Day One in Oklahoma

As happy as we are to be in Oklahoma, the first day of a mission trip holds its own particular challenges. Everyone gets up early- too early. New routines for mealtimes and clean up must be worked out. The group is anxious about work assignments- do we wear the work boots, googles or hats? How do we find our work site?  Wonderful blessings are also discovered…. We met our fellow workers from all over the US who will be partnering with us this week….we saw Oklahoma in the daylight. Worship with praise songs and meaningful devotions /prayers began our day.

 Samaritan’s Purse is the relief organization that sponsors this recovery work. (Note all the orange shirts, a gift to us from Samaritan’s purse)  

The name comes from Jesus’ story in the Bible, the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10. One grace filled part of the story defines our purpose for being here. The Samaritan finds the traveler hurt by the side of the road. “He went to him, bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, ‘Look after him, he said, when I return I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.” Our purpose in being here is to care for the needs of others in distress so they will come to realize the love of God in their life. Sometimes we need to go immediately, other times we need to continue to provide care  to help people get their lives back in order long after a natural disaster.

Our work detail was assigned to Miss Georgia’s house. She lost everything in the devastating tornado in 2013.We will have more on her story tomorrow. For this night, we give thanks to God for our safe travels, for the opportunity to help others and serve for Christ.    

Louise Rogers