Erich's Blog
http://blog.missionlatinamerica.com
Erich's Blog
Mission Mississippi 2010: There's No Place Like Home
What a week I must say. It is amazing what only 4 people who have minimal to no experience in constuction (namely siding) can do in a matter of 5 days. After the week was out we were able to finish up most of what we had set out to do. With the exception of a small section of the house, we were able to finish the siding... and right before it started raining too! Speaking of which, praise be to God for holding the rain off until the last day... no no, the last 2 hours!
But in all seriousness, if I am capable of that
, it was a really blessed trip. Since there were only 4 of us on the trip, it made it a lot easier to hang out with old friends of mine as well as go out to dinner with people and actually be able to talk to everyone at the table. God has really given me a heart for that area though. Now every time I head down to Mississippi I feel like I am at home and was sad to have to leave, but I know God still has work for me here in Blacksburg.
I apologize that I wasn't able to post as much as I had hoped while I was in MS. It seemed by the time we finished a long days work and had dinner with friends, we were all to exhausted to even function by the time we got home. But each day was an adventure and I was blessed to work alongside Jess, John, and Mike all week. We had some frustrating times when siding just didn't seem to fit or we broke a piece that had been cut with a hundred different notches to fight neatly around the window and outlets, but we definitely enjoyed our time.
But the question is, what was accomplished? What did we learn? What was the point? Well of course, the obvious answer would be that we helped work on a house that will soon be the home of a deserving family. We also learned a lesson in what it means to serve and be selfless by giving up a week with no inherent gain. And yes, those are great things, but what else? What made this trip different from any other missions trip?
I would have to say one thing is that we grew closer together as friends. Being such a small group of only 4 people, it made it very easy to get to know each other... especially after living together for a week. But we also had times to hang out and enjoy each others company... and at times get on each others nerves. But what is family for. And even more so, we got to make some new friends along the way. I cannot thank the families enough who had us over for dinner throughout the week and the friends that hung out with us at the oyster roast. The week really taught me how important friends are and how much I missed my friends in the Pass.
But even more importantly I would say is the personal lesson I learned. And I have said this before, but I have learned from my trips to Honduras, Nicaragua, Mississippi, and others like it that two of my passions are service and teaching. Now don't get me wrong. Ask anyone who is a volunteer coordinator or missionary in a foriegn area.... it gets tough at times. It is not always puppy dogs and rainbows as my roomate would say. But even in the hardest days working in Mississippi or Honduras, I would prefer it over working a 8-5 job with a big construction company. But as before, don't misconstue that as me saying that I think an 8-5 job is not important. I cannot thank my friends and family enough who do just that and have continued to support me both with prayer and finances. But as for me, I pray God places me in a place of service. But... if that means work somewhere 8-5 and raise a family, may I do it with all my heart for the glory of God!
But thanks again to everyone's support and prayers over this trip and previous trips I have taken. This was truely a unique trip and a huge blessing to see friends and family over the past week. But as for now, I call Blacksburg home as I work towards graduation in May 2011. My desire is that I continue to honor God where he has me and press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Until next time, honor God in all things giving Him the glory!
For the Glory,
Erich Roscher
But in all seriousness, if I am capable of that
, it was a really blessed trip. Since there were only 4 of us on the trip, it made it a lot easier to hang out with old friends of mine as well as go out to dinner with people and actually be able to talk to everyone at the table. God has really given me a heart for that area though. Now every time I head down to Mississippi I feel like I am at home and was sad to have to leave, but I know God still has work for me here in Blacksburg.I apologize that I wasn't able to post as much as I had hoped while I was in MS. It seemed by the time we finished a long days work and had dinner with friends, we were all to exhausted to even function by the time we got home. But each day was an adventure and I was blessed to work alongside Jess, John, and Mike all week. We had some frustrating times when siding just didn't seem to fit or we broke a piece that had been cut with a hundred different notches to fight neatly around the window and outlets, but we definitely enjoyed our time.
But the question is, what was accomplished? What did we learn? What was the point? Well of course, the obvious answer would be that we helped work on a house that will soon be the home of a deserving family. We also learned a lesson in what it means to serve and be selfless by giving up a week with no inherent gain. And yes, those are great things, but what else? What made this trip different from any other missions trip?
I would have to say one thing is that we grew closer together as friends. Being such a small group of only 4 people, it made it very easy to get to know each other... especially after living together for a week. But we also had times to hang out and enjoy each others company... and at times get on each others nerves. But what is family for.
And even more so, we got to make some new friends along the way. I cannot thank the families enough who had us over for dinner throughout the week and the friends that hung out with us at the oyster roast. The week really taught me how important friends are and how much I missed my friends in the Pass. But even more importantly I would say is the personal lesson I learned. And I have said this before, but I have learned from my trips to Honduras, Nicaragua, Mississippi, and others like it that two of my passions are service and teaching. Now don't get me wrong. Ask anyone who is a volunteer coordinator or missionary in a foriegn area.... it gets tough at times. It is not always puppy dogs and rainbows as my roomate would say. But even in the hardest days working in Mississippi or Honduras, I would prefer it over working a 8-5 job with a big construction company. But as before, don't misconstue that as me saying that I think an 8-5 job is not important. I cannot thank my friends and family enough who do just that and have continued to support me both with prayer and finances. But as for me, I pray God places me in a place of service. But... if that means work somewhere 8-5 and raise a family, may I do it with all my heart for the glory of God!
But thanks again to everyone's support and prayers over this trip and previous trips I have taken. This was truely a unique trip and a huge blessing to see friends and family over the past week. But as for now, I call Blacksburg home as I work towards graduation in May 2011. My desire is that I continue to honor God where he has me and press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Until next time, honor God in all things giving Him the glory!
For the Glory,
Erich Roscher
Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 5 - Old Dogs and New Tricks
Its day 5 and things are really moving along! Today was the third day that we have been working on the house and it is great to see how things are coming together slowly. We have been working on the siding on the outside of the house trying to finish it up before the week is out. But it is thanks to the people who have come in and out to help us that we have been able to get all this done. Over the course of the week we have had a navy soldier stationed at the nearby base, a couple from Illinois, and a local student at Pass Christian High. Thanks to their help, we have been able to get a large portion of the insulation done inside as well. I’m pretty sure I’ll be feeling the effects of the fiberglass from the insulation for weeks to come. =/
A lot of time though outside of work has been catching up with old friends and family. It has been such a blessing to catch up with friends from my old church, The Good Shepherd, and hear what God has been doing in their lives over the past 8 months since I left. One of my youth group kids got onto the varsity team, a married couple is pregnant with their first child, and families are growing in the Lord.
It’s funny to think though, how I wondered why God would bring our group of 12 volunteers down to only 4 by the time we left for Mississippi. But as the week goes on, I really see how God is using this small group as such a blessing. Not only has it made the construction site more personable and enjoyable, it has also given me the chance to hang out with old friends and new without bringing along 15 other people. =) Since we are such a small group we have had the opportunity to head over to other families houses for dinner and games which wouldn’t have been a options with any more than we have.
And to end the night off with a ‘story’ or life lesson if you will. Today I learned a good lesson on the old saying pride goes before the fall… literally. While working on the construction site we had an extension ladder set up onto the roof that I was sliding down much like firefighters. Well, no sooner did I say, “Hey, look what I can do,” did I end up falling down flat on my face. I started to slide down the ladder too fast and burned my hands from the friction…. And obviously the next gut reaction is to let go with your hands… and the rest, as they say, is history. So may you learn from my mistakes and think before you act. =) But I can’t complain I suppose, because it did put a smile on everyone else’s faces.
But as the night get’s late I believe it would be best that I get some sleep. I cannot thank you all enough for your prayers and support of the week. This really has been a blessed week for me and I am so greatful to be here. To God be the glory forever and ever, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
A Dulos of Christ,
Erich Roscher
Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 2 - A Day of Rest
This morning before church I was thinking about the trip down to Mississippi and the mission we had before us. The word that kept popping into my head was prayer. I cannot thank those enough who have been praying for this week. You all have truly been preparing the way for the work we have both for the family we are working for and ourselves as a team. And as this week goes on, I continue to ask for your prayers, that God would really work in the hearts of my team mates and myself and teach us His ways.
Today was a blessed day for us. After church we headed home to watch the football games and enjoy a day of rest. It didn't take long though for us to all fall asleep and catch up on rest from the long drive we had the day prior. Actually, I don't think I even lasted 5 minutes into the game before fell asleep. After I woke up though, I had a chance to visit Angela Taylor who I did renovations for during last spring. It was a blessing to see how greatful she was for the work we had done and how much her kids were blessed by the work we did. I thank the Lord that he would give me the chance to see a family so impacted.
Once everyone else finally woke up... err I mean after I woke them up... =) we headed out to see the house we are working on. I wasn't able to get any pictures today of the house but I will be sure to get some as the week goes on! The house is a gorgeous design with a central living room and two bedrooms on either wing. I am very impressed with the work of the architects on this project. Well done Leah! The majority of the framing is completed with some plumbing and electric. As far as I understand at this point we will be trying to finish the siding and such on the exterior.
But tomorrow the rubber meets the road tomorrow. We head out at 7:30AM (8:30EST) to meet with Leah to get started. Needless to say we are pretty excited that the weather is supposed to be in the 50s tomorrow! Take that Virginia! But even then I imagine it will be pretty cold in the morning. So keep us in your prayers this week and I will be sure to update you all on the happenings with us and how things are progressing. Until then, I am guna get some rest!
Enjoying the Weather,
Erich Roscher
Today was a blessed day for us. After church we headed home to watch the football games and enjoy a day of rest. It didn't take long though for us to all fall asleep and catch up on rest from the long drive we had the day prior. Actually, I don't think I even lasted 5 minutes into the game before fell asleep. After I woke up though, I had a chance to visit Angela Taylor who I did renovations for during last spring. It was a blessing to see how greatful she was for the work we had done and how much her kids were blessed by the work we did. I thank the Lord that he would give me the chance to see a family so impacted.
Once everyone else finally woke up... err I mean after I woke them up... =) we headed out to see the house we are working on. I wasn't able to get any pictures today of the house but I will be sure to get some as the week goes on! The house is a gorgeous design with a central living room and two bedrooms on either wing. I am very impressed with the work of the architects on this project. Well done Leah!
The majority of the framing is completed with some plumbing and electric. As far as I understand at this point we will be trying to finish the siding and such on the exterior. But tomorrow the rubber meets the road tomorrow. We head out at 7:30AM (8:30EST) to meet with Leah to get started. Needless to say we are pretty excited that the weather is supposed to be in the 50s tomorrow! Take that Virginia!
But even then I imagine it will be pretty cold in the morning. So keep us in your prayers this week and I will be sure to update you all on the happenings with us and how things are progressing. Until then, I am guna get some rest!Enjoying the Weather,
Erich Roscher
Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 1 - The Drive
Nearly 13 hours, 32 different state plates, 2 Canadian plates, 40 gallons of gas, and a temperature increase of 30 degrees later, we finally arrived in good ol' Long Beach, Mississippi to the place will call home for the next 7 days! The trip brought us through Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi before all was done. And while the trip may not be one of the most eventful trips of my life, it didn't come without it's entertaining moments.
We ended up in Montgomery, AL about lunch time and managed to take the wrong exit into AT&Ts gated office center. Thanks to some questionable traffic maneuvers we finally arrived out Chik-fil-a for lunch only to find every single person in the building wearing Alabama color. Yes, yes, I know it makes sense since we were in Alabama.... but I mean really? It took every effort not to yell out GO HOKIES! No worries, 2011 BCS Champs here we come!
The only thing that kept us sane throughout the trip was the license plate game! We were able to find 32 different state plates including California, Oregon, and South Dakota. I can imagine it will be difficult though to get Hawaii. The highlight of the day though, was seeing a Virginia plate with the letters IH8NOVA. Possibly my favorite license plate ever! =D
But now that we arrived here safely and are settled down, I thank you all very much for your prayers and continued support. Tomorrow we
head to church in the morning to see friends and family. We'll be attending the same church I went to when I lived here so I am excited to see all the kids I hung out with in youth group as well as the families I got to know over my 6 month stint. After that we have plans to see what has changed since our last visit to Mississippi and hang out with some of the "college" students here that evening. Work starts early Monday so I pray we can hit the ground running. But until then, may old friendships be renewed and new friendships strengthened.
Tired and Weary,
Erich Roscher
We ended up in Montgomery, AL about lunch time and managed to take the wrong exit into AT&Ts gated office center. Thanks to some questionable traffic maneuvers we finally arrived out Chik-fil-a for lunch only to find every single person in the building wearing Alabama color. Yes, yes, I know it makes sense since we were in Alabama.... but I mean really? It took every effort not to yell out GO HOKIES! No worries, 2011 BCS Champs here we come!
The only thing that kept us sane throughout the trip was the license plate game! We were able to find 32 different state plates including California, Oregon, and South Dakota. I can imagine it will be difficult though to get Hawaii. The highlight of the day though, was seeing a Virginia plate with the letters IH8NOVA. Possibly my favorite license plate ever! =D
But now that we arrived here safely and are settled down, I thank you all very much for your prayers and continued support. Tomorrow we
head to church in the morning to see friends and family. We'll be attending the same church I went to when I lived here so I am excited to see all the kids I hung out with in youth group as well as the families I got to know over my 6 month stint. After that we have plans to see what has changed since our last visit to Mississippi and hang out with some of the "college" students here that evening. Work starts early Monday so I pray we can hit the ground running. But until then, may old friendships be renewed and new friendships strengthened.
Tired and Weary,
Erich Roscher
Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 0
Three weeks of winter break have gone by and the time is finally near. After all was said and done, Jessica Worthen, Michael Dietz, John Havranek, and myself are headed down south once again for the glory of God to do some construction. We will be headed down to Pass Christian, Mississippi at 5:30 tomorrow morning to continue with the relief efforts due to Hurricane Katrina. It is crazy to think that Katrina was 5 years ago and yet the coast is still working its way out of devastation.
We will be staying at the same volunteer house that I lived in this past spring during my stint in Mississippi and will be working on the finishing touches of a family home in the area. I will be sure to update everyone on how things are going and maybe post a picture or two when we get the chance. I just want to thank everyone who is standing behind us in prayer. It has been amazing to see God put together this great group of people and we trust that He has amazing things in store for us in MS.
But as the night draws closer I think it would be best if I got some sleep so I am awake for tomorrow. Thanks to everyones support. Ill be sure to keep you all updated on our trip! To God be the glory, forever and ever!
In Him,
Erich Roscher
We will be staying at the same volunteer house that I lived in this past spring during my stint in Mississippi and will be working on the finishing touches of a family home in the area. I will be sure to update everyone on how things are going and maybe post a picture or two when we get the chance.
I just want to thank everyone who is standing behind us in prayer. It has been amazing to see God put together this great group of people and we trust that He has amazing things in store for us in MS. But as the night draws closer I think it would be best if I got some sleep so I am awake for tomorrow. Thanks to everyones support. Ill be sure to keep you all updated on our trip! To God be the glory, forever and ever!
In Him,
Erich Roscher
Humbled By The Cross
I'd be the first to admit that I make
a lot of poor decisions. For example, take drinking milk without
reading the date. That is certainly a mistake I pray I will only have
to make once. But even with the more important decisions (while one
could argue the later can be quite important) it seems that time and
time again, contrary to Robert Frost, I choose the road more traveled.
In Proverbs there is a phrase that is repeated over and over again
that says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it
leads to death." (Prov 14:21) It is amazing how that one word can
change the entire meaning of a phrase - "seems." There is a way that seems
right. So often we make choices on what seems best to us or what we
want. But Jesus Christ calls us to follow Him. He said, I am the way
and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me (John 14:6). While, as Proverbs says, there is a way that seems
right to a man, Jesus proclaims that there is no way except through
Him. And yet amidst temptation and our own desires, we often choose
that which seems right yet leads to death.
As I sat and pondered this idea, I imagined that rejecting God was
like dragging myself through mud. And as I would realize my fault, I
would come running back to the Lord to be washed and clensed in the
grace and mercy of repentence. But I began to realize that it is more
than that. This idea only showed that I was affecting myself, and that
God merely waited for me to turn to Him. That is not the picture we
see in the gospels. Jesus was the one who was flogged. He
was the one who was mocked, humiliated, beaten, and drug through the
mud and yet I consider my sin my own? It was my sin that put Jesus on
the cross. My decisions to reject God that drove the nails into His
hands.
A sobering thought, no doubt... But praise be to God the story
doesn't end there. In the darkest hour of the world; in the most
difficult time, the Lord reigned victorious over death. Not my poor
decisions, not my own lusts and desires, not my sins, not even the sins
of this world could hold Jesus Christ in the grave. On the third day
after His death, Christ rose from the grave. "Neither height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to seperate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39)
So, will I still make mistakes? Will I still choose the road more
traveled? Absolutely. But I pray that I would never forget the
price Jesus Christ payed for me. That He, blameless and pure, would be
mocked, ridiculed, and beaten, for my sins. And in that mindset may I
strive all the harder to submit myself to His will for the glory of His
kingdom. But in closing, I just want to leave you with the first verse
and chorus of a song that really is the sum of it all. May we be
humbled by God's mercy, broken by his saving grace, and thankful for
His sacrifice that we might have life and have it abundantly. To God
be the glory forever and ever, amen.
Verse 1:
Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again
Chorus:
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thankful For the Cross,
Erich Roscher
News and Updates
So, I must say it has been forever since I have posted and it is way past due. The farther I got behind on writing, the less I wanted to write because there has been so much that has gone on since my last article. But it is time to stop avoiding the article and let you all know what God is doing in my life and how things are going.
Things in Mississippi wrapped up with amazing stories to tell, friendships that I'll never forget, and memories that will last forever. It was hard to leave my friends and church family (especially the youth group) but as things finished up with the houses we were working on, it was time to head back to Virginia. But things certainly didn't slow down. When I returned, my family and I headed out to Washington State to see my sister and her husband and the nieces and nephews. It was really great to see them and get a chance to visit Washington state before they move home soon!
But after all that, I headed down to Blacksburg (where I go to school at Virginia Tech) and moved in with a friend from church. It feels like nothing has slowed down since. I have been working on remodeling the house I am living in which has proven to be a real God given blessing because my house mate has given me free rent while I work. Throughout the summer it seems like God continues to bless me in so many ways. Since I didn't have a job, having free rent really gave me an opportunity to look for a job without worrying about finances. And after a couple weeks back in Blacksburg, God blessed me with a job that couldn't have fit my schedule any better. I am now working for Virginia Tech as a Civil Engineering Assistant which gives me a full time job over the summer and a part time job over the school year. I really couldn't have asked for anything more. What a gracious God we serve!
But even among all the chaos in this world, I had an amazing opportunity to work with the Nehemiah Project back in my home town of Staunton. The Nehemiah Project was a type of missions trip for middle and high school students in and around their home town. A total of some 11 churches and 200 volunteers teamed up to work on 12 projects for 5 days. The projects ranged from wheel chair ramps to fixing leaky roofs. Our project was to work on the local Comfort Care Women's Health clinic with two wheel chair ramps, a
gazebo, fixed staircase and poured concrete floor in the basement. Had anyone told me we had five days to finish the project, I probly would have thought they were crazy. But, by God's grace, at the end of 5 days our team had finished everything we needed and more.
While the week was really geared towards the kids who were volunteering, it was amazing to see God work in the lifes of the adults, families who were helped, and the opportunities to share about about Christ to the media. Through the week, God really showed me what it was about ministry that I was so attracted to, and showed me where I need to work in my own life. I realized that through the week I had little focus on the future. My focus was mainly on the kids, with the ministry to them, and on the project needs that were ahead of us that day. Everything was bathed in prayer with the adults praying in the morning before the project and the whole group praying when the kids arrived... not to mention all those countless warriors that were praying for us before and during the event. But the second I headed home, it seemed like all the worries of the world... work, paperwork, money, friends, etc. etc. was inundating my mind throughout the whole day. It was then that I started to really understand the what Jesus was saying in Matt 6:34 when he said not to worry about tomorrow for it will worry about itself. That is a lesson I will certainly need to work on... to focus on Christ, and not be consumed with the world.
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=10717855
http://www.newsleader.com/article/20090718/NEWS01/907180317/Nehemiah+Project+wraps+up+inaugural+week+of+service
But I thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I pray you might be blessed by it. May you continue to seek God in all things and serve our wonderful savior Jesus Christ.
A Dulos of Christ,
Erich Roscher
Things in Mississippi wrapped up with amazing stories to tell, friendships that I'll never forget, and memories that will last forever. It was hard to leave my friends and church family (especially the youth group) but as things finished up with the houses we were working on, it was time to head back to Virginia. But things certainly didn't slow down. When I returned, my family and I headed out to Washington State to see my sister and her husband and the nieces and nephews. It was really great to see them and get a chance to visit Washington state before they move home soon!
But after all that, I headed down to Blacksburg (where I go to school at Virginia Tech) and moved in with a friend from church. It feels like nothing has slowed down since. I have been working on remodeling the house I am living in which has proven to be a real God given blessing because my house mate has given me free rent while I work. Throughout the summer it seems like God continues to bless me in so many ways. Since I didn't have a job, having free rent really gave me an opportunity to look for a job without worrying about finances. And after a couple weeks back in Blacksburg, God blessed me with a job that couldn't have fit my schedule any better. I am now working for Virginia Tech as a Civil Engineering Assistant which gives me a full time job over the summer and a part time job over the school year. I really couldn't have asked for anything more. What a gracious God we serve!
But even among all the chaos in this world, I had an amazing opportunity to work with the Nehemiah Project back in my home town of Staunton. The Nehemiah Project was a type of missions trip for middle and high school students in and around their home town. A total of some 11 churches and 200 volunteers teamed up to work on 12 projects for 5 days. The projects ranged from wheel chair ramps to fixing leaky roofs. Our project was to work on the local Comfort Care Women's Health clinic with two wheel chair ramps, a
gazebo, fixed staircase and poured concrete floor in the basement. Had anyone told me we had five days to finish the project, I probly would have thought they were crazy. But, by God's grace, at the end of 5 days our team had finished everything we needed and more.
While the week was really geared towards the kids who were volunteering, it was amazing to see God work in the lifes of the adults, families who were helped, and the opportunities to share about about Christ to the media. Through the week, God really showed me what it was about ministry that I was so attracted to, and showed me where I need to work in my own life. I realized that through the week I had little focus on the future. My focus was mainly on the kids, with the ministry to them, and on the project needs that were ahead of us that day. Everything was bathed in prayer with the adults praying in the morning before the project and the whole group praying when the kids arrived... not to mention all those countless warriors that were praying for us before and during the event. But the second I headed home, it seemed like all the worries of the world... work, paperwork, money, friends, etc. etc. was inundating my mind throughout the whole day. It was then that I started to really understand the what Jesus was saying in Matt 6:34 when he said not to worry about tomorrow for it will worry about itself. That is a lesson I will certainly need to work on... to focus on Christ, and not be consumed with the world.
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=10717855
http://www.newsleader.com/article/20090718/NEWS01/907180317/Nehemiah+Project+wraps+up+inaugural+week+of+service
But I thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I pray you might be blessed by it. May you continue to seek God in all things and serve our wonderful savior Jesus Christ.
A Dulos of Christ,
Erich Roscher
Day 64 - Where to Begin
Hey Everyone,
It has been so long since I have written and I apologize for that. It has been a crazy month filled with volunteers, youth group, and even a job at an engineering firm. Last week was filled with hundreds of volunteers throughout the country on Spring break, 72 of whom we worked with. It was great to see family again from Blacksburg as well as meet many new faces from my church. While it was sad to see them depart Friday, it will be nice for things to slow down again and return to normal.
The group did an amazing job throughout the week though. Continually they would finish tasks that I had planned to take the entire week and ask if there was anything else they could do. With all the help we were able to start the deck on Keri's house that I had designed previously and nearly finish it as well. It was an eventful week with holes dug to no where and worrisome inspections. But the groups were really amazing and had a great servants heart. While there where trying times throughout the week, the
group always seemed to pull together and work even harder through the struggles.
For the next two weeks we have groups of 25 coming in to work on the Smith and Keri house bringing us nearly to the end of construction. It will be great to see the family finally get to move into there new home. And with the next few groups, that will hopefully be a reality soon!
But there are two more weeks before I head home to attend to some work and, of course, see some of my family again! I'll have a chance to see some friends in Blacksburg as well as the opportunity to head to DC for a scholarship presentation. God continues to bless all the work that is done down here and there is no greater joy than serving my King where He calls me. Continue to pray that God would change hearts for his kingdom down here in Mississippi as well as strengthen and encourage those in His service to a deeper and more passionate life in Him. Thank-you so much for your prayers and support over the months! None of this would have been possible without it. Continue to seek God in all things and give glory to Him in all things. May all the glory be to God forever and ever. Amen!
For the King,
Erich Roscher
It has been so long since I have written and I apologize for that. It has been a crazy month filled with volunteers, youth group, and even a job at an engineering firm. Last week was filled with hundreds of volunteers throughout the country on Spring break, 72 of whom we worked with. It was great to see family again from Blacksburg as well as meet many new faces from my church. While it was sad to see them depart Friday, it will be nice for things to slow down again and return to normal.
The group did an amazing job throughout the week though. Continually they would finish tasks that I had planned to take the entire week and ask if there was anything else they could do. With all the help we were able to start the deck on Keri's house that I had designed previously and nearly finish it as well. It was an eventful week with holes dug to no where and worrisome inspections. But the groups were really amazing and had a great servants heart. While there where trying times throughout the week, the
group always seemed to pull together and work even harder through the struggles.
For the next two weeks we have groups of 25 coming in to work on the Smith and Keri house bringing us nearly to the end of construction. It will be great to see the family finally get to move into there new home. And with the next few groups, that will hopefully be a reality soon!
But there are two more weeks before I head home to attend to some work and, of course, see some of my family again! I'll have a chance to see some friends in Blacksburg as well as the opportunity to head to DC for a scholarship presentation. God continues to bless all the work that is done down here and there is no greater joy than serving my King where He calls me. Continue to pray that God would change hearts for his kingdom down here in Mississippi as well as strengthen and encourage those in His service to a deeper and more passionate life in Him. Thank-you so much for your prayers and support over the months! None of this would have been possible without it. Continue to seek God in all things and give glory to Him in all things. May all the glory be to God forever and ever. Amen!
For the King,
Erich Roscher
Night In A Box
This weekend our youth group got the chance to experience a taste o what it is like to be homeless. On Friday night the group had a small meal o beans and rice and put together packets o toiletries and supplies that the church had gathered over the past couple weeks to give to the homeless on our outreach the following day. That night though, the teens stayed out all the night, sleeping in cardboard boxes. It was really cool to see the different ways each kid put together their boxes, but it didn't seem that any of them worked much as the temperature dropped around 36 degrees that night. Most of the group made it until 5AM, but headed in and crashed on the floor in
the church fellowship hall.
The following day the whole gang went out to Biloxi, Mississippi to hand out spaghetti, chips, bread, and drinks as well as share Christ with those in the area. The event was great and it was a privilege to see the kids out serving Christ and the community. Everyone was talking about the event afterwards and a lot of the kids really seemed to have learned much from the experience.
If you want to see some of the pictures from Night in a Box and more of the adventures down here, you can go to picasaweb.google.com/ErichRoscher/NightInABox# and check them out. Thanks again for all your prayers and support over the weeks. I miss you all! All glory be to God in all things!
For Christ,
Erich Roscher
--
the church fellowship hall.
The following day the whole gang went out to Biloxi, Mississippi to hand out spaghetti, chips, bread, and drinks as well as share Christ with those in the area. The event was great and it was a privilege to see the kids out serving Christ and the community. Everyone was talking about the event afterwards and a lot of the kids really seemed to have learned much from the experience.
If you want to see some of the pictures from Night in a Box and more of the adventures down here, you can go to picasaweb.google.com/ErichRoscher/NightInABox# and check them out. Thanks again for all your prayers and support over the weeks. I miss you all! All glory be to God in all things!
For Christ,
Erich Roscher
--
Day 39 - Blessings Abound
Greetings!
It has been a while since I have written and so much has happened since then. Last weekend I was blessed with 30 members from Roswell United Methodist Church in Georgia. The group was really amazing. It was split of about 13 adults and 17 kids all living together in the little volunteer house I am living in. From the time they arrived late Friday night to Monday morning when they left, they were such a blessing to me. They always invited me to eat with them during their meals and even took me out to eat with them on Saturday. But even beyond that, they had more volunteers then work they had planned and offered to work on the Project Reclaim projects. In a matter of two days, those who worked with me were able to put all three coats of paint on the entire first floor of the smiths house. It was amazing!... and they had a blast doing it. I never heard any of them complain... well that is except when they were making fun of me as their "slave driver," but they were great.
The next step in the Smith house is to prepare for the large group coming in the second week of March for spring break. We have 70+ volunteers coming in from Virginia Tech and App. State to help us finish most of the project. We have been working this week to gather a list of materials that we will need on site for the project including all of the materials or the deck that we will be adding onto Keri's house, next to the Smith House. Leah will be gone the first two days of the project so I will be overseeing the volunteers on site. It is both exciting and humbling to be overseeing some 40+ volunteers on out site, but I can't wait to see my family from Virginia Tech.
This weekend I am excited to join with my church family down here in Mississippi to reach out to the homeless in the area with our youthgroup. Our church has been gathering supplies and will be heading out into the streets of Gulfport and Biloxi to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless in the area. Please pray that we will proclaim the name of Christ to those in need here as well as the hearts of the youth in our church will really be changed for the glory of God!
I do want to mention that I am immensely blessed and thankful for your prayers. Every now and then I will get a note of a phone call from someone telling me they are praying for me and it has been such an encouragement. And I want to say that the prayers of the faithful have truly done a work here in Mississippi. I have had so many opportunities to share the love of Christ with others here and encourage them in the pursuit of Christ! My church here has really been a family to me and has a heart for Christ in all things. Also, in my work on Trinity, I have been offered a part time job in a civil engineering firm to work on the structural designs of the church for a couple weeks to help move the project along. It has been amazing to see God's blessing abound here. I have been able to support other fellow brothers and sisters in the ministry with the money I have been blessed with here especially in the struggling economy. I encourage everyone, in all circumstances to continue give to your churches and those in the ministry as now is most important of all with the present struggles as others seek answers to a troubled world. And all of this was made possible through your support and most importantly your prayers which I covet most of all. Continue to pray in authority that God would change hearts here and bring about healing in a hungry area.
For the Glory of God,
Erich Roscher
--
It has been a while since I have written and so much has happened since then. Last weekend I was blessed with 30 members from Roswell United Methodist Church in Georgia. The group was really amazing. It was split of about 13 adults and 17 kids all living together in the little volunteer house I am living in. From the time they arrived late Friday night to Monday morning when they left, they were such a blessing to me. They always invited me to eat with them during their meals and even took me out to eat with them on Saturday. But even beyond that, they had more volunteers then work they had planned and offered to work on the Project Reclaim projects. In a matter of two days, those who worked with me were able to put all three coats of paint on the entire first floor of the smiths house. It was amazing!... and they had a blast doing it. I never heard any of them complain... well that is except when they were making fun of me as their "slave driver," but they were great.
The next step in the Smith house is to prepare for the large group coming in the second week of March for spring break. We have 70+ volunteers coming in from Virginia Tech and App. State to help us finish most of the project. We have been working this week to gather a list of materials that we will need on site for the project including all of the materials or the deck that we will be adding onto Keri's house, next to the Smith House. Leah will be gone the first two days of the project so I will be overseeing the volunteers on site. It is both exciting and humbling to be overseeing some 40+ volunteers on out site, but I can't wait to see my family from Virginia Tech.
This weekend I am excited to join with my church family down here in Mississippi to reach out to the homeless in the area with our youthgroup. Our church has been gathering supplies and will be heading out into the streets of Gulfport and Biloxi to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless in the area. Please pray that we will proclaim the name of Christ to those in need here as well as the hearts of the youth in our church will really be changed for the glory of God!
I do want to mention that I am immensely blessed and thankful for your prayers. Every now and then I will get a note of a phone call from someone telling me they are praying for me and it has been such an encouragement. And I want to say that the prayers of the faithful have truly done a work here in Mississippi. I have had so many opportunities to share the love of Christ with others here and encourage them in the pursuit of Christ! My church here has really been a family to me and has a heart for Christ in all things. Also, in my work on Trinity, I have been offered a part time job in a civil engineering firm to work on the structural designs of the church for a couple weeks to help move the project along. It has been amazing to see God's blessing abound here. I have been able to support other fellow brothers and sisters in the ministry with the money I have been blessed with here especially in the struggling economy. I encourage everyone, in all circumstances to continue give to your churches and those in the ministry as now is most important of all with the present struggles as others seek answers to a troubled world. And all of this was made possible through your support and most importantly your prayers which I covet most of all. Continue to pray in authority that God would change hearts here and bring about healing in a hungry area.
For the Glory of God,
Erich Roscher
--