Day 6

Yesterday it was over 80 degrees and we were working to rebuild a roof. We were beat from the heat, one person got sick from the heat, and I was too tired to write - my apologies. But - yesterday was also a day of encouragement because God was able to rebuild the roof of a woman's home after the hurricane swept all here shingles away 6 months ago. Now she will have a fresh start with her home, her life and a renewed hope she has from the encouragement she received from the team.

TODAY's News: "They worked like Army Ants":We had the opportunity to work with a group of young Amish men. We arrived at the job site to find a home which was hit with Huge trees from three different sides. The home was devastated. The roof was virtually gone -- but worst than that - the roof was laying inside the home, piled into the kitchen, dining room and laundry room. We all stood still looking for 2-3 minutes before we caught our breath and prayed for a plan. Then we met the home owners. Fred Askegren and his wife Willi.

The homeowners were overwhelmed with joy when we pulled into the driveway. Their home had layed in waste for nearly 6 months: Completely uninhabitable. We dropped our tools, circled around Fred and Willi and prayed with them. It was an emotional time.

Working with the Minocqua / Conover team was a team as a group of 10 Amish fellows. We did not know what to expect from these young men. During the next 4 hours, our relationships grew and the house appeared to miraculously reverse the process of collapsing. These young men had a work ethic and enthusiasm that I have never seen before. I can honestly say that today was one of the most amazing days I have ever experienced. God moved in all of our hearts. The homeowners encouraged us greatly, and God's people did great work for Him.

By 5pm the roof of the home was again standing and there was tarpaper covering it, ready for shingles. The homeowner sat in his FEMA trailer, watching out the window, sobbing with overwhelming joy. When I spoke to Fred at the end of the day, he said "they worked like army ants!". The home moved from rubble to house in 8 hours. The statement is true, but even more true is that the two teams - Wisconsin and Amish from Missouri - became One Team. Steel sharpened steel: and God was able to use the team to minister to a family. And the family was able to minister to the team.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

-mj