Missions with Don & Rosemary

I suppose all of us have childhood heroes. I did. There was no one greater to me as a boy then a youth raised in S. Fla. than V. P. Black. So many times hearing him in meetings, what impressions for the gospel impressed on me? While on sojourner work this passed Jan. & Feb. I learned he was in a meeting at the Peace River Church of Christ in Punta Gorda, Fla. I went to every service just as I did as a boy. Thank God for heroes like V.P. Black. While there however, I gained a new hero, Doug English. After hurricane Charley demolished the church building, things did not look good for the continuation of the work there. But God can raise up. He raised up another hero, Doug and his devoted wife Evie. They encouraged the brethren, and now anytime , this determined congregation will begin their building. Even though they began meeting again in a tent, now a trailer, they are very interested in evangelism and out reach. They're growing numerically. In the picture on the left a hero of mine for nearly 65 yrs., on the right a new hero of about 65 days. Yes, that's me in the middle. Am looking forward to speaking with the Windrow Church of Christ near Murfressboro, Tn. Wed. night. It is an opportunity to tell people about what is going on with the volunteers and The Churches of Christ disaster Team. The phones have really been ringing today from christian brethren asking how they can help. Thank you very much. Thanks for telling others about this blog encouraging missions. donchudson.blogspot.com Thanks for the many, many, emails everyday. To the best of our ability, we answer everyone the day we receive it. This is another part of our volunteer work with the drt. I appreciate everyone of your emails. dhudson@mcis.us It's 10:00 and time for me to turn in.... Seems like 5:30 come a little early some mornings. Saw this saying at HCU while there. "Thank God, they're gone.....my sins. Good Night.. Don

It was an honor and a joy to be on the program at Heritage Chritian Un. today. I greatly appreciate the work they are doing in helping men prepare to preach. The Cox Blvd. Church of Christ hosted this program and several brethren who are interested in helping in the Gulf Region were there. Br. Dave Neal, one of the elders that oversees the work of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team educated all of us as to much of the organizational work of the drt. My brief presentation had to do with the organized work on the volunteers of the Disaster Response Team in evangelism and out-reach and the tremendous desire of those helped to learn of the church that shows how it cares. We discussed that over 100 baptisms have taken place in the gulf region do to the work of christians.
Appreciated so much the invitation to be with the West Fay. Church last Wed. Looking forward to being with one of the congregations this Wed. night in Mufreesboro, and then going to Ohio to be with the Somerset Church of Christ in Somerset, Ohio May 12,13, 14. We are really looking forward to being with the brethen there. They are very interested in evangelism and we will be involved in a church growth, out-reach discussion with them. We have changed to a new computer so am a little behind on the blog and will put some new picture on tomorrow after evening worship services. Brethren, we are making a difference......Don

This a picture of the Peace River Church building after Charley finished with it. Below members meeting in the tent. They would not be defeated. Any day now they will begin building there new building. It was my privilege to speak there last Sun. Br. Doug English and his good wife Evie have helped so much. Doug preaches, and leads the singing for the church. This is a true labor of love these wonderful christians have for the work. Rosemary and I leave in the morning to go to Heritage Christian Un. to meet with many of the leaders of the church in N. Ala. in discussing the volunteer work of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team. One of the elders of the Somerset Church in Ohio, who have the oversight of the drt., Br Dave Neal is flying in from Ohio to be with us in this meeting. On our next blog report we will be telling about this meeting as we prepare ourselves for the next hurricane season. It was a great privilege to speak last night at the West Fayetteville Church. They are some of the wonderful supporters of our out reach work in the drt. Thank you for telling your friends about this blog site. Every where we go in our travel people tell us they are reading it and are enthused knowing of the physical and spiritual care christians are having the opportunity to show. blog site donchudson.blogspot.com email dhudson@mcis.us Brethren, we are making a difference. Don

Today, April 17, 2006, will be our last report for about a week. Rosemary and I are going down to Port Charlotte, Fla. to see my dad. My dad will be 87 his next birthday and he still lives in his own house, but we go down and check on him and various things to make sure he is as comfortable as possible. We have begged him to come live with us in Tenn., but he wants to be in his own house as long as possible. I can understand that. We will answer all emails promptly now, but should you send one afterwards, it will be a few days. By the way we really do appreciate your emails, both you questions and comments. On the blog is our card, hope you will print it and carry it in your billfold so that if we can be of any service you can email us or call us. Thank you for your response to this blog, it has been terrific. By the way continue to get great reports from the efforts of the volunteers even the possibility of starting a Christian school because of the interest in the gospel.
Looking forward to speaking at Peace River in Punta Gorda, Fl. while there, then West Fayetteville, Fayetteville, Tenn. the 26th, and then at Heritage Christian Un. the 29th. There is such a desire to hear of the great work done by the volunteers and of the opportunity to be involved in out-reach and church growth....Don

This is the beautiful building of the Cape Coral Church of Christ. You see some of the rigs of sojourners parked near by. We spent a couple of weeks there knocking on doors, inviting people to worship and bible study. Met a lot of really fine people there. Dick was the team leader and George was the co team leader. The leaders plan our days work and schedule. They also plan our morning's devotion. The bottom picture is of us sojourners having lunch together. Every day the wonderful sisters of the church provided a great meal.

On another note received an email from Randy, one of the really great volunteers. He has spent some time helping with the clean up after the tornado north of Nashville. The efforts of the Church of Christ in this effort has been featured on many news programs.
Looking forward in attending the meeting at Heritage Christian Un.the 29th concerning the efforts in the gulf region and the tremendous opportunity in bible teaching, out reach and church growth in the region. Brethren the opportunity is tremendous. Looking forward to speaking at the Peace River Church of Christ in Punta Gorda, Fl. next week, then at the West Fayetteville Church of Christ in Fayetteville, Tn. and then we go to Somerset, Ohio to present another seminar on out-reach and church growth. Jesus said, "the fields are white unto harvest" He said it and I believe it. Received an email from Fla. that said about the church, "Under the same management for over 2000 yrs."
Good Night All. Remember in your prayers the work of so many who are helping reach out to others with the saving message of Jesus. Don

Because of all the damage to the church building, clothes were piled outside every day. Nearly all of these clothes would be gone by days end. This upper picture is of the Church at Bayou le Batre. It had been closed for a long time before Katrina, but with the outreach efforts of so many volunteers, this congregation of the Church of Christ is now open for worship. At last check, there have been 49 baptisms, and they are now having bible study 6 nights a week. Below is yours truly with some dear friends that we made during our efforts at Bayou le Batre. They were so friendly and so receptive. I am told there are now several Asian members of the Church at Bay le Batre.....The opportunity for out reach in the gulf region is just tremendous. By the way thank you very much for your reception of the blog "Missions with Don & Rosemary" Everyday we have emails telling us about work for the Lord. And yes, your bible questions are always welcomed. I don't claim to be a scholar, just a seeker, but to the best of my ability we'll see what God's word say about living for Him. Isn't God good? He can take our little and so greatly multiply it to His Glory.
Donchudson.blogspot.com dhudson@mcis.us Matt.6:6 But thou when thou prayest enter into thy close and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Don

There are several rigs at the church building in Cape Coral, Fl. Several of the sojourners were there for a sojourn in Feb. We knocked on several hundred doors inviting people to worship with us. Several did. The church there took good care of us. They were a big part in there evangelistic effort as well as preparing lunch for us every day. After the meeting we did a lot of work cutting and hauling brush from a recent hurricane. The sojourners also did a lot of work on the building. We sojourners have our own self-contained rigs and go virtually all over the country helping churches when we are invited. If you would like to find out more about the sojourners or would desire a sojourn in your area, you may write National Evangelism with Sojourners 5554 Cooks Road Marshall, Tx 75670 Call 903-935-5742 or email office@sojourning.org Don

Many of the ladies of the Cornersville Church of Christ have formed a ladies class and are a great help with the church. This is the front of the new letter they are putting out. It takes a lot of work, but they are a real asset to the work. Leslie and Judy are real leaders in this work....Don

A dozen of us sojourners working in an evangelistic effort in S.W. Fla. From left to right, Neal & Thelma, Dick & Nita, Doug& Maxine, George & Margaret, Joe & Gladys, Don & Rosemary. We worked several days door knocking and inviting people to church and setting up bible studies. Then we were involved in preaching the meeting. When the meeting was over, we spent another week there helping the church cut damaged trees and debris as a result of hurricane Charley. For information about the sojourners, either to find out about joining or if you would like our help, please go to the web page www.sojourning.org, e mail at office@sojourning.org or you can call the office at 903-935-5742. Good night, Don

What we can do with Jesus
Mt.27:22--Pilate faced a choice that nearly every learn person for 2000yrs. has had to face. What will I do with Jesus?
I. Actions we can take about Jesus
A. Reject Jesus Mt.10:38, Jn. 6:66
B. Doubt Jesus Mt.28:17, Jn.20:25&28
C. Accept Jesus Jn.6:69, Jn.3:16

II. What will I do for this Jesus?
A. I will stand for this Jesus Eph.6:10-18--of all thimes in history to stand for Jesus, I can think of no more important time than now...
1.Stand for worship found in the New Testament Jn.4:24
Prayer IThes. 5:17
Communion Acts 20:7
Preaching II TIm.4:2
Giving ICor.16:2
Singing ICor.14:15

III. What will I do with this Jesus?
A. I will share this Jesus Acts 20:27, Eph.3:17---("permeate my very being")
1. Jesus was an encourager Jn. 14:1
2.Jesus was caring. He cared for some people that no one liked--Zacchaeus
Lk.19:1-10
3.Jesus knows our hearts--"Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in Prayer"
Heb.4:14-16

IV.Conclusion
What will I do with this Jesus?
1. I will stand for Jesus.
2. I will share this Jesus.
3. I will follow this Jesus right into heaven...

In spite of the fact that volunteers with the Churches of Christ Disaster Team (drt.) often work in some tough situations, we often take time to spread a little joy. Here is Mark, "The Boss" along with Royke, an elder in the church, and Rosemary laughing at a good joke. Just a little break. When the laughter is over it back to clean up. This house had a lot of damage and needed a lot of clean up, but when the volunteers left things were a lot better. We are especially appreciative to Heritage Christian Un. in Florence, Al. and President Dennis Jones for allowing the use of the facilities to meet with interested congregations concerning the opportunity for helping in the gulf region. This picture, I believe, speaks volumes as to the joy that the volunteers with drt bring to hurting people. Just think of the extra joy we have bringing them with a message of hope and salvation in Christ Jesus. Brethren thanks to you, we, together are making a big difference......Don

A letter from the Cox Blvd. Church of Christ 303 Cox Blvd. Sheffield, Ala. 35660

Dear Brethren,
The Gulf Coast hurricanes displaced many families and created unbelievable physical, financial and spiritual hardships. Now, almost eight months, later there are still hundreds of thousands of people that cannot live in their homes. Uninsured flooding has made this an impossible situation for not just a single city but for the entire Gulf Coast region.
Donations of goods and money are still necessary and are being provided by both non-profit and for profit organizations along with the Federal Government but presently, manpower is the most pressing need. Many Christians do not know of the needs and manpower shortage that still exist and the situation becomes more desperate with each passing day. We have found most churches are also not aware of the highly organized operation by the elders of the Somerset Church of Christ, Somerset, OH. Cox Blvd Church of Christ, Sheffield, Al. has made five mission trips to date and helped rebuild fifteen homes with no wasted time or effort due to the organizational skills of brother Cremeans. These trips to the Gulf Coast are truly missions of mercy, Christianity at work.
On Saturday, April 29, 2006, at Heritage Christian University there will be a meeting to inform all interested Churchesof Christ about this available mission. Mark Cremeans works under the Somerset eldership as the Coordinator, Disaster Response Teams in the Gulf Coast area, along with Dave Neal, one of the Somerset elders, and Don Hudson who coordinates public relations efforts for the Disaster Response Teams, will be present to answer any and all questions.
Each congregation that chooses to be involved will work independently of all others and each congregation can work as much or as little as they please. No group is too large or too small. People who are willing to work may be unskilled, semi-skilled or highly skilled. Each church will coordinate their visit with our missionary brother, Mark Cremeans, who will make sure each trip is productive. Please send a representative of your congregation to this meeting. NO DONATIONS WILL BE SOLICITED.
Meeting Location Heritage Christian Un, Florence, Al.
Telephone 1256-766-6610
Date Saturday, April 29, 2006
Time 10:00 am.-11:30
Please rsvp 1-256-383-1618 or 383-1905 Cox Blvd. Church of Christ

Bill, "Willie" my brother-in-law was an unbelievable help to the volunteer work in the gulf region. Most of his work was in the hot humid weather, from day light to dark cutting trees away from peoples houses. This is a very hard hot work but this must be done before others can get inside the house to work on it. I can tell you this, "Willie" had no trouble sleeping at night for the duration of his work helping people. The young lady in the other picture is Robin. She too was on the clean up brush cutting crew, but her best work was in "encouragement" and picture taking. As these and others helped people, you would often hear them say "God bless you". Needless to say they were very receptive to tracts that led to further bible study and in many instances baptism into Christ. Thank you for all the help that members of the Church of Christ are giving in support to this wonderful out- reach ministry. God is being glorified, Christ is being magnified and the church is being edified. Don

This pile of debris was once the building of the Peace River Church of Christ in Punta Gorda, Fla. Our brethren there have refused to give up. They are at present meeting in a mobile home on the property. Doug English is serving the church as minister and is a fine preacher. It appears that in a few weeks the brethren at Punta Gorda will be able to begin construction on their new building. The Churches of Christ Disaster Team was involved in a great deal of the recovery effort in in the Charlotte County area in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. If you would like to help in any way with the volunteers of the drt, please email me at dhudson@mcis.us Another idea, go to the web site ChurchesofChrist.drt.org there you can find out a great deal more as well as read Laura's blog. Why not give them a call? Don

Well here's the picture of a brother teaching about Christ to soldiers at Ft.Benning. The chalk board reads King of Kings. "As we therefore have opportunity...." Don

A picture of a teacher teaching soldiers at Ft. Benning. This work is under the eldership of the Broad Street Church of Christ in LaGrange, Ga. They have a very informative web. site. broadstreetcoc.org I look forward
in visiting with these brethren. I have heard what a great mission work this is. Don

Received an email from our extended family Connie who is greatly involved in mission work as she continues with her career. Connie is a big help with Military Missions at Ft. Benning. She has been involved with this work for some two years. Soldiers that come to worship, learn also how to teach others so that when they leave they can greatly aid in teaching people about the Lord wherever they go. Connie tells me they baptized 26 soldiers last Sunday. This work is under the Broad street Church of Christ in LaGrange. It is wonderful that people are receptive as Christians reach out Don

Just visited a most interesting web site simplechurch.squarspace.com Ben and one of my dear friends. Connie with a lot of others are very involved in Military Missions. From all reports, they are doing a great work there. Ben knows several of the acquaintances the the drt has made helping in disaster areas.

Seemingly everywhere volunteers with the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team go, we see signs of appreciation like this one that reads. "God bless you for all your help". A question that is often asked of people who want to do personal evangelism is how do I get contacts? One way is as a volunteer with "drt", we give out bible tracts where ever we go. When we offer to do follow up with them they ar often very receptive. When we as Christians take the opportunity to show we really care about them the receptivity is just great. It has been a joy to be at various congregations telling them of the opportunity we have to help physically and spiritually in the volunteer work of the Churches of Christ Disaster Team. By the way we never accept a fee to come and speak with you concerning personal evangelism and no funds are solicited. NOT EVEN MENTIONED.
April and May speaking dates are filled and June is filling up quickly. From July on engagements are only scheduled with the understanding that if a disaster strikes, we are committed to going to help the people in the disaster area. Thank you all for your encouragement is this effort. Don

We have made contacts with people in the Tennessee tornado area offering the help of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team. We are awaiting their requests. As we can be of help to them we will get it on the blog. If you want to be a part of the volunteers, please let us know. dhudson@mcis.us Don

"The Boss", Mark Cremeans, and Rosemary are with a group of volunteers not pictured as we are using rakes, shovels and other hand tools to clean up one of the many yards littered with debris from the storm. It was really hot on the gulf coast so we took plenty of water breaks. We have been invited to meet with a group of congregations at Heritage Christian Un. in Florence, Al. on the 29th day of April. This meeting will begin at 10:00 am. You or a representative from your congregation are certainly welcome. NO DONATIONS WILL BE SOLICITED. We want to make everyone who would like to be involved learn what a wonderful opportunity we have not only in helping people, but also of the receptivity that people there have for the gospel. If you would like to come to HCU. Sat. April 29, please call and let them know 256-766-6610. If you are unable to be there, we would still love to have your help. email me dhudson@mcis.us call Mark Cremeans at 937-308-0035 or call the elders at the Somerset, Ohio Church of Christ. 740-743-2313. If you have a desire to be involved in mission work, this is an excellent opportunity. Thanks for your help and your prayers......Don

Two sojourners, Joe & Gladys, who are also volunteers with the Churches of Christ Disaster Team. They have done great work in helping people who have suffered so much on the gulf coast. Joe was a big help in everything, but especially in helping giving out bible tracts. Below is a revival sign in Cape Coral where we as a group of sojourners worked helping the church there. We knocked on several hundred doors inviting people to worship, helping set up bible studies and helping the local church in many ways. Maybe you would like to consider joining the sojourners. If so, talk with any sojourner, call the office at 903-935-5742, email the sojourners office@soulurning .org
If I can help you in any way, please email me at dhucson@mcis.us
Oh yes, thank you so much for telling folks about this blog site. It is just tremendous, the response we are getting. Thank you so much for helping encourage out reach among Christians. Don

Even though there was unbelievable devastation in the gulf region, these people still had a great sense of humor. We really came to love and appreciate folks there very much. In this area of the gulf our biggest job was, by hand, hauling limbs, pieces of houses, pieces of boats and pieces of I don't what to the curb, so that others could come in and haul off the debris from the curb. As we worked with the people including hauling groceries and other necessities to them, they were very receptive to learning about the Lord and His Church. In areas of devastation such as this, one of the big jobs of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team is to haul supplies out to the people. Much donated supplies often come in, but many times cars have been destroyed and they have no way of getting necessities. This is one area in which the drt. is very important. The supplies have to get to the people and that's one of the big efforts the volunteers have. We getting ready right now preparing our selves for when the call comes from "The Boss", we're ready to leave to help. Want to be part of the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team.? It's all volunteer, but it is a tremendous opportunity to help people both physically and spiritually. Call the Somerset Church of Christ at 740 743 2313 or go to their web site at www.churchesofchristdrt.org You are welcome to email me with questions dhudson@mcis.us Don

As you can see this fine lady on the gulf coast appears very happy. Even though she had been thru a storm there were now members of the Church of Christ, volunteers, helping with food, clothing and trying to help people get their lives back to some order. They are very receptive to bible tract and bible study. Many bible studies are going on at this present moment because in caring for these people a door of receptivity was definitely opened.. Please email me at dhudson@mcis.us with any questions. If you would like to become a volunteer with the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team, contact me or go to the web site www.churchesof christ drt.org for more info. Thanks for telling others about this blog site. This blog site has had a tremendous impact in encouraging out-reach. Together we are making a difference. Don

Doug-upper picture and Neal are examples of just some of the many areas in which sojourners work. As sojourners ourselves, Rosemary and I were with them and several other sojourners in Cape Coral, near Ft. Meyers, Fl. this past February. In this area, we knocked on several hundred doors inviting people to come and learn of the Lord at the Cape Coral Church. Several did. As you can see by the pictures however there are many other areas in which we helped the church. Cutting this brush was part of our clean up activities after the effects of a hurricane. The sojourners, in my opinion, are a great mission effort. You can find out more about them and our work helping churches by talking with a sojourner and I would suggest you also Write our office at
National Evangelism with Sojourners
Church of Christ Sojourners Mission
5554 Cooks Road
Marshall, Tx 75670
You also can phone 903-035-7367
The email is office@sojourning.org
Read the web page www.sojourning .org
They can also give you info. about joining in with this great group of home missionaries. Had a great day with the church today, and I hope you did too. Don

It just seems kids gravitate to "Big Mike". Mike sends this message from Bay St. Louis
" Here are the thins that we have done or are in the process of doing in the past 60 days."
Have fill out analysis form for approximately 1500 families.
Received and distributed 2 semi loads of food & supplies
Received and distributed 2 semi loads of furniture.
Received and distributed 2 loads of mattresses & box springs.
Received and distributed 2 semi loads of appliances.
Received and distributed 850 sheets of drywall with
insulation mud and nails.
Housed and fed volunteers each week.
Had volunteers doing all stages of work from gutting to finishing drywall.
Charley has 27 bible studies in progress.
Had 5 baptisms.
Had largest number in Sunday morning service in the history of Bay St. Louis Church of Christ (95)
Have approximately 300 work orders filled out for work that needs to be completed on houses in the area.
Mike
We are thankful for the volunteers who are working with the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team, under the eldership of the Somerset Church of Christ. These volunteers are really making a difference not only in helping people physically, but also in bringing people to Christ On of our major effort in the Disaster Response Team, drt, is out reach. Together my brethren, we are making a real difference. Don

Yours truly seated with a group of volunteers from the Granny White Church of Christ in Nashville, Tn. These volunteers, like so many others, came in and literally worked from daylight to dark "gutting" damaged houses. When these volunteers with the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team, go into an area, they really work. Bible tracts are given out and people are told about the local church. Bible Studies are set up, people are baptized into Christ. A large part of our work is outreach. People are very receptive as we show them that Christians care. Someone passed this to me, "some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses. Don