Crossville Mission Trip - February

Last Saturday, February 26th found over 25 folks headed to Crossville Mission Bible Training Center to share some love. 

A few of those who went

The trailer was filled to capacity with a sofa, some chairs, a parsons bench and some clothes -- along with our portable sound system, the grill and food for the lunch. 

Getting ready to go!

The shelves of the bus were layered with items for the pantry (and some of Doreen's cookies!). The church was challenged to try to fill the Center's pantry to overflow and you responded with passion! Thank you!


The praise team shared "Power in the Blood" and two other songs, then Becky Coleman and Rhonda Wigington each shared a word of encouragement about being in storms, but knowing God is right there with you -- to stand strong. Then, Darren Wigington stood up to share a word with the residents from his experience. 


Help to Others, Maximum Glory to God


"The storm you're in is so that you can bring help to others and maximum glory to God."
He shared about trying to meet the expectations of people instead of resting in the knowledge of being where God wants you. 


"When you run from God, you'll find hell."
Darren talked about sitting down after work one day without turning on the TV or having supper, then waking the next morning in that same place. His first thought was that there had to be something more. 


"God's ready. The car is running. Get in the car."
Using an analogy of the chronically late family member, Darren shared how God is ready to move to that next step He has planned for you and all you have to do is get ready and get in the car with Him. 


"When you're ready, God's ready."
After a response time when the Holy Spirit was evident, the residents of the center quickly transformed a worship center into a dining room while the Cove folks got the food line prepped. 


The menu was the same as those who have attended one of the church Valentine's Day dinners have enjoyed: grilled marinated chicken, pesto bow-tie pasta, corn, green beans and desserts. When the residents were told that there was enough food for them to enjoy a second helping, there were very few who didn't take that opportunity. 


One of the Cove folks was told by a resident, "This is the best meal we've had in over two months." This meal that we almost take for granted was reveled in as much as any holiday meal. Just one of the things that the Church of the Cove visits mean to the residents there.


Lives were changed -- some stayed at the center, some came home on the bus. 

Caught in the Act

As the winter seems to thaw, our thoughts turn to spring cleaning both at home and around the church. We realize that we have only a few seconds when someone drives onto the property for them to catch a glimpse of who we are, so several volunteers got together to get some work done around the place. 

The list included everything from cleaning out & mulching flowerbeds to removing debris from the property to cleaning the pavilion and picnic areas to cleaning up around the house, mobile units and church building and even cutting down limbs along the perimeter of the property. 


Some folks took ownership of a project and came on Thursday and Friday, since they would be unable to be there on Saturday. Many thanks to them!


Here's a glimpse of the folks we "caught" serving God by caring for His provision.

Cheryl Griffin making the windows shine!

Chris Taylor clears the gutters.

Teresa Charles made the leaves fly!

Stephen Halcomb vogues while cleaning around the mobile units.

Duane Charles workin' hard to clear leaves around the house.

Leon Coleman and Bill Glenn discuss the next step for their project.

Lisa Abbott, Stephen Halcomb & Jack Bryant working hard to clean up behind the scenes.

Tony Abbott putting some Paul Bunyan on low-hanging branches.

Michelle Webb, Julien Choy & Roger Hall getting the flower beds looking great... wait... where's Doreen? She WAS here!

...there's Doreen.. behind the wheelbarrow. No stopping her for a picture!

Just like at home, the work isn't what you would call "done," but it's looking better. We'll soon have a list up of things that need to be done each week, each month and just occasionally. You'll have the opportunity to take on whichever item fits you!