October 2017

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 & 25
Harvey, Irma, Jose, Maria and two strong earthquakes kept us on our knees this September. And God is still in control.

EMPLOYMENT REPORT:
New jobs-4
Still working-4
Praise the Lord!

Life at GODTEL continued its regular routine of sharing Jesus and providing shelter and meals to the homeless and poor.

We counted our blessings naming them one by one. Our guest cooks came this past month with mouth watering dishes and stomach pleasing meals. Some of the tasty meals were pizza, homemade hamburgers, chicken salad sandwiches and hamburger steaks with gravy.

We have just about gone through the alphabet for all the tropical storms and hurricanes that our side of the world has experienced. After Harvey we saw hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Maria. Two very destructive earthquakes hit our neighbors to the south in Mexico. And now we have Hurricane Nate to contend with.

Jason checked in early May. It took him awhile to get a job. He works at Brookshire Bros. Gaslight location. He rode his bike to work and home. He even traveled in the rain. He was prepared with raincoat and hat. He even had a covering for his back pack and bicycle seat. Every Thursday Jason came in and put money up in the office.

Jason found an apartment closer to work. He moved out at the end of the month. Some residents come in the office when they leave and say, “I bet you are GLAD to see me go.” It is not said in a positive attitude. The truth is we are glad to see folks move out. It is rewarding to see the journey of it all. Getting a job, saving money, hopefully gaining wisdom in making better choices in their lives (through daily Bible studies) and making it on their own-that is why we are glad to see people leave. Stop by the deli at Brookshire Bros. and meet and encourage Jason.

Jessica came at the end of August. She left every day “pounding” the pavement”. She soon found a job. She delivers auto parts to customers all over the city. She is working hard to save and get a place of her own.

This is the second time that Jonathan and Harlie have been residents at GODTEL. Jonathan soon got a job at the Lufkin Mall. He started as a janitor. It wasn’t long before he was moved to groundskeeper with a small raise. Way to go! And Harlie is waiting to start training at e-tech.

Perry is a repeat resident, too. He is a veteran. Perry got a job working for the city of Corrigan. He drove to work everyday and didn’t miss a beat during the days of hurricane Harvey. Perry is a quiet man. He volunteered for chores when he could. With the help of veteran services he was able to move out to his own place at the end of September.

GODTEL had a visit from the Wednesday Kids of Central Church of Christ. They came with goodie bags, smiles and a song in their hearts. Really, they did. The children sang “Jesus loves me” and then the rest of us joined in. What a wonderful blessing.

Throughout the year several churches and groups will have a food drive for GODTEL. This past month St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church delivered what they had gathered for the last several months. Wow! Our warehouse shelves are thankful and smiling and waiting to be picked for the next meal.

Wait! That is not all from our Episcopalian brothers and sisters. They brought us some lockers for the dorms. Sometimes our folks have items of value or important papers they want to keep safe. We had a few lockers in the dorms. With this gift, we now have one for each bed. Thank you, thank you.

Last month I told you about the wedding shower for our niece. This past month we went to the wedding of our niece Bonnie. It took place in Houston. The marriage ceremony took place in downtown Houston. The location she chose was fine-no visible flood damage. On the drive to this special event we saw furniture and carpet and sheetrock in piles along the street to be picked up. Water and mud lines could be seen on the trees as we drove by. We had plenty to be thankful for as the bride and groom took their places and said their vows to one another.

The month of September ended with the birth of a precious new life. My sister in Christ joined the grandmother club for the first time. First reports were that both mother and baby girl were fine. Oh, to hold new life in your hands and hug and kiss-nothing finer. Thank you, Lord, for Nora Elizabeth. Blessings and adventures lay ahead for her and her parents.

Christi continues the long and tedious walk of healing and rehabilitation. She has been cleared to work four hours a day. And she can drive. Freedom! I, too, am thankful for her presence in the office. There have been a few times when I have had to take on the role of “the mom” when I think Christi may be over doing it or overloading her purse. She smiles when I remind her to slow down and be careful.
At times we feel burdened with the worries and cares of the world around us. We deal with the broken lives of all who come here and our own inadequacies. In times like these, I praise the Lord, my Lord, that He IS the Rock. My hope is Jesus.

Thank you for your faithful support. We look forward to another month of ministry.

What a blessing it is to see the fall colors of orange, brown, green and red. God is the premier artist.
“…having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.” Ephesians 2″20
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Because of Him we serve,
Martin and Mary Baker