Helena, Arkansas Mission Trip

Helena Pics Add 0n

2011-07-24T21:51:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011Week 2 Camp Day4

2011-07-23T11:30:00.001-04:00

Helena 2011 Week 2 Camp Day 4 & Celebration
Posted by Dave Hawkins
What a glorious week it has been. Yep, We have had our ups and our downs but to we have all worked together under God’s direction, “Building the City”. We established that the four pillars for building God’s City were; Confession/Repentance, Reconciliation/Unity, Leadership and Work. The entire camp worked tirelessly together to build God’s city upon these pillars.
You will find numerous pictures further down in the blog. These first five are especially meaningful to all of the HBBC team as there is a story in one of the daily blogs relating to each of these pictures. Mr. Charlie and Miss Tina annually hold a picnic for 300 at their farm. The stories of Yawiakeem and Miss Helen are so touching from Bob and Carol. Bob and Carol , being on the Blessings Team had more opportunities for outreach than most of the team. We have all been fortunate enough to share in their experiences. Gray Brown and I were fortunate to have been called to help with “Miss Nora and “Mr. Curley”. What a blessing they were to us.
Hayes Barton has been in Helena for nine years. Bob and Carol and Kate have been there all or most of those years, building God’s City under the direction of Ben and Leonora Newell. Ben and Leonora are moving on and it is time for us to step up to the plate. This work must go on – we need to complete God’s work. I will be the first to tell you that this will be a work in progress forever, but we need to take the lead. Mollie Palmer and Kat Bahn will be in place, under the direction of Ray Higgins (CBF Arkansas) to lead the teams.
It would be so wonderful to go back next year with our largest team ever to help with this transition. We need for David With and Sarah Gordon to put their heads together and get our youth involved. We have a nice bus for transport and New Light Missionary Baptist has plenty of space near the B&B for overflow and an economical stay.
From Raleigh, thinking about the Delta
David

Helena 2011 Misc. Pics 7

2011-07-23T09:17:00.001-04:00

Helena 2011 Misc Pics 6

2011-07-23T09:09:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Misc Pics 5

2011-07-23T09:04:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Misc Pics 4

2011-07-23T08:59:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Misc Pics 3

2011-07-23T08:31:00.001-04:00

Helena 2011 Misc Pics 2

2011-07-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Misc. Pictures

2011-07-21T11:35:00.001-04:00

Helena 2011 Week 2 Camp Day 3

2011-07-21T07:21:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Week 2 Camp Day 3
Posted by Dave Hawkins
AND NOW – the end is near. As much as we all would like to be home (I will be gone 15 days) , leaving will be somewhat sad. It has been wonderful witnessing God’s work here in Helena. Sarah had asked at the morning devotional for us to look today and see where we saw God’s work. We discussed where we saw God’s work today.
Bob and Carol told of going to visit Miss Helen, who has raised more than 100 foster children and has been caring for a child w/cerebral palsy for sixteen years. They also told us about little four year old Yawiakeem who told Miss Carol about Jesus who died on the cross after seeing the cross she was wearing.. At the age of four, he told her that Jesus died for our sins so we could go to heaven. Carol was so moved that she gave him her cross.
Gray and I saw God’s work today. We visited Mr. Curley and Miss Nora today. After yesterday’s ordeal at the hospital and getting her into her home, we witnessed a new person. The Lord had stepped in and Miss Nora was in her chair smiling and chatting away on the telephone. This is not to say that the road ahead won’t be filled with many obstacles. The health issues won’t go away. They truly need our help and prayers. Nora and I discussed diabetes and food and weight loss and the effects of each. Gray and I have been so moved that we gave Nora and Curley our crosses. God brought HBBC to Nora and Charlie this week.
Our group participated in a community church service last night. Hope and Carol “participated” in the choir. The songs were new and words unavailable but our girls hung in here. It was a wonderful service with a theme of “Building a City”. We have all come here to Phillips County Arkansas to help build God’s City. We are all unified as one in God’s City and the community and volunteers are here working as one. We had ministers from four different churches speak on a different pillar of support needed to build God’s City. We have worked with numerous Baptist churches and Methodist an Episcopalians and many, many others. If you didn’t see God’s work and feel God’s love last night, you need to crawl back under your rock.
We need our rest tonight to prepare for the heat of the Delta tomorrow. I’m sure that it’s hotter in Raleigh so we are not complaining – it’s really fun doing God’s work.
From the Delta, Good Night

Helena 2011 Week 2 Damp Day 2

2011-07-20T07:11:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Week 2 Camp Day 2
Today, as most days in Helena started early and ended very late (11 pm and just starting blog). Everyday has unexpected twists and turns to go along with the “goods and bads” and today was no exception. We started our morning with a 7:20 devotional followed shortly thereafter by another good “Dana” breakfast. We were then off to the pool or park for 8 am meetings
Brenda’s day was great as she was able to see vast the improvement in one day in the leadership skills of local team leaders She said they seemed to grow up overnight.
Courtney engaged in a heart touching discussion about understanding and dealing with persons that are from different backgrounds than ours. She talked specifically about a camp group that she had trouble relating to and dealing with on Monday. Well, The Lord set them up Tuesday morning, in the park, next to Courtney’s group. Courtney passed the test! She decided to engage the group, understand the differences and be nice. Before the day was over, they were still different, still loud but friends. Know what? – It was a win, win –Everybody gained.
Sarah continues to have more fun than the kids. She feels a little better today and if she improves much more- Wow! She has a special needs foster child in her group. On the first day she dealt with meltdown after meltdown. After one day, the child came back and participated without ever complaining of being tired or a single crying spell. She and Miss Sarah bonded.
Bob’s story is the tuff one. He and Carol went by to visit an elderly couple that they had visited for years. They finally found the dear Lady in the local hospital (been there bed ridden for a week) ready (not) for discharge. Her weight had reached close to 400, she couldn’t walk, couldn’t getup, couldn’t stand alone. The hospital wanted $1800 to send her home in an ambulance. If you will allow me the freedom to say it, she shouldn’t be going home – maybe rehab. Bob called me and Vann and Gray to help. He rented a wheelchair (too small) for her home and he and Carol and 3 rehab employees spent 30 minutes getting Miss Nora into Bob’s rental car. The next trick was to get her out and into a house where all three entrances had four steps. The six of us (this includes Mr. Curley and the wheelchair delivery person) built a makeshift ramp and after thirty more minutes, got her into the home. My concern is not just now but tonight, tomorrow , next week. She is truly a prisoner in her own home (maybe her one chair). Let us each and everyone pray for Miss Nora and Mr. Curley. We need a miracle – we need someone to step forward –we need social services, Lord we need you now!
They day continued on -5:30 dinner at the Methodist Church – adult night swim at the pool – Wal-Mart visit – evening singing until 10 pm at Eden Market – evening wrap up session at the B&B. We are having fun doing The Lord’s work but we are tired. I won’t even talk about Hope because she’s too tired to listen. After dancing all day, she was called on to perform and sing at the Eden Market. She drug Carol along and we had “Sugar & Spice of Arkansas” minus Liz, Larita and Sandy.
From The Delta – Good Night

Helena 2011 Week 2 Wed bNight Dinner Methodist Church

2011-07-19T20:47:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011Week 2 Camp Day 1

2011-07-19T00:13:00.000-04:00

Helena 2011 Week 2 Camp Day 1

Posted by D. Hawkins
Tonight's wrap-up was attended by all 8 team members plus Leonora and Nate Newell. Commander Barksdale opened and asked for high points.
Brenda and Courtney were so excited about having Trevon in camp this week. He had been taken out of this community but after several conservations with foster care, allowed to return to camp. They later ate ice cream with him at Eden Market and he enthusiastically told them that this was his best day. Many of his old friends stopped to speak to Trevon -- Hallelujah Trevon is back!!.

Hope Long led our music program with a younger assistant. Hope wanted to explain how being flexible was rewardwd greatly by God. The camp was short music people and they asked Hope to give up the Blessings Committee to teach music and dance. Even though her mindset was baking cookies, she reluctantly but cheerfully made the switch and became the one blessed. When we started the morning Hope had a fourteen inch spring and the younger girl about a fifteen. When I returned about 2pm, the second round of the peanut butter and jelly song /dance was playing. I looked over and the young assistant was down to a thirteen inch spring. I looked hard and found Hope raising this hand and then that one - I'd estimate about a 2 inch spring - go Danielson Class Go!
Kate's Day and Hawk's Day started like a typical Monday at camp . By 10 am both were in high gear.

Sarah Gordon came to Helena sick. She didn't give me a high for today in her words but did in her actions. Sarah told me upon arriving Saturday with a z-pac and possible strep, that the tuff suck it up and keep going. That was said in a true Tar Heel fashion. About 1:30, when the old are tired; who do I see leading her team down the street. Yes it was Sarah, the loudest and the strongest in the group. TUFF!

Bob and Carol baked cookies after helping Kate get started and then served for the blessings committee. They spoke with a member of the Methodist Church (a pharmacist) and he welcomed them back and said his wife was cooking two cakes for the Wednesday night dinner at The Methodist Church.

Sarah closed us with prayer as we all needed to put our weary bones to rest.

Helena 2011 Pics Week 2 Camp Day 1 #2

2011-07-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

Helena Pics Week 2 Camp Day 1 #1

2011-07-18T16:50:00.001-04:00

Weekend Notes

2011-07-18T08:35:00.001-04:00

Helena Weekend Wrap Up

Monday, July 04, 2011
4:23 PM

Bob asked us for highs and lows for the day.
Hope told of 4 young boys dedicating there life to Christ at West Helen Baptist Church. That upon opening her eyes after prayer and alter call, there were two men there with their hands on the boys. Hope was very moved by this and the discussion that followed. The boys were given much information on their duties as citizens and as soldiers of Christ.

David was asked, as a Deacon to join Deacon/Pastor prayer union prior to service at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. Following the prayer, he was asked to lead the responsive reading before the congregation. What a special moment and feeling.

Kate attended St. Paul's with Ben Newell and Chip, one of our interns from North Carolina(Henderson). It was a special time, witnessing the baptism of three young boys being baptized as all the children of the church were brought forth to be closer to the pool and witness the occasion. Kate went on to tell us of an excellent sermon by Ernest and how he would sing, play the piano and preach - quite impressive.

Hope explained the music for tomorrow and actually sang the camp song for us.
Brenda Wilson gave us a run down on the Bible story for tomorrow and Courtney and explanation on iron deficiencies.

Kate was able to explain our mission in Helena and also told of . a woman returning from treatment and giving a testimony

Sarah shared her impressions about establishing relationships in Helena and how well we were connected from the past HBBC mission trips and we all agreed that we should talk to DW about involving more youth next year.

Weekend Pictures 2011 plus some

2011-07-17T23:01:00.000-04:00

ACC Helena 2011 Week 1 Camp Day 4

2011-07-16T10:14:00.000-04:00

HBBC in Helena 2011 Week 1 Day 4
Posted by Dave Hawkins
Thursday came and Thursday went before we knew it. The Lord blessed all of us by allowing us to be involved with the All Church Challenge this year. It seems like yesterday that McCauley and Elsie were greeting me with a large iced coffee at the Delta Terminal in Memphis and then yesterday Charlie and I zoomed them back. Unfortunately, we missed the awards ceremony where Ben, Leonora and the Newell kids for honored for the 10 years of their life given to Phillips County. Ray Higgins from CBF Arkansas and Together For Hope told of the millions of dollars brought into the community and 5 new buildings created during “The Newell” era.
You really understand and appreciate this when you see people standing in line, hoping a slot will be available to participate in camp. Due to an aggressive pre-registration, we reached our ceiling of 120 children early this year. This follows a year when we weren’t full. The swim program is using lifeguards now that were trained at ACC swim camp. So many churches and so many people have invested time and energy here and MUST keep it going. Ben and Leonora are moving on but it’s time for us to step up and give Mollie Palmer the boost to grow the camp and make it more efficient. HBBC has been a large part of this program under Kristen’s leadership – Let’s help put it over the top as the new era begins.
From “the heat” in Helena - David

Helena 2011 Week 1 Camp Day 3

2011-07-13T22:56:00.000-04:00

posted by: McCauley James

With another day of camp under our belt, we continued to push through the heat and build relationships established with camp members and others in the community. This morning we woke up to a freshly cooked sausage, egg, and cheese casserole with a hot biscuit and fresh fruit. We sure are spoiled every morning! Kate, mom, and I had another rewarding day in the pool and around camp. Mom was able to take her kids to the deep end again where she taught them to tread water and continue practicing their dives. Later in the afternoon when an important visitor appeared to inspect the progress of the swim camp, he was pleasantly surprised by how well Kate was running the program and the immense improvement of swimming abilities. A part of my day that I would like to highlight was when a young choir from Zion Hill Baptist Church performed during lunch in the park. All of children in my group had previously been complaining of exhaustion and hunger and were highly anticipating the arrival of their lunches. However, as we began handing out lunches, the choir began to sing. Immediately every child in my group voluntarily put their hunger and exhaustion aside and, with enthusiasm, jumped up to join the choir in singing and praise. What a neat moment to watch!

David and his buddy Tracey worked together again delivering water and ice to the many different stations around camp to ensure that everyone stayed hydrated. All of us went back to New Light Baptist Church for a wonderful taco dinner. Kate, Mom, and I returned to the pool for adult swimming lessons and then met David and Charles back at New Light for an evening worship service. The music was outstanding and the many speakers, including Rev. Wade and Ben Newell, shared a meaningful message on confession, reconciliation, leadership, and work. We have had yet another exciting day that has continued to enrich our spirits. In addition, we have witnessed how God has blessed this community with many loving people who care about the improvement of their future. Tomorrow is the last day of camp this week and though mom and I are sad to leave, we know that next week will be just as great for Kate, David and the other HBBC members that will be joining them!

Helena 2011 Week 1 Camp Day 2

2011-07-13T06:41:00.000-04:00

HBBC Helena Blog 2011 Week 1 Camp Day 2
Posted by: Dave Hawkins McCauley James
Understanding that McCauley is an English major and able to clean this up, I’m to write first. McCauley gives you a great perspective and I’m sure that by now you think we’ve each gained fifteen pounds. We started again today with a scrumptious breakfast at our B&B. Dana, our host started us with fresh fruit and juice or homemade granola to be followed by a wonderfully unique French toast served with bacon. So, so good! The girls go to the pool or park and are usually served a sandwich in a brown bag – not wonderful. Those of us with roving or outside jobs are treated to “Miss Mary’s” lunch at the Eden Market. Today’s lunch was fried squash, colored butter beans, fried chicken and homemade corn bread. This was followed by a cone of Blue Bell ice cream. Delivering water and ice with my “buddy” Tracey Payne from FBC Richmond is a never ending task when the heat index is 116 degrees. Someone is always calling and saying, we are out of water. The local fire department usually supplies us most of our ice but there reserve is too low in these extreme conditions. A local gentleman that owns Cunningham Propane has graciously provided the rest of what we have needed. The Lord has blessed us and we have had no serious heat related health issues. Elsie, McCauley, Charles and I attended a dinner tonight at New Light Baptist served by Delta Fellowship Church. Ben and Leonora Newell have a close relationship with both churches. Everywhere I go in this community, someone expresses to me how much the Newell’s are going to be missed in Phillips County. It is everyone’s hope and prayer that what has been started, can carry on.
From this point, McCauley it is yours…………………………………………..David.

Considering David has already written about the meals we have eaten today, I’m not sure there is much else to say! (Only joking) Today was another productive and exciting day at camp. Kate and Mom spent all day in the pool, per usual, making extraordinary progress with all of the kids they are teaching. While my group was at the pool, I watched mom take her group to the deep end and teach them how to dive off the edge. They were so excited and eager to learn something new and by the end of the rotation we could hardly stop them from diving in! Kate began working with three preschoolers that seemed quite reluctant to get in the pool. However, I was not surprised to find out that she had a hard time getting them out of the water by the end of the day. I am a group leader for a group of 12 kids ages 7-10 so I get to spend a lot of time with them throughout the day as they rotate through swimming, music, Bible stories, arts and crafts, and sports. The theme of this week’s Bible story is about Joseph and his coat of many colors. It has brought back many memories of the musical Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat we put on at HBBC when I was in the youth group. Anyway, I have enjoyed getting to know each and every child in my group and watching their enthusiasm to learn about Christ. The unique spirits of each child have shown me that God is working through them, which generates a hopeful future for this community.

Team 1: July 10, 2011

2011-07-12T14:02:00.000-04:00

To kick off the ninth summer of HBBC’s mission involvement in Helena, Arkansas our small group of five has been working hard during pre-camp to prepare for the highly anticipated week ahead of us. Kate Hall, Charles Wheless, and David Hawkins arrived on Friday and hit the ground running in preparation for the first of two weeks of camp, which will begin tomorrow.

Charles has been working hard on a computer program that will help Kate run the swim camp and registration more smoothly. We are excited to see the results of his hard work! Saturday afternoon (after an unexpected 4 hour travel delay) my mom (Elsie) and I (McCauley) arrived in Memphis. David picked us up from the airport and fortunately for us, his keen nose for good food brought us to Hollywood Café, a small restaurant in Robbinsonville, Mississippi that has also been featured on the travel channel. We sure did feel like we were in Hollywood as we enjoyed a full meal of fried pickles, onion rings, fried okra, and best of all, fried green tomatoes. After arriving in Helena at the Edwardian Inn, the five of us moseyed downtown to enjoy “Helena’s Second Saturdays” with live music and authentic art.

This morning we started off the day with a delicious breakfast of homemade French toast, sausage, and fresh fruit. We then ventured for the first time to West Helena Baptist Church, which we had been invited to personally by the pastor, Dusty Rhodes, the previous evening over a country cooked meal at Kelly’s restaurant. Pastor Rhodes gave a wonderful and inspirational sermon on Daniel chapter 6 and the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. The congregation was especially welcoming to us as visitors and even gave Kate an opportunity to speak about HBBC’s involvement in Helena and encourage them to participate and volunteer in the ACC (All Church Challenge). We also made a special connection with one of the church members, Francis; who is the sister of our previous minster Dr. George Ballentine’s wife, Sue.

After the service we headed over to Helena Country Club to enjoy another delicious meal. Later this afternoon, we dispersed into group meetings in order to further prepare for the exciting week ahead of us. After that the five of us headed out for yet another meal, boy do we love to eat! Dinner was hosted by the Wells family as an expression of their sincere gratitude for all of the churches that helped rebuild their home. After about a 45 minute detour and driving almost 36 miles out of the way, we finally made it. Don’t worry though, Charles benefited from a nice, long nap. We were very blessed to be a part of that fellowship this evening and look forward to finding out what God has planned for us this week. We can’t wait to start our first day tomorrow and have been praying hard for the many families of this community in hopes that they will continue to spread the love of Christ as we share it with them this week.

Team 1: Day 1

2011-07-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

Posted by McCauley James

This morning was an early start as we were anxious to begin our first day of camp. For breakfast a quiche dish was prepared with more sausage and fresh fruit. After breakfast we quickly gathered our necessary supplies and left to set up for camp. With the temperature rising over 90 degrees8:30 a.m. I don’t think anyone was quite prepared for the exhausting day ahead. The morning got off to a quick start shortly after everything was set up as a continuous flow of children flooded in for registration. This was in addition to the many that had already signed up. By the end of the day there were a total of 110 kids registered! As numbers grew, there is no doubt that we were all fully occupied. Charles worked diligently on the new spreadsheets that have helped organized camp participants by age, color groups, and swim level. Kate patiently dealt with the many new campers that showed up today who needed to be swim tested and placed into the most fitting group. Elsie spent the day in the pool teaching both new and familiar faces how to swim and David worked especially hard to make sure water and ice was delivered to every station of camp in order to keep cool as best we could.

I think everyone would agree that there were trying moments brought about by the adjustment period of the first day. However, it is inevitable that the joy shown in the smiles of the children and the great appreciation of the community makes everything well worth it. While Kate, Elsie, and I spent the evening at the pool teaching adult swim lessons and doing water aerobics, Charles and David enjoyed dinner without us. The girls made a quick trip to Wendy’s due to exhaustion from the pool and the heat. As another day has ended we are thankful to God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us throughout the trip thus far and are eager for what he has prepared for us in the days ahead. We know that the bond of Christ is the strength that holds us together as we all face the difficult tasks put before us. Another busy and exciting day lies before us tomorrow and we can’t wait to find out what is in store for us!

Arkansas Mission Trip 2011 July 8-15 & July 16-22

2011-06-16T15:02:00.000-04:00

Bookmark this page now to view entries for our 2011 Arkansas Mission Trip. Team 1 will be in Helena, Arkansas July 8-15. Team 2 will take over July 16-22!

Day 2

2010-07-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

Tonight we shared our holy moments that we experienced today.

The Blessings group went to give away free watermelon in the community. The disappointing part was that no one took any, but there was a holy moment when one woman who asked where they were from. They told her that they are from NC and she recognized what they are here for from reading it in the paper. She thanked them for what they were doing.

There were many holy moments today at swim/kids camp even with the huge increase of children. That in itself was holy because that means that we are reaching out to more children. However, that also meant for a harder day. There were still plent of holy moments that came out even in the hard times. At the pool, some of our own children (John Sherman and Carlie Wilson) both accomplished a lot! John proved that he was better than he thought by diving at the deep end! Carlie beat every boy in her group too! Levi (a former intern) shared that one of his boys wanted to pray at the end of the lesson and he thanked God for his swim teachers. In kids camp, I had my own holy moment. I had a hard time getting my kids to clean up after themselves after lunch and I was cleaning up the last little bit when a boy from another group that I didn't know came up and asked if he could help me. I was taken off guard because I was used to children not wanting to clean up or listen. I smiled and thanked him but told him I didn't need him because I had picked up everything. But that one little moment was the highlight of my day.

We had a baby shower for a local girl who has been helping out with camp for a couple of years now. It was pretty evident that she probably wouldn't be getting a baby shower, so we had some donated baby clothes, bedding, and toys. Looking at her grandmother's eyes and her eyes was a very holy moment because you could see how blessed they were.

Some prayer requests are some family friends of the Hawkins (the Britts) as they just lost their son to colon cancer and now the wife has just been diagnosed with cancer. Elsie mentioned to pray for the Manns. But a praise is that George and Vivian's son finally sold his house and now they are prepared to move back to Raleigh! Tomorrow is also their anniversary!

Camp Day 1

2010-07-19T23:12:00.000-04:00

It was a very eventful first day! There was a nice breeze today, so it was a very welcome relief from the sweltering Helena heat. We met tonight for a debriefing and some people shared their highs and their lows of the day.

Blessings group went to unload some chairs in the community center, and although some of the chairs fell off the truck that was transporting them, they were able to set them out. Some of the kids that were hanging out there were very eager to learn what they were for. It was nice to see their interest in what we were doing.

Preschool and Kids camp both had a low number of kids come, which is not the usual. There is usually a full camp on the first day. Even though it was a little disappointing not to see the normal kids, it was also a blessing to be able to have more one on one interaction with the children, which is what they need. However, we have been spreading the word, so we are expecting more children to show up tomorrow! There might be other programs going on this week, which is also a blessing because that means that the community is pulling together more for the kids; the ACC kids camp used to be the only program for local children. Even though it is a little sad for some of us, it is a very good thing for the community! The kids recognize a lot of us from the previous years, which is always a high point. Seeing their smiling faces as they say our names just warms our hearts.

The construction group got a lot of work done, but unfortunately they had to pack it all up and take it back to the shop because they still need to do some more work in the Eden market. They aren't sure they will be able to finish it by the end of the week, but we are all hopeful and praying for them to accomplish their goal.

Some prayer requests: We have heard from Julie and her brother-in-law is still in the hospital in rehab for his hands/fingers. He still has not moved his legs and they aren't sure when or if he will be able to recover. Leonora's sister just had a baby who has been sick and needs prayers as the baby recovers. Also, the older sibling is special needs and is having a hard time adjusting to this new addition to the family. Please pray for her family also as they try to figure out plans to pick up Lucas once he returns from the Czech Republic.

There have been many highs and lows today, but we just have to remember that this is all a part of God's plan for us here in Helena. Whatever happens is for a reason. Our most important mission is to spread His word to the people here.

Until tomorrow...

We made it!

2010-07-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

Hi! Virginia, here (hi mom and dad!). David Hawkins is passing the blog on to me since I usually write it with Rachel. However, Rachel is not here this year (sad!), so it is solely my responsibility now.

The second group arrived safely and soundly yesterday evening. After a long day of travelling, we got to Helena-West Helena and had a wonderful dinner at Granny Dee's in downtown Helena. The women there made a fabulous buffet for our group. After that we made the infamous Walmart run. We woke up early this morning (some earlier than others for an early morning run) to a delicious breakfast. We split up and went to New Light and New Hope as we do every year. Both services were wonderful and it was a true blessing to see Pastor Williams back at New Hope. Last year at this time he was in the hospital after suffering from a stroke. God has been so good and he is back at the church and he preached! He has been a little down because he's having a hard time walking, so please keep him in your prayers! But he was so thankful to see that "black and white people can sit together and love each other." That is what we came here to do, and the people from the communty are so pleased and thankful that we are here. After the church services we ate at the country club. That was the first time we had ever been there and it was a wonderful meal! A woman that David and Courtney had met last week brought her kids to camp for the first time and she was so happy to see them again today!

We met with our groups that we will be working with throughout this week. Kate mentioned that there she talked to a local woman who lives 5-6 miles away, in a better part of town, from where we serve. She had heard about the camp and she decided to sign up her grandkids. Kate said that she was the first white local woman to sign up her kids on her own (usually they are set up through a program)! This was very exciting news that this has spread further around town!

Leonora shared that more people are here volunteering this year than ever before. Molli and Catherine, repeat interns, have been doing a great job of running the camp and everything else while Ben and Leonora have been in Raleigh. She would also like for everyone to pray for Lucas as he is currently travelling in Prague, Czech Republic with another group.

It has been very hot today, and it looks as if it will be this way all week! Pray that we will all stay hydrated and that we will be able to reach out to the children here.

As a parting note, I just wanted to add that we had the second annual cutting of the kids camp band ceremony. I had this band on for a whole year, but it is time to move on to a new color.

Virginia

2010-07-14T23:23:00.000-04:00

HBBC GOES TO HELENA 2010
Camp Day 3

We are now on the home stretch – awards tomorrow night. What a blessed day this has been. The heat could have been worse (98 degrees) and the skies could have again been stormy. With the conditions perfect, the camp was again vibrant and full.
The water went away faster than the crew could replenish. It was go, go, go all day long.
The preschoolers were in the pool for the first time today - what a delight. We saw signs of joy and signs of fear, but mostly an eagerness to learn.
Tonight, we again had dinner at New Light and this time the dinner was provided and served by their members. Great fried chicken, homemade rolls, steamed cabbage, green beans and much more. Kate must be “special” as she was the only one to be served stewed okra.
We followed dinner with church services at New Life conducted by Rev. Vivian Hoskins from The Faith Outreach Church. The Rev. Hoskins conducted in an depth discussion on The Holy Spirit. We were entertained by the highly acclaimed Devine Deliverance Choir. “Our Own” Cat Bahn accompanied Chris and Julie Maloney in a beautiful rendition of, Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings. The congregation joined in the singing.
We have another hot one tomorrow to wrap up camp. Tomorrow evening we will have our awards and our craft sale followed by some much needed down time Friday and Saturday. Kristen has already called with instructions for dinner reservations for Saturday evening. The gang arrives in Memphis at 3:40 CST.
Until Monday, I bid you farewell from Arkansas
Hawk (sub blog writer)

2010-07-13T21:39:00.000-04:00

HBBC GOES TO HELENA
Camp Day 2

Rain Rain Go Away …..? Does God really want the rain to go away? Is that for us to know or just for him to decide? If the farmer’s are praying for rain, should our prayers for the rain to stop so we can hold mission camp be answered?
This was the question this morning in Helena. At 7 AM the wind, thunder, lightning and rain started. At the sight of any spec of light sky; my cohort, Tracy said his prayers for the rain to stop were being answered. In my own contentious way, I asked him why his prayers were more important than the local farmer’s. This led to an all day discussion that was worthy of thought. There is no way that God can please all the people, all the time. We must adjust to all situations….. …….And today we did at ACC! The kids adjusted, the counselors adjusted, Alex and I picked up a new water stop AND all was well! Courtney said, you know the kids missed swimming but we kept them so busy and distracted, they never mentioned it.
Tonight Delta Fellowship fed all of the volunteers at New Light Baptist. A great time was had by all. Our slave, Kate Hall ate early (4:30) so she and Courtney could be back in the pool to teach adult swimming at 6 PM. These two die hards will then do water aerobics fro 7:00 til 7:45.
Whichever way God smiles tomorrow, HBBC will be prepared to react and work on his behalf.
Wish you were HERE!!
Dave Hawkins (substitute blog writer)

HBBC Goes to Arkansas 2010 Camp Day 1

2010-07-12T23:37:00.000-04:00

Today was the day that the Lord made and he did a wonderful job. Today in Helena, we had overcast skies and a nice breeze all day. It was still 95 degrees; but for those of you that have been here, you know it could have been worse.

The start of today exceeded our expectations. While Courtney, Alex and I were having lunch on Sunday, we told the waitress about “our” ACC camp. We also invited her to bring her sisters and nieces to camp. She had never heard of the camp and we figured we would never see her again. Early this morning at registration, one of the first persons Courtney made eye contact with was this young lady. I believe they were equally surprised and happy as each burst into a huge smile. This is what it is all about folks. The young lady brought three children.

Alex and I moved water and ice all day and had many PR opportunities in doing so.

Kate had a really busy day kicking off swim camp and was the benefactor of many blessings. She more fully understood the meaning of “community” after today’s experience. Today showed what we can accomplish when working together. We had ten churches pulling together to accomplish God’s will. As Kate said, “This just shows that God wants us working together. It started with the creation of Adam and Eve as husband and wife (a team).

HBBC, you don’t know what you are missing not being here. First Baptist Wilmington brought 60 people. You should see what 40 people can do in a day building a house. Let’s bring a work party next year.

Until tomorrow from the Delta – Dave Hawkins

HBBC Goes to Helena 2010 Day -1

2010-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

What a way to start a Mission Trip – Viewing God’s splendor first hand on the Mississippi River from a canoe at 5:30 AM!

Kate Hall, Dave Hawkins and Courtney Wilson and Alex Avery started Sunday morning with a nine mile float from The St. Francis River to Helena - we had a scrumptious breakfast at the Edwardian B & B, showered and made Church at New Life Baptist by 10:30 AM.

Pastor Ed Wade’s sermon from Matthew Chapter 5 challenged us to remember God’s word as God would want it understood, and not as “we” want to interpret it.

The church extended a sincere welcome to all ten churches here for the ACC Challenge. The HBBC group discussed how nice it would be to bring Pastor Wade to Raleigh for a revival and also some of the Helena Kids to entertain in our homes.

Sunday afternoon was spent preparing for the weeks camp which begins manana. At 5PM Charlie and Winiferd Wells provided dinner for 250 persons on their farm. It was like a great covered dish dinner!

We are now making “Ms” Kate’s posters and wring blogs.God has been good to us! May he continue to watch over all of us for the rest of this week and next.

Dave Hawkins (substitute blog writer until Va. Murray arrives).

Mission Trip to Helena, Arkansas, July 17-23, 2010

2010-07-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

We are ready to return to Helena, Arkansas to be the presence of Christ during the week of July 17-23. In partnership with CBF’s Together for Hope, we will join with churches across the country to share the love of Jesus with the people in Helena. Opportunities will include swim camp, construction, the blessings ministry, preschool camp, Stories on Wheels bus, gardening, and library work.

Please visit our blog often to see how the team is doing in Helena.