March Newsletter - Lufkin

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EMPLOYMENT REPORT:

• New jobs-3
• Day workers-3
• Still working-7
• The Fieldhouse-4
• The Mosaic Center-1

Praise the Lord!

Let’s see...what happenings happened in February. Oh yea-the great freeze. What an adventure we had. Don’t you agree?!

We were blessed to have power throughout the great Texas winter blast. Texas has the reputation of being BIGGER in all things, but I am not so sure we wanted the BIGGER than life freeze and record breaking weather.

Lufkin GODTEL lost water for three days. The first day without water it was raining. Not knowing when the water would be back on, we emptied trash cans, gathered buckets of all sizes and set out collecting the rain water.

The second day it was not raining. In fact, the sun was out. The snow on the building roofs started to melt. Once again, we set out containers to collect water. Water to flush toilets, wash hands and wash dishes was replenished. Most of the residents were ready to help. We appreciate their work and cooperative attitudes.

We had some drinking water on hand. And before it ran out, more water arrived at our doorstep. God is good. Meals were planned and prepared that could be served on paper plates. God is good. Since bathing could not happen we were thankful that the weather was cold. God IS good.

By the third day we were tired of the “collection routine”. Still we endeavored to persevere in collecting the water. Most of the snow and ice had melted and been collected. We were thankful, none the less.

While watching the water come off the roofs the technical minds of the men awakened. An idea became reality. The guys designed and set up an aqueduct system. Buckets, once again, were employed. Homemade gutters were set up to catch and run the water into the buckets. It was a sight to see. We made it through the third day.

Through out the day, reports came from the city about the progress of the well repairs. Some areas of town had water by the end of that day. The water pressure was still quite low and conservation was suggested to those who had their water back.

We had water the next morning. It was wonderful! There was all sorts of “catch-up” washing to do. We had a boil water order-a small price to pay for that clear, precious resource. After a few days that order was rescinded.

We are thankful that we never lost power. However, we were prepared. Martin pulled out our generator. He serviced it. He found the best location where it could do the most good. He set out the extension cords. We were ready, just incase. 

We know many others still do not have water or even power. Our prayers are with them and the many workers who are still “on duty” repairing and getting all back to working again.

After writing thus far, I had a déjà vu moment that we had already experienced snow, ice and very cold temperatures. I reread last month’s newsletter and there it was.  Yes-snow, ice and cold temperatures in east Texas last month.

Before and after the winter storm in February we had the blessing of guest cooks. Chili, pizza, chicken spaghetti and chicken fajitas were enjoyed. Have you ever noticed how minor an inconvenience becomes when food is around? 

Even before the storm our population increased. A few persons checked due to the severe weather conditions. We praise God that we were able to supply their need of spiritual food and physical food and comfort. God is good.

The month ended with a visit to Carpenter’s Way Baptist Church. I call it a mission fair. Martin represented GODTEL Ministries. The evening before the mission fair a fellowship evening took place. The ministry representatives were treated to a delicious barbeque meal. I was not able to attend, but a plate was saved and sent home to me. And it was delicious!

Sunday morning Martin packed up the tri-fold stand up poster.  It had been updated with pictures of  the technical engineering skills of the men and the new generator and its new home. Extra newsletters and GODTEL Ministries pamphlets were available to take. After the worship service Martin had the opportunity to tell and inform those who came by the GODTEL table about our ministry.  It is always fun and such a blessing to attend these events. Plus we learn more about other ministries in our community. Thank you for letting us tell more about GODTEL.

GODTEL Ministries has received a gift…
IN MEMORY OF
Mr. Scott Varga
 
Truly, thank you for your prayers and walking the extra mile while checking on us and asking if we had any needs. God is faithful and so are His people.

As we move forward to “normal” remember to support our local businesses. They are the best of our community.

You are in our prayers.

Be careful. Be safe. And be His.
Because we serve a Living God,

Martin and Mary Baker