Across the table with Betty Jefferson: Guest Blog

Back in October, our squad went to Louisiana to serve with Samaritans purse. We got to meet with many home owners and fill whatever need they had through partnering with God. Sometimes that looked like taking down walls so that contractors could come in and rebuild it, and sometimes that looked like sitting with the homeowners for hours and learning from their wisdom and years of life experience. One homeowner we got to speak to in particular was named Betty Jefferson. She is an incredible woman who seeks the fathers perspective in all things, even when her house was taken from her. I reached out to Betty after we got to serve her and asked if she would be willing to write a guest blog on the impact the Lord has had on her life and how Hurricane Laura affected her. You want to sit across the table from this woman. So without further adue, in her own words, the incredible, Betty Jefferson.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!
My name is Betty Jefferson. I live in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I am a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin , and friend to many.
But, first and foremost, I am a Christian, A Child Of God.
On August 27,2020, my home was destroyed by hurricane Laura. I returned home on August 29, to access the damages. From the outside, it didn't look so bad but, when I opened the door, what I saw was devastating. Seventy percent of my roof was damaged. The ceiling in most of the rooms had collapsed. My ceilings were on the floors, on the furniture, on the countertops. The furniture, floors and walls were saturated with water with mold already taking over and the smell of the mold took my breath away. On the ride back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I evacuated to, I didn't know how I was going to begin the clean-up that was needed. BUT GOD KNEW... I was led to a group of people, SAMARITANS PURSE VOLUNTEER or also known as THE ANGELS IN ORANGE SHIRTS. With them was a group of young people that's associated with WORLD RACE MINISTRY. Their presence at my home was truly a blessing. They came ready to pray and work with me and for me. The smiles on their faces gave way to the love in their hearts.
They were willing to do anything and everything they could to help me and they did. They came from all over as strangers to me and left as my family saying our good-bye with hugs. Again God has made His presence known by showing me that even in our storms, our trials, and tribulations that we can find our blessings. My blessings came by way of all the volunteers that showed up to help me. My relationship with God allows me to always be willing to walk in God's light. God promised me that He would never leave me nor
forsake me. So to my family at world race Ministry, from the depths of my heart, THANK YOU ALL!! I pray that each of you continue grow and mature in the word. I will always pray that God's blessing be with each of you and your ministry.
''I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME'' Philippians 4:13

Your simple ‘yes’ could be impacting people in ways you can never imagine. Louisiana is still recovering from the hurricanes and Samaritans Purse could use lots more volunteers. If you feel let to serve, go to samaritanspurse.org

as always, your story matters, I would love to hear how God has encountered you in hard situations. My email is 1elliemiller@gmail.com

Comment an encouraging word for Betty as she navigates this new season

blessings,

Ellie

Prayer Requests:

Our Squad had a pretty bad covid outbreak over Thanksgiving break. To allow everyone to recover in hopes to launch overseas in January, AIM decided to not have us return to base for the rest of the semester. This was a change in plans as we were supposed to go back to base for 3 weeks. Be praying for our hearts as we spend more time home than we thought, as well as grieving the end of a season in Gainesville.

I am also still fundraising and have a little over $1,500 to fundraise to reach my second deadline January 1st, and around $5,000 left to fundraise until I am completely funded for Circuit Riders in the spring. If you feel led to donate my venmo is ellie-miller-23. I would also love to meet for coffee or have a facetime call to further explain my heart in missions. I would also love that if you can’t donate, please share this blog and my story with those around you. I wouldn’t be able to meet people like Betty and serve her without your financial support.