Toronto, Ontario 2005

Every time we leave for a project, we never know what God is going to do for us or how he will use us. That is why these mission trips are so special and exciting when you are willing to say, "yes Lord, send me."

This trip to Toronto was no exception. Unknown to us, the pastor's 22 year old son was killed in a motorcycle accident 3 weeks prior to our arrival. We could not understand the lack of communication to settle the last minute details for the trip before coming. However, Pastor Hall did not want us to know so we would not cancel the trip to remodel his church. This accident had a huge impact on this church. The Lord knew the timing of our trip was perfect timing for the body of Christ to come along side and help this church. We were there not only to work on their church but to comfort them in their loss.

As we came along side our brothers and sisters in Christ, we were ready to get started remodeling their church. This was a very large task of converting an old warehouse into a beautiful worship center.

Thinking it would be cool, the temperature stayed in the 90's. The men worked on scaffolds to put up 150-175 feet of duct for heating and cooling and they also put up tract for the 7,000 square feet of ceiling grid. The women helped to put up metal studs up to 18 feet high for class rooms and also put in insulation. The dry wall was a team effort with the men and women.

The women of the church thought all they could do was cook until they saw some of the women working so hard now they want to try other tasks. There was one sweet 81 year old Jamaican woman named Doris that helped us for 4 days holding things or carrying light items. She just wanted to help.

Our mission was to give them a big start and to show what can be done when every one works together. Now, it is their project. They will continue to pick up the hammers and tools to finish what was started.

We were told by our coming the church saved $50,000 in labor with the collective efforts of our team and about 40 of the church people. They worked during their lunch hour a day or two and others took a week vacation to help with the project. The work days were 12 to 14 hours and no one complained. We give all the praise to the Lord. It was a job well done!

Marvin and Sharon Hahn
McDonald, TN