A Team Member's Testimony

As our Trip is wrapping up, there is so much to reflect on. We  have had an amazing time serving in the name of Jesus.  After long days of hard work I have only heard laughter. Everyone has been so helpful.  God says where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am among you. God was with us in our time of team worship and devotions together.   Some highlights: We found the septic and hooked it up for an elderly lady that has been without a bathroom for many, many years and was using her neighbors.  The team dug up and waterproofed a basement and installed a new roof for a family of seven. When they arrived there on Tuesday, the little boy ran up to Tracy, gave him a big hug and said  "I love you". We've had a few divine appointments sharing Christ. Please continue to pray.  It's been raining and the team needs to finish up the roof tomorrow. Our Cornerstone kids never cease to amaze me! We have incredible kids. Thank you friends for supporting family mission trips.
Blessings,
Nancy

Oak Grove Block Party, Sunday - July 8

The CEPC team enjoyed a wonderful service at Oak Grove in the morning and then joined the church later in the afternoon for a block party.  They had a wonderful time of fellowship!  The CEPC team had invited people they had served on the past two year's previous trips.  Some of those invited came to the block party and it was a wonderful reunion for those on the team that had served at their homes previous years.  The day was also filled with moving beds from the gym (first night's sleep) and settling into the various Sunday school classrooms for the week.  Work projects were reviewed and trips made to the store for supplies.  The team is having a sweet time of fellowship with one another.  Everyone is doing very well! 

Testimony for Monday, July 9

I (Casey) had the opportunity to visit the Shepard's Center in Rogersville Tennessee, HQ for Of One Accord Ministry. This assignment was such a blessing for my first work day because I have such a passion for non-profit and community outreach work. I was in awe of the vast amount of work being done under this one roof and overwhelmed by the dedicated and faithful employees serving endlessly with such love and grace. Simultaneously this enormous operation feeds needy children through a lunch bus, disabled senior citizens, the boys and girls club, and individuals in poverty through a food pantry. While also functioning as a donation center and resale shop to increase revenue for the mission. Early on in the day I met with an employee, Melinda who explained how this incredible mission came to be. 27 years ago the founder saw a need in the community. Sheldon saw a need to feed his poverty stricken community and he began storing and distributing food out of a bedroom in his house. This mission grew exponentially and has developed into such a service to the community. Sheldon's commitment to God and his great plan is an incredible testimony and truly was such an example to me. He now oversees such a huge operation that has also led to building and repairing houses in the community for families that apply. This mission is so encouraging to see how simple acts of kindness and following Gods lead can flourish into such a blessing to so many people. God would certainly consider Sheldon a friend and his testimony has encouraged me to concentrate on my own relationship with Christ and follow him with unending faithfulness. ~~~ Casey
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Colossians 3:12: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
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The team members separated into work groups and off they went to begin the weeks projects.  Below are some pictures of some of the hard working team members.  The adults do a great job of teaching the younger people and letting them work alongside.

Saturday, July 7 - The Journey Begins

The CEPC Tennessee Family Mission Trip has begun!  After gathering at the church at 7:30 a.m. this morning, loading up two trailers, and gathering together to pray, they are off.  Two caravans headed to Northeast Tennessee to serve the Lord among the people of Hawkins County, serving with Of One Accord Ministries.  More to come.....