The House is Finished!

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...

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

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

Learning to live lives that shine

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

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

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

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...

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....

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!

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

lake ponchatrain

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