Mission Trip Reports

Houston, Texas, Sept./Oct. 2008 - [The following is a report from Daryl Stoltzfus, who led a team of people from Worship Center and the area to help in the hurricane-stricken areas of Texas with Christ In Action.]

October 1: As we worked on a house for an elderly couple who had lived in it for 43 years, I kept saying, "WOW! I am glad I am not going through this." If you looked at the outside, you would think it didnt look that bad. Then you looked down the street with everyones belongings out on the curb.

Because of the mold from the standing water (4-5 feet high at one point), the house had to be gutted - walls torn down to the studs, floors torn out down to the cement. All the kitchen cabinets including the sink, and everything in the bathrooms would need to be torn out. We were realizing that it would take us one day to tear out what these people worked a lifetime to build.

October 3: Today we went back to the house that we were at yesterday. After that, we were asked by the lady across the street if we could help her. She was so overwhelmed and frustrated at the system, and the task seemed impossible. She had visited the church where we had a feeding station about a year ago, but hadnt been back since. Today she was led to the Lord. That was awesome! It wasnt just an emotional thing, but it was very sincere - the smile on her face said it all. She now HAS hope.

[The following excerpt is from Kathy Mast, a Worship Center family member who also took part in the relief effort]

I went to serve and give of myself, but came home so much more rewarded by big smiles and thanks from those who had so little. I was challenged to recognize where true happiness comes from. Could I be happy if I had nothing but a shell for a house, and everything else was ruined? I realized in that moment that true happiness comes from life in Jesus.

I was encouraged and blessed by tons of good times, laughs, and new friendships. There was also lots of sweat, dirt, and hard work. What an awesome week!

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