Passing the Baton

We've been home for a few days now, but there is one thing that happened right at the end of our trip that I can't shake. We were at Enterprise, returning our rental cars, and I was standing at the counter waiting to pay. There, next to me, was a group that was picking up their cars. It seemed obvious to me that they were a church group, so I asked them where they were from. "Delaware," came the reply, to which I said, "Oh really, where?" "Newark." There, right next to us at Enterprise, just arriving, was a group of 23 from a church in Newark, ready to serve the Lord in New Orleans. After all that our team had accomplished in our week there, it was almost like a passing of the baton as another church just down the street from ours was showing up to continue God's work in that city. That was so encouraging to me.

I'm not sure I can event count the times in our week in NOLA where I heard, "If it wasn't for the church coming to serve, this city would not be where it is today." Time and time again, from pastors to community residents made the same comment. It brings tears to my eyes and as I think about God's passion for these people and how faithful his church has been at extending compassion to them. That truly is what it means to be salt, light and a city on a hill. That is the very purpose for which God has placed us here in this world. When God's people serve those who are hurting, outcasts or outsiders, they are bringing God's kingdom to bear on the earth, and that is cause to celebrate!

Home Safely

We're tired, sad, excited, grateful and more, but we are home safely. Thank you to all who prayed for our travel yesterday. Keep your eyes on this site as more stories will continue to be posted. God bless each of you today.