13 Pallets at 3 A.M.

God showed His amazing hand of providence again this week as a major food service company donated all its leftover food from a recent expo. Now when I write that it was a lot of food, I am understating the fact. You should have seen the cuts of meat, boxes of pasta, cheese, sauces, vegetables, and even cheesecake. This donation of food went to Operation NOAH Rebuild to help feed the volunteers currently rebuilding homes in the New Orleans area. It may have taken us into the wee hours of the morning to load but it was worth it. This was indeed a blessing because NOAH was completing a move from their old volunteer village at the World Trade Center to their new location at Hopeview Baptist Church which has a functioning kitchen. One week prior and NOAH would not have been able to accept this donation. God's timing is perfect. Good eats to all you NOAH volunteers. (By the way, the photo above was the last of three truck loads just like this)

New Orleans: 2 Year Report

The Greater New Orleans Community Data Center has released its report on the status of New Orleans and the surrounding area in time for the second anniversary of Katrina. The report outlines progress and shortcomings in the recovery effort. Click the link below to read the report.

http://www.gnocdc.org/NOLAIndex/ESNOLAIndexAug07.pdf

A Much Needed Laptop

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to my Florida Baptist brothers and sisters for providing me with a band new laptop to assist in my day to day activities. Up to this point, I've not had a functioning computer to work with so the arrival of the laptop was an answer to prayer. My work takes me throughout a six parish area and the laptop was just what I needed as I try to stay on top of what God is doing in our churches. I've only had it for a little over a week and it has already been a tremendous blessing. Thanks also to David and Wanda Maxwell (David heads up Operation NOAH Rebuild) for thinking of me when approached by Florida Baptist about resources they could provide for the work in New Orleans and for receiving it at the mission celebration where it was presented.

The Hottest Camp I've Ever Been To

No really, the heat index was above 110 degrees and the camp's main building didn't have air conditioning. Despite the heat, youth from several of our Hispanic churches enjoyed a four day retreat before returning to school. The youth got to participate in swimming, soccer, low ropes challenge, and the camp's 300 ft. water slide. The camp was led by area pastors and featured the praise band from Good Shepherd Baptist Church. A big hand to David Rodriguez, pastor of Horeb Spanish Mission, for a great camp. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Lives Changed at Chinese Baptist Church VBS

One of the last Vacation Bible Schools of the summer was held at the New Orleans Chinese Baptist Church. About 35 volunteers from South Carolina came down to assist pastor Hong Fu in the church's VBS activities. On average, about 65 children attended each day and enjoyed Bible stories, crafts, games and refreshments. An inflatable water slide cooled the kids off on Wednesday much to their delight. However, the most important thing was the lives that were forever changed because of Jesus Christ. I had the privilege of speaking to the children about missions and even sharing the plan of salvation with a few. Pray for the ministry of the Chinese Baptist Church as they reach out to first and second generation Chinese living throughout the New Orleans area.