I learned today that our relief support for Medora just got complicated. Apparently, FEMA is in contact with United Way and Red Cross about the rebuilding decisions in Medora. They reserve the right to inspect and if needed condemn the house before they offer a response. Even then, new flood plain changes will be incorporated.
What does that mean to us. Everything is on hold till they decide. Gutting the houses is needed but no reconstruction until they give the green light. Don’t worry, there is still more deconstruction needed but remember that now you report to the Medora School.
Carroll and Thelma are looking at relocation options and have major decisions to make besides health issues. Remember them especially.
John’s Spurgeon’s daughter, Stephanie, was hospitalized yesterday. They are doing some testing and will have more in the next day or two.
We will be helping Margaret Gregory move some furniture today as she makes a transition to Brownstown. So there is plenty of work to go around. Thanks to all who are pitching in with Medora and our church family here.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (BBE)
11 Even as you saw how, like a father with his children, we were teaching and comforting you all, and giving witness,
12 So that your lives might be pleasing to God, who has given you a part in his kingdom and his glory.
Someone needs your help. Paul and his co-workers in the gospel truly devoted themselves to the Thessalonians, as he reminded them later in his first letter to them: "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well."
Why did they make such an effort? Thessalonica certainly had been no easy place for Paul to minister, as he also reminded them: "With the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition."
Nor did Paul and his co-workers have abundant amounts of time to do this follow-up. They, like those they were helping-and like us today-had to spend much time simply making a living. Paul said "Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone."
So why did they give their lives to the Thessalonians? Listen again to Paul: "You know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
Paul know that God’s aim is to mold Christians into worthy citizens of his kingdom. And God uses people to do this-people like Paul and like you. Follow-up means getting involved in God’s task of perfecting his people. Thank you for caring.
Michael