DIRT Update

SOON AFTER THE GEORGIA FLOODS were over SBC Disaster Relief contacted Chuck Carver (DIRT Crew director in Trenton, Georgia) with an invitation for the DIRT Crew to help with flood clean-up. I want you to read the story in Chuck’s own words, but first let me share that Chuck just lost his dad to cancer. He had been providing 24 hour care to his dad through his last days. Keep this family in your prayers. Chuck writes...

“Hey Guys,
Today was quiet a day that almost did not happen. I got the call Thursday afternoon to bring students and help with disaster relief in Trion, GA. Part of me did not want to go, I had not been home on Saturday in months and I had so much planned, but I decided to go anyway and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding days of my life.

One of the students that went with us was wearing an ankle bracelet, under the guidance of the Juvenile Justice department. Many of the guys working this day in disaster relief were guys I had worked with for years. I challenged them to tell me which student was in Juvenile Justice. They could not tell the difference because ALL the students worked so very hard.

I wished you could have experienced with me the following scene. We finished the last house and were wore out. The students were walking back to the car and I was trailing way behind them when I noticed that the disaster relief guys stopped the students, took off their hats and shook their hands.  When I caught up with them you could tell that these students had captured their love and upmost respect. You see, most working in disaster relief are older retired men and I think it really meant a lot to them to see students give up a Saturday to do some of the most awful work that a disaster relief team can do. It was nasty, it was wet and stunk so bad you wanted to throw-up but the students pressed on and it impressed these old saints and myself.

I really wished more youth pastors could realize just what they are missing. There is nothing to compare with helping students get their hands really dirty!

Take care. Your friend, Chuck Carver”

Hats off to Chuck Carver and the students from Trenton, Georgia, who were able to go at a moment’s notice to get their hands dirty in Jesus’ name!

IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Words made famous is some past political campaign actually fit the scene last Wednesday night. I had the privilege of speaking to an up and coming DIRT Crew group at the Village Church in Hapeville, GA. Some of you might recognize that name because the Village Church had joined the DIRT Crew back in 2006. Due to a series of circumstances, the Village DIRT Crew fell by the wayside until recently when they introduced the new Youth Director, Howard Brown.

Last month I met with Howard and Pastor Ray for lunch to share the DIRT Crew vision, and Howard immediately got it! Since then he has been full steam ahead in reintroducing the DIRT Crew to a whole new group of students that are multiplying every week. When we met a month ago, Howard said they might have a half dozen students. When I showed up last Wednesday evening, I spoke to about 30 plus! I remember telling Howard at lunch that day that if we will honor God He will honor us, and the DIRT Crew philosophy is a God honoring ministry. Little did I know how quickly God would honor Howard’s commitment to implement the DIRT Crew.

I shared with the students that they are a very special generation. They may even be the generation that ushers in the return of Christ! Our world is desperately in need of some heros, and this Millennium generation of students have a God given desire to change the world. This is the foundation of DIRT Crew. Our role is to equip these students for the adventure of a lifetime; the adventure of being a hero to this lost and dying world with the love of Christ.

BARGAIN OF THE YEAR: $69 WINTER DIRT CAMP!
Our call to action is “Come Get Your Hands Dirty!”, and one upcoming opportunity is a Winter DIRT Camp in Norman Park, Georgia. Students will be attending from several churches including the Village Church. The dates are Wednesday, December 30, 2009, through Saturday, January 2, 2010. While there, we will provide hundreds of hours of community service all around Norman Park. Planning is underway and sign-up information will go out very soon. Please join me in asking God for 100+ students to attend.

This is a 4-day trip that we are offering at only $69 per student. Think about that - 3 nights lodging, 8 meals, transportation while there, study materials and all activities for $69! If you know a student who would like to go, or if you would like to bring a youth group, please contact me for the details. My email and phone number are below.

IMPORTANT: We will likely exceed our budget for this camp, so would you consider giving a donation to help underwrite this and the many other events we provide? Also, with every event comes the need to cover the cost for students who can’t afford to attend. Would you please consider sponsoring a student for $69. Share with us in the rewards of this ministry!

Acts 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”