"Sandy" Relief Post 22

"Sandy" Relief

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Dear Friends,

Christmas is always wonderful; and for me personally, the best Christmas is written about in the messages below of a loving work given because of a loving savior. May Jesus always be lifted up before men by our lives, no matter what the date, so that all men will be drawn unto him.

Below is a message from Matt Recker, Heritage Baptist Church, New York City, NY; and Brother Farrell Osborne of Grace Baptist Hour in North Carolina.

"Hello, Bro. Jan,
Greetings. I want to thank you for your faithfulness and labor of love to keep in touch with those of us in New York City who are still working through the aftermath of Sandy. Long after news media gives much coverage and pretty much moves on to the next big news story, and overlooks those still struggling to get into their new homes, with their finances, or to return to anything close to normalcy, you have continued to keep in contact with us and to work to help us in New York City.

Thank you for recently connecting us with a dear brother, Evangelist Farrell Osborne, who had a trailer full of supplies, toys, clothes, and even some used furniture to give to those in Sandy. I appreciate your work to put us in touch with each other. Our plan was to meet at 12 noon in Far Rockaway and to distribute the items, and it worked without a glitch. The people of Far Rockaway who are still in a very difficult circumstance, gladly received us, the supplies, Bibles, tracts, and our prayers. (I am attaching a few pictures of our outreach. There are more pictures at our Heritage Baptist Church Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151345666855569.524253.237485640568&type=1)

We appreciate so much how God uses you in a multi-faceted way to bring the hope of the Gospel to those recovering from times of devastation. May God continue to prosper, provide, and produce great fruit through your labor of love! Sincerely in Christ, Matthew Recker"

 

Brother Farrell who gathered and brought the supplies, also sent this message.

"Dear Brother Jan, We made our trip to New York the other day. We met with Brother Matt, and unloaded a truck of goods to his people. Thank you for your help in making the contact for us. We still have some things in our warehouse; I would be glad to take back there or to someone else who needs it...Merry Christmas to you and yours. Brother Farrell. Grace Baptist Hour"

Please go to Pastor Recker's website to see the photos of this good work of love.

If you would like to donate by debit or credit card, go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to donate by check. Send the check to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark the check "Sandy" Relief.

For the latest information go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

Merry Christmas, the greatest love story ever told.
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 21

"Sandy" Relief

Thursday December 20, 2012

Dear Friends,

This is a report from Pastor Bob Harrington, Fellowship Baptist Church, Baden, PA. Please take time to read and share this with everyone you can.

"After developing a burden to help our Christian friends who were devastated by super storm Sandy, four churches agreed to contribute financially to help send a team which would provide tangible relief in the form of supplies and labor. They are Bible Baptist Church of Carnegie, PA; Grace Bible Church of Washington, PA; Grace Baptist Church of Monroeville, PA; and Fellowship Baptist Church of Baden, PA

Through their contact with ORH, the connection was made with Pastor Kent Sager, of Grace Baptist Church in Freeport, NY. We learned that the devastation had affected him personally, by flooding the basement of his house with over five feet of water. His garage door (which was partially sandbagged) finally gave in to the unyielding surge of ocean water when the level reached six feet. As the door buckled, the lower level of his home became a complete loss in just seconds. Mrs. Sager remembers standing on top of the basement stairs and watching one of the walls in her basement disappear. It was truly frightening. They had never seen anything like this before.

Due to the generosity of the aforementioned churches, the expenses of the team were met and we were able to labor for a week to repair what Sandy had destroyed in minutes. Our purpose was to free up Pastor Sager and his family so that they could continue to do what God had called them to do—reach their locale with the gospel of Christ—rather than be tied up for several months bothered by incessant repair work. They needed to have their home back.

Three men came from western PA and God sent two others from Lighthouse Baptist Church in Michigan. Scott Wolfe (of Zechariah’s Builders) from MI was able to use his construction expertise to act as the team’s foreman. In one week’s time the team was able to accomplish the reinstallation of the electrical, plumbing, and drywall losses (over 20 books of drywall), as well as installing a better, brand-new garage door for Pastor Sager. Although more work remains in the basement bathroom (due to its being enlarged as part of the remodeling project), Scott was able to stay on into the next week and finish up the drywall installation and spackling. It seems the basement is ready for painting. We praise the Lord for what He enabled us to accomplish while we were in New York. May the Lord bless you as you consider helping Pastor Sager put the finishing touches on what may remain to be done. For Christ,    Bob Harrison, Jr., FBC, Baden"

 

Pastor Sager shows water height at his home.

 

 

Work team from churches in Pennsylvania and Michigan

 

I hope this was a blessing. We now need a painting team in January 2013 to go to Pastor Sager and help him. If your church would like to go and help paint the inside of his house, please, contact ORH. We need a church to take up an offering to pay for the paints that Mrs. Sager will pick. Then we need several very careful and diligent people who can paint the bottom of his home.

If you would like to give by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to give by check, please send the check to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark checks "Sandy" Relief.

For the most current information go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

 

God bless,

"Sandy" Relief Post 20

"Sandy" Relief

December 17, 2012

Dear Friends,

We received this email from Pastor Baker of Victory Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY.  He and his church because of the “Sandy” destruction have been forced to take on a new debt for ministry, if his church is to stay in the area of his old church building.  Below is a report of their current needs for the Christmas season.

“Jan,

Thank you so much for all that you and Operation Renewed Hope have done for us. The fire extinguishers were installed last weekend, and the exit signs (to be compliant with NYC fire code) are being installed today. By the grace of God, all the money has come in that was needed to cover the cost of the renovations on the new building! To God be the glory. In just 4 weeks in our new building, 19 first time visitors have attended our services!

The good news is that our bills are paid off, the challenge that we face is that we have very little funds and we are now facing the holidays. We took a huge step of faith in increasing our rent from $1,400.00 a month to $4,500.00. This is a step of faith that I know God wanted us to take. Our challenge right now is that we are facing the holidays and as a young church, many people go away for this time of year and our offerings drop significantly. We are asking if you could help us with a little assistance for the next month or two as we get through the holiday season and as our church grows in this area.

Thanks again for all you have done.”

This is a picture of the “Exit” signs after the installation.  ORH was privileged to help with the cost of the installation.

Pray that ORH will be able to help this church.  It faced the worst destruction of any church about which  we know.

We have some funds, but we must spread those out among the churches in need.  Pray the money will stretch.  Thank you so much for helping ORH to help these good churches and the people of their communities.

If you would like to give by debit or credit card, go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to give by check, please send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Mark checks “Sandy” Relief.

For most current information, go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 19

"Sandy" Relief

December 10, 2012

Dear Friends,

Dave Gill, a member of Bible Baptist Church in Hampton, GA, went to the "Sandy" impact area to speak with each of the pastors with whom ORH has been working. They gave him video testimonies. We will be making this video available shortly for all who would like a copy.

This is the report that Dave sent to ORH after his weekend trip to New York, City.

"Jan,
God prospered our journey to NYC/NJ. We were able to capture interviews from the pastors who received money from ORH. They all told compelling stories.
We visited the Midland Beach area which was hit hardest and was being ministered to by Repentance Baptist Church. Five weeks after the event, many still do not have electricity. The sanitation department is using earth moving equipment to collect the trash and the Red Cross along with other church groups are still distributing food and other needed supplies. Many homes are condemned. Many were swept off their foundations. Many homes are boarded up. Other places people are living in these conditions because they have no other place to go. Through all this, the Gospel is advancing where it previously would have been shut out. Dave Gill"

Please continue to pray. We could do so much with the gospel in that area. Coats are going to be needed in the cold weather. It will be a hard Christmas for many.

If you would like to help, contact ORH immediately.

If you would like to donate by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to donate by check, send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark checks for "Sandy" Relief.

For most current information go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Ct
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
orhus@aol.com
www.operationrenewedhope.org

"Sandy" Relief Post 18

"Sandy" Relief

December 8, 2012

Dear Friends,

Great blessings!  Pastor Kent Sager called last week and told us that as a result of all the work that 4 people came to Christ.  This is marvelous and wonderful to our ears.

Pastor Matt Recker received help and support from Auto Racing Outreach.  ARO is a ministry to the car racing sports industry in the Hickory NC area.  I encourage you to go to their web site and learn more about the work. http://www.autoracingoutreach.com/

Greg Berkey, founder and director  of ARO wrote this report.

"Dear Jan:
We appreciate your recent help with our trip to NYC for Hurricane Sandy Relief and Ministry. We were overwhelmed by the generous gifts that came in by those that were burdened to help those suffering in the NYC area because of the Super Storm that hit it. We were able to load up our 28 foot trailer with $ 4,000 of cleaning supplies, food, water, blankets, and clothing to distribute to those in some of the hardest hit areas of the storm. It was great to work with Pastor Matt Recker and his folks from Heritage Baptist Church. Brother Matt prayed with those that came by for assistance, and gospel tracts were lovingly handed out to everyone. Within two hours that trailer was empty except for a few clothing items. Thanks again for your help.  Greg Berkey  Auto Racing Outreach"

ORH offered $700.00 in fuel money for this outreach, but Greg informed us that we could use the money elsewhere because his expenses had been met.  (Praise God)  We sent that $700.00 to Pastor Baker in Victory Baptist Church, the Bronx.  He needed the money to meet fire code in his new facilities which replaced the completely unusable facilities which were flooded.  Pastor Baker wrote the following.

"Jan,
Here is the quote for the exit signs with installation. I think this is a good price. He actually knocked off $200.00 in labor. The total cost of this project is $1143.18.  This is a very reputable company and I did see their credentials and they are licensed in NYC and are approved by FDNY. Thanks so much for your help.
Pastor Ken Baker"

Fairbanks Missionary Baptist Church
Fairbanks, IN
Pastor Larry Gilaspy

Fairbanks Missionary Baptist Church sent hand-made quilts to Greg Berkey of ARO to distribute with Pastor Recker..  Pastor Larry Gilaspy, his wife, Cathie, and the ladies did a great job to provide a wok of love by their hands. The church also made a substantial financial contribution to the work in NY.  God bless our wonderful pastors and churches.

ORH was also able to send to Pastor Jim Bickel of Bethel Baptist Fellowship in Brooklyn $2000.00 for people in need in his church body.  We are hoping at the first of the year to send more for these families that lost all..

ORH was able to send to Pastor Phil Rizzo of City Baptist Church in Hoboken, $2000.00 for work with families in Far Rockaway, NY.  Pastor Recker and Pastor Rizzo are going into the communities and helping the people who are hurting.  Pray for their work.  This is Christ before people who are suffering.  Pastor Rizzo wrote this report.

"Bro Milton,
There are some community needs that would open additional doors of ministry for our church. Some ideas that we have are for blankets, coats & cleaning supplies. Any funds that would be available for these needs would certainly be spent wisely. Thank you again for all you encouragement & support.   Philip Rizzo, Pastor"
Pray we will be able to meet all the needs.  We must not forget to pray for these people because the work has just begun.  I want to thank all the churches for their donations of money, people, and time.

If you would like to donate by credit or debit card, go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to send a check, send it to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please mark the check "Sandy" Relief.

For the latest information go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 17

"Sandy" Relief

November 29, 2012

Dear Friends,

God is always working in the hearts and lives of people. Pastor Jim Bickel of Bethel Baptist Fellowship writes about the work which was done by members of Berea Baptist Church, Palm Harbor, FL, Pastor Billy Gotcher. In the next update, I will send you what Pastor Gotcher said about the impact of this trip with his church.

"Dear Operation Renewed Hope,
The Lord has blessed us by putting us in contact with you. We’re finding out more and more how good the Lord is and how greatly He uses His people, our brethren.

We were so blessed to have Pastor Billy Gotcher and a group of over a dozen of his dear people from Berea Baptist Church, Palm Harbor, FL. These folks went to Home Depot and purchased building material for the repairs they would be making on our building, loaded up a 12-foot trailer hooked up to their minibus and drove straight through to Brooklyn.

When they arrived they unloaded their trailer and immediately went to work. I mean, they worked, and worked. They accomplished an amazing amount of things in the few days they were able to spend with us. One day they began in the morning and worked until about ten in the evening. Walls were replaced, sheetrock hung and taped, electrical outlets rewired, cabinets removed and replaced, and a lot more.

At the end of their time with us, Pastor Gotcher handed me a check for additional building material. Suffice it to say, these folks went above and beyond the call of duty. This was a genuine labor of love.

We’ve seen the reality of what was meant by the verse, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.” These dear brothers have caused us to rejoice in the Lord and the people of God. We couldn’t function without this kind of help. Our sincerest thanks to them, and to you, for arranging things for us.

With Much Gratitude, Jim Bickel, Bethel Baptist Fellowship, Brooklyn, NY"

More teams will be necessary in the near future. If your church could send a work team, please contact Operation Renewed Hope.

Please do not forget we need a New York state licensed electrician to help Pastor Baker in the Bronx now.

If you would like to donate by debit or credit card, please go to www.operationreneweddhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to donate by check, please send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark checks with "Sandy" Relief.

Please go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com for latest information.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 16

"Sandy" Relief

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Dear Friends

This is a message from Pastor Ken Baker of Victory Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Please go to https://vimeo.com/54411231   to see a video created about his church and its restoration. I hope this will be a blessing.

"Dear Operation Renewed Hope,

Thank you so much for the financial assistance that you provided us in such a timely manner. God multiplied your financial gifts, and we were able to purchase sheet rock, paint,trim, doors, carpet, and other materials that were a huge blessing in the renovation of our new building. We are very thankful for all that you have done for us.

We have had services in the building the last 3 weeks, but there is 2 huge needs that we have. We are in desperate need of finding an electrician that can help us install lighted exit signs by all the exits. Also, we need to purchase fire extinguishers. If you have any contacts in these two areas, please let us know.

Thank you again for all that you have done for us. I have attached a 6 minute video that tells the story of our church from hurricane Sandy to the grand opening of the new auditorium. Thank you again for all that you have done.

In His Service,
Pastor Ken Baker"

We need an electrician licensed in New York state who could help Pastor Baker install the signs. Please let us know, if you know someone. The local cost to install these signs for Pastor Baker is not and option for the church.. . Send an email to orhus@aol.com, and we will get the information to Pastor Baker

If you would like to donate by debit or credit card, go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and chose Network for Good.

If you would like to give by check, send the check to Operation Renewed Hope, P. O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark the check "Sandy" Relief.

if you would like to know the latest information, go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 15

Sandy Relief

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Dear Friends,

Pastor Trerice and the congregation of West Rome Baptist Church, Manitou Beach, MI, sent this report from New York where he is working with Pastor Nate Watkins. Pastor Trerice contacted Operation Renewed Hope asking for an assignment for his church. We were thankful for his request because Pastor Watkins had a need for the people in the community where he ministers.

The Russian Jewish community around Pastor Watkins is in great need. This is a real opportunity for us to show the love and compassion of Christ.

"We are rebuilding basements of three Russian Jewish condos. Pastor Nate has been seeking an open door to this community. This has done it. At first they wanted to know what we wanted from them. Very skeptical that Christians would help for free. Now they hug us, kiss us, and buy us lunch. The one Messianic believer here is overjoyed. It is our prayer that Pastor Nate and Jane will be able to see some of them come to Christ. Language is a barrier, but the believer translates. We have also cleaned out a house that was completely ruined. We expect to do more of that today. Christ is being glorified. We also testified and preached at Pastor Nate's church with Liberians. It was a great time of honoring our Lord."

 

Team Members from the Church

 

The damage is very bad.  Some of those in need are elderly

 

The conditions are very bad and there is much work.

Please consider sending a team to help these people living in Pastor Watkins' ministry area.

If you would like to donate by debit or credit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and chose Network for Good.

If you would like to donate by check, please send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark checks "Sandy" Relief.

Please go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com for latest information.

God bless,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Request for Help from Pastor Nate Watkins

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Dear Friends,

Please read this request from Pastor Nate Watkins. This is not something that occurred as a result of "Sandy"; however, it is a need by a pastor who has done everything he can to help the people in the impact area.

On Thanksgiving night, he will be hosting a church from Michigan who will be helping to remodel the damage done to a family in his ministry area. He has given food, blankets, and help to everyone he can. He has been faithful to the giving of the Gospel. Now one of his people needs help with a car that was totaled.

Please read this.

"Brother Jan,

As I mentioned on the phone, our co-worker, Rachel Schildroth, who has been a missionary nurse/ midwife in Liberia, W. Africa for many years and for the last 10 years has served among the Liberian population here in NYC, was on her way to a meeting in OH about a month ago and was involved in a multiple car crash that totaled her Toyota Camry. It was an older vehicle and she only had liability insurance so will not be getting any help from there. Anyway, if you know of anyone with a reliable car that would be suitable for her and that they are willing to sell or donate, she could really use it and is willing to buy it. Thanks.

Happy serving Him,
Nate Watkins"

Please help Brother Watkins, if you can. Contact him directly at nkwatkins85@gmail.com.

God bless, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 14

"Sandy" Relief

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Dear Friends,

Pastor Matt Recker sent me this report from his web site. He and his church were not damaged, but they have been active in helping the many who were in need after the storm. He has been faithful to give the gospel as he gives the help. Please read his report.

"A friend of mine has filled up a trailer filled with cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, warm blankets, socks and much more and is coming to Far Rockaway this Sunday. We will stage from the Day Care Center of Leon and Lintia Lyons, at 221 Beach 44 Street. We will seek to witness and share prayer and the Gospel with as many as possible. If you can make it down there this Saturday, let me know!"

Pray for Greg Berkey, director of Auto Racing Outreach, who is referred to by Pastor Recker. He filled his racing ministry trailer with supplies and headed to Pastor Recker. Operation Renewed Hope is contributing $700.00 toward the cost of fuel and travel for Greg and his team going to Pastor Recker.

 

Loaded with Supplies for Distribution

 

Families Helped by Supplies

 

Families Helped by Supplies

Pray for the team in New York working the area of Far Rockaway, NY which was hard-hit by "Sandy."
 

If you wish to donate by Credit or Debit Card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org, and choose Network for Good.

If you wish to donate by check, please send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Please mark the check "Sandy" Relief.

Please go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com for the latest information.

God bless,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 13

"Sandy" Relief

 

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Dear Friends,

Pastor Ken Baker has by faith stepped out to rebuild what his church, Victory Baptist, lost in Sandy. He and the people of his church by faith took on the new building. The cost of this building each month is more than their building which was lost in "Sandy", please pray for them.

The new building required work and materials to make it possible for them to use it. Pray that God will supply funds to pay for the materials. The church is back in services after only two weeks.

 

                                                                     New Church Building

                                                               Children's Church in New Building

                                                               Workman Hanging New Doors

Pray for Pastor Ken Baker and Victory Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY.

If you wish to donate by Credit or Debit Card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org, and choose Network for Good.

 

If you wish to donate by check, please send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Please mark the check "Sandy" Relief.

 

Please go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com for the latest information.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 12

"Sandy" Relief

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Dear Friends,

These are some reports that we have received form the pastors in the "Sandy" impact area.

Pastor Jim Bickel
Bethel Baptist Fellowship
Brooklyn, NY 11235

Pastor Bickel said that he was thankful for those teams of people who have been helping to restore his facilities so they can have church services. However, He now has a need for the families in his church.

"We have two families in our English-speaking congregation here at Bethel that lived in a basement apartment and lost everything. We also have two families in our Russian-language congregation who also lost all their possessions."

At this time, ORH would like to send each of those families at least $500.00. It would be better, if we could help them with at least $1000.00 each. They have not asked ORH for anything. If your church could raise at least $500.00 for a family, please contact ORH as soon as possible.

Pastor Kent Sager
Grace Baptist Church
Freeport, NY 11520

Pastor Sager told me this morning that once again Valley Forge Baptist Temple, Collegeville, PA, Pastor Scott Wendal, has come to help. A father and son from the church are with Pastor Sager today attempting to help him with his home which had was flooded by more than 5 ft of water. God bless this wonderful congregation and pastor for helping Pastor Sager.

Two other churches are attempting to go to help him rebuild the inside of his house.

Pastor John Trerice
West Rome Baptist Church
Manitou Beach, MI 49253-9714

Pastor Bob Harrison, Jr.
Fellowship Baptist Church
Baden, PA

These are good churches trying to adjust schedules, prepare people, make plans, and then carry-out a mission to help. Please pray for them that all the details will work so that they can help Pastor Sager.

Pray for Pastor Sager that he will get the money necessary to buy the materials to restore his home. Currently, the insurance companies are overwhelmed with requests. FEMA may not be able to help Pastor Sager in the latest updates. He may have to reapply for any help from FEMA.

Greg Berkey
Auto Racing Outreach
Claremont, NC

Greg will be taking his trailer and truck to New York to help Matt Recker. He is attempting to fill his racing trailer with items to minister to Far Rockaway, NY where Pastor Recker has been working to help the victims of "Sandy." Operation Renewed Hope would like to help with this effort to help the people in this area which was hit so hard. It has been a pleasure speak with Greg and his wife.

If you would like to donate by credit or debit card, please go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you would like to donate by check, send checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark the checks "Sandy" Relief.

For the most current information, go to www.orhnews.blogspot,com.

God bless all you have donated toward the efforts.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 11

"Sandy" Relief

Tuesday November 13, 2012

Dear Friends,

God is blessing with the work in the "Sandy" impact area. Please read these reports.

Pastor Ken Baker
Victory Baptist Church
Bronx, NY

Pastor Baker has worked around the clock with his people. They have leased a new building. They have remodeled the building so that they could at least have services. They have been ministering in their community as well. In one week basically he has been able to go back to services with his people.

The first service was Sunday, November 11, 2012. Pastor Baker said 140 people attended the first service, and the great blessing was that 3 people came to Christ. Please pray for this pastor to continue his restoration of his church and ministry to the needs of the Bronx..

Pastor Matt Recker
Heritage Baptist Church
New York, City

Pastor Recker is an extremely challenging minister of the Gospel. Although, he was not impacted by the event, he has helped many in the streets who were impacted. Below is a segment of a report he published and sent to ORH to publish.

"Over the past couple of days, God provided $1500 for us through a supporting friend and Operation Hope. So we went to BJ's and Walmart and spent $1504 in food and supplies!

We shared Gospel tracts with everyone we gave supplies to and offered prayer to as many as possible. Pray God will use this outreach to show those suffering through Sandy that God is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble."

Thank God for these hard working men and their churches. Operation Renewed Hope is seeking to be a blessing and encouragement to them. Thank you for your response which has been so good.

If you would like to donate by credit or debit card, go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you wish to donate by check, mail checks to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayettevillle, NC 28309. Mark checks "Sandy" Relief.

For latest information, go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 9

"Sandy" Praise and Prayer

Tuesday November 6, 2012

Dear Friends,

Truck Going to "Sandy"
Anchor Baptist Missions

Anchor Baptist Missions in Mt. Pisgah, NC is part of Anchor Baptist Church.  Dr. Randy Barton is pastor.  We have had the great privilege of working with them over many years.  They have taken materials from their "Disaster" collection and have moved them to Pastor Nate Watkins, Pastor Phil Rizzo, and Pastor Matt Recker.

The truck has 8 pallets of bottled water, 600 blankets, 540 gallons of bleach, and some food.  Michael Blanton is the director of this action and is driving the truck.  I want to thank them for all their efforts.  Also, I want to thank them for stopping in route to the area and purchasing $540.00 worth of propane heaters.  With the storm coming the people will need them.

We are now working with a new pastor in the area.  His home or church was not damaged by "Sandy" so he has begun a ministry to he community.  Below are his first statements to Operation Renewed Hope.

Pastor Nate Watkins
Staten Island, NY

This is a story that Pastor Watkins related to me.  Usually, I ask the pastor to write this for me so I publish his words.  However, Pastor Watkins is so busy this will not be possible.  But, I promise; I will be as faithful to his words as possible.

His house and church were not damaged.  He and his people live on the edge of where there was great destruction by “Sandy.”  He went to this close community and began distributing needed goods including propane heaters which he purchased.

While there he began to tell them who he was and why he was there – the love and compassion of Christ.  A young lady approached him telling him that she was a Christian.  She further explained that she was a Jew who had trusted Christ.  She was excited to see him, a Christian pastor, giving help to the needy of the area.

She explained that this impact area where she lived was entirely a Jewish community.
Later, through her, Pastor Watkins was able to do more work with the people of the community.  The young lady’s mother and father who also were Jewish, but unsaved, came, and Pastor Watkins was able to give them a propane heater and speak to them about Christ.

The young lady told her father that this was the compassion of Christ which Pastor Watkins was demonstrating.  Pastor Watkins said the father almost broke into tears.  The young lady said this is the first time that he had been confronted with the witness that Jesus saves and was so emotionally moved.  She told her father this work of the pastor is the difference between other religions and her faith in Christ.  What a wonderful testimony.

He also related that as he helped one lady she declared, “I am and atheist, but no longer.”
The compassion and love of Christ can change the most hardened heart when our good works glorify our Father.

Again, this is from my recollection of the conversation with Pastor Watkins and by his permission for me to tell this testimony.

Pastor Ken Baker

Pray for Pastor Baker and his congregation.  They have had to lease a new building to replace the old building that was made unusable by "Sandy."  They are repairing this building and getting ready for first services on Sunday.  They need work teams and funds.  The new building is costing much more than the old.  They are stepping out on faith.

If you would like to donate by debit or credit card go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

If you want to send a check, mail it to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O.Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC, 28309.  Mark the check "Sandy" Relief.

Go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com for latest information.

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

"Sandy" Relief Post 8

"Sandy" Work Team

Sunday November 4, 2012

Dear Friends,

This is a message that we received on Saturday (11/3/12) from Pastor Jim Bickel of Bethel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. We have included a few photos of the Maranatha Team. We want to thank also the good people of Calvary Baptist Church of Watertown, WI.

"Bro. Jan,
Thanks for this excellent group of MBBC students....Thank you for all your help. We’re looking forward to the food distribution outreach tomorrow.
Jim Bickel"

Maranatha Baptist Bible College Team 11/01/12.  They are going to help Pastor Jim Bickel at Grace Baptist Church in New York City.

 

Team is cleaning debris from the inside of the church.

Debris and damaged church items are piled up outside.  This could take weeks to remove because of all of the debris.

The church is going to meet this morning and go to the streets to help the people of their community with needed relief goods. As long as there is a church in the community there will be help for people at time of great need. Praise God for the ministry of the churches of America.
 

Continue to pray for everyone.

If you would like to help, please send checks to Operation Renewed Hope. P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark the checks "Sandy" Relief.

If you want to give by debit or credit card go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose Network for Good.

Beware that some people are trying to hijack links. If you receive a bad link situation simply type the link into your browser or copy it. We apologize for any problems.

Go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com for the latest.

God bless,
Jan Milton

 

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Sandy Relief Post 7

URGENT NEED
"SANDY" Rebuild
 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Dear Friends.

Pastor Ken Baker, Bronx, NY, needs work teams or individuals who want to work.
He and his church have found a new building only 5 blocks from their damaged facility. He wrote the following.

We have found a building that is only 5 blocks from where our damaged building is located. The building has 2 floors and twice the square footage that we previously had. It has something that very few buildings in the Bronx have - a parking lot! It is located on the busiest street in our neighborhood. Our previous location was on a small street down by the water. This building has a ton of potential and would suit us for the next 5 - 10 years.

The building needs work to be ready for services. But he and his people have a mind to work. They need your help. He wrote the following

Here's my timeline for next week.

Tuesday - clean the carpets upstairs. Get rid of trash and begin demolition downstairs.
Wednesday - Begin painting upstairs and down stairs
Thursday - Sheetrock and finish demolition trim downstairs.
Friday - Paint upstairs (carpet will be installed downstairs)
Saturday - Move in. Will need labor and hopefully a truck for this.

The following week we will continue to paint upstairs and remodel the bathrooms and funds come in.

He and his congregation are believing God for the out-come.  If you can go up next week they need your help. Please call Operation Renewed Hope, and we will coordinate getting you up to help.

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Sandy Relief Post 6

"Sandy" Relief

Thursday November 1, 2012

 

Dear Friends,

 

Operation Renewed Hope received an email today from Pastor Jim Bickle. We will be sending Pastor Bickel $3000.00 for his work. On Sunday, he plans on sending his people to the neighborhoods with food or other items which would help them.

Pastor Jim Bickel
Bethel Baptist Fellowship
Sheepshead Bay
Brooklyn, NY

On Monday night October 29th, at about 9 p.m., with the wind gusting to 70+ miles per hour, ocean water poured out of the catch basins, due to the storm surge and came down our streets. The 4 to 5 feet high crawl space under the floor of our four storefront church buildings filled to overflowing. About 18 inches of water filled all our buildings taking out everything in its wake.

We will have to replace our flooring, part of the walls, songbooks, Bibles, literature, cabinets, as well as many church supplies. We’re not sure if our pianos will survive. Anyway, we’re able to apply Romans 8:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18, etc. When I first looked at the mess, I said Lord, I don’t know how you’re going to take care of Bethel, but I know You will. Please give me Your wisdom and direct my steps.

My pastor friend Matthew Recker, left me a voicemail and said that if we had any damage and needed help, to give Jan Milton a call. That advice was from the Lord, and an answer to prayer. Thank you Brother Milton for your willingness and readiness to help us in our desperate situation.

Work Team Going to Help Pastor Bickle

 

Steve Gauthier and a team from Watertown, WI, Calvary Baptist Church, Pastor Dan Logans, will go this week-end to help with the demolition needs and repair work for Pastor Bickle. These fine men are also with Maranatha Baptist Bible College.

 

Please call ORH if you would like to go and work with these fine people.

 

For latest information go to www.orhnews.blogspot.com.

 

If you would like to donate by check, make checks payable to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark checks with "Sandy" Relief.

 

If you wish to use credit or debit cards, go to our home page, www.operationrenewedhope.org. Choose Network for Good and donate.

 

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Sandy Relief Post 5

"Sandy" Relief

Thursday November 1, 2012

Dear Friends

Operation Renewed Hope has just authorized two of the pastors in the hardest hit areas to spend $3000.00 each for their situation.

1. $1000.00 is for personal use in the church to re-establish church services.
2. $2000.00 is for food, water, cleaning supplies, and any other items for the people immediately around their church.

Please pray for Pastor Rizzo and Pastor Baker as they use this money to help the people with their needs. Pray as they tell people about Christ's love and compassion. Pray for them to get services re-established as soon as possible.
 

How to Give

I was approached by a good man who was concerned that we did not publish a way to give by debit or credit card. Please go to our web site, www.operationrenewedhope.org . On the home page choose Network for Good and make your donation there by card. Be sure to mark the donation for "Sandy" Relief.

If you give by check, send it to Operation Renewed Hope, P. O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark all checks with "Sandy" Relief.

Thank you so much. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for those in the community that will hear the gospel.

Please go to our news blog also. www.orhnews.blogspot.org to keep up with all news about "Sandy."
God bless,

Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Sandy Relief Post 4

"Sandy" Relief

Thursday November 1, 2012

Dear Friends,

I just received this email this morning from Pastor Rizzo of the Bronx. Pray that God will supply the money for us to help him, his people, and his community. I will be publishing pictures of his efforts. Please read his letter below.

Bro Jan Milton,

I appreciate the phone calls of encouragement during this time of trial. I have forwarded you some more pictures since we have been able to access our building. I also sent you a great video that will give you, and others, an amazing inside look at the degustation in Hoboken.

If it is possible to forward $1,000 to us so we can begin our restoration process it would be greatly appreciated. Our immediate need is for cleaning out debris, and sanitizing our walls and floors. The water that entered our building was contaminated with gas, oil and sewage. We will obviously have many more needs, but this is an immediate need to help our rebuilding process.

The Lord has already opened doors for us to minister to the residents in Hoboken. I will forward you some more pictures of our generator station, which allowed people to charge their cell phones, iPods, iPads and laptop computers. We also had some people cooking food outside our church.

I know that people will rally around us during this trial, and I would like to thank you for being one of the first involved.

Philip Rizzo
Pastor, City Baptist Church
PO Box. 3221
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
Cell 973-479-3100
citybaptist.com

Please view this video which was included by Pastor Rizzo.

http://video-embed.nj.com/services/player/bcpid651974715001?

bctid=1935364592001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAPLMIP6E~,BRrRHTAljlF40NofMDxsColEK-8KEsxy

Send contributions to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark checks "Sandy" Relief.

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Sandy Relief Post 3

"Sandy" Relief

Wednesday October 31, 2012

Dear Friends,

We just received this information from two pastors in the impact area. We are attempting find out about the welfare of their people and their communities. Please read their accounts of the present situation.

Pastor Kent Sager
Grace Baptist Church
Franklin Square, NY

Hi Brother Milton, This is Pastor Kent Sager of Freeport, NY. The following pictures are of my house as a result of Hurricane Sandy.. Because the power is out, the pictures are somewhat dark. Because of unusual conditions, these are being sent from my daughter's email. These are pictures of my house's downstairs, there was approximately 6 feet of water in my house..and these pictures are a result.

Pastor Phil Rizzo
City View Baptist Church
Hoboken, NY

We have no doubt the Lord provided us our building at 726 Jefferson Street. When we signed the lease and began an extensive renovation. We removed entire walls and bathrooms. We redesigned the space and rebuilt everything. Brand new hardwood floors, interior doors, lighting, PA system, bathrooms. Everything. We worked around the clock for just over 3 weeks. Pastors and other volunteers offered their time and resources to help us finish in time for our Grand Opening. We had 83 in our services and 10 salvation decisions! That was on October 14th. People's live have been touched and eternal destinations have been changed by the doors being open the last three Sundays.

Those are the details you can not learn from Fox or CNN. The hours behind the renovation and the sacrifice of so many volunteers can not be restored. What can be replaced are the hardwood floors, the sheetrock, the new church chairs, the Bibles and songbooks, the Sunday School material.
If many are involved, the cost to restore these things is easily attainable. My initial estimated cost to re-open is $12,000-$15,000.

It is our prayer that the people of Hoboken will see the power of God in both the flood waters and also in the unity of His people. Please consider how you can be part of the healing process for so many. We appreciate if you would continue to pray for our city and our church.

I hope that you can help ORH to help these people.

God bless,
Jan Milton

Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

Sandy Relief Post 2

"Sandy" Relief

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Dear Friends.

We are now working with Pastor Ken Baker, Victory Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Below is a report from him about his needs.

Thank God we are safe and survived the hurricane! Our house has some minor damage, the only real concern is the ocean opened up in our yard and about 10 feet of our yard eroded away. During the middle of the storm, there was a 30 foot yacht that washed up into our backyard. We were greatly concerned because the mast was pointing right towards our kitchen window. Thankfully, the storm carried it back out to sea, and we found it smashed to pieces this morning. I attached a picture of another boat that flipped over and washed to shore.

The church building is in rough shape. At the height of the storm, there was 11 feet of water inside the church. The swells knocked out the back wall (pictured) and took out 3 interior walls. The storm carried the freezer through three walls and onto the hill by our church. The damage is extensive, and we are unsure at this point if the building is going to be used again. The concern is that the wall that was destroyed was a load bearing wall.

We are looking for a place to rent temporarily. We have found a place that we could rent for the next four weeks, but it would cost 4 times what we would normally pay for rent. Our church family has an extremely great spirit about this, and I cannot way to see how God is going to "flex His muscles" in this. It is times like this that make us stronger and no doubt we will look back at this memory as a huge stepping stone in the growth of our church. We are still shouting the victory for the 4 people that were saved on Sunday!

How can you help.

1. We need volunteer demolition teams to volunteer and be ready to go to help with demolition. These teams will not go in for at least the next two weeks.
2. We need money to buy food so that Ken and his people can distribute the food with the gospel around their church. Ken wants to do this, but does not have the money to buy the food. This is a wonderful time to give the gospel to thousands.
3. We must help them to get a place to continue the church services. Their ministry, missionaries, and their livelihood depends on the continuing of services.

Please donate to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309. Mark the checks with "SANDY Relief."

We will keep you informed, and remain firm with these good brothers. We must reach others with the gospel.

Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com

 

Sandy Relief First Announcement

Monday, October 28, 2012

Dear Friends,

Operation Renewed Hope is seeking information about people within the "Sandy" impact area. If you are in the storm impact area, please respond to this request. If you are aware of anyone in the impact area, please write us immediately with the following information.

Full Name:
Age:
Address:
Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email:

Operation Renewed Hope wants to help anyone who is in need.

If you or your church would be willing to help victims of the storm, please contact ORH. This will be one of the best opportunities to show the love of Christ to believer and unbeliever.

Here are the things that ORH will need to do the best job possible..

1. We need one or two pastors willing to go to the area and help find the places and people needing help.
2. We need churches and people to donate food for distribution.
3. We need funds to pay for fuel to help the victims.
4. We need churches willing to distribute food and the gospel throughout the storm impact area.

Please, if you are willing to help, ORH once again needs your help to answer the great needs of our country.

God bless,
Jan Milton
Operation Renewed Hope
4928 Necessary Court
Blue Springs, MO 64015
910-987-5072
www.operationrenewedhope.org
orhus@aol.com