Greetings!
Let's see, the last time we checked in with each other, my foot was crooked! The doctor has prescribed six weeks of "absolutely no weight-bearing."
In plain English: "YOUR RIGHT FOOT BETTER NOT TOUCH THE GROUND OR ELSE!"
I took the doctor at his word and kept my foot elevated for the better part of six weeks. In fact, I became so accustomed to living life on one leg that I developed the saying "Life as a flamingo ain't easy." Showering, brushing my teeth, cooking... Everything was done on one foot. Adjustments had to be made, of course, and it wasn't always easy. Renata stepped up to the plate big time by taking full care of me while I was incapacitated. Because it was my right ankle, driving was out of the question for me, so Renata had to make a lot of sacrifices by driving me to work and other events I needed to be at, even if she had places she needed to be. On top of that, we were able to experience the blessing and generosity of God through our church family. Many of our friends didn't think twice about offering me rides to and from work and home, and without them, it would have been a very rough six weeks. All in all, even though I wouldn't wish a dislocated ankle on anybody, it was an unforgettable experience. God truly is most active in our weakness, and while we often spiritualize the sentiment, I was able to see Him come alive in my wife and church family because of my ailment. Awesome!
So now, the cast is off and the crutches are put away, but there is still work ahead. I have been prescribed three physical therapy sessions a week for one month, which will end the first week of November. Due to the atrohpy of some of my leg muscles, I still experience pain and walk with a slight limp, but it's getting better every day. I look forward to the sessions and know that they play a big role in my full recovery.
Because of the injury, I was afraid I was going to miss out on a lot of the work I do at the church. While it's true I spend some time seated at a computer screen, a lot of what I do involves being physically active. From playing in the band, to being a part of our host team or planning and leading outreach events, I am usually on two feet. Fortunately, I was able to continue most of what I do.
As you have read before, we have found a lot of success in serving the community by doing what we call a "Water Outreach." A team of volunteers from the church convenes on a Saturday morning at a local major intersection, armed with cold bottles of water and warm smiles. From there, we roam the intersections, offering free bottles of water to anyone willing to roll their car window down. By doing this, we are not only letting people know there is a church in their neighborhood, but we're showing them that we are a church who cares, modeling generosity to our community that we see from God. Selfless giving with no strings attached. Even though I wasn't able to physically walk the lanes with bottles in hand, I was able to plan and execute two weekends of water events that have seen tremendous results. Thousands of bottles and invitations were handed out, with many people coming through our church's doors for the first time.
We're also in the middle of what we have dubbed "Missions and Outreach Month" at Calvary Fellowship. Each Sunday for the month of October, we're featuring one local ministry we support. From pregnancy help clinics, to orphanages and homeless shelters, we're educating our church about the needs in our local community. I was able to conduct interviews with some of the staff at these places, and I even got to interview a girl who decided to keep her child. I never thought that when I signed up for this job that looking at an ultrasound would be something I would get to experience. In any case, the feedback has been astounding! I'm glad to be a part of the process.
As we make our way towards the end of the year, I am anticipating a full calendar. The seeds that were sown early on in the internship are starting to sprout at this time of the year. I spent a lot of the early months in meetings, getting to know various leaders from other churches and organizations in the area, learning the needs of South Florida and preparing a calendar for our local church to plug in to. Because of that early work, it seems as if there is barely an open spot on the calendar for the rest of 2010! We plan on continuing our work with the places already mentioned, while adding on work with local migrant farmers, and some special seasonal events for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I write this update with one thing very clear in mind: This could not be done without you! Your support is essential to the growth that has been happening in our local church and community. Eyes are being opened to see the need our corner of the world, and hearts and minds are being challenged to chip in and change lives. The message of salvation and redemption is a powerful one, and it is what drives us to do what we do everyday! Your support allows us to pour into the lives of others, disciple them and change the world, person by person.
Because of the unexpected medical costs, our monetary support has taken a bit of a hit. We are ALWAYS accepting support, and I would love to talk with you about how you can help us round out the year. Please, keep giving and keep praying. We need as much as you're able to contribute. I ask that you pray about and consider how you can support us these last few months of the year.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Be well,
Joel and Renata Eastlick
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