The first day of December has arrived and the 2006 hurricane season is officially closed. Predictions of 15 storms proved to be way off the mark. The gulf had a calm year. I know you join me in being thankful. But as we count our blessings, friends in the Midwest are being belted with ice and snow.  

Today our Men’s Ministry is feeding lunch to the 230 workers that are working on the I-10 Bridge. You remember it was damaged two years ago when Ivan came roaring into Escambia Bay. We have been down to one lane and traffic is often backed up for miles. These workers have been on the construction project 24/7. Several months ago a church member gave me the idea of serving a meal to the crew as a thank you to the men and women who are working to get the bridge re-opened. I handed the idea the David Rabold and he ran with it. Today we will say thanks as over 40 OBC volunteers become bondservants to the workers who are guests in our area. We are delivering and serving the meal on the constuction site to the workers today at noon and then again for a few more later this afternoon. I hope to have a picture or two to show you next week.    

Everyone agrees that hurricanes have changed the area in which we live. Ministry has changed. The storms opened up avenues to touch people with good works and the Gospel. This has been a catalyst to the 20/20 Vision Team and me. Next week we are meeting with Charles Roesel of Leesburg, Florida, about the idea of a ministry village at Olive. We believe this could advance our ministry in the area of meeting needs and sharing the Gospel day by day. Only the Lord knows what this will look like in days to come. You can visit www.christiancarecenter.org to learn more about what our friends in Leesburg are doing. They have a great model for us from which to learn.   

As we put hurricane season behind us there are only 24 shopping days left until Christmas.  At home our tree is up but there is not one package under it. Liz and I are making a list. This year we have decided to invest in ministry rather than purchase something for each other. We will buy for others and have a great time opening gifts with family. However, the money we normally spend on each other will go to Kingdom causes. As you shop remember to include Jesus in your giving. After all, He controls the storms and it is HIS birthday.   

Pastor Ted Traylor