Invisible Progress

Another week of electrical and plumbing work that doesn't really yield itself to being photogenic. Instead, this photo of Caroline Chueh, with her husband, daughter and relatives in Taiwan, serves as a reminder of what God's radical hospitality is all about. Last fall, three nurses from Taiwan who were studying for their doctorates traveled all the way to St. Louis to take courses at St. Louis University's School of Nursing. Caroline, Nissa and Catherine, as well as a fourth student, Pateree from Thailand, found Compton and worshipped with us until the semester ended. Although homesick and missing their children, they found a spiritual home with us and returned to look for new connections with Christian communities in their hometowns. This photo was taken Oct. 3 as the family was on holiday. On Oct. 6 and 7, Typhoon Krosa battered Taiwan before moving on to southern China. We pray that all of our friends and their families are safe. Thanks to the Internet, once they have electricity restored we can look forward to hearing from them again.

In the last few weeks, Compton outreach has resulted in some 29 hygiene kits being gathered and sent to the Festival of Sharing for women in Missouri prisons. Our Book Circle was featured in the "Find a Book club" booth at the Big Read in Clayton this past Saturday. And our special offering for Reconciliation Ministries is nearly $500, on its way to help transform the larger church and society to eradicate racism.

And giving to Compton Cares continues to grow. Use of GoodSearch is increasing, and we are thankful to all who use this means to contribute. If you have not tried GoodShop, please note that one modest online purchase through this site can equal 100 searches or more in contribution. Case in point: recently a relative was hospitalized in another state and I wanted to send flowers to her. Instead of looking for 800 numbers to call, I clicked on GoodShop, picked flowers and gifts, browsed the selections of some 4 different florists. I made my selection and my purchase. My relative had the flowers I ordered early the next day. The transaction was on secure sites and appeared correctly on my credit card. And just yesterday, 5% of the purchase price of $42, a total of $2.10 was added to Compton's credits on GoodSearch. It's a great way to do good while doing something for yourself or others, so feel free to check it out.

Hopefully by next week there will be more construction progress, and pictures, to show. Meanwhile, thanks for your support and prayers for Compton Cares.