Starting the Tour de Florida by building in Tallahassee
Jan. 6, 2023

By Cindy Hepp
Day two was our first build day in Tallahassee.
One group went to build low rise steps for an elderly gentleman and later joined the other group. The majority of the team went to the Tatum home, which houses three elderly homeless men. Our jobs were to paint the ceiling, walls, and trim of two bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, and hallway. Part of the team also worked on cutting limbs and other yard work. The gentlemen were ready for us by having all the furniture moved away from the wall, curtains and wall decor down.
The Fuller Center chapter had all the materials on site plus a foreman at each site. After a short prayer and information about our projects, we were off and running. This is a great team bonding experience, learning to work together, rekindling friendships and getting to know the new people or ones you have yet to do a mission trip together.
I was also able to speak with two of the men from the home, Robert the bicyclist and Claude the gardener. Claude told me some of his history. He lived in Louisiana for a time, working as a tour guide at a historical village. Then the Holy Spirit got hold of him when he read Matthew 24 and was felt led to be involved in Good News Outreach in Tallahassee. Claude knew he wanted to be a part of it. He ended up being in charge of the soup kitchen for 25 years. He received free housing in this home.
Presently at 79 years of age, he is still volunteering at the local food pantry. He plans to do so as long as the Lord allows him, he will continue. What a testimony and encouragement he was to me.