”At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” Acts 10:1&2

It’s a theme that runs through the Bible, giving something to those who “had need”. Jesus healed those who had “need”; it would be silly to heal someone who didn’t need healing. They gave money or food to those who had “need” in the Book of Acts. Jesus washed the disciples feet and when Peter wanted his whole body washed Jesus still only washed Peter’s feet, because that was all that was needed. It was tough for Peter to separate what he needed over what he wanted; it’s tough for all of us.

One of the unexpected things that have come up working with CNRM is trying to determine what I needed over what I wanted. I have been blessed with a wonderful job and a good income. God has blessed me with the opportunity to volunteer both for CNRM and Crossroads. It’s taught me about what I “Need,” over what I “Want”.

On-site at CNRM, we have the daunting task of trying to accomplish something amazing during a time when the construction trade has been hit hard. In some cases, we are aware that we can help those in need and still get the job done for little cost. We find ourselves balancing the tasks between those who can donate money, and over those who can donate labor. Sometimes those who donate money don’t have time. Sometimes those who have time don’t have money.

We have literally been brought to our knees in prayer for those of you who have stepped into help with the CNRM. You have shared with us stories of personal tragedy, brokenness, unemployment and financial devastation, and you still look to help others who are in need by devoting your time and money to CNRM! When others might have looked at their own condition and sought financial gain, “In Faith” you put your own needs second to the needs of others. Because of confidentiality, I don’t want to start naming people, but everyone has been absolutely remarkable in their service.

I know that God sees each of your needs and from all of those involved in CNRM I want to reassure you that you are being prayed for in your time of need.

Jobsite:

You will begin to see this format throughout the project. These 4 posts are the most relevant. I attached a Word document with a complete list of projects. If you do not have Word and would like them in an email format, please let me know.

Project: Repave parking lot/install drainage
Synopsis: We are rebuilding the parking lot in order to properly drain and provide handicapped parking.
Materials: concrete/asphalt
Lead Person: Rowdy Williamson rowdy_williamson@yahoo.com (951) 314-2377
Crew: As needed-general labor, shoveling, rubbish removal, cleaning …
Tools: Personal Safety equip. shovels, brooms etc.
Special notes:
Start date: Current. Contact Rowdy for progress


Project: Enclose closet space in west dorm
Synopsis: Enclose w/stud, drywall. Install door frame.
Materials: metal or wood stud, drywall.
Lead Person: None, Contact Todd Holtkamp
Crew: 2 people, lead and helper
Tools: As needed
Special notes:
Start date: Anytime

Project: Kitchen Ceiling
Synopsis: We will be replacing the existing T-bar, ceiling panels and lights
Materials: T-bar, panels & lights on-site
Lead Person: Mark Hines hines.construction@hotmail.com (951) 833-6905
Crew: 4-5 people. Need experience with T-bar, connecting lights, general labor.
Tools: As needed
Special notes: We will coordinate shutting down the kitchen and doing some clean up during the construction. Some general labor will be needed to move equipment, clean and help get the kitchen back into operation.
Start date: We are in the process of coordinating this now.

 
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:44-47


What’s Happening:
I knew I was slacking on getting the blog out, there have been so many exciting things happening. I kept thinking “Okay, I get this thing cleared up and I have to let everyone know!” I looked this morning and I haven’t blogged since the 3rd of January!

In a nutshell:
We have corrections to be made on the plans that we submitted to the city. Kirk and Rowdy are working on getting those done and as soon as those permits are cleared, we will be starting on-site construction of the building.

Oltmans Construction came onto the project with a generous donation of labor. We will be able to use their labor talents to build the foundation for the façade. Lennar Homes will do the framing for the façade. Oltmans will finish the stucco and color coat and help with other projects. Behr paint will be donating the paint for the project. PlyGem windows gave us a great donation of 22 windows, 3 donated and the rest at cost. Sea Gull Lighting donated lighting. Home Depot gave us a substantial donation of gift cards. Robertson Concrete is giving us a great cost on concrete.

Rowdy is working on the drainage issues of the parking lot. New sidewalk has been poured and changes are taking place.

Mattresses:
Many heard Chuck announce that Crossroads would be donating 80 mattresses to the project. That gave me multiple calls and follow-ups trying to coordinate all of the donations and connections. The final decision was to accept an offer by Laura Castro of World Bed. They produce a tempur-pedic type mattress. She offered to donate all the mattresses for the project! I approached Crossroads and they will now be using the funds dedicated to mattresses to purchase bunk beds, unless God is getting those donated also!

Closing thoughts:
Playing on the floor with my granddaughters is always an adventure that leaves me sore the next day. It’s tough crawling around the floor being the horse, or the dragon that is slain by the beautiful princesses. At four & two years old, getting them to share always becomes a point of correction from grandpa. You are always waiting for that shout of “Mine, Mine!” or the older one using distraction techniques to get what she wants from the younger one.

As adults we find it’s easier to share when we have excess; it’s not easy to share when we feel our sharing will be a sacrifice. As adults we think that we have learned the art of sharing, which generally is not true. What we have learned is to give what we have in excess or those things that we really didn’t want any more, the art of distraction. It is the appearance of sacrifice, when we are actually just giving from our excess.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1&2

Each of us have those things we hold precious, prestige, time, money, we all have something we hold precious. In the Book of Acts they gave what they had to those in need. They gave three things, property, possessions and time. This was above their tithing, Peter is preaching to the Jews in Jerusalem at this time. How much more, having the full knowledge of Christ’s sacrifice do we give or sacrifice those things precious to us, or do we give from our excess?

Opportunity to Serve
Steve & Silvia Cervantes are new at leading the Saturday food service in God’s kitchen. They could use some help. This would be a good way to start the New Year in helping someone else. Contact stevelcd@yahoo.com cell# 951-833-1348

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8

Holidays are over, time to get back to work ….We hope that you were blessed this holiday season. Last week we submitted plans to the City. We are now waiting for corrections and permits. We are looking forward to start construction soon.

Kiosk.
We will be having a kiosk in the foyer of Crossroads for the next three Sunday mornings. Feel free to stop by to say “Hi!” and get the latest information.

Opportunity to Serve
Steve & Silvia Cervantes are new at leading the Saturday food service in God’s kitchen. They could use some help. This would be a good way to start the New Year in helping someone else. Contact stevelcd@yahoo.com cell# 951-833-1348

On Site Rules and Conduct

Our desire is for everyone to have a safe and joyful time in their service to help the homeless at Corona Norco Rescue Mission. The following guidelines have been established to reduce the liability of those organizations involved. Please understand that this is home for many people and we are interrupting their normal routine.

Hours of construction are from 8am to 6pm. Please get specific permission if you need to work at another time.

Conduct Concerning the Homeless

• Please do not distribute food while on the construction site. Those in need should be directed to God’s Kitchen for food.

• You can bring donations to Gods Kitchen. Food products must be prepared or packaged in a certified kitchen. Example: You can donate raw or frozen meat or other foods that require preparation. You can donate store bought or packaged goods, you may not bring homemade goods. Please contact the kitchen staff for specific needs.

• Please do not give money to those who ask.

• You may pray and share the Gospel with those whom you come in contact.

• Outside restrooms are provided; please do not use the restrooms in the facility.

Tools and Equipment

• You are responsible for you own tools. We suggest that you mark them before you bring them on-site.

• We do have seatainers onsite to secure larger items.

• Please lock your vehicles and secure your personal property when possible.

Safety

• No open toed shoes or sandals are allowed on-site at any time.

• Proper safety apparel should be used in association with the task being completed. Safety glasses, ear plugs, dust masks. We ask that you provide your own.

• No one under the age of 16 is allowed on the construction site without specific permission from a Team Leader. Children between the ages of 16 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent at all times.

• Each section of the building will be isolated for water and electric. Please do not energize any section without permission from supervisor.

Security

• Each section of the building will be isolated. Please do not enter areas outside the work area. This facility is still in operation and you may be walking through someone’s living area.

• Please park your vehicle outside of the lot unless you are actively loading equipment.

• Please be sure that you secure the storage area and building if you are the last on the site. It is not the responsibility of the staff.