Reflections on Two Mission Trips in 2009
In October 2009, six members of Overbrook traveled to Gulfport MS to assist in reconstruction, still in progress four years after Hurricane Katrina. In November, nine members traveled to Caldwell in eastern Ohio to provide needed assistance to the people in that Appalachian community. Their efforts there were directed by the Resource Center of Lutheran Social Services. This is the only religious group actively providing services in that area of the state. During worship on January 24, some of our members who made those trips reflected on their experiences.
Reflections on Caldwell
Lorie Ellett: Yes, I'm an introvert, but I'm not shy. I faced my fears and went to Caldwell, where I raked leaves to help people.
Bob Ellett: I was sent to a well-kept farm house. I thought I was at the wrong place. But the owners, an older couple, one needing knee surgery and the other a cancer survivor, needed painting to finish a project started four years ago.
Susie Belknap: I was sent to Gloria, dealing with cancer. She needed house-cleaning. But even more, she wanted someone to talk with about Jim Tressel's coaching style, as the Penn State/OSU game was in progress.
Anne Gibson: The Caldwell Resource Center needed clothing, especially children's clothing. Overbrookers contributed 85 bags, 1000 pounds, of clothing. And then after the Caldwell trip, when we saw the need, pre-schoolers and their parents collected another 1000 pounds.
Reflections on Gulfport
Mike Johnson: When we arrived, the house had four rough walls and soft, very soft, red mud in the driveway. My team, including Charlie Lemon, built the 2" X 4" walls, the porch, and installed the complete roof including the roof trusses, sheeting and shingles. 
The Hinkles covered the driveway with crushed stone. Up on the roof-top, I envisioned the ceiling of the Sistine chapel with God reaching out a hand to help our hands and backs complete the house.
Donna Coolidge: We answered Christ's call to help others. God's love has a ripple effect. Praise be to God for all of the gifts of love that we here at Overbrook give and receive through mission!
Charlie Lemon: I'm glad I didn't fall off the roof.
Charlie again: Nightly worship was especially meaningful and brought us together as "the body of Christ" in praise and fellowship. Also, in Caldwell on Sunday morning, we celebrated our living Christian community with the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, where Deb Bowsher shared an inspiring message.
Check out the Mission home page for a summary of Overbrook missions.