped into a sweltering hot day of ministry and became the “go to guys” within an hour.
I am so proud to have had the experience of working beside you that day. It must have been the hottest day all summer and yet you were all laughing and playing with each child that came through as if playing with them were the most important thing you had to do that day. You didn’t get grumpy with the heat, impatient with the kids or even ask for breaks.
So many times in life we do the right thing at the right time for an audience of one. While we should continue to do that, just know in your hearts that on one hot summer day as you were serving Jesus, people noticed. Because of your willingness to do the hard work, we’ve been given the opportunity this September to bring the gospel of Jesus
to His youngest friends. Lives will be changed because you did the hard thing. You put yourselves out, sweated and laughed as you opened a door for the kingdom.Thank you!
Jeannie
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A Couple of God Stories:
Dear Family,
This past weekend Eric Rice went on a camping trip with some of the youth from DRCC. They had a great time and experienced God in a real and personal way. On his way back home he decided to treat his niece to a TCBY. As he was pulling his truck into the parking lot he saw a parking spot right in front of TCBY. When he got closer he noticed that there were some 'shady guys' parked in the next spot over, so he decided to park somewhere else. He circled the parking lot a couple of times - no spaces - so finally he pulled into that last remaining spot. As he got out one of the 'shady guys' yelled to Eric - "Hah I know you from somewhere!". Eric didn't recognize him but started to guess as to where it could have been - "I'm a member of DRCC?" - "Nope" "2nd Street & Hope" - "Nope" "Frederick Rescue Mission - "Nope".
Finally Eric said - "Well you must just being seeing the Jesus inside me!!". The man said, "Well I'm an alcoholic and I need something - maybe it's Jesus". This started a conversation where Eric simply and powerfully told the story of who Jesus was and what He could do. Then he asked the man if he could pray for him. The man agreed. As soon as Eric finished praying the man said - "I felt something powerful inside of me". Eric responded "That is Jesus and the Holy Spirit". They parted both with something to think about - Eric had just heard a man testify to the power of our risen Lord - it is true. The man now has to decide what to do with this Jesus. Pray for him - Marlea is!!
Ruthie Marsh struggled Mother's day Sunday. She wasn't a mother and her own mom has pasted away several years ago. Should she go to church or just take a pass? She decided to go just because it was the right thing to do. As she listened to the sermon God showed her that if she just changed two words everything Bob was preaching about applied to her. She took notes and was blessed deeply. After church she sat down and wrote out 25 ways that God had blessed her for coming to church. In fact in typical God-like fashion she actually lead her small group in unpacking the sermon the following Tuesday night.
If Ruthie had stayed in bed - she would have probably had a very average week. But because she put herself in the company of believers she had an overcoming week. A victorious week. A week that blessed both herself, her fellow workers at work, and her entire small group. I am increasingly convinced that the treasure God has for us is often found when we just do the little things we already know we need to do. If we are faithful in obeying in little ways - God is faithful to bless and multiply in ways that only He can.
Be faithful this week - take a chance and do the right thing - just because it is the right thing. Watch and see what God does.
Your Brother (just reporting the action from the front)
Paul
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