Heading Into the Weekend

Things are moving right along at Central with the hurricane relief effort. I always hesitate to mention people by name because I know I'll leave someone out. But I did notice Jean Holliman serving at the front desk at the church building yesterday. She and Frances Sublett have been doing a lot of visiting, and I believe Carolyn Neal has also done some visiting with them as well. It is an inspiration to see these older sisters caring for and loving others. I also noticed that Alfred Hill has been working on someone's house for a while and is wanting another one to work in. As our members' homes have been repaired, it is great to see them reaching out to others who need our help. We have been very blessed by our new friend Sherry Betts, who has been working the front desk for the past few weeks. She has also attended Central's worship assembly a few times. Also Mike King has been working very diligently in the effort, even though he has significant health problems. And I haven't even started lauding the hard work of Stella Prince, Elaine Kilbern, Kathy Garrison, Debbie Seab, Mrs. Simmons, and others in the kitchen each day! They all deserve trophies (but would probably rather have a few days at a spa to receive massages and be treated with great care! And they deserve it!). We also have workers here from Huntsville, Alabama. I really haven't had a chance to meet them. Janelle and Emily from Iowa are working hard this week, as is Keith from Wisconnsin. They have been tearing out sheetrock and pulling nails from the studs in a home this week. I know they also delivered some sheetrock as well. Even a small team can get a lot done. On a personal note, our daughter Nicole Willingham will marry Robert Holland tomorrow afternoon in a small family ceremony. We will have lots of houseguests from our families, and we look forward to meeting Robert's family. We will miss Carol and Johnny Moore, Margaret's sister and her husband. They are faithful blog readers and I wanted them to know that we will be aware that they are with us in spirit. I'm sure lots of pictures will be taken and we will post a link to them here when they are up on the internet. I hear that our friend Tex Nolan from Monroe, Louisiana is faring well after a heart attack a few weeks ago. I'm glad to hear that. He is a source of joy and friendship for all of us here on the Coast. Yesterday I talked with David Kibler from Southern Acres Christian Church on the phone. He is so energetic! They are gearing up to bring 80 or 90 people with them for Spring Break 07. He has also been talking to their Minister of Missions about sending small teams of 8-12 skilled workers down for three-four day short-term work projects. That's the kind of thinking that will keep our mission going long term, and get people back into their homes. I also talked with Tom Hixson, who is working on two trips down in the near future. Tom is one special brother. He is from Pennsylvania and usually offers a communion meditation on Sunday mornings when he comes down to visit.

When you get a chance, check out my blog on crisis relief located HERE. Thanks for reading.