For the past two weeks, the guys on my squad have been with Samaritans Purse helping with flood relief in Jackson, Kentucky. The area was still in pretty dire condition even though the flood had happened over two months ago. In an area where the water had rose as much as 40 feet in some areas. We worked on twelve different homes in the area, and were doing manual labor for 8 hours a day. Our days consisted of carting out ruined belongings from the homes, shoveling mud, ripping out moldy drywall, and prying out warped flooring. There were times when we had to take breaks from rooms due to nausea, we would come across a pile of maggots, or in one instance 7 rats ran out of a rotten refrigerator. These were the times when it took guts and remembering that ministry is the reason we were there. Remembering that being the hands and feet of Jesus sometimes means working outside of our comfort zone. At the end of the day we were able to bless and affect a deeply hurting community.
We were also able to bless the community away from the job site. On the first Friday night that we were there, they had their homecoming football game. We were able to pack their stands with 50 extra people that night. We were able to become a pep section that they had never had, we met players, and even stormed the field when they won. While this was incredibly fun for us, we had many parents, and coaches thanking us as it was a service and an encouragement to them. We then continued to go to two volleyball games the following week. We were able to bring hope to the people who were affected by the flood, even though we weren’t even helping on their specific homes. Being able to impact this community so much has me so stoked for the kind of impact I have the potential to make all around the world.
These two weeks really made me realize how much I need Jesus. How easily earthly possessions can be wiped away, and turned into trash so quickly. This need for the Lord is so much more important than anything else, and it was so cool to see people filled with joy even though all they had left was the Lord. We need Jesus. Ironically, the song that the phrase “Have some guts kid, this is ministry” comes from is entitled “I need you” by Gable Price and Friends. We NEED the Lord. If our lives aren’t built on him we are so vulnerable to any gust of wind or storm; all other ground is sinking sand.
My time on domestic mission has come to a close however, and I have now traveled and am writing to you from my hostel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I will head to Siem Reap to start ministry here tomorrow. Thank you all for your support and continued support of my blogs. God bless you all.
It’s not hard to see the blessing you and your squad walk in. Y’all see people well and it will be great seeing this gift grow.
Glad you all made it safely to Cambodia, will be interested in your work there! Keeping you all in our prayers. Getting our first freeze of the season here tonight, a little early in the season for us! Hope you are able to rest, now that you are through traveling for a bit.
Love ya,
Pop
Thankful for your strength to endure the difficult times as well as thankful that you share joy to those who need encouragement. You were able to let your light shine bright showing the love from Jesus..
Thankful for your safe arrival to Cambodia. God hears our prayers and he continues to be with us and answers prayers.
We are so proud to be your Oklahoma grand parents and we will continue to keep you in our daily prayers. We love you.
Just want you to know you sure give me something to talk about at my luncheons. Stay strong I am always looking forward to get news from you.
Granny
I always look forward to hearing from you. So grateful you had that time in Kentucky, and were touched by the experience you had there. Many prayers as this next journey begins. We miss you back here but are praising god for what you are doing. Many blessings.
In His Name,
Danielle STJOHN
Good for you, Derek! Proud of your grit, perseverance and kind heart. With Him, we can do hard things.
Your experiences and example are inspiring not just to those around you now, but those of us watching from far away lands.
May God always be with you. Sending you a big mama hug. Love you son.
Mom
So exciting to hear what the Lord is doing in and through you guys! Praying for you all as you travel to Siem Reap!
Derek, we continue to be impressed by your hard work and dedication to the ministry to which you have wholeheartedly committed yourself. Our prayer is that you will be safe and will enjoy to the fullest your time in Cambodia. It is so good to be able to read about your activities. May God be with you as you continue to do His work. We love you!
Mommow & Poppow.