On our first full day of work the Lord led us through a series of other people to Mrs. Simpson and her son Carlos. Mrs. Simpson had lived in her home for 67 years. When we arrived you could smell the mold from the street. Carlos was working as frantically as he could to help out his family. We new God had led us specifically to this home to do everything we could. Carlos told us that he thought God had forgotten them. What a priviledge it was to prove him wrong. God brought this crazy team from all over the country- even down from Canada to help him. God's love and pursuit of us is fierce! What a joy to see Carlos smile:)
Blair and Bobbie. Notice things outside look ok in this area.
But inside of the homes visible water lines, soaked carpet, and black mold expose the urgency of the need.
This home once housed children. Everything in it destroyed. While we were there FEMA finally arrived as did the insurance company. Thankful this family has a place to stay for a while until they can get re-established.
Carli headed into a crawl space at Mrs. Virgina's house to get out a few windows suspected of mold.
Three hours later that crawl space was cleaned out but not before finding doors, windows, an anchor, an antena tower, a boat, a cat, and an old lawn mower -just to name a few things! As we were there we learned that Virgina's husband had passed away just after the storm and her son was in the hospital. What a blessing to love on her and pray with her.
Bobbie trying to clean up our mess!
Monica with retired fire cheifs on our first worksite. The Lord supplied strength and speed to our mostly female team to tackel this site in just a couple of hours.
Jacob and Carlos
Our Thanksgiving meal provided by the Red Cross! Great turkey and dressing!
On Thanksgiving day we headed out with blankets and thanksgiving meals to donate. The day before while praying with some local church members we were given a name and an address of Mrs. Bates. She was hesitant to receive us at first but after taking with her for a little while she invited us in and we were able to give her a few meals, blankets, and the Lord even led us to buy her some cleaning supplies which she mentioned that she needed. Mrs. Bates told us that she had raised many of the kids on the block in addition to her own. Only one of them had contacted her following the storm. She told us that the Lord must have sent us to her as her children. We eagerly called her mom and joked about bringing her back with us! A most delightful woman.
Bricks covering the beach in Atlantic City. Also notice the boardwalk missing in the background.
Jessica, Bobbie and a City worker who helped us over his lunch break. Praise the Lord for the spirit of the community to help one another.
Amazed to see the locals claiming truth at a local Church opperating as a large distribution center.
Our team on Beach Ave.
Our favorite billboard heading into Atlantic City!
