Happy Anniversary

I spent most of yesterday in a training seminar called DISASTER RECOVERY TRAINING AND TOOLS. I believe FEMA paid for this event, Chevron Refinery provided lunch, and it was presented by Church World Service. The day began with a presentation by local counselor Marian Wingo (who now works for FEMA) on the subject of Taking Care of the Caregiver. As I listened, I was reminded about how inadequately we spend time taking care of ourselves. We are hearing about opportunities to have counselors come and speak about the kinds of coping mechanisms that will help us deal with the long term effects of the storm and recovery. I hope that happens before long. There were several good presentations on case management and how important it is to interact with other disaster relief agencies. There are 206 disaster relief agencies operating on the Gulf Coast (as reported at the seminar - there are probably some they do not know about). Even with all of that help, the task is monumental. Several groups that we have come to recognize and cooperate with were present, including AmeriCorps and Project Recovery. Convoy of Hope was represented. The man who heads that relief effort up is a wonderful man with a big smile and lots of joy. It was an interesting day with a good bit of relevant information - and the understanding that this recovery effort is truly long term. We had a good service last night, with the focus on 2 Corinthians 4 and God's unbreakable gospel inside fragile messengers. Our power is not our own, but full trust belongs in Christ alone. I remember driving down the interstate ... I believe it was a Thanksgiving time of year ... when the phone rang. It was my good friend Gary telling me that his very young grandson, Jimmy, had been diagnosed with leukemia. Thus began a nightmare journey for the Gammills and Boswells into the world of treatments, hospitals, doctors, and (thank God), remission. The Gammills (Jimmy's parents) have faced so many personal battles along the way, even losing their home totally in Katrina's surge. Yet, they have persevered. Jimmy is a happy boy, and copes well with all of the medical attention he receieves. Gary's wife, Loree, has been a tireless supporter, grandmother, mother, and prayer warrior on Jimmy's behalf. Loree is one of those ladies that adopt a task and exhaust themselves tending to every detail. For several years now she has spearheaded a blood drive in honor of Jimmy. He has had to have a lot of blood over the years. Today I will head up to Moss Point and give blood in honor of Jimmy, and because I love these families. American Red Cross can never believe how many people Loree can motivate to come and give blood - it's a big civic event around here. Besides organizing the blood donations, Loree fixes lots of food for everyone to eat. Sometimes Gary and Rochelle Harper wander around singing and playing their guitars for those who are giving blood. I always love to hear their rendtion of Dreams ... and their original "I Will Lead You". David and Elaine have an anniversary today, so they have taken a few days off from the relief effort. If anyone ever deserved some time off, they do. Both of them have been sick in the past few weeks ... probably their immune system is weak from their unending labors. They have a great relationship and are a super example to all of us. There really is no way to communicate how much these two Christians have given up in order to serve the community. I sometimes say that David is tireless. That's not true - he just keeps going when he is tired. Click on their names and send them a note of encouragement ... I think it would be great if they got several! Do it now before you forget! I hope you have a good Thursday and that it leads into a good weekend.