It is ...
- 4,060,800 seconds
- 67,680 minutes
- 1128 hours
- 47 days
- 6 weeks and 5 days
...until a group of men walk onto a plane in the hope that they can encourage a group of brilliant people to not grow weary in doing good. Our mission is to help convert a basement for a community of young people who will be cared for and encouraged in order to see their lives changed for good.
At this moment we have a good team of wonderful guys booked and ready to go 30th April to 13th May. Some for the duration and some for part of the time. Many of them have been numerous times (some7 /8 times) However, this is such a critical time for the project that we really are praying that the team will be larger for this trip. Why ? Well there is another countdown happeneing simultaneously, the time it takes before the building is ready enough for a group of young people to move in and make this their home. We cannot use the entire building until the big basement project is finished for community space, even though the rest of the building and the living quarters are nearing completion, and will be quickly filled with people who need this place of refuge to be finished..
There are relatively few things in life that I have got involved in that without reservation I can say entiusiastically "it has been without doubt one of the best things I've ever done". This is how I feel about these trips and the folks who work so hard in Odessa to bring hope to children and young people and honour to Jesus Christ.
Maybe you are thinking right now... "well it can't be for me... certainly not when there are only 4,060,800 seconds left !!!" It may help you to know some things...
1) One of the guys who has been out most frequently and is loved most by the kids in Odessa was a late decider to join in on his first trip. Obviously he didnt regret it, and their love for him is pretty obvious. Looking forward to catching up with you Emlyn, you star!
2) If you are thinking "But...It is too complex a thing to organise." Tell us you want to join in and we will do all we can to help.
3) If you are thinking "But...I don't have any skills that will be helpful. " If you can hold a screwdriver the right way, or carry bits and bobs to the right place, you have enough skill. The only qualifications are a willing attitude, a loving heart and a desire to fit in to get this done for the honour of Jesus Christ.
I am booking more tickets over the next few days, so why not just make the decision at least to chat with us about if you can help. I'm pretty sure you would be massively helpful.
During the countdown, please pray.
1) That more will join the team and the big job will make extra big progress.
2) That the Woodgreen Odessa carwash will be a great success and an encouragement to the guys from Worcester who are preparing to come out.
3) That folks will provide the little gifts and funds needed to encourage the work
We'll keep you posted as the countdown continues, hopefully for someone the countdown will end with you walking onto the plane with us.
Thank you for all your support and encouragement.
P (on behalf of the guys counting down)
