God Answers Prayer

Prayer walking in areas where we are serving has become an important part of our ministry.  There is a brick church in the Lower Ninth Ward well-known for the boarded up entrance with a warning painted in bright red letters, “Keep Out of God’s House”.   Many Crisis Response team members have stopped to pray for the future of this church flooded by Hurricane Katrina and for the surrounding neighborhood.  For nine years, nothing seemed to be happening, but God was at work.

Willie, a local homeowner we have been assisting, told us one day the church had been purchased and was being gutted.  A new sign announced the coming of Disciples of Christ Christian Church.  Lois Riska shared, “We called the number listed on the sign and arranged to meet Pastor Turner at his home. From the moment we met Darrell Turner, we were sure that God had called us to this project. He is a go-getter, pastoring the church, attending seminary, and restoring the  church building in the Lower Ninth, all while holding down his full-time job as chef for the Federal Reserve Bank of New Orleans.”

It is exciting to see how God answers our prayers in His timing.  Pastor Darrell shared his vision for this church to be a beacon of light in the community, “not just be a church in the community, but be a force in the community rebuilding it physically and spiritually.”  Keep praying for New Orleans and come on a team to be a part of rebuilding this church.

Willing to Risk Everything

In the countryside outside Kathmandu, a church service was being held when the ground began to shake.  The congregation fled the building.  As they reached safety outside, a nearby building collapsed, sending a large cloud of dust plunging toward the already frightened group.  The children panicked and ran back into the church.  One couple raced in to retrieve the children.  As the husband was once again exiting the building with the children he had rescued, he felt the building collapsing.  He grabbed for his wife, but only reached her scarf.  The force of the implosion knocked him out.  He lay on the ground clutching a piece of his wife’s scarf.  She and their three children were killed as the 3 story church was flattened like a pancake.  Please pray for this man and the many others dealing with tremendous loss and trauma.  Please give to help supply needs and rebuild lives.

PRAY for:

•The local churches to play a significant role in the ‘new normal’, one where the church is holistically caring for and serving their neighbors.

•Peace to overcome fear.

•Wisdom for local leaders and our assessment team in developing recovery strategies that tangibly express the Gospel.

GIVE to help these present and pressing needs, but also invest in the long-term recovery and ongoing Crisis Response ministry.

 
Email crisisresponse@efca.org with questions or for more information on how you can be involved or  go to http://go.efca.org/resources/project/nepal-earthquake-response

Where Are They Now? Nicole

Maya when I first met her

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” 2 Thess 1:3 ESV

On August 28, 2005, Nicole and Fernando hurriedly packed their most precious possessions into their car and left with their 2 month old daughter Maya, and Nicole’s mother and grandmother for central New Orleans.  They lived across the bridge in Slidell, but they were convinced the safest place to take refuge was in the power plant where Nicole’s uncle worked.  When they arrived and saw the police and firemen had also decided it was the best place to be, they felt they had made a good decision.  As the storm progressed and the levees were breached, Nicole watched in horror as her car with her valuables floated and then sank.   The worst was yet to come.  The generators for the power plant, “conveniently” located on the first floor, flooded with water.  Everyone in the building was trapped.

Helicopters came to airlift them to safety, but no one could bring anything with them, not even a diaper for Maya.  They were moved from place to place.  Nicole held Maya in her arms in a cot to sleep, but she spent most of her nights awake for fear of rolling over on Maya.  Despite the extreme heat of the season, they became chilled in their soaking wet clothes under the fans in the tent, and Nicole’s grandma became ill and died of pneumonia.

It was months before they were allowed back to check their home.  There wasn’t much left between the flooding, a tree through the house, and the winds that had ripped the house apart.  Her grandmother’s house, although badly flooded, was in better shape.  Nicole’s battle with insurance and FEMA would continue for many, many years before their house could be rebuilt.  God sent ReachGlobal Crisis Response to restore grandma’s house which Nicole inherited.  While teams gutted and rebuilt this house, the volunteers shared their faith with Nicole and Fernando.  They both accepted Christ as their Lord and savior.

Nicole, Fernando, and children in their home

 

It has been a joy over the years to revisit this family and see their faith and love in action.  They now have four children, and Maya will soon be turning 10.  I recently stopped in and listened to Nicole’s stories on ways they were showing the love of Christ to others.  Watch the video to hear how Hurricane Katrina changed Nicole's life.   https://youtu.be/j5xVhGc-ujU 

It has taken much perseverance to get where they are today back in their original home.  More amazing though is seeing how God has rebuilt their lives.   You can be part of this continuing story of how God is transforming New Orleans.  Volunteer on a team, pray for the ministry and/or give financially to provide for needs.



Maya will be turning 10

A Miracle for Dr. Jean Dorlus

While driving on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti one evening around 6 P.M., pain suddenly gripped Dr. Jean Dorlus in his chest and arm.  He quickly pulled over to the side of the road.  As soon as possible, he drove himself to a hospital, but they lacked equipment to diagnose him and suggested he go somewhere else for help.  There was no ambulance to transport him, so he drove himself to a larger hospital.  The doctor he needed would not be in until morning.  Knowing better than to wait, Jean drove on to a third hospital.  They were closed for reconstruction.  He drove to a fourth, but the gates were closed.  Once again, despite his pain, he drove to a fifth hospital around midnight.  Through blood tests, they confirmed that he had indeed had a heart attack.  They gave him medicine and morphine to help him sleep. 

Jean’s doctor warned him that they did not have the resources in Haiti to discern the cause of his heart attack, and they could only provide medication, which might not prevent future problems.  The doctor counseled, “If you have the means, go to another country where they can find the problem and fix it.  Your choices are get help in another country or remain as you are and die.”

“I have no insurance.  How can I pay for all of this?” questioned Jean in his mind.  Fortunately, Jean serves a God who can do all things.  Mark Lewis asked Haiti Consortium members who were working with Jean to pray.  Jean is an influential Christian leader who is making a lasting difference in Haiti.  Prayers rose on his behalf from the U.S. and Haiti.

 

Curt Neff, a missions and community outreach pastor from Calvary Church in St. Peters, Missouri, talked to his church about helping when he learned of Jean’s plight.  Then, he called Suzi Mehlig, Senior Benefit Specialist at Mercy Hospital and wife of a pastor at Calvary.  Suzi contacted Chris Carter, a friend and the Executive Director of Human Resources who was glad to investigate what Mercy Hospital could do. 

Last year, Chris attended a H.R. monthly huddle.  Chief Medical Officer Dr. Paul Hintze was the presenter who talked about an international charity program that Mercy Hospital offers.  Chris put Suzi in touch with Dr. Hintze, and Suzi obtained an application for Dr. Dorlus.  A Mercy Hospital doctor willing to provide services was still needed.  Suzi’s husband had heart surgery 15 years earlier, and his physician was at Mercy Hospital.  Suzi emailed Dr. Ferrara, and Dr. Hintze followed up on it.  Dr. Ferrara said he was happy to do anything he could to help.  Next, Dr. Hintze presented the need to the committee at Mercy Hospital, not knowing what, if anything, they would be willing to do.

The next morning, Dr. Hintze sent an email to Suzi saying Mercy Hospital had approved all the care for Dr. Dorlus.  It was all happening so quickly!  Suzi broke down in tears right at her desk.  Co-workers around her asked, “What’s happening?’  Suzi explained the incredible blessing and answer to prayer.  Not only was Mercy Hospital willing to help, but they had approved providing all these services for him.  Suzi was thankful God had opened the door for her to work at Mercy Hospital where the mission’s statement reads, “As the Sisters of Mercy before us, we bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus with our compassionate care and exceptional service.” Suzi pointed out, “This exemplifies exactly who we say we are.  Dr. Dorlus is going to experience that firsthand.”

Suzi related the story to the Chief of Human Resources Administration, Cindy Rosburg.  Cindy had tears in her eyes as she shared, “Suzi, I’ve been here for 25 years, and I’ve never heard of this program.  If you had not spoken to the right people, this probably would not have happened.”  Suzi knew, once again, that God was in this and was excited to play a part in what God was doing.

The story of how the body of Christ came together continued as Harry and Madalyn Mathis offered to host Dr. Dorlus in their quiet home while he recovers.  They were glad to partner in this way with the ongoing work in Haiti where their son and daughter-in-law are missionaries.  A retired cardiac nurse, Bev Cushman from Fellowship Baptist Church, who lives 10 minutes from the Mathis home volunteered to provide daily follow-up care.  Mark Lewis already had plans to be in Haiti, and he brought Dr. Dorlus back to the U.S. with him. 

Dr. Dorlus flew into St. Louis the day before his appointment where Curt Neff picked him up.  Their dinner plans abruptly changed when Dr. Dorlus started experiencing chest pains.  Curt called Suzi who then met them at the hospital.  An EKG convinced the doctors Jean needed to remain in the hospital, and Suzi approved his admittance.  After his heart catherization, they realized he needed quadruple bypass surgery.  One main artery was completely blocked and three other arteries were partially blocked.  Jean, surprised at the extent of his heart problems, told God, “You have taken me this far.  I have to trust you and keep on going.” Dr. Ronald Cossman, the cardiac surgeon, knows well the situation in Haiti through his wife who has helped in Haiti, and he was glad to help.

 

After surgery, the cardiac team commented that Dr. Dorlus was a delightful man who had not stopped smiling and thanking God.  Jean commented how the Lord is paying for his surgery through Mercy Hospital who have been helpful and compassionate.  He added, “God provides every single day.”  He needed care to recuperate after surgery.  Speaking of the Mathis and Cushman families, Jean remarked, “There are two families who are the backbone of my recovery.  God is using them mightily.  God in grace and love provides people like that.” Mercy physicians comprise a team all working together in Jean’s recovery.  Dr. Czarnik is his follow up cardiologist, and Dr. Grimes has been providing tests and x-rays. 

The compassion and generosity of Mercy Hospital and the many Christians who provided care, a humidifier, meals, groceries, finances, transportation, and friendship add evidence to Jean’s faith in God’s care and ability to provide future needs.  Jean concludes, “So, I’m alive today.  Certainly God has a purpose for me to be alive.”  It will be exciting to witness how God continues to use Jean’s life and to know how many people are a part of this.

 

God Has Gifted All of Us

Crisis Response Staff at Beacon Celebration

God has a purpose and plan for your life.  He has given you the gifts you need to accomplish His plans for His glory.  Listen to this short sermon from Pastor Pete Nelson at Beacon Church in New Jersey from the Sandy celebration.  ReachGlobal Crisis Response has partnered with this church for the past 2 years to help people rebuild their lives and homes after Hurricane Sandy.  How has God gifted you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96RFvN26Ank

We have all come to love the people at Beacon Church.

Wawa at Haiti Summit 2014

Despite the many groups who have come to help in Haiti, the conditions are largely unchanged.  What do we need to do differently?  Are we listening to the real needs of the Haitians and stopping to understand their worldview?  Many Haitians have become Christians since the earthquake, but many still have a Voodoo worldview.  The Haiti Summit addressed the issue of worldview and challenged the many different groups represented to help change the hearts and worldview of Haitians rather than just focusing on external projects.  STEP is concentrating on discipling students who will then disciple others to change them through multiplication.

Could You Help Me

While working in New Jersey with ReachGlobal Crisis Response, Lenny would often grab a quick meal at a local restaurant.  A waitress, Jennifer, couldn’t help but notice his ministry shirt.  She asked him about what he did.  Lenny explained that they help people recover from disasters.  “People provide the materials, and we provide the labor.”  This led to a conversation about God.  Jennifer said in her southern drawl, “I pray all the time.”  She was raised Catholic in North Carolina, but she was no longer involved with any church.

The next time Lenny came to eat, they talked again.  Jennifer asked, “Do you think you could help me?”  Lenny asked if she had damage from the storm.  She replied, “No.  That’s not the kind of help I need.  I need financial help.”  She went on to explain that her boyfriend was in jail for a D.U.I. charge for 9 months.  He had a good job, and now she was struggling to pay rent.  Lenny explained, “We don’t normally help people financially, but I will ask.  Give me copies of your bills.  I have a couple of places I can ask.” 

They met for coffee that week, and she brought her bills.  They talked more and Lenny learned more about where she stood in her faith.  Then Lenny started making calls to different churches and organizations.  They all had more requests for funds than they could help meet.  The youth pastor from Tom’s River gave him a list of organizations who might be able to help.  Lenny and his wife Sue split up the list of calls, but everyone said “no”. 

Lenny called Jennifer’s landlord.  She was behind $3,000 in her rent.  He was charging her $10 a day interest.  That meant an extra $300 above her $1300 monthly rent.  Lenny pleaded with the landlord to drop the interest to help her out.  He would not budge.  He had his own late fees to pay.  Sue and Lenny prayed about what to do next.  They e-mailed church friends and supporters and set up an account for bills.  The first week, $650 came in.

The landlord waited a couple of weeks instead of evicting Jennifer and her two teenage sons.  The next week $500 came.  The gas company needed $200 next or the gas would be cut off.  $300 came in, and the kids were home when Lenny came to deliver it.  They wondered who he was.  Lenny checked and found out there was no food in the cabinets or refrigerator.  She was putting all her money into rent.  Lenny went shopping for them.

George suggested that Lenny needed to reach out to her boyfriend Brian in jail.  Visits were strictly limited.  Lenny called the jail and explained he was a missionary and would like to visit and bring Brian a Bible.  The response was, “We don’t consider missionaries clergy, and if he wants a Bible, we will get him one.”  He was allowed to go with Jennifer.  Brian cried when Lenny explained how he was helping.  Lenny talked Brian into going to Rehab for his drinking. 

Brian told Lenny that he used to go to a local church.  Lenny contacted the church.  The pastor said he was happy to meet with Lenny, but their benevolent fund was almost empty.  When Lenny and Jennifer met with the pastor, the pastor said, “I only had $200 when you called, but I now have $1,500.  What do you owe the landlord?”  Lenny added up the amounts and interest on his calculator.  It came to $1,440.  Jennifer broke down in tears.  Lenny placed his hand on hers and asked, “You know where this came from, don’t you?”  It was a God moment.  The pastor asked if she needed food.  He took them in a room with a freezer full of meat and shelves of canned goods.  She took several bags of food home to her family.  Then, enough money came in to the account to pay her electric and half of her gas bill.

Lenny took Jennifer and her sons to dinner and called and let them all talk to Sue.  The boys asked about Lenny’s job.  The one boy responded, “Gee, I’d really like to do something like that.”  Later, Jennifer sent a thank you note to Sue, and Sue sent her a book.  Brian and Jennifer plan to attend church when Brian is done with Rehab.  Please keep this family in your prayers.