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Sunday, November 16, 2008
WHAT IS A "BRICK LAYER?"
Emily Chapman (now Richards) wrote a story for the Shaohannah's Hope publication a while back that talked about how Nehemiah took on the restoration project of rebuilding the wall in his home city of Jerusalem. Now he could have stayed in his life of privilege and done nothing, but he acted and he did not act alone ... The idea of restoration came w/ everyone doing their part to lay a brick. If one person doesn't do their part then how can another come behind them ... I have been challenging myself lately to ask the Lord what bricks should I lay, who can I encourage as they are searching for their brick to lay, and how can I inspire others to want to rebuild ...
This past week has been so God filled that there is no way I can put into words the anointing that God has allowed me to witness ... I am simply going to make a list and very humbly ask that you realize that words can not contain the power of the Lord and the things I have seen, heard, and wept over these past few days ...
1. By Friday Katie's Ministry had $10,000 in donations that had come in and Suzanne, Tara, and I have been working on another fundraising dessert for this Tuesday TO LAY A BRICK on the wall... God will provide for this ministry because He CAN ...
2. Shaohannah's Hope dinner was Saturday. "Maria's Big House of Hope" was revealed AND MANY BRICKS WERE LAID. This house will bring HOPE to those no one else will help, have a surgical wing, long term care facility for orphans and more ... IT WILL BE A MODEL OF HOW THE ORPHANS OF CHINA deserve to be treated ... I know sweet Maria will be looking over this house and smiling down on all these children ... SCC sang praise and worship as we lifted our hands to the Father surrendering to His will for our lives , MB poured out her heart and soul to us in a way that I will not attempt to describe except to say it was the most powerful spoken words I have ever heard in my life and SHE LAID MANY FOUNDATIONAL BRICKS to the wall, Chuck Colson spoke, and we all felt God's presence and we felt His heartbeat a little louder on this night ...
3. We had adoption Sunday at church today and as our pastor got up and cried out to the Lord for His HELP I felt paralyzed to move ... I knew I needed God's help today ... I needed God to continue to move me to action, I needed God to help me keep the burden for the orphans at the front of my heart, I knew I needed God to help me lead my children and submit to Scott, I knew I needed the Holy Spirit to take over and then Pastor Chris spoke on the Spirit of Adoption (3 types .. Spiritual Adoption, Family Adoption, Legal Adoption) ... this was followed by my friend Suzanne presenting our new adoption ministry and letting Katie share about her ministry in Uganda ... Katie stirred hearts today as God moved through her as she shared the story of an orphan in Uganda ... We had a bucket to collect change for Katie's Ministry and the change added up to be around $5800 (you heard that right) ... Our Strong Tower Family LAID BRICKS TODAY !!!
6. My brother-law was baptized today and many people saw THE BRICKS THEY HAD LAID in his life take flight for the Father today ...
5. A sweet friend from church invited me to go see The Secret Life of Bees and I wept (didn't think there could be anymore tears left, but they flowed) ... This movie has a great story, many parallels, and true symbolism along w/ a sweet story of LOVE .. I am sure it will cause someone to LAY A BRICK ...
I am honored to be a BRICK LAYER ... I know many of you are helping to build the WALL that will take the 151 million orphans of the world and show them HOPE, LOVE, and the power of Christ ... I am currently working on ABIGAIL AND JOSEPH'S BRICKS ... The Father is stirring the mortar as I type ...
Love and Blessings To You All This Week ...
This past week has been so God filled that there is no way I can put into words the anointing that God has allowed me to witness ... I am simply going to make a list and very humbly ask that you realize that words can not contain the power of the Lord and the things I have seen, heard, and wept over these past few days ...
1. By Friday Katie's Ministry had $10,000 in donations that had come in and Suzanne, Tara, and I have been working on another fundraising dessert for this Tuesday TO LAY A BRICK on the wall... God will provide for this ministry because He CAN ...
2. Shaohannah's Hope dinner was Saturday. "Maria's Big House of Hope" was revealed AND MANY BRICKS WERE LAID. This house will bring HOPE to those no one else will help, have a surgical wing, long term care facility for orphans and more ... IT WILL BE A MODEL OF HOW THE ORPHANS OF CHINA deserve to be treated ... I know sweet Maria will be looking over this house and smiling down on all these children ... SCC sang praise and worship as we lifted our hands to the Father surrendering to His will for our lives , MB poured out her heart and soul to us in a way that I will not attempt to describe except to say it was the most powerful spoken words I have ever heard in my life and SHE LAID MANY FOUNDATIONAL BRICKS to the wall, Chuck Colson spoke, and we all felt God's presence and we felt His heartbeat a little louder on this night ...
3. We had adoption Sunday at church today and as our pastor got up and cried out to the Lord for His HELP I felt paralyzed to move ... I knew I needed God's help today ... I needed God to continue to move me to action, I needed God to help me keep the burden for the orphans at the front of my heart, I knew I needed God to help me lead my children and submit to Scott, I knew I needed the Holy Spirit to take over and then Pastor Chris spoke on the Spirit of Adoption (3 types .. Spiritual Adoption, Family Adoption, Legal Adoption) ... this was followed by my friend Suzanne presenting our new adoption ministry and letting Katie share about her ministry in Uganda ... Katie stirred hearts today as God moved through her as she shared the story of an orphan in Uganda ... We had a bucket to collect change for Katie's Ministry and the change added up to be around $5800 (you heard that right) ... Our Strong Tower Family LAID BRICKS TODAY !!!
6. My brother-law was baptized today and many people saw THE BRICKS THEY HAD LAID in his life take flight for the Father today ...
5. A sweet friend from church invited me to go see The Secret Life of Bees and I wept (didn't think there could be anymore tears left, but they flowed) ... This movie has a great story, many parallels, and true symbolism along w/ a sweet story of LOVE .. I am sure it will cause someone to LAY A BRICK ...
I am honored to be a BRICK LAYER ... I know many of you are helping to build the WALL that will take the 151 million orphans of the world and show them HOPE, LOVE, and the power of Christ ... I am currently working on ABIGAIL AND JOSEPH'S BRICKS ... The Father is stirring the mortar as I type ...
Love and Blessings To You All This Week ...
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37 kind words.:
I'll lay bricks right with you, sister...and I'm also going to be laying bricks for my mom and aunt's sake...not quite sure how right now, but I can feel something inside wanting to get out and do something for the ADA (American Diabetes Association; which my mom had) and the American Cancer Society, which is what my aunt and other family members either have, or have died from
I'm always amazed at how much you accomplish in a week, Gwen. Have another devoted and fantastic week.
I am just honored to know you....your love for the Lord never ceases to amaze me....you make me want to rebuild my life in so many uplifting ways.....hope to see you over the holidays.....love ya...
S*
Thank you for the encouraging words !
Love, A very immature and messy brick layer. Kathy
My name is Liz Harrison. I am a friend of Elly's parents. Just wanted to send my gratitude for what you have done for their sweet baby. God bless you and your family.
AMAZING..
I don't know what else to say..
I simply adore you...
Hugs girly..
Have a Wonderful week..
You make me want to live my life differently, every day. You move me to action. I am B.L.E.S.S.E.D. to know you and wish I could spend more time with you.
Much Love
~Tiff
Gwen,
You are absolutely contagious! You make people want to be better followers, better givers - just better! I am thankful to know you - even if it's just through blogland, but how blessed those are that know you in person!
Such a blessing to partner with you- beautiful post my friend!
Love working on your construction crew:)
Be blessed today...
Laying bricks here! Organized a National Adoption Day Picnic for this Sunday. We will be having families who adopted from China, Russia, US (private adoption) and foster care!
You are one amazing woman, Gwen and God is using your blog and your life mightily!
Teresa
Oh, Gwen, how I love you my sweet sister in Christ Jesus.... Thank you for sharing with us how the hand and Spirit of God is moving in so many lives to bless these precious little ones....
You are in my heart and my prayers and my heart too cries out for the orphans as I go before our Father's throne....
He is able to do all things!
God's Speed to your heart's desire.... one day they will be in their Mama's arms and what a testimony of His faithfulness and glory it will be....
Love,
Daleea
Hi Gwen! I watched your brother-in-law's baptism yesterday. His video was incredible. I didn't realize who he was until the lights came on and I saw his family standing behind him. The memories of your requests for prayer for their family flooded me and I sat there, crying, thanking God. He is so faithful.
Gwen,
I am in awe and so inspired by the boldness of your faith. A faith in thought, word and deed. What a priveldge to even come alongside you as an "apprentice" brick layer!
Cannot wait to see you again soon!
Blessings,
Kim
P.S. I mailed our check to Katie today.
I'm crying right now because of the beauty and faithfulness of God. My desire is to do anything for the Lord, no matter how small it may be because he will make it great! My love and prayers are with you!
Tears in my eyes and love in my heart. I am honored to lay bricks.
Gwen, you make me cry!
Your post came at just the right time for me...it's time to lay more bricks. I was starting to think I wasn't ready, but God is so who I am to say that I can't do what it is He wants me to do?
Keep laying your bricks...you're amazing!
AWESOME news about Katie's ministry funds....WOW! That's GOD for ya! :) Thanks for helping us to continue to lay bricks for our family, Gwen. I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do.
ok, so I'm working on another brick...I"m thinking of two things Katie could speak at if she is up for it...She could have 45 min. at our sunday school class and then we could pass the basket...not sure how much it would get for her..but maybe a little bit is better than nothing...then maybe a girl's night in January...it is the same girls in our class that would attend the girls night so maybe we should just do one..I guess I should have put this in an email (: sorry for the long comment, call me tomorrow some time, kj
Wow! You added music! You and I have the same taste. That is awesome for Katie. What a miracle how God placed you all right in her path. what a blessing you are to her and her ministry. Its just AWESOME!
Gwen, you are so beautiful. you move me. i am so honored to know you and your heart.
you make me want to be better. Praising God for putting the desires in your heart and then you putting them to paper.. er web.. :O) and to action.
jill
wow! we truly have no idea how much God wants to lavish on us as His work is being accomplished! Thank you so very much for holding up the banner and laying bricks at the same time! Beautiful post! :)
I will join you in this prayer, how can I continue to lay bricks, what is next for me and how can I get more involved in helping orphans around the world, that is my calling and I continue to pray for guidance on this great cause...Love your post, it's motivation for me for the week!!!
So amazing how God has used you and Suzanne to build His kingdom here on earth. May He continue to use the both of you to "stir the mortar" in the hearts of His people! Love you girl!!
Got your message on my blog...I did actually have five days off from doing "Dad Duty", so that was very nice...but I'm back at Dad's now, getting ready to fix dinner
Thank you so much for your wonderful influence & inspiration. Have you seen the news I posted on my blog? Want to help me w/my dossier? :o)
Mary Beth did speak some powerful words on Saturday, and He was glorified through the sadness. God bless your family as you continue to live God's Holy Word and walk in His righteousness.
I loved this post, Thank you for sharing and for always taking the time to tell us what has inspired you what is on your heart etc...Fahter help me to be a better brick layer...
Love
C
I would like to mirror everything that everyone has said. You are an inspiration, every time I drop by your blog I am amazed at your faith and its so good to "hear" everything that God is doing and it just brings to mind " All things are possible, for those who believe".
What a precious, heart-felt, heart-stirring post. Oh, now I needed to be reminded of the significance of the bricks we all lay. My pastor and I are praying about BIG things in Kenya, and I've not prayed as fervently this week, allowed the enemy to come in and take my eyes of the mission and off the ONE who loves the orphans.
Thanks,
Robbie
Thank you for being you. I so wish that I knew who you were when I met you. I so hope we will meet again knowing exactly who each other is. You inspire me to do more and to be better.
There is always more to be done.
Oh Gwen! Look at what you've done...
www.whereverhemaylead.blogspot.com
OK...so it's been a plan for a while, but still....you did help push it a long.
Laid some bricks today! The picnic was a success in more ways than one!
Teresa
GWEN $5800??? That is awesome!!!! What a blessing!!! What a church family and how completely blessed. You never cease to amaze me. I too am a Brick layer and am asking God where he wants me to be and what he wants me to do. There is so much more that I know I am supposed to be doing and I am just waiting for him to show me the way. Praise him.
Love, Kristy
Wow, wow and wow.
I've said it before, I'll say it again; you are precious Gwen Oatsvall. Jesus shines through you.....
i'm ready for anew post!
Happy Thanksgiving..
Love ya..