Returning to our earlier conversation about James, it is a significant understatement to say that James has been helpful to us this week. He is a real pro builder who has taught us a lot of techniques for doing things better and more efficiently. We have really enjoyed getting to know James and his family, and his knowledge and leadership made our building efforts much more productive. Talk about an unexpected blessing - a professional builder and his family just happen to live in the trailer park where the volunteer trailer is located – and he winds up giving several hours of free advice and labor to us during the week! Thank you, Lord!
We wrapped up our work on the relief trailer in the middle of the afternoon and then took a trip to the Tennessee River. What a welcome and refreshing treat to cool off in the river after a hot day.
Muscle Shoals United Methodist Church, where Eric Bell is pastor, hosted us that evening for a meal of Alabama pork barbeque and special Wednesday Night Fellowship program. Another humbling and heartfelt moment occurred (we’ve had quite a few on this trip) when Melissa Owens, Northwest Alabama District Volunteer coordinator, read a wonderful poem that she wrote about how much our team’s visit to Alabama meant to the church and the community.
Speaking of barbeque, Dudley wanted us to be mindful about the significance of barbeque in American history. According to Dudley, one of the first and most influential settlers in colonial America was Lord Barbeque of West Hogshire. As you celebrate Labor Day this weekend, consider how our culinary heritage would have suffered if Lord Barbeque had not made the trip across the pond so many years ago.
As you can tell from my last paragraph, sleep is calling again. The last thing I will leave you with is this: Carpentry and construction is hard, tiring, and vital work. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Jesus made his living as a carpenter. Doing this type of labor this week gives a hint of the profound humility that Jesus demonstrated in his life as a laborer who served others.
Good night, Hibben. God Bless You!
Michael and
Your mission team in Alabama
