Erich's Blog

God is...

2010-03-01T00:20:00Z

It's amazing how simplistic yet how incomprehensible this phrase "God is.." can be. A man could spend a lifetime studying such a phrase, and yet even then, would only be able to scratch the surface of the topic. Many notable men throughout history have dedicated their lives to this pursuit such as C. S. Lewis, Billy Graham, and even Ghandi. It is amazing though as you look at the lives of these men as they grew closer in the knowledge of who God is, they become increasingly ever aware of how little they know and humble of a position they are in. It is my prayer that we might grow in a saving knowledge of who God is that we might even begin to understand how loving, gracious, beautiful, majestic, just, pure, and holy a God we serve.

It has been quite a while though since I have posted on this blog and my apologies for that. School this semester has been quite the challenge, but I cannot say enough how blessed I am to have the opportunity to go to college. I also have had the severe privilege to lead a middle school youth group at our church The River in Blacksburg. All I can say is that I have a much greater respect for parents! We have 5 kids in our youth group and it takes all four of us leaders to keep them under control. But nothing can compare to the privilege it is to be a part of these kids lives and see them grow in Christ daily. While they might be rambunctious little middle schoolers, their child like faith and enthusiasm for reading scripture and prayer has been an encouragement to me! God even uses the weak to lead the strong at times.

Along with leading youth group though, I was asked this week to help one of the mothers with picking up her kid on Monday and doing a little tutoring. With the collapse of the Blacksburg High School gym recently, school schedules have made things quite difficult here in Blacksburg. I have been learning over the past couple months of how the requirements of a youth pastor don't end at youth group or Sunday school. It is so important to be involved in the kids lives and really devote time with them. So in an effort to reach out to other middle schoolers in the Blacksburg area, I will be coaching soccer this Spring with one of my co-workers! It doesn't get much better than this. Not only do I get to hang out with little chillins, I get to play... err coach soccer at the same time! Not to mention, maybe even get back in shape. haha

But I pray through all of this that you see in a new light how God is in control. God loves you more than anything else in this world. The sunset, the beach, the mountains, the sky, the stars.... all things he created for your enjoyment. But He didn't just leave it at that. God sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to lead a perfect life, without sin, and die on the cross for you. Jesus hung on the cross that we might have freedom from sin. His death on the cross paid the penalty for your sins; past, present, and future! Have you ever lied? Have you ever put yourself above others? I certainly know I have. And the Bible says the penalty for those is death. But through Jesus' death on the cross, God provided a way out from that penalty! We can have freedom from sin; a freedom in Christ if we just put our faith in Him. So the question is, who are you putting your faith in today? Are you pursuing the things of this world. Let me tell you from experience that they only end in disappointment. Or are you longing for something more, something different. No matter what you have been through and no matter what you have done, God stands with open arms fully in love with you. He desires that none should perish, but works all things for the good of those who love Him. "Choose for this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." ~Joshua 24:15

To Him Be The Glory Forever and Ever, Amen!
Erich Roscher

Mission Mississippi 2010: There's No Place Like Home

2010-01-17T18:24:00Z

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

Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 5 - Old Dogs and New Tricks

2010-01-14T03:58:00Z

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

2010-01-11T04:02:00Z

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

Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 1 - The Drive

2010-01-10T04:20:00Z

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

Mission Mississippi 2010: Day 0

2010-01-09T02:11:00Z

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

Humbled By The Cross

2010-01-08T20:47:00Z

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

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

Thankful For the Cross,

Erich Roscher

News and Updates

2009-07-20T11:16:10Z

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

Day 64 - Where to Begin

2009-03-17T00:27:46Z

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

Night In A Box

2009-02-22T21:46:19Z

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
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Day 39 - Blessings Abound

2009-02-18T23:17:53Z

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
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Day 30 - The Designs Are In

2009-02-10T01:46:05Z

Hey Everyone,

There is not much to update from the past few days. The house is really coming along as we finish up some odds and ends on the exterior and turn to the inside to finish the house. A large group is planning on coming on March 8th, which will be nice to see friends from Blacksburg again.

One thing I wanted to update you all on is that I uploaded my designs online so you can see what I have been working on. Both of these designs are for volunteer structures and are in the process of getting permits. If the Lord permits, we will have both of them built by the summer. To see them, go to www.missionlatinamerica.com/arcadia.html. Check them out and let me know what you think. =)

In Christ,
Erich Roscher
120 Oakview Avenue
Long Beach, MS 39560

Day 24 - The Smith's Continued =D

2009-02-04T03:18:44Z

Work continues on the Smith's house as a group all the way from Pittsburgh joins us with work on mudding the drywall, painting the siding, and finishing the floor of a neighbor. The group has been a blessing not only with their talents, but also their love for the Lord. Every morning it is great to see their smiling faces and it is never a dull moment with them.

Along with the Smith's house, I have continued to work on Trinity Church. It has been such a blessing to be able to have a job on the side as well as gain a wealth of knowledge on the construction side. The project is a 1.5 million dollar renovation of a local church. I hope to get a camera soon and post pictures so you all can see the projects we are working on.

The Coast Episcopal Project has been put on hold until the school can raise money for the supplies. Their desire though is to have the structure finished by the beginning of this summer. =) Wouldn't that be nice!

Please continue to pray that God would use Leah and I to share Christ with those whom we work with and come in contact with. There have already been amazing opportunities to share Christ with volunteers and friends here thanks to all your prayer support. Pray that God would work in the hearts of those we speak to as it is the Lord who changes hearts and blesses us with the opportunity to join Him in it. Continue to seek God in all things and give glory to Him.

For Christ,
Erich Roscher

Day 21 - For God is Faithful

2009-01-31T17:27:12Z

It is a wonder to think that I have been here for three weeks already, while with the work I have been able to complete it seems I have been here for longer. For the past two weeks I have been working on designs for an outdoor lunch gazebo for a local elementary school. It has been a very challenging project for my but an amazing opportunity. This last Friday, after finishing the plans, I was able to present it to the board at the school and they were very excited. Their goal is to have the structure built by the end of the school year which would give me the opportunity to build it and see it finished. I never thought I would have my own design being built before I got out of college. =) I will definitely get some pictures and send them out when I get them. Lord willing I hope to enter the digital age and buy a camera.

But even aside from work, I have been greatly blessed here. My church family here is truly amazing. I went to a time of worship this Wednesday which ended up being a time of prayer. How more could one worship our Savior then through the action of prayer. It was a powerful time as we came together as a little over a dozen brothers and sisters and made our praise and requests known to God. I do ask that you would pray for a young man by the name of *Randall*. He came to the meeting last Wednesday and really opened up about how he had been running from the Lord and come to church looking for guidance. He will be coming to our young adults homegroup on Sunday nights which is very exciting.

As for the weather, I can't complain. From what I hear up north you all are getting pounded by cold weather and ice. I mean it's not hot here yet, but it stays around the 50s during the day. =) I am continually thankful for all your prayers and am blessed to call you all family. If you ever feel like visiting, there is always work to be done. =) Continue to seek God in all things and dig into His word daily. For the glory of God.

In Christ
Erich Roscher
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Day 11 - Coast Episcopal School Design

2009-01-21T23:21:00Z

Today has been filled with designing the new lunch area for the Coastal Episcopal School. It is certainly different adjusting to the 8 hour work days. At least with school you could really make your schedule depending on how well you want to do. But things are great here. Work is coming along on the school as well as the Smith's house. The plan is to have the drafts done for the school as well as all the drywall in the Smith's house by the end of the week.

God has certainly blessed me throughout. It has been so encouraging to get emails and texts from friends saying that they are thinking about me and praying for me. I couldn't ask for a better family. You all are great. I added a picture of part of the design for the school to give you an idea of what we are doing. It is an exciting project and a real challenge for me as well.

For Christ,
Erich Roscher

Day 10 - Smith's House Continues

2009-01-21T02:49:01Z

What can I say but glory be to God for today. Aside from a little bit of surveying the site for the dinning area for the elementary school, the majority of my day was spent drywalling at the Smith's house. We need to get the drywall done this week so we can have someone mud the house to prepare for the next group in February to paint and put in the flooring. The next group claims they can finish the house in the week they are here, so we will see about that.

It was a blessed day though. I worked with Whitney for all of the day as well as Ryan for some of it and finished a bathroom, closet, and wash room between the three of us which was pretty impressive. Whitney and Ryan are part of the AmeriCorp and are working down here for the next couple months serving the community in whatever way is needed. It was great to have them on the site today and I couldn't have gotten much done at all without them.

Tomorrow, I will be working on the plans for the dinning area for the Coast Episcopal School as well as the construction schedule. Leah has been so helpful in everything and is really giving me a taste of the construction field with such responsibility. While she is working on Trinity with the architecture, she has let me oversee the elementary school project!

I cannot that you all enough for your thoughts and prayers. I am sorry to say though I do not envy your weather. While it has been the coldest days of the year here in Mississippi, that isn't saying much with 25 night lows. =) But my house is always open and you are welcome to visit. We even will have some jobs for you if you would like. =) Also, I added my address at the end if you are interested.

For Christ Alone,
Erich Roscher
120 Oakview Avenue
Long Beach, MS 39560

Day 8 - May All Glory Be To God

2009-01-18T23:30:07Z

Hey Everyone,

I just want to start off by thanking everyone who has supported me in this endeavor. I would not have the opportunities I have now if it wasn't for you all. I covet your prayers and can not thank you enough for your support.

As you can see from the title, this is the beginning of the second week of my time here. I just recently moved into the house where I will be staying for the duration of my time here because for the first week I stayed with my group from church in the local quanzi huts... or more like military tents. Throughout the week we worked extensively on the Smith House that you can get more details and pictures at projectreclaim.com. Our team placed the majority of drywall up, completed the deck railings, and finished up most of the exterior work.

Leah, my boss, and I have been preparing for two projects that I am very excited about. The first project which is truly a privilege for me is work on a local middle and elementary school where we will be building an outdoor lunch gazebo for the students. We are in the design phase of the project and plan to get to the physical work side of the project in February. We are going to incorporate the kids into project by giving them math problems that they can solve related to the project as well as teaching them what architects and engineers do as well as how to use the gifts God has given them.

The second project that I have the privilege of doing some work on is the Trinity Church in Pass Christian. This will be a side project that I will be working on alongside the projects for Project Reclaim as it is a for profit project. But what a privilege it will be to work on such an extensive project. The Trinity Church was destroyed during Katrina leaving only the supports and some of the roofing while gutting the rest. Now, with the new standards in Mississippi, the building will be raised 8 feet higher as well as be restored to it's former beauty.

As you can imagine, it has been a long week, but a blessed week all the same. I have found a great church here that has made Mississippi all the more like home. The McBride family, Leah's family, has also been such a blessing to me, making me feel just like part of the family. While it was sad to see my church family return back to Virginia, God has begun to fill my life with a new family here in Mississippi. I am continually thankful for your prayers and support and remember you in my prayers. Thank - you for everything!

For the Glory of God.
Erich Roscher
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Drowning in the Sea of Life

2008-11-09T17:06:48Z

A friend this week was telling me how her week seemed as if she was drowning and the only thing keeping her head above water was to lay her worries and cares before the Lord and just seek His provision. It seems that this is so common in our lives today. We become some busy with school or work and things just seem to keep piling on top of us as we drown in a sea of confusion and burden. I have seen that in my own life as tests for school pile up and responsibilities mount, it seems as if the only thing keeping me sane is those few times that I find to be in God's word or just to be still in prayer.

When I was thinking of all of this, the Spirit brought to my mind that infamous story of Peter in Matthew 14:22-36 where the disciples saw Jesus on the water during a storm and were terrified. When they start to realize who it is out in the water, Peter calls out and asks the Lord to call him to walk on the water to Him. As Peter begins to walk on the water though, he starts to see the storm and what it is he is doing and begins to sink because he had taken his eyes off the Lord.

What a great picture this gives us of our relationship with Christ. In Christ, when we step out in faith, whether it is with a job you might have, going to school, or whatever it might be, our eyes are on the Lord as we step out of the boat so to speak. But as we begin to walk out to the Lord, the enemy tries everything to distract us with the waves of burden or the a wind of confusion. We start to have doubts saying maybe this isn't where God wants me much like Peter must have had as he walked across the water. As the enemy continues his attacks, we start to look to the left and to the right. We realize more and more of our current situation, and less and less of our current savior, standing steadfast before us.

So often when I read this passage of scripture I get a picture of this stoic Christ standing there emotionless as Peter walks across the water and assisting Peter in disappointment when he begins to sink. But is this the picture of Jesus throughout the gospel? A careless man who stands and waits until we need help? Certainly not! As Peter was crossing the water I can just see the excitement on Jesus' face and Peter's as he walks to his Lord. But even as Peter starts to look to the side, Jesus is yearning in anticipation for Peter to return his gaze upon Him. Scripture says that Jesus "immediately reached out his hand and caught him." Immediately as His son began to sink and call out to Him, Christ rescued Peter.

What can we learn from this? Certainly the first step is that of faith, that of stepping out of the boat. But as we walk towards the Lord and the storm is raging and the enemy is on the attack, where are our eyes focused? Do we start to look toward the business of life and become burdened to the point of despair. Do we start to worry about what we will do tomorrow or how we might overcome this struggle. It is times like these that we tend to our human nature and take our eyes off of our Lord and Savior. But as we place our gaze upon the Lord, may we continue to walk toward Him and enter into His power. But even if we begin to be overcome by the troubles of this world, may we cry out to the Lord and turn our eyes upon Him, our Rescuer, our Redeemer, our Lord. May we not give into the distractions of the enemy, but may we be consumed by the face of the Lord, putting all things aside in view of His face. Glory be to God.

Seeking Him,
Erich Roscher
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A True Brother...

2008-11-02T03:06:54Z

This weekend I headed to Rockbridge, a Young Life camp, and met a true brother in Christ. As we finished our training early for the ropes course, we realized we had an hour left. I dismissed everyone until after lunch as there was no more work to be had. And glory be to God, Jay speaks up and offers this time for Bible study. So we got together as a family and discussed and reasoned over Mark 12:13-17. Nothing was more refreshing than that. A brother who had the mindset of Christ, who gave to God what is God's. Thank you Lord for people who follow after you with their everything. What an encouragement they are.

It's hard though that those in Christ such as Jay are scarce. Where is our mind set? When we have free time, what do we turn to? Much like Jay, do we think of how we can grow closer to God, how we can run the race? Or even more so like Jesus when he was tired but saw the need for people to know him? When we are tired, where do we turn? These are questions that resonate all to well with me. As a college student, life can be pretty busy, and those few times that I am free, that I am dismissed from my work, where do I turn, but to myself. I want to relax and do nothing, or watch TV, or hang out with friends aimlessly. But glory be to God if I had my mind set on Christ. If I would just take those times where I think about watching TV or just relaxing to be in God's Word or in Prayer. Or how about those times that I spend aimlessly with friends to say "Let's study the Bible together" or "Let's pray as one body together." My heart cries out for that tonight in my life and in the lives of those around me. May I and may we have our mind set on Christ that our thirst and our hunger may be for the Lord. May we redeem that idle time to be still and to know God, especially as busy as we are today. Our business should not be an excuse for why we are not in scripture and prayer, it should be all the more reason why we would seek after the Lord in those idle times.

So I love you all and ask for your prayer in this. That with glory to God I might have to mind set and redeem those times. That we might press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us first. May we hunger and thirst for righteousness not of our own gain, but that God may be glorified all the more in our lives.

Lord forgive us where we fall short. Those times that we seek our own desires and pleasures. May we not be consumed with our lives, but may we be transformed by yours. May we become less, and may you become more. We love you Lord, and we cry out for a passion and consuming fire of you in our lives. Glory be to God.

A Bond Servant to Christ,
Erich
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Rejoice As Christ Moves

2008-10-30T19:13:08Z

I just write this in light of Christ's work that a brother encouraged me with today and I ask for your prayers in this. Christ is using a Junior, Phillip, at Liberty University to start a church at Lynchburg College called Lynchburg Christian Fellowship. I can only say my heart rejoiced in the news. Our church is sending one of our staff down to teach at the church in one of the coming Sundays and I myself pray to visit this church in December to encourage and fellowship with Phillip.

It gives such a vivid picture of the early church as Paul and Barnabas went out to share the Gospel and encourage those in Christ as they traveled from synagogue to synagogue. I pray as we, those who are in Christ, travel throughout, that we may encourage one another and in all practicality, encourage the pastors and leaders of the church in our travels.

May you lift up Phillip in your prayers, that he would be sensitive to the Spirit and work in all glory to God. Pray that He would continue to seek council and be encouraged by fellow brothers and sisters who call upon the Lord. Glory be to God.

A Fellow Brother in Christ,
Erich Roscher
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