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

Nighttime Boxing Party

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

Bethel Colony South Worship

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

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...

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!!

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

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!!!!!

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.