DO GOOD

Times are hard. Now there’s a news flash. I don’t have to remind anyone trying to make a living, pay college tuition, or both of the first two! It’s a challenge to say the least. I need to encourage you & help us all put a few things into perspective.

I spent the past week in New Orleans on a mission trip. It was actually my third mission work in lower New Orleans, in the 9^th Ward at First Baptist Chalmette. I shared some before about all the tragedy & challenges this group of people have faced.

To be honest, I didn’t particularly plan or want to return to Chalmette. We received multiple invitations & part of the team from last time really wanted to return. So, last week we headed the 10 hours south.

Right before we left I really questioned whether we should be going. Around 25-30 people initially committed to go. One by one they had conflicts or simply backed out. Two deaths in church family members on the eve of our departure really made me question our purpose there.

Our crew chief’s vehicle broke down the day before & he was unable to go! Now, while I grew up in construction work, I have forgotten much of what I thought I knew. I still felt we were called & we had committed to go. Saturday morning 8 people set out to help. Two mothers, one grandmother, two 11 year olds, an eye doctor & I left for New Orleans. Did I mention it was a construction trip?!

Again, I questioned. I was actually supposed to be at our yearly BCM leadership meeting at Camp Paron & wondered if I had missed God. The next morning God reminded me that everything doesn’t have to make sense to us, we simply follow in faith. The pastor or the surviving church (still meeting in the high school) shared a message from Romans 8:28. If you’re not familiar with that here it is: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

After several songs, testimony & prayer things came a little more clearly. I’m not called to make sense or even move mountains, I’m called to obey.

The sentiment of many is “why haven’t they rebuilt yet?” Some say, “folks in that den of sin deserved that. It’s divine judgment.” To the first let me say, we really can’t understand what it would be to loose your home, community, businesses, friends, family, & churches. They have to rebuild their homes (with little to no money) their business (still the same lack of money) & their churches.

At the end of the week I still wasn’t sure if we had really accomplished much. Sadly, we are the last group scheduled this year. So much to do, so few to labor. The pastor, Dr. John Jeffries, is a powerful communicator & pastor. He could pastor ANYWHERE. God has called him & his wife there. Did I mention that since Katrina his wife had a brain aneurism & almost died, they lost their home, he contracted diabetes, & recently found he has retinal degeneration. His response to all of this? “I’m still running the race” a quote from the book of Hebrews.

All of this has reminded me that while many of us can’t do a lot to help those around us, & maybe can’t take a week to help in New Orleans, we can all do something to help those around us. When we expressed our fear that we contributed little to the cause, pastor John said, “Every group here feels they do little & what they do is insignificant. Yet, because of all the work this is what we’ve accomplished.” He turned our attention to the huge building we had helped on all week. I’m thankful for our small ‘Gideon’s army’ & their sacrifice.

Dr. Love, the eye doctor, & I helped secure the steeple. When I see the pictures now & see that great steeple on top pointing men to the sky, I’ll think of our small contribution. The Apostle Paul challenged folks with this thought, "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith." Galatians 6:9-10

This week, as much as lies within you, do good to those around you. Help point them to the sky to the Savior Who can help out in times of trouble.

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Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org

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