Written by: Wes Shattuck
Ah, the power of the group when united in purpose and intent, drawing from each other’s strengths and knowledge base.
Today, July 18, was our first of two build days here in Natchitoches, LA. Our task was exterior house painting. In terms of experience and know-how, some did and some did not have one or both, but all of our FCBA team members were united in purpose and intent. Our purpose: take yet another notch out of poverty housing. Our intent: to prepare and paint as much of the designated house as possible. By doing so our intent was also to raise the standard of living and increase the self worth just a bit for the parent and children who will reside there. Additionally, our intent was to support and contribute to the Natchitoches community’s investment in this family.
The painting know-how that was out on the job site was 
shared, received, and spread out amongst the team. Those with skill and experience focused in as they applied it to specific needs. About five hours later 90 percent of thehouse exterior was transformed.
Ah, the power of the group, united in purpose and intent. What a joy this is to “work side by side” on a purpose-driven team, united and pursuing the scriptural directive in James 1:27. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (NIV)
