August 2022
Update
The end of July and beginning of August have been busy. We have been able to help a senior couple with fire mitigation with several visits. This is the same couple that we worked with Tri-Lakes United Methodists for a couple of days. Please being praying for Mick and Karen as they do not have a relationship with God. We are hopeful that sharing our faith through our words and deeds (Colossians 3:17) in harmony with Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church will be a powerful witness that God will use to turn their hearts to Him.
It seems that we have been in a season of repairs and maintenance. We have acquired tools to perform our own maintenance on the truck, trailers, and skid steer. Truck repairs that we have done include: rebuilding a fuel systems part and repairing electrical issues. Trailer maintenance has included fixing/replacing broken parts, lubing all of the hinges, operational bearings (like the pivot bearings on the dump trailer), replacing brakes, and doing the wheel bearings. The skid steer work has included: repair of the backup beeper, greasing all of the necessary lube points, general cleaning, and a complete safety check. Tools have required very little maintenance this month, mostly just the normal cleaning and sharpening activities.
Our regular volunteers have been very faithful in coming out on Wednesdays and Saturdays in spite of the heat. It has been awesome to have some great lunch fellowship picnicking in the local parks after a hard morning of work!
As we continue to watch the local and national picture of needs and disasters, we are continually in prayer to make sure we are focused on the activities that God has for us (Ephesians 2:10). We are currently prepared to go to Kentucky with the skid steer to help with the flooding. This opportunity will be for our volunteers to join Samaritan’s Purse (SP) projects that are already in place.
We received a VERY generous donation for the acquisition of a grapple for the skid steer. God then provided a slightly used grapple for about one third of the cost of a new grapple!!! The left-over money provided for buying the brakes for the dump trailer, initial repairs to the equipment trailer, and supplies like grease, grease fittings, maintenance/repair tools. With the regular donations being down this has been a tremendous blessing! We are currently saving to buy tires for the dump trailer, and tool boxes to mount on the dump and equipment trailers.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are taking the week of August 22-28 off while Byron and Susan celebrate their 42nd anniversary. Plans are in place to continue with and start new fire mitigation projects in the Black Forest and Monument areas. We are working to blend these plans with the response to Kentucky flooding and will know more this week as information comes in from SP on needs and timing.
We appreciate everyone who prays with us for this ministry and the opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.
Praises:
- We received a VERY generous donation to buy a grapple for our skid steer!!!!
- God provided a miracle in helping us to find an almost new grapple at less than a third of the cost of a new grapple!! This in turn provides much needed funding for maintenance and repairs (like buying brakes parts, etc.).
- Keeping all of the volunteers safe as they continue to serve.
- Travel mercies going to and from disaster sites.
- HIS great grace, mercy, and provision.
Prayer Requests:
- Opportunities to serve.
- Donations to help cover fuel, supplies, and maintenance.
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