The Belpre group is here and so far we have built 5 houses. Yesterday we were given the honor of building for two families that call the city dump 'home'. The government has started giving some families living in the dump plots of land on the same mountain as the dump, its just on the other side of it. So last week when we went to feed at the dump, a lady approached us with her papers showing that she owned the land and asked if we could help her. As her story unfolded we learned that she has 4 children of her own, and three grandchildren that all live with her, in the dump. She told us that all of their belongings have come from the dump, clothes, shoes, a small dirty mattress, and of course, their food comes from there too. Her husband died 8 years ago and she said that ever since the day he died she has prayed that God would provide her with a house that would keep her children out of the mud while they sleep, and a roof that would keep them out of the rain. Last week when we saw the reality they lived in, we promised we'd return this week to build them a house that would keep the children out of the mud while they sleep, a place that would keep their heads dry when it rains. When we showed up yesterday this sweet lady, her name is Marcia, said ' Many people say they'll help, but you showed up.' So yesterday we built her a small wooden house, with a wooden floor and tin roof. Its certainly not anything extravagant but they were so grateful that now, they don't sleep in the mud, and when it rains, they have a shelter to run to. It was a great day, while we had two groups building Kay also did a women's bible study, and they also had a VBS for the kids in the community. Last night at group devo Kay shared with us that the women she had the honor of sitting with live out their faith in huge ways. They have to rely on God for everything. When they need food, they ask God for it, and wait on Him to provide. They also shared that before they ever ask for anything from God, that they always praise Him first. I don't know about you, but that makes me realize how small my faith really is. For those of us who happen to have white skin relying on God for everything isn't really something we have experienced. We have food in our pantry. When we run out, we drive ourselves to the grocery store to buy more, or drive through a fast food restaurant. Most of have never had to pray and wonder where our next meal will come from, and probably never will. This sweet lady has prayed for 8 YEARS for a house. And now, 8 years later, God has answered, He sent a group from Belpre Ohio to be the answer to her prayers.
It never ceases to amaze me the way God shows up on our building days. He always finds a way to outdo himself. It's never just about building them a house, or providing them with some physical relief. It is about God sending us to be an answer to someone's prayer. Sure, we only show up and build them a house but to someone who has prayed for 8 years it comes as a huge blessing. And God is glorified in every way.
Father, Thanks for the opportunity to serve your people. It is truly an honor. May we never assume that building a house for someone is just providing them with physical relief, but may we know that you always have a greater plan in mind, and that we simply are called to show and be used by you. God may they never see us, but may they see you as we serve. Thank you for using us in the ways that you have, and thank you for allowing us to play a small part in being an answered prayer for Marcia and her family. God, you are faithful and we give you all the glory.
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