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Biloxi Mission - 2009/10

Final Biloxi Mississippi Post by Robert Gray, Asbury United Methodist Church Team Leader
 
The week has come to an end and the team is packed and on their way back home.  There are many mixed emotions. . .sadness because the week has ended, and joy that the team could share some of their talents to help the people of Biloxi. 
 
As the team leader from Asbury United Methodist Church in Forestville, CT, I am proud to be a part of this team, and know that they have all received an experience that in some ways, enriches their own lives as this trip and past VIM trips have enriched mine.
 
I would like to thank the readers of this blog, the parishioners of Asbury UMC for their faithful support, the New York Annual Conference, Barbara Eastman, and the people of Biloxi for welcoming us with open hearts and open minds.  Special thanks go out to the people of St. Paul and Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Churches, including Rev. Lindsey Robinson and Loyce Searight; Brian Rivers, Jimmy Terano and Zantell all from the HOPE Foundation; and Asbury's team including Stacey, Karen, Lee, Brian, Mark, Justin, Laura, Melissa, Jim, Joann & Wayne.  You are the best!
 
God Bless from AUMC Team Leader Bob Gray

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October 23, 2009

Day 7:  Biloxi, Mississippi - Asbury United Methodist Church
 
(Pastor Laura Galbraith, Bob & Melissa Gray, Joann & Wayne Bacon, Karen & Lee Cranford, Brian Denski, Mark Hultman, Jim Doncet, Justin Rackliffe, Stacey Anderson)
 
Well, our wonderful week is nearing an end.  While many of us feel sad about this mission trip being completed, we remain hopeful that there may be an opportunity to return to the Biloxi area in the near future. 
 
A few things we wanted to let all of our readers of this blog know.  Our team decided to head on down to Mississippi because our team leader felt that the mission work was not finished in Biloxi.  One of the people who we worked for on this mission is a lovely single woman who operates an online business.  She lives alone in her home in the Biloxi area, and her house was damaged during Hurricane Katrina.  She had been living in the house up the street until approximately two months ago. She was surrounded by mold, mildew and general flood damage, all leading her to a daily reminder of the devastation caused by the hurricane.  This woman has been spending her own money to fix up the house and the Asbury team provided the labor.   The second site the team worked on is a house that will be fixed up and used in the future by mission volunteers. 
 
Our team received tools, supplies and support from the HOPE Foundation here in Biloxi.  The vehicles we used all week were provided by the New York Annual Conference, and we were very grateful for them.   Our team was directed where to go and what needed to be done by Brian Rivers, Project Manager at the HOPE Foundation, along with his team, site managers, Jimmy and Zantel who directed us daily at our prospective job sites on Dewey Circle, Foundatin Lane and Holley Street, all located in Biloxi.  Without these two "angels" we would have been lost. 
 
As Jimmy told us earlier today, there are two types of angels, "the homeowner angel and the volunteer angel." Jimmy's angel story was the perfect way to end our week. 
 
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this blog. 
 
God Bless.
 
The Asbury United Methodist Church (AUMC) Mission Team
  

October 22, 2009

Hello From Biloxi, Mississippi... Day 6 from the Asbury United Methodist Church Team
 
(Pastor Laura Galbraith, Bob & Melissa Gray, Joann & Wayne Bacon, Karen & Lee Cranford, Brian Denski, Mark Hultman, Jim Doncet, Justin Rackliffe, Stacey Anderson)
 
Day six in Biloxi and the weather is a delightful 72 degrees.   According to Mildred Roy, Secretary at the St. Paul United Methodist Church where we enjoy our meals, take time for devotions and highs and lows at the end of each day, "your team is in Biloxi at a perfect time; the weather is really good this week, not too hot and muggy."  And the week has been "near-perfect". . .So, as I sit here struggling on today's blog, I thought I would look up a few inspirational quotes and this one struck me.  "The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his/her life will be" written by Horace Bushnell. 
 
As we move towards the end of the week, we have had to encounter some difficulties, but as a team, we've gotten through every single one of them.  No complaining, no whining, just true grace shown by each team member.  

Sitting in Mildred's office, using her computer, she said to me, "It is funny how much we are all so different, but deep down, how much we are all really alike". . .this couldn't be more true about our team in Biloxi.  We may all be different, but this team is amazing, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it. 
 

 

October 21, 2009

Hello From Biloxi, Mississippi. . .Day 5 from the Asbury United Methodist Church Team
 
(Pastor Laura Galbraith, Bob & Melissa Gray, Joann & Wayne Bacon, Karen & Lee Cranford, Brian Denski, Mark Hultman, Jim Doncet, Justin Rackliffe, Stacey Anderson)
 
The "mixed nuts" we were snacking on last night reminded us of ourselves.  Here we are, a "mixed bag" of folks from different walks of life, different personalities, and yet, God has thrown us together to do His work.  And what a blessing it has been so far. 
 
Each night, after the delicious supper that Karen Cranford and Melissa Gray prepare, our team leader, Bob Gray, asks each one of us to share with the group one high and one low from the day.  Bob patiently waits for each one of us (well, then again, he should be patient and wait for us, given that we are usually waiting for him!) to express our highs and lows, and then he tells us his highs and lows.  Last night's high for Bob was watching the expression on each one of his team's faces on the first working day of the mission trip.  Each group was given their assignments and prepared to drive off in separate vehicles and directions to work.  Bob said that the look on each one of our faces was pure joy.  Bob was thrilled. 
 
Funny how God works to put people together at the right time and the right place. We have all been blessed with such a wonderful team leader, as well as a wonderful group of people to spend such quality time doing God's work. 
 
When one of my dear friends, Lucille Rackliffe, passed away this past year, I was so terribly sad.  Lou and I had been in Bible class for two years and had grown quite close.  Our class was so blessed to have her.  Lou's grace, wisdom and most especially, love of family and friends was awe-inspiring. 
 
At Lou's funeral, her loving family, including, of course, her husband Don, her children and her wonderful grandchildren were all there.  The funeral was AMAZING.  Lou was so proud of her grandchildren, and talked about them all the time in class.  At Lou's wake, I took one of the remembrance cards, and use it as a bookmark so I can see Lou's smiling face every day.  I believe that together, God and Lou brought her grandson Justin on this trip, for all of us to feel the Spirit of Lou through him.  Lou. .. you would be so proud!
 
This morning, as I was preparing to leave for breakfast, I noticed Lou's card in my book, and decided to share her love of God and butterflies with all of you on today's blog.  
 
You are Like A Butterfly
 
You wrap yourself in threads of glorious thoughts and positive prayers and let your spirit simple "be." And in this state of "being" you grown.
 
Like the butterfly, you are beautiful — your inner beauty reflects in your outer experience.  Let your beauty shine through your thoughts, words, and actions.  Let it change you, transform you — little by little — opening your mind and heart to the wonders of the universe.
 
Just as the caterpillar is transformed into the glorious butterfly, you are transformed as you allow yourself to "be" — to be the healthy, whole, creative, and unique creation you were meant to be. 
 
Come with Me on this sacred journey called life.
 
Join Me now in new opportunities for growth and renewal.
 
Experience unlimited blessings and magnificent moments of peace and understanding.
 
We are one — heart, mind, and soul and in the oneness, let your spirit soar to new heights or joy, peace and love.
 

  
October 20, 2009
 
Day four in Biloxi, and things are going just great.  Melissa Gray and Karen Cranford prepared a wonderful meal for us last night; meatloaf, with homemade mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, and dinner rolls (a "special" dinner roll was prepared just for Mark Hultman by Justin Rackliffe — it even had celery inside!), and for dessert Melissa and Karen prepared a scrumptious apple crisp topped with "Vanilla Bean" ice cream — Justin's favorite!!  Justin even commented after dinner how he would have to start wearing his "stretchy pants" after this trip is over! 
 
Today, Tuesday, October 20, 2009, the two teams are working at two different homes.  One team, consisting of Pastor Laura, Lee Cranford, Jim Doncet, Mark Hultman and Stacey Anderson are working on an inside job putting up insulation and dry wall.  The second team consists of our wonderful team leader, Bob Gray, along with Wayne and Joann Bacon, Brian Denski, and Justin Rackliffe.  This morning, before we all headed out, Justin was in charge of devotional time and played a wonderful song by The Keltic Woman that inspired us all, and set the tone for a wonderful and productive day.  As usual, Karen and Melissa had prepared a delicious lunch for us and back we went to our prospective job sites.  I think we all realize just how blessed we are with these two taking such great care of our hungry tummy's when we get back from working!! 
 
As I work in Rev. Lindsey Robinsons' secretary's office, I am awestruck by a magnet she has hanging on her file cabinet, I've looked at it for several days now, but today I actually read it, and wanted to share it with all of you reading this blog. . .so here goes, I hope you like it!
 
"A Winner's Attitude"
 
A winner always has a program.  A loser always has an excuse.
A winner says, "let me do it for you." A loser says, "That's not my job."
A winner sees an answer for every problem.  A loser sees a problem in every answer.
A winner says "It may be difficult, but it's possible." A loser says, "It may be possible, but it's too difficult."
A winner listens.  A loser just waits until it's his/her turn to talk.
 When a winner makes a mistake, he says "I was wrong."  When a loser makes a mistake, he says "it wasn't my fault."
A winner says, "I'm good, but not as good as I could be." A loser says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people."
A winner feels responsible for more than his job.  A loser says, "I only work here."
 
 —Author Unknown
 
Well that's it for now. . .we miss you!!  Love to all from your Asbury Mission Team.  Now here's Melissa's recipe below.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
 
Melissa Gray's MEATLOAF RECIPE
 
2 lbs. ground beef
2 cups bread crumbs (PLAIN)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup minced onions
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together all ingredients.  Spoon mixture into 9" x 5" loaf pan.  Level with spoon.  Bake 1-½ hours.  Makes 8 servings.  (I think Melissa tripled the recipe just so Pastor Laura could have a special meatloaf sandwich for lunch — with mayonnaise!   Funny how Pastor Laura always gets all of the good leftovers for her lunch. . .hmmmm. . .:)!!
  
10/19/2009

 "trash compactors; lovey-cup; vanilla bean ice cream; celery". . .these are just some of the topics that have come up that keep our group laughing and bonding... you will have to ask us about them when we get back!  Of course there are lots of prayers of thanks for allowing us to be on such a wonderful journey with God by our sides. 

Last night, after a long day of Justin, Wayne and Jim fixing the brakes on the van (YAHOO!), we had a scrumptious dinner prepared by Karen Cranford... Melissa Gray and Karen are our chefs in the kitchen.  Together, they are planning menus, shopping, and preparing all of our delicious meals. Shrimp Gumbo is one of Karen's specialties that she cooked for us last night. Below you can find the recipe!

Today, Monday, 10.19.09, we are off to our job site(s).  Early this week, we will be siding a house at one site, and later in the week, working on sheet rock at someone's home.  Bob Gray and his group, who travelled to Biloxi last year, have been reminiscing; showing us the houses they worked on, and sharing their stories.  

We have several pictures that we hope to post later today!  Now, here's that recipe! 

SHRIMP GUMBO (serves twelve)

2 Tbs. oil
1 lb. sausage
2 onions chopped
2 red pepper chopped
4 celery sticks chopped
6 cloves garlic chopped
2 lbs. shrimp (1/2 lb sauce to shrimp)
4 cans stewed tomatoes
2 cans chicken stock
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Uncle Ben's converted rice

Cook sausage, onion, peppers celery in oil (about 8 minutes breaking up sausage).  Add remaining ingredients except shrimp (add that at the end for a only a few minutes).  Serve on rice. . .delicious!!

 

10/18/2009

Hello from Biloxi!!

The Asbury Methodist VIM team, headed by Bob Gray, arrived safe and sound in Biloxi, Mississippi on Saturday night at about 8:00pm (one hour time difference so it was 9:00pm back home)! Needless to say, the team was a bit weary, however some in the group headed out to purchase supplies at the local Super-sized Walmart.   
 
Up early this morning (SUNDAY) for breakfast at our home base of St. Paul United Methodist Church.  We then headed out to Mt. Pleasant for a 9:00am (two-hour ten minute church service).  Pastor Laura expects accolades when she gets back for her short services!!  We then headed back to St. Paul Methodist Church for the 11am service. 
 
It has been quite awe-inspiring thus far.  The "twelve disciples" are getting along just fine. 
 
Pictures and more to follow soon.  Stay tuned. . .we miss our Asbury Family !!!! 
 
God Bless,

Bob, Melissa, Karen, Lee, Justin, Mark, Brian, Pastor Laura, Jim, Joann, Wayne and Stacey