Today was our first day of service at Redeemer Church  right outside of Orlando.  We were greeted by the pastor, Andrew Oates, his wife and daughter, and associate pastor/jack of all trades Matt.  Andrew shared with us that the church had only been constituted since September, 2010.  They use to meet in a building that was bought out by a Buddhist temple!  They currently meet in the back corner of a strip mall that was once a satellite location for a large church before the economy went south.  But since Redeemer has moved in, over 100 people are attending the church each week.

The building is very functional, but needed some work in the three rooms where the children meet.  So most of our day was spent taping, priming, and painting these 3 rooms.  Thanks to the generosity of Charleston Southern University, we were able to help them with some of the expenses and most of the labor.  We still have about 2 more days of labor left on these projects, but I am confident we will complete them all, to the glory of our King.

Here is the church website in case you want to learn more about the church:

http://redeemerorlando.com/

I have been on dozens of mission trips during my 27 years of vocational ministry.  Each trip was different and challenging in it’s own way.  But the one constant that always amazes me is the unity in the body of Christ.  I found out about Redeemer Church from my friend Brent Crowe, vice president of Student Leadership University, who happens to be a member of this church plant.  Brent gave me his pastor’s contact information and I emailed the church a few times and spoke over the phone with them twice.  However, I never met Andrew or his family until today.  But after about an hour or so of working with him, I feel like we have been friends for years.

I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 4:4-6, “There is one body and one Spirit just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (NASB)  It really is wonderful to be in the family of God!

Well, time to get some shut eye.  A busy day awaits the 10 from CSU!

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