Colorado Mission Trip

Between October 2 and October 15, 2013 I travelled to Colorado on a mission to serve some of the people of that region. The priority was to serve Patricia Starr on the western slope of Colorado by doing tasks that needed done before the winter weather rolled in. Although some tasks were achieved there remains much to do and my hopes are that families that are more local to the area might step up and sacrifice their time and labor to achieve these projects. Another purpose of the mission was to meet and encourage families in the region to come together amongst themselves in faith, hope and charity. Such matters as these are sometimes best done in person, face to face, for those that may become discouraged or need that extra attention.

I was blessed by Scott Hostetter and Angela Crute with the use of Angela's car to make the trip. With this family's sacrifice the trip was simplified and I was able to take more tools and gear. Much gratitude goes to them both.

I arrived in the Denver area on the evening of October 2nd, and was blessed by Roberta Ratcliff with lodging at her house. My intent had been to spend a few days in the Denver area before heading to the west side, but after arriving and seeing that the timing to meet most of the families in the Denver area was not opportune, I decided to continue on to the west side and schedule my visit in the Denver area for my return trip.

I arrived at Patricia's place on the evening of the 3rd and set up camp.

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The next morning didn't look promising.

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But it cleared up and was nice enough the next few days to get some work done. I cleared away the brush from the fenceline along the front and side of the property in preparation to lay up some chicken wire to keep the preditors out.

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I was blessed to have Bob Hogan show up to help.

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He cleared out many of the small trees that were close to the fence line

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and helped lay up the chicken wire.

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It was a great honor to see such sacrifice from Bob who had never met either Patricia nor myself. The wood was ordered and delivered

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so I upgraded the wood rack

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with a small shelter (I didn't get a picture of the finished shelter)

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built with stuff I found laying around.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get to a lot of things that needed done as well. But we can do only so much as time and finances allow. Hopefully as people are led to sacrifice, this and many greater things might be accomplished.

On my way back to Iowa I stopped again in the Denver area and again was able to stay at Roberta's place. Unfortunately (for me) Roberta was gone on her own mission to the Texas area to care for a family member. But before she left she made arrangements for me to have a place to stay for a few days while in Denver. Much thanks goes out to Roberta for her thoughtfulness and generosity.

On Saturday Steve Simmons, his girlfriend Brianna and I went to visit with Jeff and Cece DeMayo and family in the Wellington area. It was great to see them again and catch up on what was going on in their lives. Much gratitude to them for allowing us to visit with them.

On Sunday Steve and I met with Bob Hogan in Golden. We had a great time visiting and fellowshipping. This was the first time that Bob and Steve had met. So my hope is that this newfound relationship blossoms into something great.

On Monday Steve and I just hung out and enjoyed each others' company. It was a great honor to finally see Steve again. It was too long since I had seen my close friend and brother in the Lord. As always he was a tremendous host and I cannot speak too highly for his compassion and generosity for others.

My heart was saddened to leave both Patricia and those in the Denver area because I am never sure when I will see them again. But my hope is that it won't be too long. All in all I was truly blessed by all those I was able to meet and visit with.

This entire mission would not have been acheived if it weren't for the financial sacrifices of certain individuals. May God bless their lives and their giving, that more projects and missions may be acheived for the benefit of those in need who are amongst us.