Don’t Quit

Today was a day filled with blessings.

We started our day eating at one of the CASS buildings a few miles away. We met other missioners but the best part of it was being able to sit and be in conversation with some of the local homeless people. This is the place where they come to be fed and we joined them in their meal. Our group spent time talking with people and getting to know who was here and sometimes why. We met one gentleman who had been cleaning gutters and he fell off the ladder and shattered his ankle and foot. He was in a cast and had been all summer and had one more month to go. In all the time we chatted with him, he did not complain. He just kept saying it could have been a whole lot worse, and as soon as he can work again he will be. I loved listening to him and his positive way of thinking. I’m sure given his situation, it’s not always like that but he at least for the time being seemed like he would not give up.

After breakfast we drove back to the church to clean up and get ready for church. The other two members of our group arrived safe and sound and in time to join us for the church service here at CASS, which we had all heard so much about. The church is in a beautiful old building and its beauty not only is within the physical architecture, but the people that come here to be with God. Even though the church was not very full, the people here were eclectic and from all walks of life. There was a group of gentlemen with mental disabilities, and a few homeless people, as well as some regular parishioners. All under one roof. All worshipping together as part of one family. All accept each other for where they are at in life and no one better than the other. The love and community felt here is real and not pretentious as it can be in many churches. There is a sense of belonging, no matter who you are. Thats the beauty. That’s how it would be if one was going to listen to Jesus preach. ALL people, ALL walks of life.

Rev. Faith Fowler is the senior Pastor here at CASS and is an inspiration and the motivation and movement behind this mission. She is an inspiring women and her life is dedicated to serving. She is also a comedian and was so much fun to listen to. There was consistent laughter throughout the church service as she preached to us and shared stuff with us. What a blessing she is to this congregation. She’s a breath of fresh air and she’s real. Her message for the day was don’t quit. She said it so eloquently and shared stories that she had read, all with the same message.

After church, we ate lunch with the people over at the shelter. We then transitioned to the apartments that we were going to be working on and found out our instructions for the next few days. Changed into our painting/working clothes, and got on with the day. It came with challenges, not enough paint, not enough tools, uncertainty about things we should be doing, but this group has connected so well, we just kept on going and figured out what needed to be done to keep the momentum going. Since we had started the project later in the day, we decide to work through the dinner hour to make a little progress. We cleaned up after our work and then headed out to dinner together and enjoyed some time of fellowship and laughter. There were tired faces but it was a good day for everyone I think.

There is a special community here at CASS. I’m glad have been able to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to what the next few days will bring.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up”. Galatians 6:9