Going through my stuff

I don't start work until 2pm today, so I'm going through all of my stuff except my school papers. I'm making sure that if I were to pick up and go where He leads that I would only be taking the essentials. I share this not so you can think "way to go Nate," but rather as a way of doing something about what I've learned in New Orleans. I refuse to let this just be another "mountain top" experience and just go back to normal life. I've been changed and I want to live accordingly.

Katrina

Check out this link to Hurricane Katrina Crisis Response - Touch Global.

God captured my heart this past week in New Orleans. My prayer is that I would apply the things that I learned and not just go back to living my life the same.

I say that:
I want to sell the possessions that I don't need, but am I actually going to do it?
I want to clean up trash in Harrisburg, but will I do it?
I am willing to go and do whatever He wants, wherever He wants me to do it, but when it comes down to it will I actually do it?
I am it's about relationships, but will I listen for real?

A few things I have been thinking about.

Katrina update

God is doing incredible things here in New Orleans. The drive down was safe and we were able to bond as a group. It is such a blessing to be able to serve God so many different ways.

Many people have asked “why are you going to New Orleans? Isn’t all the work already done?” There is so much work still to be done. We went into the 9th ward which was hit hard by Katrina (because the levies broke).

The biggest thing that I’ve seen in my own heart is that I must take a good look at ALL my possessions and give them all to God. They are already His, so I’m managing it for Him.

Prayer requests:
Pray that we would work quickly and efficiently on Thursday. We are going to bed at 10:30pm and getting up at 5:00am. We work solid all day in the humidity. Pray for endurance and strength.
Pray for us to be able to have spiritual conversations with our homeowner Ted.
Pray for the dinner we are going to have with Ted, Theo and Jessica on Thursday night.

2.5 hours

Ok, so I'm extremely excited. Why? Mostly because I am serving God and am out of my comfort zone. I don't have many skills when it comes to doing any construction work, but I do have a willing heart.

Pray that I would leave all my expectations in Hershey
Pray that I wouldn't worry about the job situation

Only 4 more hours

God is so good! I'm all packed and ready to go to Covington, LA for Katrina Relief. Dates of this trip are 7/6-7/15.

We have a blog that we will be updating while on the trip. The website is http://katrinarelief2007.blogspot.com/

Please be praying:
1. Safe travels and team bonding time in the vehicles
2. We would be sensitive to do what the Holy Spirit leads us
3. Many of the victims of this tragedy would be impacted by God's love through our ministry
4. When we come back that our perspective would be transformed

Thanks!

Urgent prayer regarding work

Dear friends, Please pray for me as work has cut my hours from 40 hrs/week to this week I have a total of 9 hours. This won't be the case every week, but I am barely making it financially with 40 hours. However, I'm trusting God to provide. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. I anticipate significant growth through this process and learn things that I wouldn't learn otherwise. This could be looked at as a curse, but I think it's a blessing. Thanks for the quick response to this prayer. - Nate

update: 8.8.07 God provided a warehouse position where I am guaranteed 40 hours per week and have the opportunity for overtime.

only 5 more days...

Wow, time flies when you're having fun. It's hard to believe that I'll be in New Orleans in just under a week. I am extremely excited to see what God's going to do in and through us on this trip. It will be the first time I've been on a traditional "work" trip. I am trilled to serve God outside of my comfort zone.

Please pray for:
Last minute details
Safe travel (it will be 23 hours each way)
Team bonding to occur

Lord Jesus, I give you permission to do anything You wish to me, with me, in me or through me that would glorify You. I pray for direction and diligence to serve You more each moment of my life. It is clear that I can't do this unless you enable and empower me. I trust You to do just that.