It's All Good...
We have not found a family yet; people have not been able to volunteer because of personal issues; it's all ready hot; and a car was broken into... but it IS all good. This line is found in the creation story... "And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:25) Let's be reminded...not perfect, but good. There is something truly special about creation. God knows that and if we look closely, we can see it for ourselves. Each week we are creating not only a home but an atmosphere of love, fellowship, service and community; but as the bible teaches us... "the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) We are a part of something bigger than ourselves and better than anything that can possibly go wrong. So whatever the obstacles we encounter together, we can be certain that the sacrifice, reward and bonds we make are well worth it. God is looking down at our church and saying... "well done good and faithful servants." It truly is ALL good!!
Crew Chief Corner
Larry Rex, HOTC Senior Crew Chief
Those who know me understand that I very much enjoy serving my Church and others - whether it be HOTC; the Disaster Response Team (DRT), helping lead the Youth on their annual “APPA” mission trips; or working with the Men’s Service Group (MSG). All of these service opportunities are special to me, but this is supposed to be about HOTC, so let me try to focus there.
HOTC is special. Look at what has been accomplished. Four homes - not just houses - but homes for four families that might not have otherwise been able to get into a house without HOTC. House - pardon me, home - # 5 is underway, and the momentum is strong. The program has involved countless people from our CUMC member families and numerous folks from outside our CUMC family - some who have become part of our family solely because they signed up or just came by and drove some nails, sawed some wood, or slapped some paint and got hooked on HOTC.
People often ask me “Why do you this nearly every Saturday morning?” They tell me I could be playing golf, or sleeping late, or simply staying at home enjoying the air conditioning. Part of my answer is the friends and fellowship that are a big part of HOTC. I have met many, many people at HOTC - some who have become very good friends. Other long-time friendships have deepened because of our communal work on HOTC. We work hard, we sweat (sometimes more than we should for us older guys), we patch-up our scrapes and bruises, and we ache on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. But we are also having fun - bonding together as brothers and sisters doing God’s work for others.
What drives me the most on HOTC (and the other service work mentioned) is the tremendous feeling of satisfaction I get from knowing that I have played a part in making life a little better for someone less fortunate that me. For those families that move into the homes we create, we are helping those that do not have the means, resources, or abilities to get there themselves. And I like to think I am setting the example of service to others - not only my kids, other CUMC members, but people in all parts of my life. I go home after HOTC tired and stinky, but I feel good about what I have done.
Another side of all this takes me to the words that Don and Jan ask each new member of CUMC. “Will you support the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service.” HOTC provides great opportunities for all of these. Everyone can pray for HOTC - pray for the folks involved in every aspect of HOTC, and pray for the families touched by HOTC. Everyone can be present - whether it be working Saturday mornings in the heat, or being part of a behind the scenes committee, or maybe a lunch crew. Everyone has gifts. Yours might be carpentry, or serving drinks and cooling towels, or baking cookies, or serving lunch. Money, of course is also needed. It takes a great deal of materials and supplies to build a house. And everyone can be in service. There is room at HOTC for everyone. If you haven’t already, sign-up and try it. I think you will love it. Or maybe it did not seem to be that much fun the first time you tried it. Sign-up and try it again. Again, I think you will love it. If you don’t, come see me and let’s talk.
Larry Rex
A reminder...we are off this Saturday, May 24 so the next newsletter will be sent out June 3. Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend.
