Fifteen Days. . .

Are we ready? Just fifteen days until the 2006 hurricane season. My prayers are for a light year, a year of rebuilding for the Gulf Coast. We can only wait and be as prepared as we can be. Many response organizations have not rested since Katrina and are still deployed after the many months following the storm. In the coming weeks the community response team will check our gear, replenish what we need to and be ready to deploy when needed.
Training is a never ending process, soon we will have some much needed cpr and first aid course. Some of our folks are way ahead in that they have taken First Responder courses and the CERT class.

I am rambling, so I will stop for now. If anyone has suggestions for classes please call me.

Buddy 380-3851

Ministry in Modesto. . . .

I am finally settling back into the routine. Monday night elders meeting. Tuesday evening visits at the hospitals. Wednesday evening at church. Thursday is bible study day. One in the morning and one in the evening. Friday is kind of a day off, although I find myself sitting in my office. Two of our Response Team members house got hit by a car last night. No major injuries to report right now, but they have a big hole in the front of their house covered by plywood. It had to be scary, one moment sleeping, the next a car coming throught the wall. I am about to go over and visit with the two of them. This weekend is Mother's Day -- husbands do not forget your wives, take care of them and get those kids to the store to buy something or set them down and make a crafty item with them. Matthew got MOM a doz. roses for Nurses Week and Mother's day this morning. I do not know who enjoyed it the most, her or him. He was so proud of the flowers he picked out. Tomorrow is T-Ball for the first time, pray for us. Next week we are on call at MPD, pray for peace in Modesto, or pray that God's message is brought to new places. Thanks for the comments, thanks for reading, I will write more as we respond to this community with the message of Christ.

go make a difference,

Buddy

Back at Home in Modesto. . . .

Lots of good speakers, lots of praise and worship and the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Pepperdine is an interesting experience to say the least. Many compelling arguments made to do more good for God. The experience leaves one exhausted in many ways. Physically because of the terrain that challenges you as you go from one class to the other. Spiritually, because the ideas presented are not always the same ideas I am used to. Mentally, because I have to process the information and compare it with the Bible to determine if it is truth.
The best part of Pepperdine is the fellowship. Spending time with folks from Modesto in the dorm is always fun. In a lot of ways its like fishing, trying to tell each other the stories and things you learned and are excited about. My son likes the childcare there. He made friends and when we had to go he cried when he was separated from them. Seeing the Machen family from Slidell was an indescribable treat.
The new friends I met in the arena of Disaster Relief are tremondous people. Great servants wanting to express the love of Christ in the midst of tragedies. Great servants who are willing to be the hands and feet for Christ in the midst of challenging situations. John Dobbs, Carla Calhoun, Savita Devlin and Laura Cremeans it was wonderful to meet each of you for the first time. Too bad we will probably meet next time as we are face to face with tragedy and trying to make the best of it for someone.

make a difference for God today!

Buddy

Pepperdine Lectures . . .

This week we will attend the Pepperdine Lectures. I look forward to the view of the ocean, however I do not look forward to walking up and down the hills. I am scheduled to be on a panel with Carla Calhoun and John Dobbs if everything goes as scheduled Friday.
My dream is to have a network of response teams nationwide to work with. Imagine getting the call to come and help from another team close to an event instead of getting called by the Red Cross. I have an awesome sermon title waiting to be preached: "The Red Cross or the Real Cross." I am not knocking their mission in anyway, it is flawed, but they are placing people to feed, clothe and shelter in times of disaster. Which is the mission of the local church! Which Cross would you chose the eternal cross of Jesus or the cross that is a temporary organization.
I look forward to bing moved by God during this lectureship, I hope Mike Cope, Jeff Walling, Randy Harris and all the speakers are taking in a full supply of word of God and Holy Spirit to share with us. I will give updates from P.U. during the week.

Motorcycle vs. Parked Car

After two weeks of managing a shelter and the volunteers associated with it, I thought I was going to be kicking back relaxing, studying for my bible studies and finishing any paper work concerning the shelter.
God had other plans. . . Yesterday there was a motorcycle vs. parked car accident in Modesto, the rider did not fair well in the accident. So far by the grace of God he is still alive today. For several hours yesterday I sat with the family and prayed for him to be stabilized. I was fortunate to be there. Helping the son who had never prayed before to lift up his voice to God for intervention(my word). His tear filled voice begged God for forgiveness and pleaded for his father's life. Wording the prayer for the wife of 28 years who was speechless and worried that life as she has known it had changed, was a blessing for me.
My prayer today, thank you God for placing me in Modesto to minister to the hurting people in this community. Father energize me to do your work your way today. Father let me bring Jesus to new places today.

In His Name,

Amen


Go make a difference today for God,

Buddy

DR 406 scaling down, Shelter Closed and Trailers out by the end of the day. . .

DR 406-06( the Red Cross number for this disaster) is scaling down. Early next week the effort will revert back to our local services group. The shelter and the people assocoated with it have found homes in new places. Two weeks ago many of their homes took in 3 ft of water. Today they have moved to new places throughout the county. I am glad that we have the infrastructure to absorb them into new places. This disaster was different for me in a lot of ways. This time instead of being a follower I was asked to lead. What a difference it makes when you know the decisions you make impact nearly every aspect of dozens of families. I believe I will be less critical of leaders in disaster in the future.
Lots of Good things happened for God during this effort: Preaching at the shelter; discussions with an admitted athesist; discussions with a person who is spiritual yet not yet convinced about God; discussions with a man who was raised in the COC but worshipped alcohol for many years. He is coming to church this weekend at Davis Park; discussions with a woman who is still controlled by all that is carnal in this world, but miserable because she has had a relationship with Jesus in the past; discussions with a Christian couple who have struggled this year with personal illness and the death of many loved ones. All of these people I would have never met had I not been involved in Disaster Relief.
Today I pulled the Community Response Trailer home. It looked good being used on the site. I am glad that we have a tool like that to use. The trailer provided an area for inventory that we used for feeding. Over 5000 meals were served from the inventory kept safe in the trailer. Additionally the Generator from the trailer provided electricity for 3 families for two weeks. It was referred to as God's generator on the project.
This closes out this project for now unless I remember something else that is important.

Go and make a difference for God today!

Buddy

Shelter To Start Closing

The Patterson Shelter will close this Saturday. I have grown accustom to the drive and the long hours of shelter work. I am not sure what lies ahead for the folks at the shelter, all I know is they have to find something by Saturday. Even though they are a tough group to work with, I still hurt for them. Life as they knew it changed two weeks ago. They were comfortable making ends meet and squeaking by, now they face uncertain times in new places to live, if they can find something they can afford. The Red Cross will help with first months rent and deposit, which for the first few has been around $2000.oo. It costs alot to live here even in the rural communities. Next month they have to figure out how to pay the rent on their limited incomes. Tommorrow I will go encourage the remaining families (30) to find a new home, tonite I pray for them and for God to give me more compassion as I work with them.
In addition to the shelter clients, I manage a large diverse group of volunteers. So far I have had over 100 volunteers work around the shelter. By the end of the Sheltering in Patterson we will have served over 5000 meals and snacks. I am constantly reminded that all ministry is intentional, rarely does service to others happen by accident. I thank God for all the willing people who have put time in to make life easier for someone in need.

Its late, I'm sleepy

more tommorrow,

Buddy

Newman flood - Central Valley Flooding

The shelter reamins open today with a population of 42. The water is not receeding very quickly. The residents of the shelter want to go home. We want them to be able to go home. I continue to run this operation by the seat of my pants, but we have volunteers for sheltering and feeding coming in from around the state to help. I was allowed to have a worship service on Easter Sunday. We also had an easter egg hunt on Saturday :) Trying to make the best of a bad situation is what its all about. I will blog more this week.

make a difference for God

Buddy

Newman Flood Continues

The Disaster Relief work continues in Newman California. Presently we have 82 registered at the shelter at Orestimbe High School. In the parking lot we had as many as 17 trailers at one point. Additionally we are kenneling 21 animals, 15 dogs and six cats. Presntly we have four of our team working on this project. Wayne and Sheila are helping in the feeding area, Christie Sipes is working in the Medical Services Area, I am heading up the Mass Care Team. It is really strange to be doing "real" relief work only 30 minutes from home. Friday night we(Davis Park) will be cooking the evening meal for the shelter residents. It is an exciting service opportunity, an exciting opportunity to do what Jesus wants us to do. Any one who can spare a day, night or evening let me know on my cell phone. 380-3851. We have been asked to have an easter religious service for the shelter, plus provide and easter dinner. What a great day to help others see Christ living in you.

Buddy

Newman Shelter Continues

The waters have not receded tonite. The Newman shelter is still operating 24 hours a day. Presently we have 65 residents, many of whom are sleeping in there travel trailers. The Red Cross is partnering with the Salvation Army for feeding operations. Presently we are serving a 100 meals per meal. The people of Newman have responded well to the needs of those presently displaced. I will post more about this tomorrow. If you can help call me at 380-3851

Buddy

Newman Shelter Opened . . .

The San Joaquin River has left its banks just outside of Modesto near River Rd. just outside of Newman, CA. Presently folks living in trailers in fishcamps are the ones who have been evacuated, approximately 100 dwellings. Tonight the Newman shelter has 15 residents inside the gym and about twenty five in trailers outside. It appears the shelter will be open throughout the weekend. The Red Cross will be providing 24 hour care throughout this natural event.
If you would like to volunteer to help please call me, 380-3851.

Red Cross Alert Recieved At 2:00 pm today

Stanislaus County Flood Alert

The Stanislaus office is on flood alert for the next seven days.

If you are available to help with possible aid,
Please contact the office as soon as possible.

523-6451


The American Red Cross has been placed on alert this afternoon by the Stanislaus County Emergency Management Office. Many of the Rivers are presently at or near flood stage additional rains in the watershed areas could create problems in our county. If you need any additional information on this situation please contact me.

Flooding in the Central Valley

The American Red Cross has asked us to help staff a shelter in Oakdale tonite, 4-4-06. They are presently operating shelters in Merced and Oakdale. I do not have a lot of details, the Oakdale scenario seems minor at this time, Merced however seems to be quite extensive. If you can help let me know, this is an opportunity for us to bring God's light to the shelter.

If you can help contact me at 380-3851 or call the American Red Cross at 523-6451.


Buddy

Family Promise final update(maybe) for this cycle

Since the domestic event of the other everything has been quiet. The families still with us have been quite talkitive since the event. Both of the women left in the program have been abused by their spouses and had to flee previous situations. Both women ask to come to church with their familes this morning, what a great honor, to have them visit our Sunday school and services this morning. This morning with Mike out of town I get to preach. I am preaching storm texts today and tonite. Texts where people are in bad situations and Jesus is the only way out. That's where we all stand in life. Confused, confounded and hurt by what the world offers and Jesus waiting for us to ask for His help.
The Families move on today to another church, I hope they bumped into Jesus here at Davis Park. I know I have seen him at work here this week through all the volunteers who worked on this project.

make a difference for Him today

Buddy

Family Promise update 3-31-06

Everything was rolling along fine. Our hosts had brought good food and conversation to the table. Our kids were playing with our guests. In fact our children and our guest's children had a puppet show for some of the adults of the Cobleigh small group. Late last night we had a domestic dispute that ended in one of guest exiting the program and the other being taken to a shelter. Deb Scott handled everything right, she sensed their was a problem called me and we were able to handle the incident in a professional manner. This just highlights for me what a problem domestic violence is. We make it clear to whomever comes to our building that it will be as safe of envioronment as we can make it. When someone violates this trust then we handle the situation peacefully. The other families lost some sleep like I did, as did the Family Promise social worker, Ruben. When I left last night, Deb Scott was at the table with two of our guests praying. In 2 John , the elder speaks that it made him joyful that he saw the children walking in truth. Seeing Deb Scott praying last night brought me joy. The little things make the effort worthwhile. Pray for the family that is in distress today and pray for the two families who are seeking a way out of the poverty/welfare cycle.

go and make a difference today for God,

Buddy

Family Promise update. . .

The Family Promise Program continues to be a blessing. Debbie Scott and her son Joesph spent the night last night as our "hosts". Just three years ago we met Deb and family on the steps of the Police Building. They had run out of options, no car, no place to live, no family close by and the money from her income tax check was about gone. MPD assigned me the task of "moving her" before they moved her. Through a year long process Deb was able to get a place to live on Roselawn Ave. They have moved three times since then, each time the place has been a little bit better. What a blessing to see Deb and her family now ministering to our guests in FP. Deb brings a lot of knowledge concerning the social-welfare programs available for single women with children. It is a joy to watch the single mothers talking to her while she educates them on various aspects of life. Additionally, Deb is scheduled to start at Stan. State in the fall. Pray for her as she seeks to find a career that will allow her to help people who have fallen on hard times and need a hand up. Pray for the three familes we are ministering to this week. One family is a week out from having a place to live, they are excited about this new start. They will be attending church with us this weekend, I pray for God to give me the words they need to hear.

I will update you later as the week continues. . .

Go make a difference for God!

Buddy

Family Promise Update. . . .

We have a great response to the FP group this week. I am continually thankful for our response to those in need. I have been able to focus on building relationships this time more than ever. The comment most often shared is how overwhelming it is to not have a home to go home to. I cannot imagine what life is like in their situation. They all are thankful for us sharing our resources with them. My son Matthew enjoys spending time playing with the children in the program. Currently there are 6 children and 4 adults in the program. We did not bring Matthew over to the building last night to be a part of the program and he was said that he did not get to help. Thanks to two small groups that have helped by feeding and entertaining our guests the last two nights. Special thanks to our overnight hosts. And thanks to families who have brought supper over. Sheila and Jennifer have been tireless workers on the project, give them a pat on the back for coordinating meals and hosts. I will post again later in the week concerning Family Promise and the adventures we have with them.

Go make a difference for God

Buddy

Family Promise Week is underway

Yesterday afternoon the FP van rolled into the parking lot with two families. One family from the past and one new family. We will have another family arrive tonight. Last night Matthew and I visited with the families after supper. It was an enjoyable time. One of the mom's said that it was overwhelming to be in the program. Not having a home to call your own. The only house that your sleeping in presently is God's House. Tonight one of our small groups is going to feed and show hospitality. It is exciting to see the small groups engaging in this service effort. Our goal is to make a difference in their lives for the week that they are with us. I pray that they can see Christ in us. I will continue with updates during the week

Buddy

Family Promise arrives this week. . .

It only seems like last week we were saying good-bye to the group from Family Promise and here they come again. What a blessing it is for us to get to help families with a hand up as they attempt to start over. Homelessness is hard on families in many ways, imagine not having a place to sleep that's warm or being unsure of where and when the next meal will come from. I can not even imagine it. As of this posting we have one family of four headed this way. A mom and three children. We get to minister to them for a week. If you can help contact me.

Buddy

Family Promise arrives this week. . .

It only seems like last week we were saying good-bye to the group from Family Promise and here they come again. What a blessing it is for us to get to help families with a hand up as they attempt to start over. Homelessness is hard on families in many ways, imagine not having a place to sleep that's warm or being unsure of where and when the next meal will come from. I can not even imagine it. As of this posting we have one family of four headed this way. A mom and three children. We get to minister to them for a week. If you can help contact me.

Buddy