A few months ago, I received a phone call from Gary O'Brien from the Madison church. I had never heard of Gary. In the beginning because of technical difficulties and schedules, we had a hard time actually getting in touch with each other or talking on the phone. (you all know how that goes sometimes!) Once we finally talked, I found out that he was the interim youth minister and he was wanting to organize a group of young people to come down and help us out.
Sometimes you don't know how these things are going to work out. And the first time you talk to someone on the phone, you don't know what God has in store. But, that was one phone call I thank God we received. Gary and his wife Melissa O'Brien are such an amazing co
uple. They love God and want to serve Him. This spirit of service to the Lord permiated the entire group of young people that came down with them. There is a saying that I learned from our brother Luis Rosas that transalated into English is "You threw the house out of the window!" Basically this means that "you went all out, you surpassed all expectations, you are amazing!" I mean think about getting a house out of a window?! Anyway that is the only way I can describe the work, the attitude, and the spirit of this group that came from Madison to help us out.
uple. They love God and want to serve Him. This spirit of service to the Lord permiated the entire group of young people that came down with them. There is a saying that I learned from our brother Luis Rosas that transalated into English is "You threw the house out of the window!" Basically this means that "you went all out, you surpassed all expectations, you are amazing!" I mean think about getting a house out of a window?! Anyway that is the only way I can describe the work, the attitude, and the spirit of this group that came from Madison to help us out. Also, God has a way of encouraging you when you most need it. Many of you know the toubles we have faced this last year here at Hialeah. Besides all of that, the financial situation is bleak. So, we had decided that this year we would not have a VBS. We justified this by saying the church members could use a break, and besides we don't have the money to do it. Then, God steps in and knocks on our heads and says... " you of little faith!" This Madison group came in and offered to do a VBS, no cost to us. They would do all of the work and so much more. Well, they not only delivered, but they did it with so much love and understanding. The O'Briens said, "you are our missionaries and we need to be supporting you." They showed that they meant this by working tiredlessly to make everything happen.
The young people helped us prepare the building for an upcoming fire marshall inspecti
on. They helped us restore a basketball court in back of the building that had been overtaken by years of neglect. They helped us redesign our "Teen Room" to be able to encourage our young people. They helped us with every detail concerning VBS including dramas, classroom prep, building decorations, and going into the community to invite families and young people.
on. They helped us restore a basketball court in back of the building that had been overtaken by years of neglect. They helped us redesign our "Teen Room" to be able to encourage our young people. They helped us with every detail concerning VBS including dramas, classroom prep, building decorations, and going into the community to invite families and young people. The VBS was a huge success! We had children and teens from the community that had 
never stepped foot into our building come out. We had a lady who said "I have seen this building for 30 years and I always wanted to come by, I am so glad that you had this, I want to keep coming to this church!" This lady's name is Marlein. She brought her children the last two nights of VBS. We then had several other conversations over the phone, where she stated her excitement about having found a group she felt comfortable with. Sadly, she has not been back. Please pray for Marlein, her children, and all the other lives touched for the Lord during this VBS. Pray with us that the enemy or the worries of this world, don't choke out the seed that was planted in these hearts.
never stepped foot into our building come out. We had a lady who said "I have seen this building for 30 years and I always wanted to come by, I am so glad that you had this, I want to keep coming to this church!" This lady's name is Marlein. She brought her children the last two nights of VBS. We then had several other conversations over the phone, where she stated her excitement about having found a group she felt comfortable with. Sadly, she has not been back. Please pray for Marlein, her children, and all the other lives touched for the Lord during this VBS. Pray with us that the enemy or the worries of this world, don't choke out the seed that was planted in these hearts. God is good. We had no intentions on having a VBS. God had different plans. Better plans. Plans that restored our spirits and fire! Thank you Lord.
