Merry Christmas

Jaime and I want to wish you a very merry Christmas as we celebrate the advent of Jesus our Lord.

Cold, Wet, White Stuff

When Jaime left for downtown early in the morning on Dec. 11, the air outside was cold, the clouds were thick over head and light showers were expected throughout the day. Boy, were they wrong! I would be at my home office working away for the next two hours while, unbeknownst to me, cold, wet, white stuff fell from the sky and quickly accumulated on the ground and anywhere it would stick. There I sat in my own little world, staring into a computer screen and listening to the tap, tap, tap of the keyboard while one of the most beautiful scenes in all creation was happening outside my window. Lucky for me, there's this thing called Facebook on the internet. I usually have it open at various times during the day while I'm working so I can see what my friends are up to. It’s a welcome distraction, one that informed me that things were happening outside I wasn't aware of. Updated statuses began popping up on screen. So-and-So says "It’s snowing!!!!!" What’s-Her-Face "is building a snowman." I stopped and looked behind me at the window with the roman shade pulled down and wondered what I would see when I peaked at the other side.

Weather is so fickle in Southeast Louisiana that I was afraid all I would see was gray skies, dead grass, and my neighbor out in his driveway having a smoke. My head flew back and my mouth opened wide to let out a huge belly laugh the moment my eyes caught site of my yard blanketed in white with huge flakes falling fast. There's something about snow for us in the Deep South that brings instant euphoria. I ran out into the backyard and stood their in the frigid air, big grin on my face, eyes blinking, still laughing. I wished Jaime were home so we could enjoy the snow together. I called my parents, who live in almost five hours north, to rub it in. Snow in the New Orleans area is a once in 10-20 year event. December 11 made the second snow fall within four years. That's a lot of snow for us. We could get used to this if it snows again by 2012. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Focus of All Thanks

I bet you're like me. This time of the year gets absolutely crazy and you feel like your going to lose your holiday mind. I tell myself every year that this go-around will be different. I'll get better control of my schedule and say no to a few bring a covered dish, can good, white elephant gift, and $10 to cover the rest family fun social holiday gatherings. I love a good party, but only in moderation. I tell myself I'll get my shopping done early. Then I look at my calender and realize I probably won't do that either. I tell myself I'll watch what I eat, but I just can't see it all when it goes by so fast. I also tell myself that I'll be more grateful. I'll stop and reflect on what God has done and give Him more than my usual passing expression of thanks. I'm usually like a teenager yelling "Thanks Dad" over my shoulder as I head out the door having just secured the car keys or a fist-full of unearned money for a night out with my friends. However, when I take in what God's providence has provided, I'm awestruck. I saw the blessings pour in. I stood helplessly as Katrina took them away. I learned, really learned, that Jesus is all-sufficient. I watched with great humility as He, again, poured out His blessings. I used to spend Thanksgiving being grateful for living in the United States, having a house and cars, having jobs that pay well enough to not worry about bills, and so on. Although I'm extremely thankful for all this, our time with nothing more than Jesus put things into perspective. All life owes its existence to a good and gracious God who loves us beyond comprehension. To this day I can't wrap my mind around the cross and the new life it brought me. I cannot fathom the greatness of my salvation; what it cost, what it covers. Nothing I think I own compares. Despite my foolishness, I'm forgiven. Despite my shame, I'm being sanctified. Despite the grief I've caused, I experience grace. True life flows from Christ and to Him alone, although with inadequate words, I express my ultimate thanks.

Now The Real Work Begins

After three Restoration Fests, a Hispanic outreach service, and numerous evangelism teams in the streets, the work of the Holy Spirit during Crossover New Orleans resulted in 168 professions of faith. We praise God for each and every one of them. But before we wipe our collective brow in thanksgiving that Crossover is, well...over, let us remember that the weekend of November 8 & 9 was only the beginning. The year plus that it took to plan and execute the various Crossover events only served to get us to this point. Now is the time for follow-up. Those 168 individuals made a decision; its up to our churches to make them disciples.

It may take five minutes or less to lead someone to Christ, but it takes a serious investment of time and effort to make them disciples. When you move from numbers to names the reality of the disciple making process begins to set in. Numbers can be easily filed away while we pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. Names remind us that there are people attached to those numbers and that our job is just getting started. Follow-up always brings to mind the parable of the sower from Matthew chapter 13. We faithfully sowed seeds during Crossover but really don't know for certain onto what soil they fell. The process of follow-up helps us make that determination and gives us the opportunity to try and cultivate the pathway, rocky ground, and thorns into good soil that will produce fruit. Crossover New Orleans has always been about starting something big for God, being a catalyst for a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit. Our obedience and God's faithfulness will produce permanent citizens for His Kingdom, but only if we are obedient.

"Do I Need To Apologizes To Jesus?" - A Crossover Story

When we were planning Crossover New Orleans and considering all the various aspects of the Restoration Fests, I knew we would attract a lot of children. Kids are easy to entertain. Give them snowballs to eat, room to run around and inflatables to go crazy in and you've got yourself some sticky yet content kids. The trick is to grab their attention long enough to for them to hear the gospel in a meaningful way. Luckily for us in the New Orleans area, we have Philip and Debbie Smith. They've got more tricks up their sleeves and tools in their bag than I can count, or at least it seems that way. When it comes to working with children, they're two of the best. That's why I knew I wanted them at our Restoration Fests.

In this particular instance, Philip was busy but Debbie was able to attend both the Central City and Westbank Restoration Fests. With the help of some volunteers, Debbie set up a multi-station area designed to creatively share the gospel with kids. Picture a group of loud, hyper and ,yes, sticky kids sitting quietly and listening with full attention to the good news of Jesus Christ. Its one of my favorite sights in all we've done since Katrina. There's just something special about connecting children with a God who loves them.

During one of Debbie's presentations of the gospel, an 8 year old girl asked this profound question, "Do I need to apologizes to Jesus?" That's more than just cute, its dead on accurate. Its the question everyone must ask and give an answer for. By the end of the weekend, Debbie had shared with 138 children and 10 adults and helped them gain a better understanding about Jesus and the fact that, yes, we do need to apologize to Him. Three of them made decisions for Christ and we rejoice with them.

Crossover New Orleans Report Coming Soon

News of what God did at each event, photos and more. Check back soon.

Kicking It Up a Notch.

One of the things I enjoy most in my ministry is seeing churches and individuals take their Great Commission involvement to the next level. Such was the case this past Friday night at First Baptist Kenner's Fall Fest. It’s come a long way from my first attendance several years ago. Crammed into our acoustically challenged fellowship hall, I would characterize that night as noisy, chaotic, and smelly. It was Lord of the Flies meets Parish Fair (or County Fair for those not privileged to live in Louisiana). After Katrina, our Fall Fest took a new and more purposeful direction. Although still crammed into the fellowship hall, the fest now carried a theme that allowed kids to move from booth to booth and hear stories from the Bible, including the story of Jesus; his death and resurrection.

This year, our Fall Fest took its next bold step towards being a true community outreach event. The stuffy confines of the fellowship hall were traded in for the spacious, and highly visible, field on the church's campus. By the way, I can't name five other Southern Baptist Churches in the metro area that have access to property like this. Nearly all our churches are landlocked, even the "big" ones, and to have open green space that's nearly the size of a football field at your disposal 365 days a year is a resource I wouldn't take a million dollars for. Its potential for outreach is staggering. (If any of my church family is reading this, let it sink in. That field is pure gold!)

Not only did the fest change venues, it also shifted from a children's event to one that offered something for the whole family. The best change was an increased emphasis on sharing the good news of Jesus with the community. Add a new pastor who got behind the event and greater ownership from the church and you have an event that does more than give out candy. You have a genuine outreach event that seeks to connect people with Jesus Christ and his church at First Baptist Kenner. Over 150 families registered at the gate this year and I know of at least two professions of faith. Those in attendance had a great time and felt welcome at First Kenner. More importantly, many of them heard the Gospel. Was this year's Fall Fest perfect? Of course not, however, it was a big step in the right direction and I'm already excited about next year's event.

Tis The Season - For Festivals!

Not that we in the New Orleans area need a reason to throw a party, but Fall is here so we are. The place to be this Friday and Saturday will be at any number of Fall Festivals held by Baptist churches throughout the metro area. There will be games, candy, music, and things for kids to jump around on. I'm convinced that companies that rent inflatables get absolutely giddy around this time of year from all the business they get from churches. Most importantly, these events will provide our churches with opportunities for sharing Christ with their communities. It looks like we'll have good weather this weekend so hopefully that will translate into lots of people attending this year's festivals which will mean lots of sharing and seeds planted. Fall is traditionally a time of harvest and my prayer is that we will use these events to glorify God and share the gospel so that we will have our own time of harvest.

Vacation - It Makes God Happy

Jaime and I spent all of last week in Miami doing nothing that resembled work. We had the time of our lives. I know too many in ministry that think vacations are for chumps. They typically end up burned out and bitter, spending the rest of their lives blaming those hypocrites in the church for not appreciating their sacrifice and causing their emotional and spiritual downfall. One of the best pieces of advice my daddy gave me about going into the ministry was to protect my family. "There are a lot of churches out there," he said "but you've only got one family." I found it easy to follow his advice because he practiced what he preached. Growing up, my mamma, brother and I never wanted for his attention. It’s a gift I have long cherished and one I intend to pass on to my family.

We were staying at Jaime's dad and step-mom's house while in Miami. Actually, I think the house belongs to a Siamese cat who graciously agreed to let us stay. We hadn't been their 20 minuets when Jaime looked over at me and said, "This has been the longest conversation you and I have had in over a month." Being a woman, she would know these things. It really hit me though. We were visiting with her dad and step-mom that entire time and whatever things we said to one another while catching up with her folks during that 20 minuets had trumped any conversation we had had in over a month. Boy, did we ever need this vacation. I knew things had become far too busy for the both of us but I would have bet money we had spent more time together than that. Apparently, I'd have lost big.

Scripture makes it abundantly clear; God takes this family business very seriously. I honor Him by honoring Jaime with my undivided attention, snuggling on the couch, pillow talk at night, catering to her needs, and other various and a sundry husband and wife stuff. I felt more relaxed with her than with any activity during the week. It was a joy to see us both unwind and put the daily grind out or our minds. It was a joy to make one another the focus or our time and efforts. It was a joy to be reminded just how beautiful God created family to be. It was a joy to know that our time together was more pleasing to Him than any event I can plan or loan Jaime underwrites. It is for these reasons and more than I will never, ever feel guilty about taking a week off to honor God by honoring my family.

Baptism & BBQ

Yesterday I received a great praise report from Rob Wilton, pastor of Vintage Church in Uptown New Orleans and I wanted to share it with you. God has blessed Vintage Church and their efforts in Uptown and they are beginning to see a harvest from the seeds they've sown. With this harvest came the opportunity to baptize new believers.

"Our goal," says Rob, "was to celebrate the life change and testimony of these seven people in our community. We had a worship service in which we celebrated Christ and taught on the biblical truth about what it means to be baptized. When we finished our worship we went to the back of our church and had the baptism. Most baptisms feel more like a funeral than a celebration. We created an environment that felt more like a tailgating party. There was singing, clapping, praying, and most importantly the baptism. As each person came out of water we yelled at the top of our lungs. It was an exciting time. After our worship we had a cookout in Laurence Park. It was a great day."

What a great way to celebrate what Christ has done in someones life. Keep praying for Rob and Vintage Church as they prepare to officially launch their church plant on Oct. 5th. Also, pray that the seven recently baptized will grow in their relationship with Christ and be an effective witness for Him to their community.

What A Week!

This week I've been working on the following:

• Crossover New Orleans (I can't begin to list all this entails)
• 4 Fall Festivals
• Block party to kick off a new ministry
• Prayerwalk
• Helping a pastor start a new men's ministry
• Preparing to preach on Sunday

Three of these happen this weekend while the other six are over a seven day period in November. I've declared Saturday, November 15 Its Over Day; a day set aside to celebrate the fact that its over.

I thank God for the people He has sent my way to work with me on these projects. I'd have jumped out the window of a one story building by now had it not been for them. There's nothing like working together with fellow believers who are enthusiastic about sharing the gospel through these various events.

Tree Man

In the absence of Southern Baptist disaster relief chainsaw crews in the New Orleans areas, I've become the official fallen tree inspector. Gustav and Ike toppled a fair amount of trees throughout the metro area but with the worst damage west of us, crews were sent, and rightly so, to places like Baton Rouge and Houma. Unfortunately, none of our churches has the equipment or training to conduct tree removal. Therefore all calls for such work have been given to me for assessment. I don't mind you see, in fact it gets me out of the office and puts me face to face with people in need. I like that.

The problem is, as was stated before, no one, including myself, has training on this sort of thing. I've got the intro down pat: "Hi, my name is David and I'm with the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans and we've received word that you have a tree down on your property..." That's not the problem. Its when I walk to the back yard that I have to pretend I know what I'm doing. I've stopped saying stupid things like, "So this is the tree?" Of course it is dummy, its the only one crushing the house. I just walk around the downed tree and look at it intently while the home owner tells me all about their frustrations with the insurance company, dealing with hurricanes, watching their friends and families move away, and so on and so forth. I also listen while they express their gratitude for me stopping by. They often thank me as if I rode in on a white horse, armor blazing in the sun.

To be honest, its not so much about a tree as it is about the person that I do this. Given the situation, we may or may not be able to remove the tree safely. But regardless, we always have the opportunity to build a relationship which can lead to our sharing the gospel. Its times like these that I wish I didn't have to spend so much time behind a desk. I rather be in those back yards investing more time with those people and letting them know just how much the God of all creation loves them and wants a relationship with them. There are thousands of back yards around our city where needs go unmet. It doesn't take a professionally trained team to meet those needs either. All it takes is matching our availability with the opportunity. Obedience to our Lord takes effort and sacrifice, every ounce of which is unequivocally worth it.

255 Miles is Not Enough

Ike is to our southwest on its way to Galveston and Houston but you'd think it was on its way here by the weather outside. The wind really picked up yesterday afternoon and storm surge caught many by surprise as water from lakes and bayous covered streets and flooded low lying neighborhoods. The wind and high water are expected to continue throughout today and begin slacking off tomorrow. It goes without saying that we could really use a break from all this. However, regardless of what we want, the coast of Texas is about to get it and my prayers are with them. Jaime and I have some good friends that live in Houston who have decided to ride it out. Our prayers are especially with them.

I've mentioned before that I don't like praying for these storms to go somewhere else and instead pray for them to decrease in intensity or just go away. So far, Ike hasn't intensified as expected and I'm glad. However, this hasn't stopped this storm for aggravating us from afar. This is why I'm a supporter of our state's efforts to rebuild our wetlands. When our wetlands were in place they would greatly reduce storm surge but with their rapid disappearance the threat of storm surge is almost as great for storms that hit us as those that are hundreds of miles away.

The past three weeks have been a painful reminder for some and a sobering reminder for others of the effect of hurricanes on south Louisiana. Its exhausting to be completely honest. We're all ready to get back to our post Katrina lives. Three weeks is a long time to put things on hold while we hold our breath. There's prayer walks, fall festivals, state-wide evangelistic emphasis, and Crossover New Orleans right around the bend and I need to be giving them more attention than I'm able to at the moment. Its times like these that you realize just how much you have to put things in God's hands. Without His sustaining power I'd throw in the towel. No, seriously. I'd throw in the towel and go fishing. With that being the case, understand that when these events take place, it will be Christ alone who gets the glory. That's the way it should be.

Old Wounds and Unanswered Questions

Hurricane season is part of the cultural make-up of South Louisiana. From June 1 till the 30th of November, we watch the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico with anxious eyes. That's a whole six months, half a year, we live with the treat of these storms. I can remember growing up how most people gave hurricane season little regard. Most didn't make plans or stock provisions until it was too late and mandatory evacuations were just too unpopular for our local government officials to call. I know people who threw hurricane parties while the storms came ashore. We just didn't take things seriously. Then Katrina. Levees broke, the city filled with water and over a thousand people died. Now we take this stuff seriously.

We've nowhere near recovered from Katrina and another major hurricane has come and gone. Praise God we were spared from the physical destruction of Gustav. Praise God the levees held and the city remained dry. Praise God everyone got out this time.

God, why couldn't you spare us from the emotional damage caused by the storm?

Why do old wounds have to be reopened?

Why?

I confess that I don't have any answers. I only know that such matters are God's business and are derived from a level of reason and wisdom far beyond our comprehension in this world's realm. I do know this; the suffering we endure as a result of hurricanes is minuscule when compared to the suffering Christ endure on our behalf. However, so many people aren't aware that there is strength to face the suffering from The One who suffered the most. These are the ones who live without hope, whose determination and resilience fade with each passing storm. I've already heard from several that Gustav was the last straw. They've had enough and are leaving the area for good. Its not a mass exodus, at least it doesn't look that way. Those I've spoken with who have Christ state economic and security reasons for leaving while those without just seem to be running. They feel the grass will be greener and the wind less vicious somewhere else.

To me, this only reinforces my belief that there is an urgency to love people and share Christ with the Greater New Orleans area. Unfortunately, this urgency seems to collide with a crisis of commitment from the Body of Christ. There are too many Christian social clubs and not enough good and faithful servants. We are letting the greatest evangelistic opportunity in our nation's history pass us by.

Father, forgive our disobedience. Convict our hearts and stir us to action. Use our voices, hands and feet to make You known to all. Show us Your glory through our obedience. And should we fail You by neglecting our city and go the way of the priest and Levite, please send the Samaritan. Amen

Home

Jaime and I made it back to LaPlace safe and sound on Sunday. We arrived a little after 12 noon, or little before half-time of the Saints game depending who you ask, and found the house in good order. The only damage to our property was our back fence which had blown down in a couple of places. Our attempt to buy groceries was a bit of an adventure. There are only two stores open and one had already closed by the time we arrived so we joined the crowd at the other to peruse the thin selection of eatable wares. Thanks to the members of FBC LaPlace, we were able to pick up a hot meal of red beans and rice for our supper. Way to serve! Now to sit back and watch Ike. Yippee.

Lights

I just got off the phone with my neighbor who informed me that our power came on only thirty minutes before I called. They are well and their house is in good order. This is encouraging for Jaime and I as we get ready to pull out of Natchitoches in the morning at 6 A.M. Until then, we're off to Nicky's Mexican Restaurant for a late birthday celebration (Jaime's) with family.

Prepared

Its official. Jaime and I are going home on Sunday. This gives our parish a couple more days to work on things and gives us an opportunity to visit Jaime's family in Natchitoches, LA. Jaime received word yesterday that she's not expected back at work until Monday. With that behind us, a feeling of peace about Sunday, and an end to the three and a half days of rain, we could finally relax a bit. And what better way to relax than to go bowling. I know some of you are wandering how we could go bowling at a time like this. Look, you've got to do something to get things off your mind in situations like this and bowling is a great distraction. Apparently some evacuees from Houma thought the same. We ended up bowling on neighboring lanes and enjoyed visiting with one another. I bowled four strikes in a row to finish out one of the games. No really, just ask Jaime. For a moment I was like the Forrest Gump of bowling. It was great!

Before we left Mangham, we picked up some provisions for our return home. We should be good to go for several days without electricity if needs be. However, I'm still a bit worried about the issue of reliable sewage. About the only problem with a modern sewage system is that when its out, its bad news. I've spoken to several friends who have already returned and even those with power bemoan the lack of flushable toilets. Whatever awaits us in LaPlace, Jaime and I are ready, at least at the moment, to deal with it.

Grateful

We got a call this morning from our friend Mike. He had returned to his home in Slidell last night and was on his way to Baton Rouge today to check on some work related issues when he kindly swung by our house in LaPlace. He reported that the house looked good. All the plywood was in place and no shingles appeared to be missing. What a relief. I can't tell you how much I've been wanting to know something about the house since the storm blew through. Our town house didn't exactly fair well in Katrina so my anxiety level was more than a bit elevated with Gustav. In fact, it was Mike who called to break the bad news about our town house after Katrina. Ironic that he would be the one to give the first report about our house after Gustav. Ironic but not surprising. Mike and his wife Rose are what we call "good people." The power is still out throughout the parish and there are only two gas stations that we know of in operation. Jaime and I'd like to go home but we have to admit that the conditions that presently await us are not ideal. Pray for us as we seek God's guidance in making a good decision regarding our return home.

Stuck

St. John the Baptist Parish re-opened this morning. But who would want to go? No power, no water, no sewage, no parish services, no stores open, no gas stations operational, no medical services available, no one out of their home past 8 pm or before 6 am. Thanks but no thanks. I consider myself the outdoors type, but I draw the line at miserable. Part of me thinks that it is irresponsible for parish leaders to re-open these areas in the condition they are in. However, the other part of me recognizes the role of individual responsibility in this process. I'm not about to ask Jaime to sweat it out in an empty house with no ability to bath or feed ourselves just so we can "go home." That means that we'll most likely be here in Mangham for then next day or two. We, like so many others, are doing our best to make the most of it.

Waiting

Props to the Franklin Parish Library for having internet, apparently a rare commodity in these parts. Last night northeast Louisiana got its fair share of Gustav. We lost power at my parents around 10 p.m. and got it back about 7 a.m. this morning. The rain continues however. As for things back home, we don't know much. St. John the Baptist Parish is closed as is nearly all of southeast Louisiana. It may be Thursday at the earliest before we are allowed to go back. Jaime is still uncertain where the bank will send her. There's just too much uncertainty for people to make a firm decision. Southern Baptist are already on the move to set up feeding and other disaster relief units in our area. But as for the rest of us, we have to wait. Jaime and I are passing the time with board games and such. Today is her 30th birthday by the way. This is the second time in four years that she has had to celebrate her birthday while evacuated. I hate that because we should be partying instead of whispering to one another over computer screens. Sorry Sweetie, we'll get our groove on later.

Hopeful

Thanks to Direct TV carrying WDSU channel 6, a news station in New Orleans, we've been closely following things in Southeast Louisiana. The situation looked pretty scary this morning but Gustav turned out to be not as powerful as predicted. Don't hear me wrong, a Category 3 is a big storm but its far better than a strong Category 4 as was expected. As Jaime and I sit at Starbucks, trying to catch a wi-fi signal with some fellow evacuees, I feel a bit optimistic about what's being reported. Hopefully we'll get some information on re-entry within the next day or so.

Time To Go

Its 9:09 P.M. on Saturday night as I write this and we're almost finished packing our vehicles. Gustav has shifted closer and is predicted to make landfall as a powerful Category 4. Our parish president has called for a mandatory evacuation and Jaime and I are ready to get out of Dodge. We're tired, anxious, and a little afraid. We've been here before and things didn't turn out so well. Let me be completely honest. If you want to pray for us, pray that our house is standing and intact when we are able to return. Pray that God will spare us the pain and grief of losing everything again. I doubt I'll sleep much over the next few days.

Preparing for the Worst, Hoping for the Best

Jaime and I are still in LaPlace waiting to get a better idea about where Gustav is headed. We've been watching this storm for almost a week now and it still hasn't gotten into the Gulf. Although the storm has intensified to a Category 3 we still have no better idea where it will make landfall. Most of our preparations are already made and we plan on spending today getting together the last things on our list. One of our neighbors has already boarded up their windows and the other is trusting in his high-dollar hurricane glass. We've got our plywood ready to go. At the time I write this (Sat. morning) our plan is to watch Gustav all day and make a decision one way or the other by tonight. If we evacuate, it will be early Sunday morning before daybreak. We'll go north up I-55 and cut over to Natchez once past McComb, MS. From Natchez we'll go up Hwy 15 to Mangham, LA where my parents live. Thanks so much for all the calls and emails the past couple of days. Your prayers and encouragement mean a lot.

Do We Have to Give Them Names?

The practice of officially naming Atlantic storms began in 1950. Most named storms have been forgettable while only a handful live in infamy. Betsy, Camille, Hugo, Andrew, Ivan, and the twisted sisters Katrina, Rita, and Wilma top the list. After the devastation of Katrina almost three years ago, someone decided to investigate the meaning of that particular name. I was surprised to learn that the name Katrina means "cleansing." We in the evangelical community jumped at this. We said things like, "God used Katrina to cleanse New Orleans" and "New Orleans has been given a second chance because of the cleansing from Katrina." I'm not saying that we were blowing smoke. We meant what we said and still do. The name thing was just convenient. Maybe it was too convenient. This morning I looked up the name Gustav to see if any secret spiritual meaning waited to be discovered. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Gustav - staff of the gods. Crap. Don't expect this one to come up in any future sermons in the New Orleans area. I'm sure, however, some extremist preacher who hates lost people will pick it up and run with it. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that God is sending Gustav to finish us off. In fact, I don't know why God is sending Gustav and furthermore I don't even know where this storm is going to end up. What I do know is that the same God who is sovereign over the weather is powerful enough to set us back on our feet. I know this because it is fundamentally taught in scripture and I've experienced it first hand. With that being said, when I ask you to pray for this situation, remember Who is it you're praying to. Don't insult God by asking Him to do less than what He's capable. Pray big to our big God.

All Eyes On Gustav

Here we go again. As I write this we're only two days away from the third anniversary of Katrina and Gustav lingers on the edge of the gulf - waiting. I'm beginning to see the anxiety in the eyes of my neighbors and hear the tension in people's voices as they talk about this new hurricane. Gustav is the first real potential threat to New Orleans since Katrina and given what we went through with her you can imagine the concern over this. No one is taking it lightly. No bold statements about riding it out. No plans for hurricane parties. A gentleman on the news last night was asked by a reporter what his evacuation plans where. "If its coming our way, we're getting outta here" was his response. Nothing fancy or complicated, that's my kind of plan.
One of the worst things about having a potential threat like Gustav is the sensory overload you get from the media, and disaster preparedness agencies. Once someone realizes this thing might come your way, its in your face 24/7. This morning I received an email from Gibbie McMillan, our state convention's disaster relief director, with a tracking map and lots of bleak information to cheer me up. I think Gibbie is a great guy and its always a treat to visit with him but in times like these, honestly, he's the last person I want to hear from. However, I'm glad he's on top of his job.
I've moved my schedule around today so I can have time to make sure Jaime and I have what we need. Fill up my truck, make sure we have batteries, try to find a store that still has water for sell, and so forth. I'm even going to divert from our normal Royal Ambassador lesson tonight at church to talk the boys through hurricane preparedness. We have some boys from the low income neighborhood around our church that have started coming to RAs and I want to make sure their families are prepared.
Pray for us. Pray for grace and wisdom in dealing with the necessary preparations. I'm not one for praying that God sends a storm elsewhere. That just seems cruel. Rather pray that the storm will not intensify or will be pulled out into the Atlantic. Pray also for our people. Many are on the verge of panic attacks (I'm not joking) and are having a hard time dealing with the possibility of Gustav coming our way. Keep your prayers coming and I'll do my best to keep you up to speed.

The Omnipresent Storm

By David E. Crosby, Pastor
First Baptist New Orleans

Friday is the third anniversary of the landfall of our omnipresent storm, Hurricane Katrina, the most powerful storm to strike America since scientists began measuring such calamities.

Hurricane Katrina was three times the size of Rita or Andrew or Camille in the sheer energy it generated, lifting the waters of the sea at least 10 feet above sea level for a span of 200 miles. This storm surge, 30 feet high at the midpoint, filled Lake Pontchartrain to unprecedented levels and toppled the walls of the city’s drainage canals at seven different locations.

And there you have it—Mother Nature’s swirling gift that just keeps on spinning.

Not a day goes by—maybe even a waking hour—that I don’t somehow encounter this storm in my memory. Driving through Lakeview I see a new home and think, “They didn’t elevate it much. I guess they’re betting on the levees.” I see a vacant lot where a home used to sit and wonder, “Is that family living nearby or still displaced by the storm?”

I walk our church parking lot and lament the loss of trees, poisoned by salt water, that we worked so hard to keep alive the first year at our new site. I’ll think to myself, “Where is that cabinet we used for display?” and then remember, “Oh, yes, we lost it in the storm.”

If my surroundings don’t remind me of Katrina, the people around me are sure to do it. Every conversation about education, healthcare, housing, economic development, or criminal justice has its Katrina component. I visited the Orleans Parish House of Detention a few days ago and was reminded that hundreds of inmates still live in tents—remnants of the great storm.

Someone moves away, and I think of Katrina. Someone new arrives, and I think of Katrina. Is this coming and going related to the storm? Often it is.

Pick any day. Three of the five front page stories in our local newspaper will likely feature some dimension of recovery from the storm. Brad Pitt is building homes in the Lower Ninth Ward. Potential locations for the new VA hospital are being debated. A billion dollars is available to rebuild Orleans Parish school facilities.

The great storm stalled directly above us and continually pumps its downpour on our city. Across the span of our individual and collective lives, we have had precious little relief from this barrage in these three years.

And there’s more to come. The reminders will not evaporate with the passing of August 29.

Am I stuck in this fierce wind forever? Can my mind ever paddle out of this flood?

It’s too soon to tell, I guess, even after three years. As long as gaping caverns in our streets threaten to devour my vehicle, I will think of Katrina. Until the new hospitals are part of our skyline, until the inmates are eight to a cell instead of 14, I will think of Katrina. Until the schools, the levees, and the vast stretches of flood-blighted neighborhoods are rebuilt, I will always think of Katrina.

And, I guess, if our new approach to public education really works, and students enjoy an environment more conducive to learning, I will enjoy some measure of gratitude for Katrina. If Charity Hospital re-emerges as a state-of-the-art haven for the sick, I will give thanks for Katrina.

For heaven’s sake, if the Saints win the Superbowl or the Hornets top the NBA, I am going to be thinking of Katrina—the difficulties we have overcome, the problems we have solved, and the joy we have experienced in the journey from what felt like a watery grave to what looks like a successful community bequeathing a spirit of courage and determination to coming generations.


Thanks David for expressing so well what we all feel.
Discover more about First Baptist New Orleans and its work in our city at www.fbno.org

FBC Callahan - YOU ROCK!

What can I say? You love serving the Lord and love the Lord's servants and it shows. The five days I spent with you was such a wonderful time of sharing, fellowship and worship. And speaking of worship, FBC Callahan has a set of lungs it. Thanks for taking us before the throne! Keep Jesus the main thing and you'll continue to serve Him faithfully. I can't wait to run into you all again on the mission field. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Hope to see you in September.

Want to check out a church that "gets it?" Go to www.callahanfbc.org

The Biggest Event in America This November

Turn on the T.V. some time today and you're almost guaranteed hyped up media coverage of our current presidential slug-fest. Depending on who you listen to, the fate of the world depends on the outcome of this election. So much attention, emphasis, and importance has been given to the presidential race that the biggest potential event in America this November is going largely unnoticed. What could this possibly be? I'm glad you asked. This November 8 & 9, New Orleans will be hosting Crossover, a city-wide evangelistic emphasis that will precede the annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Crossover will feature three Restoration Fests located in some of the city's at-risk communities. There will also be a large outreach to our Hispanic community as well as smaller events that target the outlying regions of Greater New Orleans. Crossover has but one goal, the reconciliation of New Orleans to God through Christ. Can you imagine that? God can and He is able to see it through. A New Orleans for Jesus is of far greater significance for the Kingdom and to our nation than who sits in the oval office come January. A New Orleans for Jesus can impact our culture in ways we cannot imagine. Instead of people coming to New Orleans to reach the city, imagine New Orleans going out to reach a lost world. This is all within the realm of reality for our Great God and Crossover can be the catalyst for just such a transformation. Please join me in prayer for Crossover and our city. Check back to this site for updates or become a Crossover New Orleans fan on Facebook. Better yet, come and participate in what God has planned for November 8 & 9.

Our First Coffee Pot (1999 - 2008)

On Saturday, August 2 at approximately 7:30 p.m., the coffee pot died due to complications with its electrical wiring. Given to David and Jaime as a wedding gift, the coffee pot faithfully brewed coffee for over nine years. During its lifetime, the coffee pot produced countless cups of quality Community Coffee, brewing milder roast and the more industrial variety, common in the New Orleans area, with equal ease. The coffee pot was also known for its effortless handling of high-end specialty coffees as well as exotic roasts from countries like Kenya and El Salvador. A durable machine, the coffee pot survived the destructive forces of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and remained entirely intact. Though gone from us, the coffee pot and the enjoyment he brought will long be remembered. The coffee pot is survived by the coffee grinder, espresso maker, automatic can opener and the crock pot.

The Writing's on the Wall

Over the weekend, our home church at First Baptist Kenner was vandalized. Someone painted graffiti on the fellowship hall just in time for folks to see on Sunday morning. Naturally, some people were upset by this. Whether it was because of the act itself or the fact that it had been done to the church's building, I don't know. I don't think anyone was particularly outraged but everyone was surprised and taken aback. First Baptist Kenner is surrounded on three sides by a moderate to low-income community. In fact, its at the bottom quarter of the economic scale in Jefferson Parish. For years the church building has literally cast a shadow on this community but rarely, if ever, darkened their doors. As we began to transition in the absence of a pastor, opportunities for service that had always existed began to be taken advantage of. Hands nervously reached out to people who didn't look like us, dress like us, or make as much money as us. It was subtle and often unnoticeable but God blessed as a result. New and different faces began showing up at worship and wide-eyed, skateboard loving, video game junkies started participating in the youth ministry. After years of being ignored by the community because of our apparent apathy, cold hearts were being stirred by the slightest tough. First Baptist Kenner was doing more than taking up real estate, it had begun to seriously consider this Great Commission thing. To my friends and fellow church members who read this, let me submit that had we remained in our apathy there's a good chance that not one mark of graffiti would have marred our walls. Churches who are ignored by their community pose no threat. Push back the darkness and the darkness will push back. Satan doesn't give us an inch nor does he accept a consolation prize. Personally, I see this graffiti episode as a positive sign. We've done only a little but its enough to get The Enemy's attention. Let us commit to boldly exalting Christ in this community and offer those who live there proof after proof of His undying love and relentless endeavor for their salvation.

My Second Car is a Desk

I hate being detached from the field. Yes, this is going to be one of those open and honest entries. You don't live in a bubble and neither do I. However, I seem to work in one these days. Its me, a desk, a computer screen and endless phone calls, emails, reports, paperwork, and meetings. Since when did being a missionary stop being about reaching a lost world? At least that's how I feel. I love the world. Its dirty and tangible and it scrapes your knees when you fall down. Being attached to a desk in an office with Christian co-workers, working on church projects for church people creates a warped view of reality. Its sterile and has a completely different set of problems from the outside world; problems that seem petty when compared to the suffering brought on by sin. I sit bathed in the dim light of the computer screen and wonder how dim my light has become as a result. I know that I could walk outside and not lose count of my steps before encountering a person that needs Christ. This knowledge eats away at me constantly during the day. Much of my time with God is spent asking for the wisdom to make decisions that will bring balance to my day. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have the opportunity to help churches reach their communities. I know how important it is and I pray that they will see an abundant harvest as a result of their efforts. It really is exciting stuff. But, I know how I'm wired and what drives me. I love the way God made me and I desire to honor Him by not squandering that which He has given. I know a time is coming when I can trade in my desk for beautiful feet. Until then, I will honor God through obedience and determination to do my square peg best for Him in this round hole. After all, its not about me.

Vintage - Better When Authentic

This story is from Andrew Ogea, worship and discipleship pastor of Vintage Church in Uptown. This recent church plant has been on a mission to impact culture with the truth of Jesus Christ and see the spiritual transformation of their community and beyond. Read how God is working through their efforts:

"The greatest compliment our church has received lately came from a local coffee shop owner in Uptown. He said, "You guys are changing the culture around here!" Unfortunately, he did not say this out of his love for the church or for Jesus Christ, but rather out of his disdain for the mission groups that have been coming down to join our church in servant evangelism work. This month, one particular group was handing out free water in front of his shop to individuals driving by or walking down the sidewalk. As a result, the "compliment giver" came out of his shop and began to chastise the group for stealing his business. Apparently, handing out free water to people in the summer heat negatively affects the economics of local coffee shops.
Following the outburst, the compassionate leader of the mission group instructed all fifty of his students to go into the coffee shop and buy coffee on his ticket. The owner, shocked and embarrassed, did not know whether to thank the group or go into the back of the business and hide in shame. Throughout this entire ordeal, the mission group had no idea that I had been building a friendship with this man for the past month. The next day, I went to the coffee shop, and for the first time we spoke about Jesus and the work of the church in the community. "

Three things:

1. a willingness to serve (even in something as simple as passing out water)

2. a willingness to show compassion (even in the face of hostility)

3. a willingness to not give up (even with the possibility of a broken relationship)

Simple - not easy - always effective

To learn more about Vintage Church visit them at www.vintagenola.org

Just Do It

A question that I often get in my work is "what's the key to effective ________." In that blank may be evangelism, follow-up, community ministry, or any number of other outreach related topics. The question came up frequently enough that I decided to rethink my answer. Before, when asked, I started right into the traditional pre-packaged response about this program and that emphasis and acquiring such-and-such material. It didn't take me long to realize that this convention appropriate response created a crisis of duty in our churches. The vast pool of resources available to churches today, although very useful, can easily become a substitute for the actual work with which they are designed to assist. Not to mention the fact that much of what's available is financially out of reach for many churches especially in the New Orleans area. With that in mind, I began thinking about Peter, Paul and the early church. They had no programs, no special emphasis, no bright colored material but yet they reached the people through out the Roman empire and beyond and they did it while being hunted and killed like animals. They were equipped with the only three things needed to radically advance the gospel; the Holy Spirit, The Word of God, and their own story. To these three they added one crucial ingredient, the determination to do what Christ had commanded. Long before Nike used it as a slogan, the early church decided to just do it. No excuses. No procrastination. No dropping back to punt or waiting for someone else to do it for them. They just did it and did it until they left this world by natural means or were expelled at the hands of godless men. For them, the key to effective missions was to take what God had given and then just do it. Obedience, what a concept! Now when churches ask their familiar question, I'm sure to include this important lesson I learned from the early church. Its not an easy lesson to apply because it takes much time and effort but it gets the job done. Don't just give the appearance of sharing Christ, do it.

Top 10 Reasons I Had Fun at Girls Mission Camp

10. Two words - Tether Ball

9. Knowing Ben was out of Iraq

8. Duct Tape Man

7. Debi's outstanding staff and counselors

6. The Creek

5. That kitchen crew makes awesome coffee

4. Watching Beck and Gay Ann cut-up

3. Silly skits

2. Being called "Batman" all week

1. Three girls putting their faith in Jesus

Top 10 Reasons I Had Fun at VBS

10. Twenty glorious hours of not having to be in the office.

9. Moon Pies with pretzels sticks are just so interesting.

8. I still get a kick out of the Day 3 Family Night commercial.

7. Jeff "Motion Man" Slaughter hosting a missions video.

6. Wearing shorts every day.

5. Dr. Tolbert for taking time to speak to the kids.

4. Exploring the twisted world of fellowship hall technology.

3. Wiki Wiki!

2. Getting to spend time with a great group of kids.

1. Know God is working in their hears and minds because of VBS.

A Returning Church Makes an Impact

It may have taken Carrollton Avenue Baptist Church over two years to return to their traditional location but they've wasted no time in focusing on reaching their community. After the morning service on May 25, pastor Brian Webber and his congregation invited the community to a crawfish boil there on the church grounds. Just over 300 from the Carrollton area came out to enjoy the food, receive donations of clothes, meet Brian and the members of Carrollton Ave. The Gospel was shared and six made professions of faith in Christ. After the event, the members gathered up the remaining food and served it to the homeless men and women living under the Claiborne Ave. underpass. In the process of serving this second meal, the members of Carrollton Ave. were able to find housing for five homeless individuals. What a wonderful picture; spending the morning worshiping together as one body and using the rest of the day to carry out the work of the church in the community and beyond.

Learn more about Carrollton Ave. Baptist Church at http://www.freewebs.com/carrolltonavenue/

When You Know the Grass is Greener

Post Katrina New Orleans is a difficult place to live and work. Our new reality isn't really a happy one for many of the city's residents. I know certain public officials have taken an almost Pollyanna attitude towards conditions in New Orleans in recent months but I have to disagree every time I look into hopeless eyes and hear desperate voices. Our plight becomes even more real when I travel outside of the area and am reminded what "normal" looks like. Jaime and I spent the weekend in Houston celebrating the marriage of a good friend and I was reminded again that there's a lot of green grass outside the New Orleans metro area. Not once did I hear someone utter words like Katrina, road home, or contractor. Instead, people talked about shopping, movies, and vacations. People smiled without forcing it and spoke kindly as if they meant it. Being around normal people with normal jobs in normal situations melted the stress away and I began to feel something strange in my face. The muscles had begun to relax and the corners of my mouth moved ever so slightly into the upward position. I believe the Ancients call it "being happy." By no means am I trying to say that Houston is some grand utopia. I simply want to expound on the very first statement I made in this entry and bring to the reader's attention that New Orleans is not, as was recently stated, "back, (and) its better than ever." I still believe that New Orleans can be a city on a hill shining bright with the love of Jesus but it's going to take a long time and a lot of effort to get there. Those who stay and those who come will have to give that time and effort knowing that just over the horizon lie greener pastures where life makes sense, things aren't so difficult, and Katrina is just a bad dream.

Praying for Pastors

About a week ago, Jaime and I received a booklet at church produced by NAMB that guides you in praying for your pastor for 40 days. We took it and did like most people and put it in the designated pile of "things we intend to get to" that, for us, resides in our kitchen. It sat there for a week with the fast food coupons, catalogs and sales papers until Jaime and I straightened up the house. At that point the booklet made its way to my bedside table which is where I noticed it this morning as I sat on the edge of the bed trying to enter the world of the living. Because I like to start my day focused on Christ (I usually say a brief prayer or quote a verse) I decided to pick up the booklet and start with Day 1. As I prayed for our pastor, I began to wonder things about him. You see, we currently don't have a pastor and this exercise is designed to strengthen the one God sends. I wondered things like his age, background, experience, attitude toward missions and so on. I wondered if he was married and had children and were they young, teenagers or all grown up. I wondered if he would take well to the unique New Orleans culture or be a bit resistant. I suppose that's part of the reason I ought to be praying for this fellow. But there's one other thing that ran through my mind this morning; we're not the only church in the metro area praying for a pastor we've never met. Since Katrina, more pastors have left the area than have come, leaving many of our churches without a shepherd to teach and guide them. As a missionary that works with our association, praying for pastors both here and yet to arrive has been an important part of my prayer life. In truth, I should spend more time praying for these men and I invite you to join me in that prayer. Our churches need God called, Spirit led, Christ focused leaders to wet their apatite for Scripture and to turn their eyes and hearts beyond the front doors and into the community and all the world.

I Need an Asprin and Some 23rd Psalm

After a good and productive week, shouldn't I go into the weekend with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction? Then why do I feel like I've been dragged through the mud by a team of wild horses only to want to crawl into a hole and hide away from the world. My guess is that it has something to do with life. Jesus said that He came to give us life and to give it more abundantly. Good life? No, just life - warts and all. Sometimes life is bad and nothing seems to be going your way. Sometimes life is great and you feel you're on top of things. More often than not, I suppose, life is somewhere in the middle where good and bad mingle together. This week I check several things off of the to-do list, saw plans come together, and made positive strides on others. But I'm tired and emotionally drained. My spiritual battery is near zero and the resulting emptiness only adds to my overall sense of burnout. Burnout, that's a word we don't like to use in ministry. We're suppose to be supermen and women who put in 16-18 hour days 6-7 days a week for 52 strait weeks without a break. That's a lie by the way. You know who started it? Narcissistic ministers who truly believe they are important and who equate being a workaholic with faithfulness. Here's my advice, get over yourself. If Jesus was smart enough to take rest during His earthly ministry, so should we. David spelled out what that rest is like in the 23rd Psalm and I am encouraged by it and seek it for myself. Praise to our God who gives rest to the weary.



The Lord is my shepherd, (To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.)
I shall not want. (O my God, in You I trust)
He makes me lie down in green pastures; (Make me know Your ways, O LORD)
He leads me beside quite waters. (Teach me Your paths)
He restores my soul; (Pardon my iniquity, for it is great)
He guides me in paths of righteousness (Lead me in Your truth and teach me)
For His name's sake. (For You are the God of my salvation)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (For I am lonely and afflicted)
I fear no evil, for You are with me; (My eyes are continually toward to LORD)
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Good and upright is the LORD)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: (For He will pluck my feet out of the net)
You have anointed my head with oil; (Do not let me be ashamed)
My cup overflows. (Let integrity and uprightness preserve me)
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, (All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth)
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (For You I will wait all the day)

Closing the Open Window - On Purpose

After the events of September 11, the nation, in its grief, became more receptive to things of a spiritual nature. Churches across the U.S. saw an instant increase in attendance and a significant number of decisions for Christ were reported. However, this window of opportunity following tragedy was short lived. In a matter of a few months, it was all over. The window had closed and things went back to the way they were. Why? These types of opportunities are tied directly to the crisis that created them. When the crisis is over, so is the opportunity for evangelism that results in an increase in responses to the gospel.

Here in the New Orleans area things are a bit different. Our window of opportunity is still open. As we approach three years post Katrina the questions that begs to be answered again is "Why." Whereas the crisis in New York and across the nation abated after several months, Katrina continues her destructive ways in the hearts and lives of the citizens of Greater New Orleans. For reasons that seem to numerous to count, our people still live in crisis and thus retain a heightened sense of receptivity to the gospel. Although it is not as acute as immediately after the storm, it remains because Katrina is still with us.

With the restructuring of BAGNO now underway, we are faced with an interesting paradox. We desire to move to the forefront of the recovery effort of our city while becoming a more united and effective witness for Christ. We see the problems that plague our fellow citizens and we are resolute to do something about it. We are not trying to move towards a social gospel but are embracing the Word of God found in James 2:17 which says, "In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself." Imagine an united group of churches providing an authentic, irresistible witness for Christ throughout the New Orleans area. It is our hope that by the year 2020 we will have played a major role in helping our region through the first phase of its recovery and rebuild.

Here's the paradox. Doing so will no doubt usher in a sense of normalcy in the lives of individuals that live and work in our city as the new New Orleans begins to truly be realized. This strive towards normalcy will ease the Katrina crisis and thus close the window of opportunity now before us. While we embrace the openness of our city our compassion for its plight will lead us to have a hand in bringing that openness to an end. We are essentially pushing the start button on the countdown clock and then racing to plough up as much hard ground and plant as many seeds before the clock reaches zero and "thud" the widow closes behind us. Once closed, the obstacles of normalcy and complacency will again be before us. The questions for us then will be, "how much darkness did we drive back" and "how many did we add to the Army of God." The answers to these questions will determine whether normalcy and complacency will be mountains or mole hills. If we've done our work and fought hard for the Kingdom we will see the gospel continue to move forward, but if we fall into normalcy and complacency before our city does then we will have much to answer for when we stand before God on the Day of Judgement. The window will close and we will be the ones to close it. Let us commit to seeing as much of the city reconciled to God through Christ before this happens. The clock is ticking. The race is on. Ready, set, GO!

BAGNO Sets its Sights on 2020 Vision

During our annual spring meeting, the elected representatives of our churches voted to move forward with a very bold new strategy for completely restructuring our association. The strategy, entitled 2020 Vision, is designed to give BAGNO greater relevance within the metro area while bringing it to the forefront of the recovery effort. 202o Vision has five specific goals for attaining its purpose; visionary leadership, maintaining community relevance, church planting, associational restructure/reorganization, and strengthen existing churches as mission centers. As the vision statement states, "By the year 2020, we envision BAGNO as a dynamic beacon of hope for the community as we focus the love of Christ to the hearts of area residents and people groups on a daily basis." This is an exciting opportunity to lay the groundwork for what can become a model for local church/association ministry and cooperation. I've said all along that God is doing amazing things in the New Orleans area and this is just one very important piece of the puzzle. Commit to praying for this effort as we take a bold step towards seeing the Greater New Orleans area reconciled to God through Christ.

Missions Starts at Home

This past Sunday, I participated in an On Mission Celebration on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. I had the opportunity to speak in four churches in and around Kentwood, LA. I do these things in order to keep people aware of the needs in the New Orleans area. Most importantly, I try to replace news of government failure, corruption, crime, murders, and drugs with news about the amazing things God is doing in the hearts and lives of the Crescent City. I end every presentation with a plea to come and serve Christ on mission in New Orleans. However, this time, I did things a little different. I've had something on my mind for quite some time now and I thought I would go ahead and include it in my presentation. After I made my plea to come and serve in New Orleans, I said something along these lines, "As much as I would like to see you serving with us in New Orleans, I pray that you will not neglect the rest of the Great Commission. Please don't turn missions into an endeavor where you repeatedly drive past your lost neighbors en route to an exciting mission destination." I believe this is part of the reason why I've seen a decline in the quality of volunteers over the years. Missions has become a place we go instead of something we do. Churches decide to get their feet wet in missions by going somewhere interesting. Entire groups go completely unfamiliar with what it means to be on mission and when they're asked to do the work of a missionary they become uncomfortable and sometimes uncooperative. We do this on a local level as well. We drive across town to serve in a ministry center but we won't take the time to walk across the street or engage the community sitting in the shadow of our church. Our first responsibility in missions is our Jerusalem. If we would take the time to reach out to our communities with the love of Christ first, then, I believe, we would see and increase in interest in going to places of interest and ministry centers and we would go better equipped to reach the lost. The army doesn't train its troops on the front lines; they send them first to boot camp. Why should the Army of God be any different? Let missions start at home and then branch out into the utter most parts. We will be better prepared, in greater numbers, and will have a more significant impact on the world for Christ. Missions starts at home.

What's a Guy To Do?

Have you ever had one of those weeks when things look optimistic on Monday morning and it seems you've adequate time to accomplish everything on your list only to find yourself screaming "slow down I'm not going to make it!" come Wednesday? I'm in one of those weeks, again. I just don't understand where the time goes and why it has to take so much longer to do what, at the time, seemed so simple. There's always these interruptions, or what my friend Kathy Frady would probably call Delay Delights, that keep popping up throughout the day. A last minute meeting here, an impromptu meeting there, lanes closed on the interstate, a flood of phone calls, emails piling up, high priority requests from state or national leaders, and volunteers, volunteers, volunteers flow over me like tidal surge rushing into a low lying area turning my blue Monday sky into a watery dome from which I must emerge to get air. You see, I like to get things done and I like to have them done well and on time. However, real life doesn't operate on my schedule. I imagine that it doesn't operate on yours either. It's times like these that I've learned that, in a little while, the curtain is going to draw back and all the work God has been doing behind the scenes is going to come into the light. My struggle, including my lament, has just been an aside a few lines before God takes center stage and brings the act to a close in dramatic fashion. It's the moment I've been waiting for. The moment when you lean over to your friend and whisper, "this is my favorite part." With the least effort, God preforms His part and then the curtain closes to my thunderous applause.

A Weekend With the WMU: or how Joe McKeever finally caught up with me.

I've spoken to WMU groups in various places and at various times and my favorite by far is when I'm given the opportunity to speak with WMU in my home state. I've matured far past my disdain for Louisiana as an adolescent. I think we all go through that stage in our lives when we think where we live is the pits and anywhere else is better that where we are. Today, I wear Louisiana with pride and love the land, the people, the food, and the culture. So, I had a great time this past weekend meeting with and speaking to the annual gathering of WMU at their state meeting in Baton Rouge. This group is like family. I grew up in front of some of these ladies, which they were quick to point out. I've lived in their towns. Jaime and I have attended churches with some. I've even had the privilege of serving in ministry with a few of them. Honestly, this was probably the most relaxed I've been while speaking to a group, unlike my friend Lonnie Wascom, Director of Missions for the Northshore, who said he was the most nervous he'd ever been (he said it from the pulpit, I'm not ratting him out.) All in all, Jaime and I enjoyed our time at the meeting and felt the love and prayers of the WMU ladies who were in attendance. Where would we be without the WMU? As for the Joe McKeever bit in the title of this entry, I've never made it known where and when I'm speaking for fear he might show up. Yes,yes, I confess. It's true. I think a lot of him and his opinion. However, this time I couldn't avoid it. Oh well.

You Want To Do What Today?

There I was, busy in front of the computer, working out the details for this weekend's speaking engagement, tonight's conference call, and July's summer camp for our Baptist Centers when my cell phone rang. It was my good friend Don Snipes, a construction coordinator for Operation NOAH Rebuild. After exchanging pleasantries , Don said, "I've got a team that whats to do a block party and I wanted to know about the block party trailer at BAGNO." "The trailer isn't quite ready yet because it needs some work" I explained. "When are they wanting to do the block party?" (Okay. Here's my thought process at this point. Although the trailer wasn't ready at that moment, we were scheduled to have it in order by the end of next week. Therefore, I figured the trailer would be available for them to use when they arrived on the field. Now back to reality.) "Uhhhh, today" Don said into the phone almost as if it were a question. I let out a chuckle of nervous laughter. Volunteers, God love them! Skipping some details, I learned from the team leader that what they really wanted to do was grill some burgers, play some music and hang out with folks in the neighborhood. I was relieved by this clarification since this type of event is much easier to put together last minute. So what did our intrepid team have to pull this off. Next to nothing. To their credit, they had the setup for their praise band which was some good lagniappe. We love live music. It took the better part of the day, but in the end the team had pieced together an impressive event. I had to leave before things got kicked off. I still had that conference call to make. I'm all the time telling teams about the need to be flexible when coming to the New Orleans area. Sometimes I have to practice what I preach.

It's Good to Hear Your Voice

Yesterday marked the return of local radio personality Garland Robinette, host of WWL 870 AM's Think Tank, to the airways after a five month hiatus. A medical mistake during surgery left Robinette unable to speak. In fact, doctors informed Garland and his family that things didn't look good for his voice to return. Hosting duties for the Think Tank were turned over to Tommy Tucker while Garland recovered at home. The absence of Garland and sudden replacement by Tommy prompted rumors of termination. However, WWL Radio graciously stuck by Garland in hopes of his return. How many of you have a boss that would hold your job for five months in hopes you would return? Yesterday, Garland's voice was husky and he had to take the occasional sip of water but he made it through all three hours of the Think Tank. Although Garland dedicated the majority of the show to its usually content and call-ins, he did take a few minutes at the beginning to thank those who had seen him through. The comment that I found the most interesting was related to his faithful substitute of five months, Tommy Tucker. Garland, although raised Catholic, admits to leaving his faith as he became an adult. Tommy, on the other hand, is a devout Catholic and out of his religious experience he did something that caused Garland to think. Just prior to Christmas, Tommy used the airways to begin a prayer campaign for Garland. He asked listeners to pray specifically for Garland to be healed. This was during the time when doctors were still pessimistic about Garland's recovery. However, as Garland admitted yesterday, it was at the time that Tommy began asking for prayer that he began to regain use of his voice. This experience, he stated, has caused him to rethink his position on religion and faith. It seems he has begun a new faith journey (my words not his). I write this for two reasons. First, I'm a fan of Garland and his show and I'm excited to have him back on The Big 870. Second, prayer is a powerful thing and I encourage you who read this to continue to pray for those special people in your life. Often we get discouraged because of the lack of results or the length of time that passes. Be faithful in your prayers because they are heard by a God who is faithful.

Resurrection and New Beginnings

As we gathered together this past Sunday to celebrate our Lord's victory over sin and death, some of our area churches were taking the opportunity to mark the beginning of a new chapter in their history. Sojourn, a church plant on Magazine St. that targets "cultural creatives," officially launched Sunday services. James Welch, Travis Flemming, and their ministry team had put in way more time than the typical church plant in investing in their community before attempting the much sought after milestone of a launch date. While Sojourn was gathered for worship, down the river in Arabi, Celebration: St. Bernard held their first service in their rebuilt sanctuary that had just been completed. In fact, I spoke several times to campus pastor Craig Ratliff last week and each time he was busy overseeing the final details of construction to ensure that their Easter service would go off as planned. A little closer to where I live, St. Rose Baptist Church celebrated the Lord's resurrection with an outreach to the community. Pastor Jim Louviere had been getting the congregation ready for weeks for the event. This is a church that was averaging five on Sunday morning six months ago before Jim came and gave the Holy Spirit some room to work. Now about thirty strong, St. Rose Baptist used Easter as a day to share the good news with their neighbors.

Larry Norman - Goodbye, Farewell

1947-2008

Inspirational. Controversial. Eccentric. Whatever opinion you held about Larry Norman, there is no denying the profound impact he had on Christian music. At a time when the only spiritual music available for young people were choruses and camp songs, Larry emerged on the scene with rock rhythms and potent lyrics that took the message of Christ to the air waves as well as the street. Like the great hymnist Issac Watts had done centuries before, Larry took the message he loved so much and put it to the popular music of the time. A child of the 60's, Larry's long hair and rock music was condemned by the church but embraced by the culture. He was well respected as an artist by the likes of Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead but despite such praise from high-profile musicians, Larry stuck with his evangelistic message. "He really could have been a star if he were singing about something other than Jesus," remarked Chris Willman, senior music writer for Entertainment Weekly, when reflecting on Larry's career. Unfortunately, Larry's final years were spent in poor health. In a final statement to his fans just days before his death, Larry said "I feel like a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up...I am ready to fly home." Although his presence in the music industry has been absent for several years, Larry's death leaves a void that will be felt for quite some time. As for me, Larry Norman was an imperfect man who was way ahead of his time and although I didn't agree with some of his political views I found myself profoundly affected and inspired by his music and his uncompromising message of salvation through Christ alone. I am truly sad he is gone. Larry, we love you and our prayers are with your friends and family. See you at the throne of God.

Basketball and Bibles

This past Friday night, Jaime and I joined fellow missionaries, local ministers and seminary students in assisting Lagniappe Ministries with their volunteer project at the New Orleans Hornets home game against the New Jersey Nets. It was Gospel Night at the arena which is different than the typical faith and family nights other sport venues promote. The owner of the Hornets is a committed Christian and he has Gospel Night. The game was exciting as our Hornets put on a great show in their win over the Nets. Its great to see really good pro basketball in New Orleans (CP3-MVP). After the game, we went to the American Bible Society's booth for our volunteer assignment. The ABS was sponsoring Gospel Night and had free copies of The Psalms and "Element of Life" magazines to give away. You know how people can't get enough of "free." We handed out boxes and boxes of The Psalms and magazines before the crowds finally thinned out. I was impressed with "Element of Life." Each article was a story about how Jesus had transformed someones life. The magazine appealed to the urban crowd in both design and content with an evangelist message to boot. My prayer is that many will read the articles and take the next step towards a relationship with Jesus.

Now That's What I'm Talking About!

In the words of Col. John "Hannibal" Smith (from the A-Team for those lacking in culture)"I love it when a plan comes together." We've worked hard here on the ground to put together a plan for evangelism that is both easy and effective. No rocket science, no complicated program, no confusing guidelines. Just simple evangelism that takes the Gospel to lost people in New Orleans. I had the privilege last week to work with a team of volunteers from Callahan Baptist Church who "got it." They came to New Orleans with the attitude of "point us in the right direction and turn us loose" instead of "could you please come and hold our hand." What exactly did they get you might ask? The fact that Opportunity + Availability = Awesome. This team came ready and willing to share their faith. Once we identified the neighborhood they would be in, I put them in touch with the local Baptist church in the area so the church could be aware of their presence and activity in their community. While half their team did rebuild, the other half went door to door to meet and visit with the neighbors. Those encounters led to the simplest of relationships which led to opportunities to share the Gospel. Despite bad weather throughout the week, the team from Callahan Baptist were able to lead seven people to faith in Christ. Praise the Lord! They had no special equipment nor clever gimmick. They simply followed the plan God had given us to effectively reach people in and around rebuild projects and God blessed their efforts and souls were added to the Kingdom. Dear Lord, please send me more volunteers like these from Callahan Baptist who will leave egos and agendas behind to take your love and message of salvation to the lost and hurting in our city.

Celebrating Missions in Prattville, AL

I had the privilege to spend this past weekend with the good people in and around Prattville, Alabama during their On Mission Celebration. If you've been watching the news lately, you'll know that Prattville was hit hard by tornadoes just over a week ago. However, none of the Southern Baptist churches were damaged despite the amount of devastation in the area. So, with clean-up and disaster relief still commencing, I along with 30 other missionaries from North American and overseas shared what God is doing in our particular corner of the world. At their mission fair on Saturday night, I met a young lady who was part of a team that helped us put on a block party for Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in New Orleans East. I was using a couple of photos of that event on my display and she immediately recognized the images. One of my joys as a missionary is to meet people in unexpected places who have given their time to assist in the work that God is doing in the New Orleans area. Continue to pray for the recovery efforts in the Prattville area and for the witnessing opportunities that naturally arise from such events.

Lions and Tigers and Volunteers, Oh My!

This is the time of year when my job does a major flip-flop. I go from being David Rhymes - Evangelism Strategist, to David Rhymes - Professional Volunteer Wrangler. Yes, from now until about mid-August, I will eat, drink, breath, and sleep volunteers. I'm not sure whether to ask you to pray for me or just put me out of my misery. Wait a minute. I though volunteers were a great and valuable resource? They are. I love volunteers and have worked with them for about twelve years now. But anyone who has worked extensively with volunteers knows it has its ups and downs. Because of Katrina, the number of volunteers in the New Orleans area has grown exponentially. Between now and the end of the summer, Southern Baptist will put an estimated 15,000 volunteers in the field in the New Orleans area. And we need each one of them. The tricky part comes in the logistical nightmare that these numbers create. Praise God for His all sufficient grace and strength! It never fails that when I've exhausted every option I can imagine to place volunteers in the field, God shows up and fills in the gaps. Those last minute mega groups that call and tell me they're arriving next week, God's got me covered even if His help comes in the midnight hour. Yes, it’s an all volunteer diet for me for the next several months. However, when it’s all said and done, the work God has accomplished through the countless faces that pass through our neighborhoods is beautiful to behold.

Christ in the Crowd

This year's Mardi Gras is in the books. At midnight on Feb. 5, the party was officially over (and literally because NOPD clears the streets). However, Mardi Gras Day didn't pass without God's people living out the Great Commission at the two premier parades on Fat Tuesday, Zulu and Rex. Pastor Kemp Johnson and some members from Urban Family Baptist Mission set up a tent near the beginning of the Zulu parade route. While parade goers waited for Zulu to roll, Kemp and Urban Family mingled with the crowd where they visited with individuals and offered to pray with them. This opened the door to share the Gospel. I don't know what the final outcome was, but at the time I had to leave, two men had prayed to receive Christ. Awesome! At one point during the morning, Kemp used the tent and their sound system to deliver a brief evangelistic message to the crowd. Quite a few people stopped by the tent to see what was going on, or to visit, or just to have prayer. It was a good start to Mardi Gras Day.

Meanwhile, on St. Charles Ave., Philip and Debbie Smith had set up a tent along the parade route and were reaching out to the many children that had come to see Rex (Remember from a previous entry the most of Mardi Gras is family friendly). The Smiths, along with a volunteer from the seminary, passed out Power Band bracelets and laniards left over from the BCS Championship game that had been stuffed with children's tracts. Before and between parades, children were invited to the tent to hear a story. At this time, the Smiths would use any number of attention getters to illustrate the story of the Gospel. While I was with Philip and Debbie, I was introduced to a girl who had given her life to Christ at last year's Mardi Gras when the Smiths were there. She saw Philip and Debbie and wanted to visit with them again. Isn't God amazing? There are a lot of nay sayers that declare Mardi Gras a lost cause when it comes to evangelism. I guess God never heard that because He blessed these two efforts and lives were added to the Kingdom on the biggest party day in America.

Virtual Prayer Walk Now On-Line

Not everyone can make the trip to New Orleans to walk our streets and pray for the physical and spiritual recovery of our city. Not to worry, our friends at the Louisiana Baptist WMU have put together a virtual prayer walk that will allow believers around the world to lift up New Orleans to our Lord. Try it out yourself then pass the link on to a friend. The more prayer the better.

http://www.lbc.org/Women/Interior.aspx?id=4182

This link has also been added on the sidebar

The Way You Dieux The Things You Vieux

"Going to the dogs" would be considered a compliment during the annual Barkus parade that rolls through the French Quarter during Mardi Gras. Barkus (a spoof on the Super Krewe Bacchus) is a dog parade that raises money for the Humaine Society. Towards the end of the winding parade route is Vieux Carre Baptist Church and a wonderful opportunity to minister to the owners of the estimated 1500 dogs in the parade. After morning worship (the parade rolls on Sunday afternoon) pastor Greg Hand and his congregation set up a rest stop in front of the church for both dogs and people. Water dishes and doggy treats are provided for the marching dogs while their owners enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee. Chairs were provided for owners to rest their feet and Vieux Carre opened its doors for people to use their restrooms. Mardi Gras cups with doggy treats and information about Vieux Carre were given as gifts to the owners when they stopped by the church. This simple act of hospitality was well received. I actually heard one lady, once she realized who was doing this, exclaim "This is a church?" She was blown away by the fact that a church, not to mention a Baptist church, would do something so thoughtful and kind for the community. Oh, if only we could all find a way to do something for our community that was produce that kind of response. Those opportunities are all around us you know. We just have to be intentional in looking for them. Vieux Carre could have closed their doors and chosen to get out ahead of the crowd. I'm thankful they saw this as an opportunity to love people with the love of Christ.

Find out more about Vieux Carre Baptist Church and their unique ministry at http://www.frenchquarterchurch.com/

Its That Time Again

If there's one thing we love in New Orleans, its a good party. Now before you start throwing the items on your desk at the computer screen, there's a few things you need to know about Mardi Gras. That stuff you see on T.V., the drinking, the carousing, the flashing (don't act like you don't know), the debauchery, only accounts for less than 10% of Mardi Gras activities. The rest of Mardi Gras, the part that never makes the news and that we locals love, is very family friendly and safe. Personally, I love the parades, although not as much as Jaime. The second thing you need to know about Mardi Gras is that its ingrained in the New Orleans culture. Mardi Gras is just what we do. Wisconsinites sit bare-chested on aluminium bleachers in Lambou Field in sub-zero weather. New Yorkers cram into Time Square like sardines each New Year's Eve. Iowans willing subject themselves to presidential candidate after presidential candidate every four years. New Orleanians stand on the side of the street with hands raised in anticipation of catching 13 cents worth of beads from a guy who paid around $2000 for the right to throw them. The third thing you need to know about Mardi Gras is that its a great time to show people the love of Christ. Because many have such a harsh view of Mardi Gras, their view of those that participate becomes tainted. What passes for evangelism during Mardi Gras usually takes the form of judgement and condemnation. Do I approve of some of the activities that go on during Mardi Gras? No. More importantly, does God approve of some of these activities? No. However, not once do I recall in Scripture where Jesus brow beat or belittled a sinner. In fact, we usually find Him having dinner with them or hanging out in their homes. Jesus has authentic love for the lost and demonstrated perfectly what it means to be in the world but not of the world. Pray for our efforts this Mardi Gras to love people as Christ loves us as we live out our faith in plain sight of parade goers. Pray for us as we share the Gospel with those who listen and may Christ be glorified this Mardi Gras season.

Think Greek

As the spring semester gears up at our colleges and universities in the Greater New Orleans area, men and women dedicated to bringing Christ to these campuses make last minute preparations for their respective campus ministries. Cory Olivier, regional BCM director for New Orleans, and a good friend, keeps these various campus ministries organized. From four year colleges and nationally recognized universities, to community and trade schools, Cory and his team are working hard to see lives transformed by the power of Christ. Colleges are micro communities with their own subset of people groups that need culturally relevant means of experiencing the Gospel. One of those people groups are Greeks. No, not those Greeks. I'm talking about frat boys and sorority girls. These social and service organizations are on nearly every college and university campus nation wide. Mention Greeks and it doesn't take long for images from the movie Animal House to creep into one's mind. Some would say that's just a stereotype. I say Greeks work hard at their reputation and I'll leave it at that. Regardless, Greeks are just as in need of a Savior as everyone else. The trick is reaching them. Although Greeks make up only 1% of college students nation wide, they dominate positions of leadership in business, industry, and politics. Here's some numbers:

• 85% of Fortune 500 executives are Greek
• Of the 50 largest North American corporations; 43 are headed by Greeks
• 76% of U.S. Congressmen and Senators belong to a fraternity
• 85% of U.S. Supreme Court Justices since 1910 have been Greek

All this (and more) out of only 1% of college students. The results of reaching the Greeks for Christ boggle my mind. Campus ministry doesn't happen in a bubble. There are lasting effects on society when we support the efforts of our Baptist Collegiate Ministries. Students, get involved. Churches, find out what you can do to help minister to your local college or university. And if you like a challenge; think Greek.

Special thanks to Chaz Churchwell for providing the information for this entry.

You can contact Cory Olivier at nometrodirector@bellsouth.net