to snuff–except for the roof. It was a hugebudget item that we simply didn’t have theresources to tackle. And the more it rained,the more it leaked, the more damage it didto the inside. It was overwhelming.ï ï ïJUNE, 2019One afternoon, while doing a fewtouch-ups, I walked into the backyard tosurvey all the work that had been done.I’d been on summer vacation with myfamily and it was my first time back on theproperty since the mission group had left.I looked over at the old tree stump in thecorner of the yard, a defiant reminder ofwhat had created all this mess. It had beencarved into the shape of a book. Uponcloser inspection, it said, “I am making allthings new.”I froze. Someone had carved a Bible outof the very tree stump left from the verytree that fell causing so much damage andcreating so much heartache–damage andheartache the Robinsons have been livingwith all this time. I could not believe myeyes. I cried. I knew that this was all part ofsomething bigger–something completelyDivine in nature.“I am making. . . ”It indicates a continuation.We still had work to do.That was the night I went home andfound that a local roofing company wasaccepting nominations for a roof to be givento one needy family–and I could think ofno one more needy than my friend Robert.I said a quick prayer (I literally claimedthat roof, out loud, in the name of Jesus)and then I got to work trying to win it.I worked my social media like a secondjob. The promotion entailed garneringvotes during a specified period of timewith the recipient of the most voteswinning a roof.ï ï ïAUGUST, 2019Over a thousand votes were cast duringthe six-week voting window–and Robertreceived over half of them, out of fourfinalists. Eight weeks after Robert hadbeen nominated, Michael Dier, owner ofWatkins Construction and Roofing, alongwith members of his team and a cameracrew from the local news station, walkedup to the Robinson’s home, just like thePublisher’s Clearing House Prize Patrol,and knocked on the door. Robert had wonthe roof! We’d all won that roof!One week later, on August 28th, theWatkins team rolled into the neighborhoodwith a crew of two dozen members.In less than six hours, they installed astate-of-the-art roof that will providedecades of protection from the elementsand some much-needed peace of mind forRobert. And by the time the day ended,Robert and Pat had made new friendsfor life.ï ï ïTODAYRobert continues to navigate thechallenges that come with the cripplingeffects of diabetes –but he never complains.He’ll tell you, with a quickness, that hisonly gripe in life is when his TV signal goesout and he can’t pick up ESPN. He’s got aremarkably positive attitude and is lovedby many.I can’t imagine a greater blessing tothis wonderful friend than to be able toencourage his independence by helpinghim through this difficult time. It’s blessedme more than anything–not to mentionhas restored my faith in humanity in thesemighty dark times. Amazing things happenwhen people come together for the greatergood. I thank God for that.“Behold, I am making all things new.”Then He said, “Write this down, for thesewords are faithful and true.”– Revelation 21:5A VERY SPECIALTHANK YOU TO:The Heart of Mississippi Missions YouthGroups from Lake Harbor Church ofChrist and Siwell Road Church of Christ;Ryan Windham; Barney Davis of DavisPlumbing and Gas; Coburn’s SupplyCompany; Brittany and Brad McHann,The McHann Team of Godfrey & IvyReal Estate; Clinton Refrigeration;Watkins Construction & Roofing;Mississippi Roofing Supply, OwensCorning, and all that donated to helpbring this project to fruition.46 • October 2019
Photo by Edward WallHometown Rankin • 47