"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/
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