Our CRM Chaplains Fall Conference will be taking place
the end of this month. We will be welcoming and training new chaplains to serve
here in the RGV at the RV parks, for the folks living there for the winter so that
they can have a winter church home right in their park. I have been asked to
write a short report on our ministry for them, so I include it here so you,
too, will be updated.
Caring Hearts Ministry is continuing to serve the people
of Alton colonias on Fridays. The Tuesday distributions have been on hold for a
while, as there is no one stepping up to help out. On Fridays there are at
least 6 or 7 faithful ladies who help unload the produce and clothing, box it
up and distribute to families every Friday, for which we are so grateful. Ida’s
health is slowing aging, as is ours– therefore we need the help on Tuesdays to package,
distribute (not to mention my official donut packaging duties) and clean up the
church afterwards. The folks there are asking when we will be able to begin the
Tuesday distribution, and Ida tells them whenever we have a few folks to help
out. Those who help get additional perks, such as watermelon if there are only
a few, extra produce that is left, etc. They also seem to be able to get the first
pick of the clothing- a small return for their steadfast help. Knowing the
girls as we now do we realize they are doing this from their hearts and not for
the material rewards. One of the older ladies broke her wrist, had to have surgery
and is going to therapy because of nerve damage, but shows up to open the bags
for the donuts for me to package. She says that is about all she can do right
now, but does it so willingly. I reward her with her favorite sweet roll.
Bible study for the ladies continues, along with the
sewing ministry. We were recently blessed with more fabric, and a huge amount of
quilt tops and backs that just need putting together, as well as 2 rolls of batting
material. The ladies are busy for at least one day a week – some are new to
sewing being taught by Ida, some experienced seers, but no funds to purchase
fabric. God anticipates our needs before we do. There is also a Wednesday children’s
ministry – a short Bible study, then craft projects – some of them to become
presents for their families, some to be used at events. The children are feed
an evening meal beforehand (perhaps the reason for their attendance) and then
receive the Word of the Lord... The meal consists of whatever we have brought
to the colonias on Friday and other food items donated by friends of the
ministry through actual food and monetary donations.
We will soon be receiving 150#of beans and 150# of
rice, which Fred and his bagging ladies will package in 3# bags for
distribution.
Donations seem to be down for the ministry, but God
always provides. We manage to be able to provide whatever is needed for the
folks there. Funds trickle in but seem to go out almost as fast, but again, God
knows our needs and seems to always have what is needed.
An interesting week as I strained a sciatic nerve in
my back and leg. I could not believe the excruciating pain I was in. After an
appointment with a chiropractor and some treatment, the pain was somewhat relieved.
I do have a few appointments coming up to relieve all of the stress and pain on
the nerve. I had never gone to a chiropractor before, but did not want to go to
the ER and only receive pills. After having x-rays, I was relieved to learn that
my back has only the normal aging process. I have always had a weak back of
sorts. The chiropractor told me that some of my problems could date back to
when I was in 6th grade and got hit by a car and flew over the roof
before landing on the road. Who would have thought? I just praise God for the healing
already taking place – the pain is now bearable. I do not like sitting in a
chair with heat and ice on my leg all day long. I also received some good
pointers for the relief and prevention of back pain- only cross your legs at
the ankle, do not watch TV in bed unless you do not have your head facing downwards,
also when reading or using your device, do not bend your neck forward, and sleep
with only one pillow under your head and also one under your knees.
It isn’t easy to be a Christian. Perhaps if we had a
bit more faith, then maybe we would be able to forgive, be able to put our
trust fully in God. How different could our lives be if we fully rely on God?
We only need the faith of a mustard seed. Sin always happens so we need to cry
out for forgiveness. How do we combat the reality of sin? Jesus told the people
how to manage the sin in others by being with them and forgiving them. Escaping
sin is difficult. Getting out of sin is very difficult as is forgiving sins in others.
Jesus had to die and be resurrected in order to help us understand forgiveness
in order to forgive others. Faith delivers us. A little faith can make a big
difference. We all need to strive to make a difference.
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