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"What it Feels Like on the Receiving Side"
Dear all -

Today we made Labor Day a “Day of Labor for Relief.” It was amazing to watch. In partnership with Troop 55, we mobilized almost 300 people of all ages. We had volunteers wrapping up our donations delivery. We had multiple teams out cleaning and packing at another 15 homes. Add the hundreds of people serving in their own neighborhoods and you are talking about an army of people giving.
Members of St. John's serving with a mission team from Maryland in the Denver Harbor neighborhood of Houston's Fifth Ward.

Most of these folks will tell you that it feels good. They say we "feel useful" and we "make a difference." But what does it feel like to be on the receiving side? Here's what one of our people experienced today:

" One of my friends who doesn’t really do church had her home flooded. I felt called to help her clean and empty it. There were others working too.

"During a quiet moment, my friend pulled me aside and said, ' I want you to know that today I felt the JOY! I didn't know most of those people that were here pulling out carpet and tearing down sheet rock. They were total strangers. They were giving to me just to give. I felt so loved . For the first time, I feel God's love!  I think I know that joy that you have.'"

I’ve heard those same words from scores of other families we have been helping this last week. They all say it, "I feel God’s love." And that’s the point! That’s the fruit of our labor. That’s the difference that counts the most. So, thanks for sharing GOD’s LOVE with our city!
The 'diaper brigade' of volunteers unloading a truck full of donated diapers and baby supplies yesterday at SJD.

1. If you served today tell us how. More than 300 people were mobilized just from the church. So many others served in neighborhoods and shelters. If you were able to serve in some way out in the community tell us your story. Just hit reply!

2. Please continue to invite people to give for Harvey Relief.  The need for financial resources is beginning to grow more urgent as the days pass. People can donate anywhere, but they may want to give to an organization connected to you. The best way to do that is send them to our website at www.SJD.org/Harvey.

3. Tomorrow we are regrouping. We’ve been sending out work teams for almost a week now. Much has been done and much still needs to be done. Our work is not finished. But we need to regroup, nail down some more work sites, identify the resources required, and give our team leaders a rest. We’ll be letting you know tomorrow what we’ll be organizing as we head into the rest of the week. Do feel free to go out on your own. The need is endless.
Finally, let me say that you guys are amazing!

Blessings,

Clay

The Rev. Dr. Clay Lein