Desire, Prayer and Opportunity

Mission notes from the Catsinas Family

God had placed the desire on Jim's and my heart many years ago that we might someday go on a mission trip as a family. We prayed. When we learned of a trip to New Orleans being organized for over Christmas break, we saw a unique opportunity and asked God if it was His timing for us. Our daughters were home from college without job commitments, the boys were out of school and Jim was out of the field. Of course to invest in one place means denying self in other ways but each seemed willing to obey the call.

We prayed that the Glory of God would interrupt our ordinary lives. On the bus ride south, the team stopped for breakfast Sunday morning. Our team leaders engaged in conversation with a gentleman while waiting in line at Hardees. The purpose of our trip was talked about and upon departing the restaurant this fellow gave the group $100 to help defray transportation costs!

The main mission of our group was to assist First Baptist Church of Chalmette with their new building. They hoped our team could progress on the roof and get the annex painted by the end of the week. Jim, John and David roofed while Julia, Amy and I mudded and sanded in the annex, getting ready to paint. By Friday the annex was painted. Another goal they had for us was to facilitate a clothing distribution. Since hurricanes Katrina and Rita, teams have been traveling to New Orleans to help. People would bring box loads of clothing and books with them to contribute. Without the man-power to get these things into the hands of needy people, they were stored in an abandoned house. One of our team leaders involved several of us on this project. We passed out flyers at local grocery stores, FEMA trailer courts and neighborhoods. We gathered up winter clothes and set up a make shift site for the give away in an abandoned shell of a church on a record cold day. Besides clothing we gave away children's books and school supplies. We had 66 family units visit the site to receive clothing. We listened to peoples' stories. We gave away Bibles. Our eyes were opened, we were stretched and we trust God with the outcome.

We were a team of sixteen ordinary people. Twelve were from our New Covenant Community Church home (Catsinas family of 6, Doug Neill, Deb Herndon, Tracie Christiansen, Colton Meyers, Tim Aksamit, & Del Klever). Three from sister churches in Lincoln and one dear lady from Omaha. It was exciting to see God work through each individual using their gifts and talents for Him. Some had a passion for evangelism, others service, organization, encouragement and mercy. We received as much or more than those we went to serve in new Orleans.

Jim and I are thankful to our kids for being willing to trust God in this Adventure. We sensed that the Glory of God interrupted our ordinary lives. His presence in us touched the lives of people who are precious to God and hopefully drew them closer to Him. We saw a city devastated by a natural disaster. God reaches in with His church to lend a hand. How great a gift is that!