On a hot, July Saturday evening, 8 people met at Gulfport, MS.  Some arrived via plane, while others traveled to the Gulf Coast in the LTWM van.  They congregated in Mississippi for one purpose-to touch significantly people in churches that are still recovering from the 2006 Hurricane Katrina.  When the final of the 8 departed the Gulfport Airport early Monday morning, August 4, LTWM sensed it had been an instrument that the King used to remind some of His children that they are loved.

Those who made up the MISSION TEAM included:  Heather and Jenny Kibbey; Becky Eichorn; Mandy, Jami and Kendal Litzke; Joel Herr; and Bob Flint.  What they discovered is that opening a can of paint can result in the opening of hearts.  To read about some of the details of what occurred in Gulfport, Pascagoula, and Hattiesburg, read the other articles below. 

Significant ministry is ALWAYS A PARTNERSHIP.  To all of you who invested in this mission effort by praying and donating money, the 8 LTWM MISSION TEAM members say THANK YOU!

GULFPORT, MS
Our new friends, Pastor Walt and Donna Thompson, saw to it that all 4 days with them were filled with laughter, tears of joy and shared sorrow.  Though the hours together were limited, those times of experiencing Christ’s love quickly melt hearts into one.

For us Northerners, the morning and afternoon work projects were hot and steamy!  The Gulfport Nazarene Church was anticipating the opening of the new facility on August 16-17, so the LTWM team assisted with some of the final details.  Weeding flowerbeds, setting posts for signs, cleaning, and moving furniture can be quite rewarding. 

The daytime labors were not limited to facilities.  There was also the investment in people.  Publicity materials about Gulfport Nazarene’s re-opening were distributed in 5 housing developments within 2 miles of the church’s facility.  800-900 homes were offered invitations to make the church their home.

Each evening was a time of re-fueling, physically and spiritually.  ALIVE’s music ministry and Bob’s teaching of the Word pointed us to the reality that God holds all of us in His hands.  Before LTWM parted early Wednesday afternoon, the team and the Thompsons gathered for a time of prayer-precious minutes containing expressions of praise for the Kingdom-building opportunities and asking the Father to use the efforts to accomplish His work His way.

Pascagoula, MS
Pastor Myron Hairston, a one-of-a-kind guy, touched the LTWM team deeply.  Spending two days with him, the 8 of us understood why God had placed this joy-filled servant at this Church of the Nazarene.  The Pascagoula congregation knew from a first-hand experience what wind-driven seawaters can do to property.  

The Wednesday evening gathering was filled with the presence of the Spirit.  Worshiping in song and listening to the preached Word led to the people of God reflecting on what He has done, celebrating for who He currently is, and anticipating how He will demonstrate His power in the future.  

Thursday had a humbling surprise for the mission team.  Simple, every day responsibilities can be a blessing to some.  In Christ’s Kingdom, painting trim, cleaning, and yard work are much more than “something to do.”  They are an avenue for making an eternal investment.

Hattiesburg, MS
Pastor Kermit Hudson and the believers of 1st Church of the Nazarene warmly opened their doors to the LTWM team on Sunday morning.  A full week of work and worship in Mississippi came to a completion as the North and the South gathered in the name of Jesus.

Young and old experienced unity of Spirit as the “new songs”, led by the youth were voiced.  The togetherness of the Cross was demonstrated as the “old hymns” were then lifted in praise.  The testimony of one following the Christ-centered gathering – “we felt such a refreshing Spirit today!”

It’s true- Christ breaks down all barriers that could divide (Ephesians 2:14-16). 
North and South – NO!
Young and Old – NO!
Denomination and Independent – NO!
Peace and Joy in Christ - YES!

The camp meeting event is not new to the people who make up the LTWM team. However, to work together for 8 days at a camp meeting-that was a new experience! Located on a hill near Wapakoneta, OH, Mt. Lookout Camp provides opportunities for boys and girls, men and women to deepen a personal walk with Christ.

Christ’s instructions on evangelism (John 4) and Paul’s insights on freedom in Christ (Galatians 5) were the focus of Bob’s teaching.

ALIVE allowed the Holy Spirit to enable Christ-honoring worship to occur at a camp meeting that’s been touching lives for more than 100 years. This was accomplished through a blended style that enabled all ages to genuinely worship our audience of One.

The teens were challenged through Nick’s morning Bible Study. Mark’s Gospel and the Letter to Philemon can speak to young men and women! Much laughter was heard throughout the campgrounds as Hide-N-Seek was played at midnight. Biblical community was experienced as the Lord’s Supper was shared around the campfire.

The children heard how God’s presence makes it possible for them to overcome anything that may come into their lives. Christ’s love was communicated through Vikki’s tenderness.

Mt. Lookout Camp Meeting, 2008. Eight days in August where multiple generations with one voice proclaimed, “Lord, You Are GOOD!”

Williams County, OH - A weekend in September affirmed some principles concerning renewal.

1. Churches can cooperate.  Three local churches (Bryan, Montpelier, and Pioneer, OH Nazarene) came together.  Their joining efforts for 3 days were for the purpose of experiencing the person, understanding the principles, and reflecting on the pattern of Christ.  Seeking Him, there is reviving of the purpose of Christ being fulfilled.
2. A variety of types of gatherings are necessary.  Different opportunities to hear biblical principles is appealing to 21^st century people.  A Praise Gathering, a Breakout Session for women (led by Mandy Litzke) and a Breakout Session for men (led by 4-time NCAA football champion, Nick Cook), teaching for all ages, and Christ-centered worship music provided something for many.  A variety of events that point to the One Lord-an approach for today’s world.
3. The Holy Spirit moves and lives are changed when people congregate in order to get to know Christ intimately.

During a recent revival, 14-year old Ashley listened intently as Bob preached from the Sermon on the Mount. 

At school the following day this young follower of Jesus penned a writing that connected Christ's words and the world where she lives. What you see is the original work of this young lady.

What Do you Really See?

Don't you ever wonder, what human beings think
For example, a shadow, that cast in front of me
The rain, that glissens, until it shatters, on the ground
A person that smiles until of which they are brought down.

Why hurt, why deceitful, why discouraged, do you see?
For all along the answer lie in front of you and me
People are predjudice, they are mean, but if they new of one thing.

The Bible, a path, and if was followed, would make the world sing.
It hurts me to know that people like me are hurt every day.
If people stopped, didn't judge and listened to what they had to say
What people saw would be different ...
just like having new eyes.
More benevolence, more friends, and best of all, less cries.

WAY TO GO JOHN! 

The Body of Christ AND the Pastor's Home         

The Gavers, Bob and Connie, faithful supporters of LTWM, enabled the week at Lakeville, MA to be a time of ministrythat was a bit out of the norm.   The gatherings of the Body of Christ each evening were electric.  The presence of the Spirit was manifested as numerous people came together to hear what God had to say to His people.  When the open Book intersects with open hearts, the King's reign is realized.

The hours prior to each evening's worship and instruction were spent in cleaning and painting the Lakeville Nazarene parsonage. The Gavers, Pastor Tom and Wendy Heim, their son Derrick, and Bob formed a formidable team! 

Power-washing and painting the house, trimming and planting the flowerbeds transformed the property.  A new brightness shines through the Kingdom people in Lakeville and from some of the church's property there.

To Bob and Connie Gaver - THANK YOU!

LTWM's influence takes on a whole new perspective because "whatever you did for the brother, you did for Jesus."
(Matthew 26:40).