“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. “  1 Chronicles 16:34

A team from Madison Presbyterian Church in Madison Indiana assembled today to work on the Coats home.  It was a cool but sunny day and as you can see from the photos, windows and doors are in place and the roof is on.   Each time I visit the build site I am amazed at the progress that has been made.  I am reminded of God’s great promise to us—to love us and to provide us with the things we need.  I am humbled and thankful that God’s love indeed endures forever.  Sooner, than later, the Coats family will have a home again.

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."  Galatians 3:28

It's been only 14 days since the foundation was poured at the Coats place and as you can see from the photos and video, much has been accomplished.  Today's effort was an ecumenical endeavor.  Workers from the Presbytery of Ohio Valley were joined by new friends from Castleton United Methodist Church and Carmel St. Marks United Methodist Church, both located in Indianapolis Indiana.  It was a very productive day!  We were blessed with a great lunch provided by My Cup Runneth Over Café in Borden,  Indiana.  Thanks to Vicky and Sharon for a tasty feast.

Coats Family with the work crew

Today was an ecumenical effort!

Sharon & Vicky from My Cup Runneth Over Cafe in Borden IN

The first roof truss!

"I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry."  Psalm 40:1

For months now the Coats family has been playing a game of hurry up and wait.  They’ve waded through miles of paperwork and faced many disappointments over false starts.  Work finally began this week on their home—7 months after the tornado struck.  During those 7 months they have lived in a camper, a hotel and a very small mobile home.  They have been waiting and praying to get back to their land and into a new home.

On November 1^st the foundation for their home was formed and poured.  And today in a cold rain, two hardy souls from Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church along with their pastor the Rev. Jack Cormack, placed the carry beam and began actually building the home!  Jack is the crew chief for this build and if you are interested in helping, check-out the side bar for his contact info.  The Rev. Susan McGhee, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Ohio Valley came to meet the Coats family today and to cheer us all on.   We are very grateful to God for hearing our prayers and for making this day finally happen.

Randell & Lori Coats

A foundation has been poured!

First lumber delivery.

 "Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

In September the Presbytery of Ohio Valley partnered with VROC  to provide the labor to rebuild homes that had been destroyed by the tornado.  VROC  is a faith based organization dedicated to this effort.  Our first assignment is the Coats family--Randell, Lori, Kendra and Nathan who lost their home located in the Daisy Hill area of Borden, Indiana.  Hear Lori Coats in her own words tell what happened on March 2nd, 2012.