Friends,

The response to the call for participation in Habitat for Humanity projects in the Gulf Coast area this Spring has been overwhelming.  Even so, I have every reason to believe that GRR churches are planning on going to hurricane-stricken areas and have not yet let us know about their plans.  I ask three things in relation to these projects.

FIRST - if you have not already told us about your plans to participate in Habitat projects in the Gulf Coast area, please do so.

SECOND - check the GRR web page (www.abc-grr.org) for up-to-date listings of groups and pray for them.  Pray in anticipation of their trip.  Pray during their trip.  Pray for safety and protection as they travel and work.  Pray for graciousness and compassion as they work side-by-side with those who have lost everything.  Pray that the Spirit of God will overshadow workplaces, workers, and residents in a powerful way.  Pray privately.  Pray during your worship services.

THIRD - if a group is going from your church, take an offering to help with the expenses.  If there is no one going from your church, but you feel moved to support the work of others, send your gifts to the Great Rivers Region.  Enter them on line 10 ("Specifics") of your regular mission report form and clearly identify them as "GRR Gulf Coast Projects."

This is incredibly exciting!  I am especially encouraged to see churches seizing this as a new opportunity for mission and ministry.  It is one of the reasons that I am proud to serve the GREAT Rivers Region.

Dwight Stinnett
ABC Great Rivers Region