Glasgow Church: Mission to New Orleans

The House is Finished!

2009-08-17T09:28:00.008-04:00

While in NOLA, our team was part of finishing a house that St. Roch was rebuilding that will allow an older gentleman to move back into the neighborhood. The house is finished, so here is a brief tour of the house, from beginning to end of the project.

We received the blessing...

2009-08-13T09:07:00.003-04:00

Pastor Josie said “it’s not just about the work, it’s about relationships.” I hope we can continue to have a relationship with her. She is very special lady. A group of us were sent to her church to help her. She needed a ditch dug so that stone and blacktop could be added to a portion of the parking lot. The purpose was so she could set up a car wash to make money for the food ministry at the church. She was beyond thrilled that we were there. She was jumping up and down and hugging everyone.

Her church was located in a very poor and dangerous section of New Orleans. Chain link fence surrounded the compound. Several out-buildings in need of repair had large hand-painting words and graphics. We love Jesus was on one building. Inside the church (that didn’t look anything like a church) was a large room. It was air-conditioned! It served as a craft area, learning area, library, office, and Church. The pews were pushed back against the wall out of the way. An organ that didn’t work was pushed back against the wall. Colorful painted little wooden birdhouses were scattered on shelves in the library area. You could tell they were hand painted by children.

Josie told us that every summer she has a camp for the neighborhood children. Most of them have come from broken, dysfunctional homes. By the time they are three or four they are cursing and getting into fist fights. She said “if you don’t know what to do with them, have them paint a birdhouse.”

She told us our children could play basketball, paint… We told her they were also here to work. They started pulling weeds outside in her vegetable garden. However, the heat was unbearable for the children; they didn’t last long in the heat. The children, Jack, Jessie, Julia H., Julianna, Julia W. and Leah went inside and Josie gave them some jobs. She told them when they were finished they could paint a birdhouse. They cleaned up Josie’s library, swept and mopped the floor. She asked Jack to write his favorite bible verse on the large pad on an easel. After the children finished cleaning up, Josie set-up the “bird house” painting station. She poured many colors of paint for each of them along with glitter glue and embellishments. She told them to paint two birdhouses, one to take home and one with their name on it to leave there so she could remember them. She also wanted to show the neighborhood children and tell them about how they came all the way from Delaware. She noted it was a miracle that we came! I mentioned that she should have a birdhouse ministry with a web-site. She told me it would be hard since she is illiterate. How can that be? She is a pastor of a church, has a radio program and a summer camp for children. I was astonished, so I didn’t ask anymore questions.

Near the end of the day, Josie called out to a little boy walking down the street. She said “C.C. come over and meet some children from Delaware! They’ve come to help, it’s a miracle!” Josie told us his mother was just recently shot and killed on the street corner, and he never knew his father. C.C. was at her camp and she made him “student of the week.” He came over and Jack and Jesse played basketball with him.

I finished cleaning up the vegetable garden, planted a few things that were in pots, swept outside and tidied up. Josie found out that Michele Wallace was an artist and asked her if she would draw a birdhouse one of the buildings. Michelle was thrilled to do that for her and when she finished Josie came out to look at it. She screamed excitedly, “I love it!” Again, jumping up and down. The ditch diggers, Tommy & Jen Dennis, Lisa Halfren, John & Jane Hoopman, Rebbie Jeantet, Michelle and Dave Wallace (in 100+ heat) did an amazing job.

Josie sends hope to a community where there is not much hope.

by Patti Thompson

St. Roch referenced in WORLD Magazine

2009-08-04T15:27:00.002-04:00

The cover article of the new issue of WORLD Magazine is entitled, "New Faces of New Orleans." In the article, St. Roch, the church with which we partnered is referenced and Pastor J.B. Watkins is quoted. Check it out at WORLD Mag's website.

First Responder Photos

2009-07-17T16:58:00.003-04:00

Learning to live lives that shine

2009-07-17T08:40:00.004-04:00

The song in this video is called Firefly, by one of my favorite bands, Smalltown Poets. I thought the lyrics were appropriate as the song talks about each of us as fireflies, learning to let our light shine and reflect the glory of our God. Here are the lyrics...

Glowing eyes
That ask if I would risk it all
Fight the crowding dark away
I can't help but feel that You are searching me
At the dusk of summer's first day
Fragile wings bring
Little messages of light

[Chorus]
Firefly
Burning inside
I'll fly
With the light inside of me

Circling free
From a gently opened jar
With a halo You show me
A symbol of the fact that I am carrying
The image of Your glory
Fragile wings bring
Little messages of light

[Chorus]

I burn to know
Your will, Your ways
Your heart and mind
And learn to love the way You love

A luminescent speck
Shining at the perfect time
Tests the temporary night
And signals other tiny fires
Time to light up and fly
Light up, light up and fly

[Chorus]

Changing Hearts

2009-07-16T10:16:00.002-04:00

by Tom Bendler

We came back from NOLA filled with blessings and memories that we will never forget. All my previous trips to Gulfport and NOLA were about fixing buildings and homes and Churches but this time God had a different purpose for me. It was time to see the people how God sees the people. I kept telling the team this verse, "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," I Peter 3:15. The Lord was preparing us to do this with gentleness and respect for a people who had been crushed and live in this broken world.

Part of my job in NOLA was going through the neighborhoods handing out flyers for an event called Feed the Multitudes. It opened doors and as God led we prayed and held hands with the people we met. It was awesome. It took more courage this year because the week before we arrived, right out in front of St. Roch Church there was a drive-by shooting. As Steve told us these are dangerous neighborhoods so be careful. Yet I never felt any fear. I felt boldness. Anna and Kathy were by my side. I never feared for their safety because there was such a presence of God in our midst. “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The answer is no one.

Last year we went and worked on Gloryland Baptist Church in what looked like a very rough neighborhood. I felt a little uneasy going from the car to the Church but figured we were safe in the Church. This year God asked me to walk the streets of this neighborhood handing out flyers but also praying and sharing and most importantly – listening.

Part of my group was Marshall Long, Tucker Long, and Elaina Long. Talk of no fear – these kids were waving down passing cars to hand them a flyer. The people for the most part stopped and had huge smiles on their faces. I don’t think they had ever seen anything like this before. The other kids soon joined in.

We went door-to-door giving out the flyers and meeting with the people. I even had the privilege of praying with a pastor who lived in the neighborhood. My heart was no longer looking in suspicion but looking at this neighborhood wishing my neighborhood could have such wonderful people who were anxious to tell us their story and we were able to remind them of the goodness of God.

The day of the event I volunteered to work the Prayer tent. This is where God would make known I Peter 3:15. Funny how God works because my partner from GRPC was Jamie Carty who I had gotten to know in the Wednesday night Men’s bible study last fall. Jamie married Sara just two months before the mission trip. Jamie has such a gentle spirit to go along with I Peter 3:15. He and I would be partners for this day and I am glad the Lord put the two of us together.

What happened that day in the Prayer tent still breaks my heart. I grumble because the food is cold and yet I prayed for a single homeless mom whose only prayer request was to keep her family together. She had two boys and the youngest at around 2 years old had cerebral palsy. We prayed for two men who had lost everything. One of these men lost 4 homes. They talked how they helped build this city and you could see some bitterness yet after the prayer time with them they all had smiles and appreciation for our prayers. And finally the reason I think this year I was there. Scotty was raised Christian but I believed had turned his back on God when his father died. He came into the tent only because it was also the way out. He is from Ohio and now lives under a bridge in New Orleans. His friend said to him, “I already had somebody pray for me – get somebody to pray for you.” He rolled his eyes but followed us.

He knew enough scripture to challenge us yet was respectful. He had around his neck a cross that had the inscription, “Jesus Saves” but also around that same chain was a snake. He made sure we noticed but I reminded him what Christ had done to the serpents head. He crushed the head of the serpent. He shook his head yes. To me it showed how much this man was deceived by the prince of liars.

As we continued to talk his challenges were changing into what did God really say in the Bible. He even asked for a dream interpretation. It wasn’t my words impressing him but how I believe the Holy Spirit was dealing with him. When I talked to him about the love of God and how I understood when my daughter was born what it meant to give your one and only child over to be butchered for our sins. This man with the hard looks and tattoos had a tear run down his face. This man’s heart was melting and he almost apologetic said “I was taught to never cry in public and show your weakness.” I told him it was not weakness but a showing of his heart.

I promised him I would pray for him and that I was coming back next year. I asked him to turn his life over to God and call the Church who sponsored this event for help. I would be back next year to hear what God has done for him. And then we prayed.

I was exhausted. Not even the first day of 112 heat index of tearing down a garage compared to what I felt. I knew more had happened there then just 3 men sitting and talking. A spiritual battle had taken place and I felt God was right there in the tent with us. My reason for being here was made known to me. I am still praying for Scottie as I promised and my greatest hope is he will be there next year standing victorious over his life through the power of Christ.

For all of you that supported or prayed for us God bless you. Each time I go out on the mission field God opens the door wider and I allowed to do more. God is awesome. God is sovereign and we can truly trust Him. If you feel called then come with us next year. You will be amazed at what God can do through you!

24 " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn His face toward you
and give you peace." '
Numbers 6

mural created by Mike

2009-07-13T21:05:00.004-04:00

Here is the wonderful mural created by Mike at Bethal Colony. I had the wonderful privilege of talking to Mike and hearing his testimony of how God has blessed him with this wonderful talent that he was able to express at other church locations. What a GREAT JOB!!!

God is Good All the Time......

How To Re-live Your NOLA Mission Trip When You Get Home

2009-07-13T14:42:00.001-04:00

By Michele Wallace

10) Set out your breakfast every night before bed and be sure to make 12 cups of coffee.

9) Dig lots of potholes around the neighborhood.

8) Change your white noise machine to a recording of three or more people snoring.

7) Make 20 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.

6) Drive past the road that you want to turn left on, and turn left at the next intersection.

5) Get ready for your shower, and then stand outside.

4) Fry up some dough and dust it with powdered sugar. Pour extra sugar all over the floor.

3) Stand in the middle of a crowd and shout, “Praise the Lord!”

2) Wake up when you really need to go to the bathroom…and then hold it.

1a) Fill up a trash bag with groceries…and toss it in a dumpster.

1) Look around… See the needs…Meet them in the name of Christ!

Trying to put it into words...

2009-07-13T14:38:00.002-04:00

Wow! what a week! I'm still debriefing. Michele, Jesse, Julia, and I are enjoying rest and relaxation with my sister in Baton Rouge. So many things happened this week that I would get carpal tunnel syndrome relaying them all to you. Team two attitude check….PRAISE THE LORD!!! Sorry I digress.

Simply put, God is doing great things in the city of New Orleans. He showed me about his faithfulness in using this broken vessel to share his love with David Guy at Feed the Multitudes on July 4th. I was blessed to be a part of the evangelistic team sharing the gospel with our guests as they ate. David was a unique man with a unique story - a father of 4, a husband to none, addicted to drugs and alcohol. David heard me share of my relationship with Christ to his friend Clinton. The door with Clinton was closed as he rose to go get a haircut, but the Holy Spirit opened David’s heart. I shared why we were in New Orleans. Only because of the grace Christ showed us on the cross we were compelled to share that love with others. After two hours of sharing, soul-searching, crying, and praying, David told me that he knew I was in New Orleans for a reason. I agreed, and told him I thought that reason was so he could know new life in a relationship with Christ. This time we prayed that Christ would invade David's life, change his heart and bring him to forgiveness at the foot of the cross. What an awesome experience to be at the point where someone meets the God of the universe, is humbled, and comes out not turning over a new leaf for the umpteenth time, but becoming a new creation, with a promise of eternal hope!

My stories are many but my time is short, please ask me to share of Sister Josie and of the incredible fellowship with many broken saints at Bethel-Colony. Tired in body, refreshed in spirit the Wallace family returns to Middletown tomorrow. Pray for us, that this experience will not become a snapshot in our lives filed and forgotten, but the beginning of a fluid life, a live action video, listening and responding to Gods call on a daily basis.

Thanks for your support both through prayer and financially.

--Dave Wallace

It's not over....

2009-07-12T23:16:00.002-04:00

As all of us have returned to our normal everyday lives, we must ask ourselves “what did we take from this mission to New Orleans?” Will we remember a month, 4 months, 6 months later who the people were we met and what did God do for us to help or minister to them? Our family does not plan on losing site of His vision. Just because our mission to New Orleans is over, does not mean our mission is over. Our Lord Father has a plan for every one of us. What is your plan? I know in my heart of hearts it has been changed not only for the good, but spiritually. I am counting the days until we return to New Orleans. There has also been talk about missions locally and globally.
We have witnessed the brokenness of individuals and families only to learn that their faith in God never changed. What an empowering thought. I still cannot fathom the love I have for our Father and the trust we instill in Him just by faith alone, however this outpouring of faith in our Lord God was shown beyond our imaginations in New Orleans. One week will never encapsulate the belief in our God that the families and the people of New Orleans live by every day.
Try not to look as if the mission to New Orleans is over….look at it as your new beginning. Our family has. I have!
“Thank you Lord for the wonderful opportunity you gave my family to minister to those who are in need…not just in need of physical help, but in need of spiritual help. We know in your divine way there is a purpose for us…a plan. We pray that you keep us focused, spiritual, and speak only in your words. Allow us to continue spreading your word, your love, your devotion to our sisters and brothers and let us plant the seed in those who truly do not know you so that they may come to know you. We pray that you continue to give strength, wisdom, courage, and spiritual guidance to all we have met, our mission’s team, future mission teams, our leaders and pastors, and any that believe that you sent your only begotten son to die for our sins on the cross. We pray for those who do not know you….will come to know you!! We pray this in your name…Amen.”

The Finish Line!

2009-07-11T00:51:00.002-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers this week. We have had very limited internet access, so we haven't been able to give you too many updates, but we have had an amazing week of ministry and have been so blessed by the people here. We are just now recovering from a very eventful evening, highlighted by a great time of debriefing and a visit from Sister Josephine, a woman who has a grassroots ministry to children in a very rough neighborhood. Expect stories from the team in the days and weeks to come. Please pray for safe travels tomorrow and especially for Patti Thompson's health.

Feed the Multitudes at NOLA 2009 - Slide Show

2009-07-10T07:34:00.000-04:00

lake ponchatrain

2009-07-09T18:19:00.003-04:00

Here we had devotions. As you can see in the background is the largest bridge in the world. It was a beautiful sight. Everyone had a great time.

Katrina Destruction

2009-07-09T18:07:00.000-04:00

Nighttime Boxing Party

2009-07-08T23:17:00.003-04:00

This is how Jeremiah Jeantet (JJ) releases stress on the mission field.

Bethel Colony South Worship

2009-07-08T00:40:00.005-04:00

We had an amazing time experiencing god's blessing at Bethal Colony, a transformation ministries for men with addictions, and watching them worship our lord. We also, had the privilege of serving them a great meal made by the Rhem family.

Here is a small clip of God's blessing to this ministry experienced through these men.

Enjoy,

God is Good All the Time

Christmas Shopping in July

2009-07-07T23:53:00.008-04:00

Steve Jeantet took the Thompson family to Toys R Us this afternoon and told Jack and Julianna to spend some money.

St. Roch has a subsidized Christmas Shoppe that is open during the Christmas season. They offer gift items at a discount of up to 70% off the retail price for the community so they can afford to buy presents for their children.

The instructions that Steve gave Jack and Julianna was to pick out gifts that they thought the children would like and told them what the budget was. Jack and Julianna came up with a strategy prior to buying the gifts. First they wanted to check out the sale flyer. When entering the store they noticed the flyer box was empty so they went to the customer service window. They only had one flyer in the entire store, so the children had to study it before shopping. They had a “red hot” special going on with an additional 20% off any clearance item. Jack and Julianna each had a cart and headed straight to the clearance section. They thought carefully about each purchase and the children that would be receiving the toy. They made wise purchases and found some great bargains. Two carts were overflowing with bags of toys that God blessed us with. Our support money was infinitely more than we could ask or imagine so the community of St. Rock will be blessed.

--Patti

Home...

2009-07-05T22:15:00.002-04:00

It is a bitter-sweet moment for the Shepard family as we are sad to be home because of the many relationships we have created with the residents of New Orleans and the family we have come to know and love.....the missions team. We spent a week with individuals that we only had a brief time during our meetings to get to know, to virtually knowing every little detail and uniqueness of everyone.
As for New Orleans, our family experienced a revelation in our hearts that is urging us to continue His work. We feel that the Lord has moved our hearts and passion into a different direction and we pray that He will continue this feeling and unfold His plan for our family. I myself felt very torn leaving because the work is not finished. I am already counting the days until I return to continue to minister in any way, shape, and form. So many ideas are swirling in my head at this very moment. I want to find new ways to help and minister to everyone in New Orleans, that it is hard to grab a hold of just one. This may be just "the new car" feeling because we have just returned and its fresh; however, I believe that He is providing so much more!!

We will continue to pray for the families in New Orleans, Steve and Kim, and the safety and health of Team 2. I cannot wait to read all about the ministry that Team 2 will provide to New Orleans this week. We will pray each and every day for you!!

***A special note for Billy - Let Mike know at Bethel Colony that I am looking forward to the mural to be posted and I apologize for not being able to see the finished product. We will pray for all of the men and leadership at Bethel Colony as well as all of those at St. Roch!!!***

Steve and Kim - Thank you for a wonderful and spiritual week. It was a great pleasure to get to know your family and we hope that this is not the end......Its only the beginning!

John and Dawn - Thank you for the support that you gave Steve and Kim and the leadership you have provided for all of us. We have grown and will continue to grow spiritually with the excellent leadership that you and the Jeantet's have provided during this short but powerful journey. (John - I know the Lord speaks through all of us in one way or another but thank you for speaking for him and selecting me for the many opportunities to pray for the team. He continues to bring us out of our "comfort zone" and encourages us to speak his word. Each time its get easier and the words become even more clearer.)

Thank you Team 1 and our Father in Heaven for opening our eyes and becoming our new family in Christ!!

2009-07-05T19:36:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of Connor and a woman named Barbara. We met Barbara at Feed The Multitudes on July 4th. Barbara is a small elderly woman and was not able to carry her groceries from the rally to her bus stop. Connor and I had the priviledge to take a 45 minute walk with Barbara. She talked for a while and she seemed glad that she had someone to talk to. Barbara really opened up to us about her knowledge of God. She grew up in the Catholic Church. We discussed the many traditions of the Catholic Church and she came to the conclusion that the traditions distracted her from really knowing God in a personal way. She recently left the Catholic Church and is attending another another Bible Preaching church. After talking at length with Barbara, it was clear that she is a believer and has trusted in Christ and Christ alone for her salvation. Her house was totally destroyed by Katrina. A local church is now rebuilding her house - 4 years after Katrina. Barbara said watching people she doesn't know rebuild her house has strengthened her faith in God's people. Connor and I will never forget Barbara, the next time we see her will be when we are worshipping God in Heaven. John Hoopman

Within His Reach

2009-07-05T19:15:00.013-04:00

Monday morning as I sat in a room filled with over seventy men recovering from drug or alcohol addiction I was shaken awake by the scripture, praise, and shouts of joy these brave men declared. Some were wide-eyed, some had heads down, and some seemed to be fixed on every word with eyes closed and mouths proclaiming words of truth and power. Their worship time was replaced that morning by a fiery preacher who is known for his extra long exhortations. The worship, which several on my team had experienced last year, was described as one of the highlights of the 2008 missions trip. I left Bethel Colony after Monday morning's chapel time with hope that I would experience their worship some time this week.

My hope was fulfilled the next evening. After our team prepared and served dinner for this same group of men, we joined them for worship. The room was small. The humidity was high. And the sound was nothing I've ever experienced before. But what my senses took in was nothing compared to that of my spirit.

It's taken me a few days, but from that experience came this poem.

Within His Reach

Where have you been, what was your path to arrive in this place?
Did you know Him before and find yourself trapped
in a world with claws of torment, demons in disguise?
Or did you land here against your will, taking Him in for the very first time?

Whatever the route, you're here now and He has you...
held captive by the Word of truth and songs of praise,
and by those who have preceded you in a similar trap
crafted by the enemy of our souls, yet sifted through the very hands of God.
Those who have been taken from darkness into light
right here in this place.

You're here now and He has you...
transforming by the power of His spirit
building the bridge day by day from destruction
to redemption; casting your sins from east to west
and soaking you with crimson drops of pardon.

He has you... and the evidence is clear,
illuminating smiles and bright songs of joy
declared aloft air so moist and dense
the Words of truth and praise to Him on high
just sit and hover and linger and tell the story from where you came
and where you are...
now.

You're here now...

and He has you.

We're Home!!!!!

2009-07-05T13:41:00.003-04:00

Well we just arrived home! We are all safe and sound at home. Guess what!? It is 67 degrees here in Delaware. On the plane the pilot said, "We will be arriving in BWI airport shortly. It is 67 degrees and sunny so we should be on time. Thank you!" When he finished, we all gave a good "whoop!" since it had been at least 105 degrees EVERY DAY!

When we got to the church everyone had to say there good-byes. It was hard for us all to split up because we have been a family for a whole week living and laughing with each other. Anna was telling me and I agree that it is going to be weird waking up and not having everyone to say good-morning to, or prepare breakfast with, or say "You snore and you know it!!!!!!!!!!!". I'm defiantly going to miss that. I'm going to miss everyone and everything about them. I hope that even if we are miles apart phisically, that we will stay together as a family in our hearts and minds.

Washing Feet

2009-07-05T00:35:00.002-04:00

The past two weeks have been amazing. It has been such a blessing as a leader to watch the lives of both the people of New Orleans and of Glasgow be transformed. As team 1 is getting a few hours of sleep before they fly home and team 2 has crashed after a long day in the sun, I finally have a chance to reflect...

Today was awesome. We were at Feed the Multitudes, a free food festival for the poor of New Orleans. Four thousand guests poured through the gates of the Lakefront Arena today and were overwhelmed at the display of unconditional love before them. They were offered assistance writing resumes, health screenings, haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. There were huge water slides, balloon animals, snowballs and face painting for the kids. Guests ate endless portions of jambalaya, red beans & rice, chicken and hot dogs under an entertainment tent that was bigger than any one I've ever seen. And when they left, they were offered prayer and not one, but two loaded bags of groceries to take home.

Our team was spread out among almost all of these activities and so was I, but it was at the end of the day when the festivities were almost over that I had the chance to be Jesus to a woman named Agnes (pronounced Ahn-yes). Under the spa tent, in the heat of the afternoon, Agnes came to my station for a pedicure. It was the first pedicure she had ever had. I washed her dirty feet, massaged them, filed them, and polished them. I listened to her story and told her parts of mine. But it wasn't until later that I realized that that was the exact example that was given us by our Lord Jesus. He didn't just preach and perform miracles from on high. He came to where the people were and loved them as they were. He washed the dirty, grimy feet of the disciples. He called us to kneel as servants to others and love them unconditionally. And that is why we are here.

When Glasgow invaded N'awlins

2009-07-03T23:36:00.003-04:00

Just when I was feeling the drain - after all, 2 weeks of intense missions work in a place where it is flirting with 100 degrees everyday is exhausting - God surprised me a boost. Team 2 arrived today. Just the thought of their arrival got me going, but it was bringing the two teams together that overwhelmed me.

Tomorrow is Feed The Multitudes, the big event that we scheduled both trips around. Tonight they had a rally for the volunteers who will be serving tomorrow. It was there that Team 1 and Team 2 first intersected and let me say, "Wow!" We are now just shy of four years out from Katrina. That day - that event - stands as a scorch mark on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in this city. Enter the people from Glasgow Church some 1800 miles away. Amazing.

Last year, 21 of us came. This year we have 50 people spanning the two teams! What a blessing and what an encouragement it was to see all 50 of them in the same place, eager to serve. Tomorrow will be Team 1's last day of ministry here while doubling as Team 2's first day. For that one day, Glasgow Church is invaded N'awlins, making the invisible kingdom visible through the feeding of the hungry, the preaching of the gospel and the call to repentance. Pray for us - all 50 of us - as we serve together, to the glory of God.

Caution: Kids at Work

2009-07-03T01:07:00.012-04:00

All of the kids have been working diligently to help with some pretty difficult projects, including tiling the offices at St. Roch and helping to refurbish one of the properties the church owns and plans to provide for former residents from the neighborhood.

Random Fun Pics...

2009-07-03T00:50:00.013-04:00

Dr. "Shep"....Jared is doctoring up Sue Carty. (**note the doctor gloves**)

"Randy vs. Wild"

MUST.....SHUT......DOWN.......NEED SLEEP NOW!!!!

"You were supposed to go to New Orleans....Why does it look like your at Walt Disney World?"

"I think we need more paint..."

Thank you everyone for a great missions trip...Our Lord God Almighty has a plan for each and every one of us....grab a hold of what He commands us to do and do as he wants done. Amen

"Attitude check..........Praise the Lord" (courtesy of Bethel Colony)

St. Roch Painting Party

2009-07-03T00:49:00.007-04:00

Thursday morning was our group's beginning on the St. Roch Community Church painting renewal project. We started by painting the white trim onthe front of the church office stairs.

Posters, Flyers and Prayers

2009-07-02T23:47:00.006-04:00

All the teams have been taking turns going out into the neighborhoods of the Eighth and Ninth Wards, to get the word out about the Free Food Festival this weekend (aka Feed the Multitudes).
As we've been going out, we've met the residents, prayed with them, listened to them, and shared with them. The people of New Orleans are extremely friendly -- friendlier than any other people that I've come across. And with their friendliness also comes an openness to share their prayer requests.

Today, we prayed for a woman with Parkinson's, a 90-year-old woman whose home was taken by the city and demolished due to taxes when her husband died, a family that has been separated in three states since Katrina, and numerous other severe health and financial requests.

While the needs are great, their thankfulness and praise for the things they still do have is just as strong. Everyone has a story to tell and most of those stories include both trial and praise. It is a blessing to be meeting each and every one of them.

What a wonderful week......

2009-07-02T23:41:00.006-04:00

What a wonderful week....
*Tuesday - as other blogs showed....tore down a 2 car garage. Went to Bethel Colony and was moved and inspired by the energy and humbleness of the men of Bethel Colony. What a joyous and Godly event to experience. Men that have been completely broken down by the Lord only to be brought back loving our Father Almighty...That was awesome. I do not want to give to much away because the 2nd team is not here yet. They need to witness this powerful display of God's work.

*Wednesday - Back to the ROCK!! (St. Roch that is) We moved Ben's office and the storage room out and continued the tile laying process. God's work continues to move us in many ways we never could have imagined. Wednesday night was free night...we enjoyed group time in downtown New Orleans. It was hot and humid but we had so much fun. We ended our night as a group at the Oceana for dinner and fellowship...It was a great experience. The whole night was a great experience (right S. J.)

*Thursday - We started at the ROCK!! again...but this time God's plan had Tom, Marshall, Tucker, Elaina, Becky, Levi, Ian, and Jerry to report to 9th ward to hand out flyers. What another awesome experience. The people of the 9th ward were so receptive to the invitations for "Feed the Multitudes" and willing to share their stories with us. Becky had a wonderful visit with a couple of ladies and asked if they had any prayer requests....again, God's will and power put us all there today to lift the spirits and renew hope for those who are still suffering. It gave us the opportunity to let those who are suffering know that God has a plan for them and trust and believe in his word. *Friday - We shall see........

With every cloud....there is a silver lining! :-)

2009-07-02T23:13:00.003-04:00

Flyers

2009-07-02T22:58:00.002-04:00

Today I went to the neighborhood of the church we worked on last year. Each day last year we worked in the church but had never met the people who lived around this church. I have to tell you it felt a little scary last year working in this neighborhood but now it felt okay to walk around the neighborhoods with the children and one other adult.

We took 4 children and 2 adults counting myself. The children were fearless. They ran to each house ringing the doorbell in anticipation of telling people about Feed the Multitude event on Saturday. I marveled at how they were enjoying what many adults like me are scared to do. I thought no wonder that the Lord said about children, "for such is the kingdom of heaven." I even watched as the children flagged down cars and the smiles on the drivers who took the flyers. I was so glad to be a part of their day.

During our morning walk-around I met a man loading a lawn mower. He allowed me to tell him of the event and then he told me, " I wished your group was staying past Sunday or I would invite you to my church." A little stunned I asked him if he was a minister and he said yes. We talked some more and then I asked if I could pray for him. He quickly took my hand and asked me to pray strength for him. I did not know what he was facing but it was a privilege to hold his hand and go before the Father and pray for him.

I met a lot of friendly people this morning. Everybody smiled and listened to me or the children. Not one person refused to take a flyer or to refuse to have us pray. I wished my own neighborhood was this friendly. My first impression could not have been more wrong.

We went back to St. Roch Church for lunch. The sun felt like it had fried my head. The one thing I forgot to bring was a hat and my scalp was paying the price. Yet I could find patches of shade every now during the morning. I was relieved to get out of the sun and heat but my spirit was soaring from all my morning meetings.

Before I continue I wanted to share with you that this was so far out of my comfort zone that three years ago, I don't think I could have done it. Talking with strangers on cold calls was just not something I would have thought I could do. But today and this week I was enjoying meeting these people and sharing my faith. As I walked I prayed to meet more people and not empty homes. If you have fear about sharing your faith, prayer for God to give you courage and strength. He will give you the words to say. He will give you courage and you will be blessed. I felt like God had given me a very special privilege to represent Him to the people of New Orleans. Many of them touched my heart.

I met Melvin the man who had diabetes. He had lost part of his leg and his left thumb. He was very thankful for somebody coming by and praying for him. He promised to come to the event on Saturday. We met Paulette who was so gracious to us. She asked for prayer for her family for these difficult financial times. The last family we met the daughter was in a battle with her family over her mom. The daughter was over fifty and her mom was in her later 80's. She cried as she shared their struggles. We came in and met her mom and we prayed for both. She was very grateful for our visit and also promised to come Saturday.

As I looked back after the day was over I recalled the faces of people facing difficult times but who smiled and shared their story with us. It reminded me how much these people needed a Savior. "How will they know unless someone is sent." "Who will answer the call?" Is it you? I remembered something I heard before I left, "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." On this trip I am so grateful to my Lord because He called me and He qualified and I say this very humbly because I know who I am - a sinner saved by the grace of God. It is nothing special in me except for the Holy Spirit given to me by God. God doesn't need me to do a miracle but His love for us allows us to be part of His miracles. He can qualify you too if you answer the call. We truly serve an awesome God that nothing is impossible for Him!

Please keep praying for all of us. The second team is coming on Friday so we will all be here. God is doing great things. I wish you all were here.

Take care and God Bless!

Tom Bendler

Hope in Christ

2009-07-02T22:49:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe but we are in the back end of our trip to NOLA. It's been such an honor to help lead and serve along side this team. We have been reading and studying 1 Peter this week. What more encouragement do you need than the words of joy and hope that Peter offers in 1 Peter 1:3? We are called into a living hope of eternal life. What a great message to deliver to the hurting souls of NOLA that if you trust in Christ no matter what pain and suffering you may experience in this life it is not your final experience. Eventually they will live with Christ forever!

My prayer for this trip was that Christ would change our hearts - the hearts of the people in this city and hearts of the people on this team. Being here is so much more than just being a strong back. We have done several work projects in order to further the Kingdom, however it's easy to lose site of the goal of humbly glorifying God and to become prideful about the work we have done.

We have been praying especially for the people we are ministering with. These men and women are such an encouragement. We show up like a whirl wind and are gone in a week. They are diligently working at these ministries 52 weeks a year. Their ministries are on corners where drive-by shootings occur. They are watching young men who have walked a path into addictions, show up at their doors pleading for help. They need us all to be praying for them.

It's been awesome watching the kids on this trip emerge into young missionaries. Stepping out of their comfort zones to hand out flyers to complete strangers. Steady working in the 112 degree heat to help beautify neighborhoods. Levi and Ryan have also mastered tasks requiring precise measurements and extreme attention to detail.

I can't wait to see what God has planned for the rest of the trip! We are excited about Feed the Multitudes coming up this weekend. I'm confident that God has come before us and He will do infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine!

Flying FTM (feed the multitiudes) Flyers

2009-07-02T22:33:00.002-04:00

As the group of, Elaina, Levi, Ian, Tucker, Marshall, Tom, Becky and Jerry we passed out flyers to people in the Gentilly Ward they we overwhelmed with happiness and joy of hearing of the upcoming event Feed The Multitiudes.

We were going up to people in there houses and they we welcoming us in. We we flagging down people in their cars and they we overjoyed to hear about the event on July 4th. We were so glad to be going out handing out flyers to citizens who were interested. We thank the people who said that they would come.

Also we want everyone to pray for a woman we met named Linda. She was going through a tough time when Katrina hit because her neighbor and her lived in a boat outside of her house. We also want people to pray for her great grandson who just had open heart surgery who is only five years old. So just be praying for them.

Levi

Meet Wanda

2009-07-02T18:17:00.002-04:00

Today (Thursday) we were passing out flyers for the event this weekend called Feed the Multitudes. We saw Wanda sitting on her front porch. We walked up to her to give her a flyer. We said hello and gave her a flyer. She looked at the flyer for a minute and said "Wow, this is going to be a beatiful event." She said this over and over again. When we seized the opportunity, Mrs. Massey asked Wanda if we could pray for her. She said "Oh yes. Could you pray that I get a job and a home." "Isn't this your house?" asked Mrs.Massey. "No. This is my mother's house. My home was destroyed in the storm." Wanda answered.

After we assured that we would pray for her she continued to comment on the Feed the Multitudes event. "I can't wait to see this. This is going to be wonderful." she went on. "I'll definately be there"

Unfortuantly we asked Wanda if we could get her picture but she was a little uncomfortable with the idea. I wish I could have shown you the smile on her face.

As we walked away I think I still heard her saying,"This is going to be beautiful."

Worship with Bethel Colony Tranformational Ministry

2009-07-01T09:29:00.004-04:00

First Responders

2009-07-01T00:22:00.002-04:00

Today I pitch-hit for First Responders with John Long. We visited many firehouses today. With each visit we listened to their stories of how they lost their homes and some their firehouses. They did not complain but simply told us how they did what they had to do to rebuild their lives. Many of the firehouses were rebuilt by volunteers who cam along side them and help them rebuild. They were very thankful for all the help.

Two things really came out from this day. The first was how we were not finding firehouses where they should have been. It could have been frustrating but we both said that this must be God's timing. Then we finally came upon the next firehouse. The entire crew was washing the firetruck. We had heard from a previous firehouse that a dump fire required all the houses on the East side of New Orleans to fight a dump fire. We knew these guys must be tired and we almost thought we should pass them by but something or I should say Somebody stopped us. We walked up with First Responder material and they welcomed us into their firehouse.

They were very eager to hear about our mission. Even though they must have been physically tired because it is very hot down here but they were very attentive to what we had to say. At the end they even asked us for more material as they spoke out names of people who could use these CDs. It just reminded me that we should never go by our "own understanding. Trust in the LORD with all heart. In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5 & 6. You see it was the Lord's timing for us to meet these men when they came back from the fire and now we hope seeds have been planted.

The other thing that I noticed was how quickly and warmly these fire fighters greeted us when they heard John say he was a fire fighter too. I could see how firefighters are a part of a larger family beyond their own firehouse walls. They share a common bond with one-another. They welcomed us in and shared their stories of Katrina and also their experiences fighting fires. They made us feel welcomed and also listened to what we wanted to tell them.

Again this was a fine example of what we are called to do in the Church. We should welcome those around and make them feel like they are part of a larger family - our family - the family of God. To reach out and greet the person next to us because they could be a visitor passing through our area or had just starting attending our Church. We are part of a bigger family and we share a common bond in Jesus Christ. Don't let the opportunity pass us by to make somebody next to us feel like they are part of God's family and welcome them in the Name of our LORD. Please keep praying for us. May the grace and peace of God be yours in abundance.
Tom Bendler

Before and After

2009-06-30T17:43:00.009-04:00

Day 1 - The beginning of the end of the garage project

The End of Day 1 (Chocolate Tomatoes and Boots Brigade)

Beginning of Day 2

End of Day 2 - No more garage!! (The Fun Bunch and The Gator-aids)

And the Walls Come Crumbling Down

2009-06-30T16:47:00.003-04:00

The glue is all over us!!

2009-06-29T23:22:00.008-04:00

We have been here for three days and let me just say.....WOW!! Sunday we had the wonderful privilege to see a fantastic and motivated Preacher J. B. Watkins at St. Roch Church. It was a powerful service with a diverse audience. We had the pleasure of having lunch with the congregation and enjoying their fellowship....What an enjoyable and Godly experience. We look forward to working with this congregation throughout the week....

Sunday afternoon we had the opportunity to visit the hardest hit areas of New Orleans, the 9th Ward. It was so desolate and disparaging to visit; however, the Lord opens our eyes to the light of renewal...I mean that's what it is all about...tearing us down and building us back up the right way...in God's way. We saw many lots with no houses and just steps, lots with concrete slabs, and vacant houses hammered by the hurricane with the furniture still left in it. A few blocks down the road there is an understanding why nothing was left. Steve brought us to the levees that brought New Orleans to ruins. I was awe-struck when it was realized that we were looking up to the water. The very thought that the the levee broke and all of the water from the canal came rushing in just makes you wonder how anyone had time to leave. God's will had me turn to the right to see a house being rebuilt. It is in his grip what he wants done and praise him that it is.

We begin to leave the 9th ward and pass by a couple of vans from another church helping to rebuild a house and the irony to that is I was thinking "are we the only ones helping?" Again, proof that God's plan is already mapped out for us.

Day 3 of our journey involved us returning to St. Roch church. What did they have in store for us today? Ben was our project leader and asked if anyone was handy in laying tile....immediately my wife shoves me out in front of the pack knowing full well I did not have any experience. God's will wants me to have experience or my wife...either way, I am willing to try it. I was placed with a husband and wife (Jamie and Sara :-) ) as well as my son.

The job seemed simple enough....find the center of the room, lay the tile to see if it is the best fit, and then lay the glue and place the tile.....simple enough. We get started and find that after the first 1/4 of the tiles were placed, the glue is very, very, very tacky. Jamie, Sara, Steve, and myself had a great system going, then we branched off. Steve teamed Sarah up with Kim and I was with Jamie...Jamie was a great partner with patience and a positive attitude. You needed that because coming close to the end, the glue was all over us. We had to literally had to pry our hands off of the trowel, the marker we were using to mark lines, and it got to the point where it became laughable to see what we could put our hands on without gripping it to see what we could pick up. God places us in situations for a reason. For learning, for coping, for helping others in need, and to branch out and lead others.

Today was a great day!!! I can't wait until the morning.....its only the beginning and we are so lucky to be able to share this with you.

Bethel Colony Project on June 29, 2009

2009-06-29T23:03:00.002-04:00

Our job today was to go to a home and tear down a garage. The garage was severely damaged beyond repair from Katrina. The home is managed by a man named Harry who is on the staff at Bethel Colony. The home is being used for men in the second phase of their healing process from addictions. The first phase is 6 months inside Bethel Colony where they live, work, eat and sleep. Every morning in Bethel Colony the day starts with worship and every night ends the same way. It is only through the power of God and the fellowship of other believers that these men break their addiction. The second phase helps them transition back into society.

When the garage is torn down Bethel Colony will build another garage with apartments above the new garage. These men from phase 1 know God but they need help with the transition. They can live outside the Colony while they search for jobs and find a home church to keep their faith strong. This new garage will allow two additional men to live on the property. It currently is home to two men plus Harry. I wondered as we tore down the garage to make way for a new garage who would be staying here. I thought of how these men will serve God and impact their neighborhoods in the name of Christ. I hope they all honor Jesus that way.

Later that night as we gathered and sang praises to our God at a Church near to where we were staying a message came to me about the work we did that day. Our lives can look just like the job we were working on. Without God in our lives we tear down our lives with the sins of this world. Soon it looks broken beyond repair. But when Christ enters our hearts He tears down the old self and rebuilds us and makes all things new. Just like this old garage that gets torn down and a new one built in its place, Jesus makes us useful again for His glory and for kingdom work.

I wanted to share with you about Harry the man who managed this home. Part of what we like to do is to listen to the people of New Orleans. Harry shared his testimony and his home with us. His life has been restored through the power of God and Bethel Colony. He told us he went through this program twice with Bethel Colony. One time after finishing phase 1 when he thought he had made it, he slipped back into his old life style. He told us God broke his heart and right in the middle of his sin and he fell to his knees begging God to forgive him. He has stayed on the straight path ever since that day. He shared how Christ had changed his life. His life was no longer about how much money he can make or about his personal possessions. His life is about sharing the love of Christ to the people he meets and helping other men beat their addictions through the power of Christ in their lives.

On this day that we were scheduled to work he cancelled his doctor's appointment for a knee brace he needed from a car accident that totaled his truck. He cancelled his appointment to help us. He shared his house with us and insisted that the kids eat their lunch in his living room. How many people do that? His love for people and hearing him talk about God's forgiveness in his life is evident in how he cares for people. He is reflecting God's light in a dark world. His life led me to do a self evaluation. We all need to reflect God's light for the world to see and I encourage all of us to let your light shine today.

God Bless you and thank you for helping us do the work for the glory of God.

Tom Bendler

Ministry Madness at Bethel Colony (The Bumper Gets Busted)

2009-06-29T22:49:00.004-04:00

While we were working at Bethel Colony, the guys were trying to tear down a fence. they tied one end of the chain to the fence and one end to the bumper of the van. As a result, well you saw what happened.

Elaina

Team Photos from Week 1

2009-06-28T22:25:00.007-04:00

Group picture in front of Glasgow Church as we prepared to leave for the airport on Saturday.

During our tour of the ninth ward this morning, Steve Jeantet gave a brief overview of the effects of the devastation of Katrina and post-event related activities.

(Photos by Levi)

Diamonds in the Rough

2009-06-28T22:01:00.003-04:00

Worship at St. Roch Church this morning was powerful. For those of us returning, we were immediately caught up in the changes in and around the church. Across the street, a huge construction site has been transformed into a park. Inside the sanctuary, the insulation that we purchased, installed and left exposed last year is now covered with beautiful walls and artwork. Instead of the sounds of hammers and saws, the sanctuary is filled with voices singing praises to a God who does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

I was encouraged by the ministry of this small congregation nestled in a community with such significant needs. We are running a race. Between this missional church, our Glasgow Church teams and other missions teams that have worked in St. Roch for the past 4 years, we just keep passing the baton. The work is progressing a step at a time and this church is growing.

But the lasting impression for me in all of these projects and activities is that the more we give, the more New Orleans has to offer. I stood in the sanctuary of St. Roch church this morning thinking of the words of Mother Teresa. She said, "Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them."

My heart feels full and we're just getting started.

Worship at St. Roch Community Church

2009-06-28T22:00:00.002-04:00

This morning we were blessed to attend worship at St. Roch Community Church:

The park adjacent to St. Roch is no longer a messy, muddy construction site, but is now a beautiful community park, full of activities:

What a difference a year makes. Here is Pastor J.B. Watkins behind his pulpit this year:

Here is the team from last year with the exact same wall in the background with Pastor Watkins pictured on the right):

And so it begins...

2009-06-28T00:29:00.003-04:00

After our long day of travel and a brief birthday celebration we got settled into Firehouse(our home for the next week). Steve and I were on shower guard duty tonight when it was so clearly revealed to us why we need shower guards. Two police cars rounded the corner and stopped a man on bike. They began a series of questions and patting the man down while Steve and I read 1st Peter and discussed what the next day's devotions would be. This would be the reason that we lock ourselves in at night! PSALM 27:5 says, "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." After all the excitement we revealed to team 1 a little about what their first full day in NOLA will look like. We will be attending church tomorrow at St. Roch, a PCA church plant located in the eighth ward. We will be able to start serving the people first thing in the morning by taking nursery duty so all of the congregation can worship together.

What to expect??

2009-06-28T00:20:00.002-04:00

I must say that this experience has already been rewarding to my family and myself so far....With the anticipation of raising the donations that were needed to go, to which God has truly provided above and beyond, to this past week rushing, working, and finalizing every loose end in our material world...This has been a rewarding experience already. Our family looks forward to the time to mission to others and I personally have felt the Spirit motivating me from within. So what to expect? This question can only be answered by our Father's will and intentions he has for us. It is very humbling to see what I have seen so far. From the abandon and dilapidated buildings to the almost desolation we saw coming in to the our home for the week. Words cannot describe the ache I experience in my heart alone for what New Orleans has been through and I pray there was a way that I could just rebuild it all for them. The truth is, WE, can help build it, clean it, provide where others cannot, and mission to those who do not believe that there is a Lord God Almighty who is very real and sent us, as well as others, to help them rebuild......help them to believe!! I want to make this my mission and I feel empowered by our Father to do this. So....What to expect.....I cannot wait!!! Thank you to God and those who helped us to get here. More adventures to come.....

Fundraising Complete!

2009-06-28T00:18:00.002-04:00

Before we get too far into this week, we wanted to stop and say thank you to all of you who have supported this trip with your prayers and with your money. Taking 50 people to New Orleans over the course of 2 weeks is not a cheap endeavor, but we have been amazed to see God provided. Our theme for these next two weeks is "infinitely more," taken from Ephesians 3:14-21, the passage we are all working to memorize together. Truly, God has done infinitely more than we could imagine by raising all the money we needed to pay our expenses and to be a blessing to the people of New Orleans. So again, thank you for your faithfulness!

Team 1 is here!

2009-06-28T00:13:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Team 1 has arrived. After a full day of travel, everyone is safe. Even the luggage all made it! Tonight was mostly setting the stage for the week to come, but we did get to celebrate Ryan Redcay's birthday Happy birthday Ryan! Stay tuned for more stories as the week unfolds.

"I lost everything"

2009-06-25T22:54:00.006-04:00

As Kim and I were running errands around New Orleans today, I stopped in to get a haircut. Now, when women get their haircut, the person cutting the hair becomes some combination of stylist, counselor and confidant. Not really so for guys. It only takes about 10 minutes to cut my hair, so not a lot of talking gets done.

Today was different. Lisa was talkative. When she found out I was in New Orleans to serve, she was surprised and grateful. I asked her how the storm affected her life. Here is part of the story she shared with me...

I lost everything in the storm. I never had very much, but what I had, I lost. It made me realize that stuff is just not that important. It wasn't me that I felt bad for though. The house I owned before the storm had some mold that was causing health problems for me, so I was trying to sell it. I had some friends who had just renovated their houses and lost it all. I really felt bad for them.

One special thing happened to me. During the storm, the water in one closet rose just below a shelf and ruined everything except for that one shelf. On that shelf were some old home videos from when my kids were younger. My son is 20 and my daughter is 11. In those video, he is 9 and she is just learning to walk. For my birthday, I had all those videos put on DVD. It was really special for me.

This is now the 3rd consecutive summer that Kim and I have been in New Orleans. One thing that has struck me each time I've been here are the stories of real lives. We've all seen the pictures of the devastation Katrina caused. It's another to hear real people share their lives. I'm grateful that I met Lisa today. Not only did I get a nice haircut, but God used her to soften my heart to the ongoing needs of this city. Pray for our team. We believe God has infinitely more planned for his glory through our time here than we can even imagine. May we have compassionate hearts and eager hands that are ready to serve toward that end. Who knows. There may even be someone like Lisa for whom we can help create new memories to replace those washed away by the storm.

Week 1 Team - Tuesday Prayer Meeting

2009-06-23T21:55:00.005-04:00

Some members from the Week 1 Team met tonight to pray for our trip, for each other, for the Jeantets, and for the people we will meet in New Orleans! We leave this Saturday and there were many praises for how God has been faithful and working mightily in our lives, as well as some of the challenges and barriers we're working through. We were reminded of God's word:

"Now to him who by his power within us is able to do infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine - to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever, amen!" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Missions at home

2009-06-17T16:54:00.008-04:00

The call to missions is not just far away from home. In fact, it starts in our own backyard. The NOLA missions team is committed to serving here, in Delaware, as well as in New Orleans. That is why we partnered with the deacons at Glasgow Church for the "Judea Project." The Judea Project is an extreme home makeover for a family in Wilmington. When I first entered the house, there was nothing - no carpeting, no furniture, no beds, no dishes - nothing. Our team came in and patched the holes in the wall and painted the whole house. New flooring and carpeting is going in this week and furniture will be delivered soon. Here are few pictures from our day serving with the Judea Project.

2009 Mission to New Orleans!

2009-06-17T16:11:00.002-04:00

Time has passed. The national focus and priorities have shifted. And yet, in New Orleans, there are still people desperate for hope, desperate for help.

Glasgow Church is responding to this call by going - in force and on a mission. This summer, over the course of two weeks, 50 people from Glasgow Church will be going to NOLA to serve. The first team in NOLA from June 27 through July 5. The second group will arrive July 3 and be there until July 11.

Pray that God would use us in amazing ways. As a team, we have committed to memorize Ephesians 3:14-21. In that passage, we read that God is able to do "infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine." We are asking that God will do amazing things - infinitely greater things - than we can even imagine in and through us. Follow this site to see the pictures and read the stories from our trip. And finally, pray for us!

A few more memories

2008-08-22T19:18:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple of videos to remind everyone of the trip and maybe to continue praying for these ministries:

St. Roch Community Church Plant

"Glory, Glory" at Bethel Colony South Transformation Ministry

Slideshow from New Orleans

2008-07-15T11:10:00.001-04:00

Enjoy this little slideshow from our trip - God really is doing great things in that city!

Passing the Baton

2008-07-09T10:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-06T07:31:00.001-04:00

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.

Consequently...

2008-07-05T23:27:00.009-04:00

Ephesians 2:19-22

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

Here are some comments on this passage from Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile at Modern Reformation Magazine that I read on the plane ride home tonight. It is right in line with Steve's teachings on Revelation, dealing with The New Creation and our New Dwelling in Christ:

"What is consequent to new life in Christ individually, and new reconciliation and unity with others and God through faith in Christ? Three things: citizenship; membership; and dwelling.

Our citizenship has been changed, which is what Paul's been reflecting on all along in Ephesians. But Paul concludes with another reminder of that fact here in verse 19: "No longer foreigners and aliens (sojourners), but fellow citizens."

"No longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow... members of the household of God." The imagery grows more intimate. It's not just that we've made it inside the borders of a new kingdom or territory, but by God's grace we have been brought into the King's household-and not just as mere servants, but as members of that household. We have been adopted into the family as heirs together of this kingdom with Christ (Rom. 8:15-17). All who are in Christ are made a part of one family-God's family, God's household. Far from being at war, hostile and threatening, we sleep securely under the roof of God our King as his children. This is the future of all who love and follow Jesus as their Savior.

This household is "being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Notice how the imagery grows yet more intimate still. It's not just that we're now citizens, and it's not just that we're members of God's household; we are the house or dwelling of God (vv. 19-20). We are a "household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets..."

Notice too that this dwelling, this household, is founded "with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." Christ is the Chief Apostle, sent by God the Father to die for the sins of his people and to preach the good news of peace. Christ is the Chief Prophet foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18. He is the fulfillment of Israel's hope and the One who brings the Gentiles near to God. He, then, is the cornerstone. He anchors the entire building, and he keeps it level and sturdy. As the cornerstone, he is the foundational element that joins together the walls of Gentile and Jew. It is upon Jesus that the entire edifice is raised (vv. 21-22).

Here is the glorious end of it all! All of history is about God building for himself a holy temple, a dwelling place. That dwelling is not made by hands, does not suffer construction delays or need weather treatment, or require bricks and mortar. The temple of God is built on the cornerstone of his Son, Jesus. It is laid on the foundation of his sent messengers, apostles and prophets; but it is raised with the "living stones" of the once dead now living, once alien now citizen, once hostile now reconciled followers of Jesus Christ! The one people of God-Jew and Gentile; black and white; male and female; young and old-all of God's people of all time through faith in Jesus Christ have become the temple of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God.

This is the destiny of all who repent of their sins and turn toward God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are destined to be his dwelling place, until we hear that final proclamation from the throne of heaven (Rev. 21:3)-

"Behold, now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."

(source: Modern Reformation Jan/Feb 2008)

For The Glory of It All

going home but new orleans we will return

2008-07-05T08:26:00.002-04:00

today is a great day but also a sad day because we have to fly home but we dont want to leave because there is still so much work to be done here in new orleans as rebuilding and touching lives and souls for christ,there are so many memories i will never forget like going to bethel colony,to helping gloryland baptist church and changing pastor dunbars life that he can very soon get his churcha and congregation back to start to worship God but alot still needs to be done to get the church back,helping st.roch community church and knowing pastor jb watkins will be ok because soon he will reopen his church to the community that wants its church and neighborhoods back and they arent letting hurricane katrina stop them from the vision they have after such a devesating storm but God and the church have gotten new orleans back on there feet.
i have been touched and so humbled by the outporing of love from the communities and neighborhoods that everyone has a story to tell and they just want someone to listen and love them and let them know everything will be ok and that were here to help and God will be so honored by us helping others when they need it.
"LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING BUT THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD"
steve ledden

Feed the Multitudes

2008-07-05T08:16:00.007-04:00

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me" (Matthew 25:35-36).

Those verses, printed on the back of the tshirts from Feed the Multitudes, captures not only yesterday, but even the spirit of our time here in New Orleans. Feed the Multitudes was an amazing event as thousands of the poorest people in the city came to or were bussed into City Park for the event. Our task was to hand out bags of groceries for people to take home with them so that not only did they get a meal, haircut and more at the event, they also went home with 2 bags of groceries. However, as the prayer tent was understaffed, several of our team had the privilege of sitting in the tent praying for people who came asking for prayer.

After the hard work of drywalling, insulating, mowing and more that we have done all week, our week culminated with the chance to feed and pray for the people of the city. What an incredible blessing. One member of our team commented it seems like at some point, we should get to be more of a blessing than we receive in return. And yet that is the very power of radical obedience and love of people is that as we do so, God is forming his character, heart and passion into us.

As we near the end of our week, thank you to all who have followed us, prayed for us and supported us. We have been the hands and feet of Christ to a city in need and have encountered the living Christ transforming us as well. Thank you.

God of This City

2008-07-03T22:23:00.004-04:00

Each day we've had the incredible privilege of worshipping with one another. On a few occasions we've worshipped with local believers, and daily as a team we've been led by our incredibly gifted worship leader, Bruce Jeffers.

Of all the amazing songs of worship and supplication that we've sung, everyone here agrees that "God of This City" is by far our team favorite. In fact, it has become our theme.

Below is a video of Chris Tomlin's version put together by another group of folks who we don't know, but were helping out somewhere in another city. As we prepare to serve tomorrow for the July 4th festival here in NOLA, we are reminded that our true freedom is found in Christ alone, who truly is the God of this city!

Feed the Multitudes for the 4th of July

2008-07-03T18:51:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the 4th of July and our whole team will be serving along side Victory Fellowship, a local church here in New Orleans. The event is called "Feed the Multitudes" and takes place annually at City Park.

Please pray that it doesn't rain all day long and that all of those in need will be able to make their way to the park.

Our team will be serving specifically by passing out groceries. And there is so much more going on. So watch this video to see what it is all about it:

Pictures, Pictures and More Pictures

2008-07-03T08:30:00.003-04:00

We've been trying to share some of the pictures that we've been taking throughout the week, but there are more (hundreds more!). This slideshow will move scroll through them. To see the whole library, click on the slideshow.

How many missionaries does it take to open a can of corn?

2008-07-03T00:06:00.002-04:00

Answer: One, the one with a tetanus shot.

Last night (Wednesday) Mrs. Jeantet went to the store to buy a can opener. But, no one could figure out how to use it. It took over 3 men and 3 women to open one can. We had to come up with some creative ways to open the can. Finally, Mr. Umberger (the one that had to get a Tetanus shot because he cut himself) got elected to open the can.

"I finally got the can open!" he said. Just five more cans to go...

-Elaina Long

St. Roch: A new start and a new chapter will begin

2008-07-02T23:46:00.004-04:00

Today we worked side by side with Laurie, a volunteer from Maine. She has been been working at St. Roch for a year now, so it was awesome to learn from her. The jobs we did were: shoveling mud, dirt, and sand alongside the church and curbside, then we used a pressure washer. In the words of "Tim the Toolman," (Taylor from The Home Depot) he would say this is a real man's kind of tool, RRRRRRRRRRRRRR. After completing the jobs that were priority to the church, I went with a group of people (Ben Springer, Bob Umberger, and Deb Welch) to hand out fliers to the community inviting them to an event called "Feed the Multitudes," which will take place this Friday. (July 4th) For this event, we are going to volunteer at City Park to help hand out groceries for "Feed the Multitudes." It's going to be a great day of worship and fellowship, passing out groceries, and helping with everything that will be taking place. Also on July 4th, since it's Indepence Day, we will go and see Fireworks on the riverfront that night at 9 PM and probably go to the French Quarter for dinner at a restaurant. That will be a fun night.

There is someone back home whom I miss very much, my adopted little brother, Matt Bragg. I miss and love you. I can't wait to spend quality time with you when I get home and share all the experiences I have encountered on this trip. P.S: You better behave, OR ELSE!!!
To my brother in-laws, Matt and Mark. Also to my other family members: Amie and Christa, Emilie, Lizzy, Nate, John John, Abigail and Madison, I love and miss you guys, I can't wait to come home and share with you this awesome experience that God is doing and what he is going to do in the next 10 years to bring hope, stability, and most importantly bring God back to the communities of New Orleans. There is a song called "God of this City," (which we have sung on this trip) and it talks about there is so much more to take care of and with God EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

-Steve Ledden-

What a difference a year makes

2008-07-02T23:39:00.008-04:00

While there is a lot left to be done in New Orleans, one thing that has been a huge encouragement to Kim and I is seeing the progress that has been made since we left last August to come to GRPC. Sheila served as an assistant cook last summer for the ministry with which we were serving down here. Sheila's house was destroyed in the storm and we had the privilege of working on her house last summer, starting all the way from hanging insulation and drywall. Now, three years since the storm, her house is almost finished, with just a few more small tasks before she will finally be able to move back in. On Monday, members of our team painted her bathroom and trim around the house. Look at the progress that has been made...

Pic 1 - Outside last year
Pic 2 - Outside today

Pic 3 - Inside last year
Pic 4 - Inside today

Working at St. Roch

2008-07-02T23:28:00.003-04:00

Enjoy this short video of us at work today at St. Roch Community Church, a PCA church plant sponsored by Desire Street Ministries. Today we scraped paint, shoveled dirt, built planting boxes around trees up and down one street and more with St. Roch. We will be back with them tomorrow. This video is some of our team shoveling dirt into a wheelbarrow and moving it out of the way so that we could come back through with a pressure washer and clean their sidewalks.

Spoons

2008-07-02T22:18:00.003-04:00

Tonight (Wednesday) we are about to play another competitive game of spoons. This has been one of our favorite games over the past week on this trip. Members include: Elaina, Tucker, Anna, Boots, Alexis, Chris, Ryan, and Tom.

The Tuckn8r VS Boots: Who will go down at the end of the week?

2008-07-02T19:28:00.004-04:00

GRPC members vote!
Tuckn8r VS Boots!
Vote either yes for Boots or Tuckn8r!
Vote by commenting for this blog.

revival at the bethel colony

2008-07-01T23:46:00.002-04:00

well are day started at 5:30am,getting a quick breakfast,then leaving for a worship service at bethel colony a church that all guys live and stay there and love the lord so much in everything they do and say but sometimes they get out of line and the pastor says attitude check and all the guys yell "PRAISE THE LORD"so we got to see and hear that today and so many stories from some of the guys and it just humbled me so much to hear there stories of struggle but now there life is nothing but for jesus christ there lord and savior,and when we were at the worship service it felt like a promise keepers event for guys and sons but this was like the whole body of christ singing praises all day long to our savior and lord.
then after the worship service we drove to another missions field to help another pastor to help him clean and cut grass and weedwacked and took trash to a dumpster from 9:30am till 3pm and when we got done cleaning all around the property it looked brand new and the pastor came back and was totally stunned by the work we had gotten accomplished a job well done good and faithful servant ,and we will never give up or forget about new orleans because it is about the families that we care about and to touch every persone we come in contact with.
then we came back for some well deserved heavenly showers and let me tell you i was singing worship songs in there after my experience today,then we left again to go back to bethel colony to serve dinner to the guys at the church and that was a blessing in its self because to get the chance to minister to all the guys that came to you and talked and told you stoies of how they were struggling without god in there lives and when they came to bethel that all changed for them in such a powerful way.
truly i saw jesus in every shape and form with the whole experience today and i will never forget it and our journey is not done until every country and the whole world will hear the gospel of jesus christ there lord and savior,sometimes we forget that we try and do things on our own and we cant so we need jesus everyday and night to get us through another day.

"NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS WILL WASH YOUR SINS WHITE AS SNOW"!

steve ledden

Restoring glory to Gloryland

2008-07-01T23:08:00.003-04:00

Monday- The first work day began on Monday, & much has been acomplished! We divided the gteam into 3 smaller groups to work on each task. Half of them went to a neighborhood, where they took turns handing out flyers for the Feed the Multidudes free food event on July 4th and painting a bathroom. The other group which I was a part of visited Gloryland Baptist Church. A few bought several sheets of drywall & tools to make repairs in their storage & restroom section. All of us except Bruce, who had volunteered to help fix the microphones & sound equipment, set to work assembling the ceiling. The older men held up the drywall while I drilled in the screws. After a brief lunch break, when we enjoyed Pastor Dunbar's praises to the Lord through the microphone which Bruce had fixed & Hampton's passionate organ playing, we continued with the walls. Their was a skinny horizontal shelf that spanned the length of 1 wall which we had to work around. I cut a small peice of dywall for the right side of the shelf which fit rather well. Then I trimmed another peice which was close to the size I needed but which I ended up having to measure & cut 4 times until it finally squeezed between the gap. We were so thrilled that it fit that we immediately drilled it in place before packing up for the day. We definitely accomplished most of the work that we had started, but there were other jobs remaining which we hadn't even touched. Although their church may not be suitable for use before our departure, I am confident that we have made tremendous progress toward the reunion of Gloryland Baptist Church. We pray that this will happen soon & hope that you will as well. We praise the Good Lord for providing this work & using us as his vessels to be a blessing to those in need!
In Christ,
Ben Springer

All in the Family

2008-07-01T22:58:00.007-04:00

When God first laid it on our hearts to take families on a missions trip, I have to admit that I was a little hesitant about what that would look like, but after today, I am convinced that this is the way that God intended for us to experience loving His people...with the ones that He has given us to live life with. It has been such a blessing to stand back and watch parents serving alongside their children and teaching them how to love others. And it has been amazing to watch as these amazing young people have served tirelessly and loved the people of New Orleans unconditionally.
--Kim Jeantet

P.S. Baby Jeantet is definitely enjoying his first missions trip! :)

Great Expectations

2008-07-01T07:44:00.004-04:00

Sunday- Today was the quickest trip to church ever... walking downstairs! With its passionate gospel jam music, flag twirling, dancing, & tamborines, Firehouse Family Ministries' church service was truly unique. The pastor preached on Mark 5, the account of a sick woman who touched Jesus' cloak & was healed. He explained the difference between ''pressing issues" & "pressing the issue". It was evident that the congregation & leadership in this strong body of believers were not letting Katrina deter them from singing praises to our God! It was such a blessing to be a part of them! We are so grateful that they have offered their facilities to us so that we can accomplish so much here in New Orleans in the holy name of Jesus!

After the service, we enjoyed speaking with some of the members, particularly Sam, the deacon in charge of the building. Subsequently, Tom, Jonathan, the Steves, & I strolled a few blocks to a local food market to pick up lunch. We picked up some po-boys, which are sub sandwiches on french bread, & a bag of crawlfish. Those who tried the crawlfish shortly realized that their was quite a deal of effort to remove the tiny peice of meat from its tail. Their spicy flavor was certainly delicious, though.

After lunch, Steve Jeantet took us on a driving tour in the rural area of the city. We saw concrete stairs without a house attached, a house with part of its roof leaning due to a lack of supporting pillars, with its front entrance cut out so we could observe the debris of cluttered couches & chairs & the remains of a completely gutted brick home with only four shabby brick walls, shattered windows, & the front door's frame still standing. The most sobering feature of these houses, however, was the number written on the right side of a spray-painted X indicating the number of dead bodies found there.

After familiarizing ourselves with the town, we spent a few moments wrestling in prayer for these casualties' loved ones who are mourning their losses. We asked the Lord for blessing upon the work we would be starting the following day. Then we explored the infamous French Quarter, where we shopped for souvenirs & viewed the Mississippi River while trying to stay dry from the rainshower.

On Sunday we were able to see 2 sides of New Orleans: the destruction of the residential areas & the bustling city area. It is evident that God's work needs to be done in both places & that there are many seeds to be planted & harvested. I have high hopes of being a remarkable blessing to the people of these areas by showing them the incrdible love of Christ! Toon in to Monday's entree to find out how we are meeting this goal!
In Christ,
Ben Springer

Showers of Blessing

2008-06-30T22:40:00.003-04:00

After a full day of blood, sweat and toil in Louisiana heat we found a new meaning for the phrase, "Showers of Blessing" (which I mentioned earlier this week). One great victory for us today was when we were reunited with Lever 2000 and Secret.

rebulding of the gloryland baptist church

2008-06-30T19:54:00.002-04:00

today is monday june 30th 2008 and out team was truly blessed when we arrived at gloryland baptist church with the love of the pastor for us coming to help rebuild his church to bring back the congregation that once was there but left after hurricane katrina so we were there to help in such a great way with the love of jesus christ and to bring hope back to this congregation.
so there was 8 guys leading the charge in the drywall job and some helping with the church pews and bruce helping with the sound system with the microphones and when he fixed them pastor dunbar and the organist started to play music and sing the awesome southern gospel music when i heard that i said yeah this is where God wants us to be to bring back to life this pastor and his congregation.
so we got a plan to get drywall at the home depot but one problem 30 pieces of drywall was not going to fit in the minivan we had so luckily a guy named mike drove three of us in his pickup truck to go get the material we needed so that was awesome and we got 3/4 done but alot of it still needs to be done so hopefully we can go back and finish the drywall that we started.
God worked in such a way today it felt like he was right there with the pastor being joyful singing praises to God after the devestation that happened a couple of years ago because of hurricane katrina and that is the hope that will bring back new orleans in such a powerful way with the church and volunteers and community leading the way but with God and believe me what he has planned for new orleans will be so special.
finally when we leave to go back home the community will know the body of christ will never leave the side of new orleans because God is moving in such a way the next chapter will be wrote and a new chapter will begin and HOPE!!!!!! once again to new orleans and one last thought GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve ledden

Another use for utensils!

2008-06-30T09:26:00.003-04:00

The Lord has been so good to us these first 3 days! He has blessed us with so much more money than we had expected, which has been put to the practical use of purchasing a cordless drill for drywall as well as other tools. We all arrived here safely & healthy on Saturday, including Bruce, our worship leader. Here is the scoop from Saturday:

Sppppooooonnnnnssss!!!!!! After familiarizing ourselves with our new abode for the week, thegroup was divided into grocery shoppers & gamers. I was in the latter group. We started with Apples to Apples. Then I taught Ryan & Tucker how to play "There's a Moose in the House", a less-known card game but one which I highly recommend. In regards to fun & laughs, these games warmed us up for Spoons. Spoons is perhaps the greatest game for large groups around! The object is to grab a spoon from the center of the table after someone has obtained a 4 card match. If you fail to do this, you recieve 1 of the letters in the acronym "G.R.P.C.", which represent your chances before elimination. You can call me a Spoons veteran because of my experience playing it at Middletown House Church. However, others in the group were playing it for the first time, so I decided to take advantage of their ignorance. While everyone passed along the cards expediently, waiting to make a 4-card match, I sneakily stretched for a spoon without making contact. After I had carefully withdrew my hand, the others decided to echo the motion. Soon all of them except for my dad, who had glanced at my cards & discovered my sceme, grabbed a spoon as I quietly snickered. I held up my hand of 4 random cards & declared, "I fooled all of you! You all get a letter!" All the "spooners" were in an uproar! Needless to say, I have not witnessed a single soul who fell for that trick again! Ryan's hysterical giggling & the excitement in our hearts were the fuel that kept us going during our first evening in New Orleans.
All righty y'all, I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed. I have not even scratched the surface of the wonder of what this week of fellowship beholds! I'll keep you posted. May the Lord of the Force be with you!
In Christ,
Ben Springer

first day of hope begins in new orleans

2008-06-30T09:06:00.003-04:00

well sunday night i slept really good,and woke up at 7am and with alot of energy ready to get started to help bring hope and stability back to the community of new orleans.
my teams job will be is to put up drywall at newgloryland baptist church in new orleans it feels like you know tim the tool man taylor from home improvement and ty pennington from extreme home makeover to make a difference in peoples lives and to show the love of jesus christ in us to this community the clock is ticking and we need a plan to get this done so we will bring the emotions and care and love of my team to make a difference so there is one question "can we do this people,yes we can so lets do it"!
we will be working from 9am to 5pm today then we will return back to firehouse church for a well deserved shower then dinner ,then our worship service with brian and steve with the message ,then maybe a game of spoons for those who know how to play we had an exciting game with scott gunner springer bob and anna bendler alexis princess springer and brian it got loud but alot of fun so we had alot of fun and bonding time with team members.
in the bible it talks about God's mercies everyday and God's blessing will be shown the next 5 days as we show our love for these families that we dont even know and hopefully we will bring God to the community of new orleans.

matthew 5:3-12
blessed are the poor in spirit for theres is the kingdom of heaven
blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted
blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth
blessed are those who are hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled
blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy
blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God!
may these verses toch you in such a way that God will shine upon you everyday and let his love bring joy and happiness in your life.

--Steve Ledden

Time to work...

2008-06-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

"It looks like it just happened." Yesterday morning, before worship at Firehouse, a couple of us from GRPC were speaking with a member of the church. That was her comment when we mentioned would would be going to see the Ninth Ward that afternoon. She was right. As we drove over the canal, I looked over the Ninth Ward and saw a barren wasteland, the place that time seemed to forget. The height of the weeds was the only indication of passion time.

It is into that barren wasteland, not only physically but spiritually also, that we go as we start to work today. Please pray for our team as we will be working in three areas today.

One team will be painting the home of a woman still living in a FEMA trailer as she is, at long last, close to moving back into her house.
One team will be passing out fliers and inviting people to Feed the Multitudes, an annual "feeding of the 5000" here in NOLA.
One team will be drywalling a church that was destroyed by the storm.

God's awesome power

2008-06-29T22:08:00.004-04:00

today is june29th 2008 and i started the day by waking up at 7am this morning and helping to set up for breakfast with bob and anna bendler so that was awesome to help with that,then had quiet time with god and reading scripture from genesis 1 which we studied the night before and learned so much about what god made in seven days and said it was good!
then after breakfast the day began with a worship service with the firehouse family church and there congregation and the love that they gave us was so heart felt that we came to help rebuild because we are people of compassion that love people that we dont even know and that was so awesome to see and they came up and hugged us and that left me with that yeah kind of feeling that were here to help but were not hereos were people that care about this comunity who needs so much love and the love of jesus christ.
after the worship service with firehouse family church,we had lunch then went on our prayer walk in the ninth ward and saw the devestation that happened a couple years ago from hurricane katrina and when i was walking down the street and saw the loss and devestaion was one verse and that was god can giveth and taketh away and what happened here was total loss of life and families homes and so we are for a reason and that is to rebuild to bring hope back to new orleans.
after the prayer walk we drove to the bad part but sin in downtown new orleans and walked up and down french street and market so that question still lingers in my heart and ask god why but wont know that till i go face to face with god my lord and savior but god knows the plans of everyone because he loves you so much thats why he formed you in the image of christ.
then after the walk through the french street and market we drove back to firehouse church and got ready for dinner then steve jeantet and i went to lowes store to buy tools for the week ahead and bought a drywall electric power nail gun i feel like tim the tool man taylor on home improvement and like ty pennington of the home extreme home makeover to help bring hope and stability back to new orleans .
then we came home and had a big taco dinner with everyone and that was so good and felt like i was in mexico again in merida mexico for another missions trip i was on with faith prebyterian church in 1989 and that was another trip that was so awesome because of gods love and power he has over us because our god is an awesome god !
steve ledden

NOLA Trip Images

2008-06-29T22:03:00.012-04:00

Photos by Deb

Worship with our hosts at Firehouse

2008-06-29T14:56:00.004-04:00

This Sunday morning our team had the privilege of worshiping alongside the members of Firehouse Family Ministries. It was a tremendous blessing. I have a note in my Bible, given by a lady whose name I don't know. She passed it to me during the service this morning. It says, "If you get cold and need a wrap, please let me know." I am humbled by the kindness and compassion of this community. Their acceptance of our team and love for their Savior was poured out during the worship service. It makes me think of what Shane Claiborne said in his book, "The Irresistible Revolution." He said, "I've grown to admire the humor of a God who uses foolish things to shame the wisdom of this world, and weaklings to remind the strong that they are not as mighty as they think they are (1 Cor. 1:27). This church may appear economically poor, but it is rich in spirit. Our team went to church expecting "showers of blessing," not anticipating a New Orleans-style flood. Pray for us and for these people this week as we go out to give back to this community.

Dawn Long

1st day coming to a close

2008-06-28T23:47:00.002-04:00

Even though it was a rather uneventful day of travel, we are all pretty bushed. It is before 11:00 pm (CST) and things are very quiet here @ Firehouse Family Ministries. We had a great time of worship and study in the Word, led by Bruce and Steve. We will have the pleasure of joining some of the New Orleans brethren downstairs in the sanctuary. Continue to pray for opportunities to show and share the Gospel whenever we can. Praise God for Eli's speedy recovery and no sickness or injuries from the rest of the team, even after a highly spirited game of "Spoons!!!" Goodnight, SS

We've Arrived!

2008-06-28T17:25:00.003-04:00

We've arrived safely in New Orleans and are waiting only for Bruce, our worship leader, to get here. Just a quick story...

Right after we arrived at Firehouse, the church where we are staying for the week, we were standing outside awaiting the church rep to show up and let us in. We were gathered in a circle talking when a couple of people walked by. The guy said to us, "Thanks for coming to help. God bless you today." That is the attitude of many of the people of New Orleans. They know that without God's people coming to help, their city would never recover. They are seeing the love of God in action through his people and I know that honors him greatly.

So far so good...

2008-06-28T09:10:00.002-04:00

So far, we're doing well. We are at the airport waiting to board. Sometimes, moving a group of 20+ through check-in and security can present challenges, but we made it through quickly and easily. As evidenced by the picture of Kathryn and Eli, we are just hanging out waiting to board. New Orleans, here we come!

36 hours and under attack

2008-06-26T22:23:00.002-04:00

Well, the clock is running. We are now under 36 hours from our flight taking off. Please pray for our team. As we get close, the enemy is on attack. There are some great things that God is calling us to do to bless his people in New Orleans and the enemy will do whatever he can to hinder us. One member of our team is really sick. Pray that he experiences a quick recovery. We treasure your prayers as we near go time. God bless each of you.

Meet our worship leader, Bruce Jeffers

2008-06-18T16:58:00.002-04:00

Bruce Jeffers is an aspiring young worship leader who seeks to glorify God with his gifts and talents in music and song. Bruce has been leading worship in churches, youth groups, and on mission trips for the past four years, including trips to inner-city Philadelphia and the villages of Marsh Harbour in the Bahamas. He still has a lot to learn and strives to continually improve his musical gifts with the Lord's blessing and favor. Bruce is excited and humbled to be the worship leader for this New Orleans team.

Favorite verse: Matthew 6:21 -- "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Jonathan Kane

2008-06-16T15:21:00.000-04:00

write-up coming soon.

Steve Ledden

2008-06-16T15:20:00.004-04:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

In the words of Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, "Can we do this?" Then let's do it! We will bring love and care and hope back to New Orleans!!!

The Jeantets

2008-06-16T15:11:00.003-04:00

Last summer, Steve and Kim served in NOLA facilitating missions trips with Adventures in Missions. We are so excited to be able to go back and serve. We are privileged to be part of this wonderful team of people God has assembled to be agents of his grace and mercy to this city.

And hey, what a cool way to prepare our son to come into the world than to start teaching him now about God's passion for the lost!

Deb Welch

2008-06-16T15:07:00.003-04:00

I'm just a sinner saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ to a life that I do not deserve. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve in some small way to bring glory to God and to get to know His people in NOLA.

The Redcays

2008-06-16T15:06:00.004-04:00

Hello and thank you for checking out our website. we are looking forward to serving hte people of New Orleans - Randy, Ryan and Chris Redcay

The Bendlers

2008-06-16T15:03:00.004-04:00

Hi - we are Tom and anna Bendler. we are going to New Orleans because we care and we know God cares too!

The Bendlers

2008-06-16T15:03:00.003-04:00

Hi - we are Tom and anna Bendler. we are going to New Orleans because we care and we know God cares too!

The Springers

2008-06-16T15:01:00.004-04:00

Scott, Ben and Alexis are glad to be going to the still hurricane-ravaged new Orleans area. There are abundant opportunities to minister to the poor, hurting and spiritually need people of this region. each of us is excited with the chance to demonstrate his/her gifts of mercy and compassion. It's been 8 years since Scott's first mission's trip to Jamaica. His oldest two children, Ben and Alexis, will experience their first trip.

John, Dawn, Elaina, Tucker and Marshall Long

2008-06-16T14:58:00.003-04:00

Native to Chesapeak City, MD, the Longs (John, Dawn, Elaina, Tucker and Marshall) anticipate the opportunity to serve God as we meet needs in the city of New orleans. Together, we are taking 10 legs, 10 feet, 50 fingers and 5 hearts dedicated to the Lord and the people of New Orleans :)

Bob, Kathryn and Eli Umberger

2008-06-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

Our trip to New Orleans is now under 2 weeks away. Please be praying for us as we make final preparations. To help you pray for specifically, we'd like to introduce you to our team. Let's start with the Umbergers...

"We felt called as a couple of missions in 2004 and have enjoyed serving the Lord short term in South America and Africa as well as on the missions committee at GRPC. We are excited to take our son, Eli, to NOLA as we hope to pass on our passion for missions."

Welcome

2008-05-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings" (Isaiah 58:12).

On August 29th, 2005, everything changed for the city of New Orleans and its residents. Hurricane Katrina hit, the levees broke and an entire city was destroyed, laid waste underneath the floods. 80% of the city was flooded with waters up to 15 feet deep. Homes were ruined and lives destroyed by this furious storm.

Now, nearly three years later, the devastation done, what lies ahead is rebuilding. From June 28th through July 5th of this year, 20 people from GRPC in Bear, Delaware, will be in New Orleans helping people rebuild their lives and their homes.

As a team, we have adopted Isaiah 58:12 as a theme verse as we are prepare for our trip. On this site we will introduce you to the team, share prayer requests and, once we are down there, will post stories and pictures of our trip. May God be honored and glorified as we take his mercy and grace to a city so desperately in need.