Progress, Progress, Progress

Here it is nearly a month passing and I can only say that when there is progress happening in so many directions it is difficult for me to get to the blog. I can say this... a huge "Thanks" to the countless numbers of responders from TX, IN, GA, MO, IA, OR, MN, MI, and GA (again)!!! The work on rebuild that has been happening is, for a lack of a better word "AMAZING". I hope I don't miss any as I try to list them, Miss Marie, Miss Naomi, St. Paul's Church, Spring Church, Miss Pilar, Miss, Hai, Miss Terri, Mr. Richard, Miss Clarise, Miss Jeannie, Miss Cathy, Paul and Susan, Mr.Ralph, Nareen and Clinton, Miss Terese, Mr.Randy, Vern and Nina, Pastor Nathan, Miss Dennings, Carl and Marilyn. Of all these listed only about 4 of them were demolition. We are head strong into rebuilding homes.

The skilled laborers have been coming on all teams and those who did not have a skill when they came are going home with one. The leaders of the teams and other skilled people were just incredible when it came to teaching other responders.

We have been so blessed to have all of them. The home owners are seeing more than hope they are experiencing love from all the efforts being poured on them.

Within camp there have been some amazing GOD moments! I wish everyone would be able to tune in during the after dinner hours to be a part of the days experiences. The life-changing occurrences that have been shared are next to and even qualifying as miraculous!

There are 6 more teams in next week starting to arrive as soon as tomorrow afternoon so it will be another quick turn-around week-end. Our prayers are for those leaving and those coming in. Next week the teams are coming in from NY, VA, MO, and 2 from IN. It is spring break for some so the camp will be filled with nearly 70 people once again. We love a full house! Lives will be blessed by all the PROGRESS!!!!

We were blessed today by a donation from a local school. One of the classes has been holding some fundraising and they presented us with their donations today. I just did not know what a huge area I am in.. oh, I know the population is the 4th largest in the nation but, this school was only 9th grade and there were over 1000 kids in the school. It was a glass of about 30 who blessed us by there efforts!

Continued prayer for all we are doing to help and for all the travels of those going and coming into camp. We also ask for prayer over their families as the answer God's call to come help!

Back Into Her Home

Miss Dennings was the first home owner I met when I arrived here at the Houston Mercy Response Camp last October. My second day here we (I and a team from Ohio) went into her home to gut it out. She is in her late 70's and put on the first pair of pants she had ever worn and pitched right in to help. She has had continued help from her friends ans a local church to get her where she is today... Back Home!!!

Yesterday my brother and sister-in-law and I went over to secure her home by putting up a fence in her yard. She is in an area that warrants her concern. She was beaming when she walked out of her back door and saw us already at work. Our plan is to finish the job today apparently right in time because the business across the alley from her is planning a huge MardiGra party next Friday night so she is feeling a lot more comfort that she'll have the fence up.

As for what is coming up... starting Monday the 16th of Feb we have several skilled people coming into camp to go head strong into rebuilding. The homes we are going to be in are Miss Marie's, Miss Naomi's, Miss Hai's, 2 trailers to skirt, 2 small porch decks to build, 2 roof jobs and the Galveston Vineyard Church plant to move ahead. I expect that over the next month we should be helping more people to move back home and a church ready to hold services again.

It is so exciting to see all the hope in the eyes of all these people.

A prayer for skilled responders is my ask for today. It's time to get more people home!

Miracles Happen More Often Than You Think!

Last week we had the great pleasure to spend time with a team from WI not only because it is my home state but for the fact that they were a great group of people who were here to leave a impact on the lives of the many that they helped by serving God in whatever way he led them. Susan, Monty and I had a great time working with them and spending time with them in camp.

Many times when teams are planning their trips here we hear of the roadblocks that occur and we all are very aware that when we are asked to go out in faith, something inevitably happens...Satan rears his ugly head and tries to step in to do whatever he can to prevent it. The following message that was sent to me is one of many that we have heard.. God if Good!...ALL THE TIME!


Hi Diane,

Just an interesting little story for you:)

As you may or may not have realized, we experienced many "close calls" on
our way down and during our time in Texas. I even stated to the kids once
that with as many "near misses" as we had, if anyone denies that God's hand
of protection is on us, they are crazy!! Well, we drove back, safe and
sound and got back on Saturday, as you know. The maintenance man at our
church took both vans out today to fuel them up a couple of miles from
church....when he drove into the parking lot of our facility, the pewter
van's brakes would not work at all! They were able to safely secure it,
and had to have it towed to be fixed. Narcy (the maintenance guy) called
Jim straight away and first thing he said was "you guys must have had the
hand of God upon you!"
Wow! God's not kidding when He says that when He opens a door, no one can
shut it.
Hope this encourages you, Susan and Monte!

Love
Tanya

This week my brother Jim and sister-in-law- Connie and I have been continuing the work started in in the Galveston Vineyard Church plant. Other things we have on our platter for the week is to build the tool crib in the warehouse, hook up the 2nd shower trailer, build a security fence and anything else that may come up.

We are planning for several weeks of highly skilled labor coming in ... so are we busy. Yes! Are we excited... Over the top!