Laughter - It Does The Body Good

I was hunched over my parent's kitchen table with tears running down my cheeks when I realized, "I've not laughed this hard in a long, long time." Jaime and I were visiting family and celebrating my grandmother's 80th birthday this past weekend. It was good to see all my aunts, cousins, second cousins, third cousins... you get the idea. After the festivities, it was back to my parents house where we visited around the kitchen table like good southerners. However, as the night grew old things began to turn, well... a bit silly. That's why I was hunched over the table crying. We laughed and laughed. It was wonderful. Since Katrina, laughter, real laughter, has been illusive. I get so use to the fact that life is still very hard in New Orleans and I'm lulled into thinking things are normal. I forget that life use to be easier, smiles more plentiful, and when the good times rolled we really had a blast. It takes being around people unaffected by the storm who have that spark in their eyes, that we in New Orleans have lost, to make you feel like a whole person again. This weekend was an important reminder of the immeasurable value of family and the joy they bring to your life.

Needs List (You've asked for it)

I get asked from time to time about specific items we could use in our ministry that churches and groups could provide. Due to the nature of my work and the situation in New Orleans, it was not easy to come up with a list at first. However, we've reached a point where such a list is practical and I've given it a permanent spot on my blog. It is on the right hand side of the screen and titled "Ministry Needs." Most of these items can be found at Lifeway stores or online at http://www.lifewaystores.com/. I've also included my address at the bottom of the page. These items will be used in all sorts of evangelistic events and activities throughout Greater New Orleans. Thank you in advance for all of your help in bringing the Gospel to the lost in our city.

A Gift of God's Word

After members attended one of our prayer walk events, the WMU of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria, LA decided to purchase 100 pocket New Testaments for us to use in our missions activities in the New Orleans area. The New Testaments are in an easy-to-read translation which makes them perfect for new believers or those interested in the claims of Jesus Christ. We will have many opportunities to give these out with the assurance that God's Word will not return empty, but will accomplish and prosper in the manner God sends it. A special thanks to the WMU of Emmanuel Baptist for the New Testaments and for your continued prayers for work God is doing throughout the New Orleans area.

13 Pallets at 3 A.M.

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

New Orleans: 2 Year Report

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

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

A Much Needed Laptop

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

The Hottest Camp I've Ever Been To

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

Lives Changed at Chinese Baptist Church VBS

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

Dogs Rock The House...Earl Shives!

Last Tuesday night, July 24, New Orleans was privileged to be a concert stop for some of the most influential artist in Christian rock. The Lost Dogs, along with local talent Mike Indest and Eddie Parrino, took to the stage at The Neutral Ground coffee house in Uptown. A small crowd, mainly of locals, came out to enjoy the coffee, music, and interaction with the bands. Mike and Eddie's sets were really good and I encourage you to show'em some love and check them out. It's worth it. The Dogs put on a great set with fan favorites like 'Bullet Train,' 'No Room For Us,' and 'Imagine That' as well as a few songs from their latest album, "The Lost Cabin and The Mystery Trees." Everyone hung out after the show to visit with the band, buy merchandise, get autographs, and ask those burning questions like, "When is The Choir getting back in the studio" and "What's next for the 77's." Bottom line, it was a really fun evening of music and I think we all went home hoping for a return visit next year.

Ala. WMU Show Support for New Orleans

Jaime and I had the privilege of leading some sessions during the Alabama WMU State Leadership Conference during the weekend of July 21-23. We were able to share stories, give testimony, and give details about the work God is doing in the Greater New Orleans area. After the evening worship on Saturday night, we took part in a New Orleans themed fellowship complete with shrimp etoufee, beignets, and coffee. Sunday, we launched the prayer initiative for the zone within the city that Alabama Baptist have adopted. It was a wonderful weekend and Jaime and I were delighted to be invited to participate. We look forward to our partnership with Alabama Baptist, especially the WMU.

Lost Dogs Live At The Neutral Ground

Some News From Down The Road

Highway 23 leads to the end of the world, at least as far as this Louisianian is concerned. Down at the end of Plaquemine Parish is the town of Port Sulphur and Port Sulphur Baptist Church where Lynn Rodrigue is pastor. Lynn has the honor (at least we'll call it that) of pastoring the southern most church in our association. Look on a map and you'll see why. Lynn also has the honor of being the most isolated pastor in our association but it hasn't slowed him down. On a recent visit to the area, Lynn was able to show me some of the progress being made in and around Port Sulphur. Lynn estimates that they may be able to get into their new building within one to two months. You should see the grin on Lynn's face every time he mentions that building. Understand that Port Sulphur is only a few miles away from where Katrina made landfall and that nothing was left in its wake for nearly 45 miles. I also got to see the storage buildings (the photo above) the church is constructing for residence of FEMA trailers. This is a tremendous ministry to the 3000 + residence still crammed into these small trailers with all of their belongings. Continue to pray for Lynn, his family, and Port Sulphur Baptist Church as they minister to their community.

One of My Favorite Things

I love R.A. Camp! For those of you who don't know, R.A.s (Royal Ambassadors) is a Southern Baptist program for grade school boys with an emphasis on godly virtues and missions. I've developed a relationship with Eugene and Debi Morris, managers of Judson Baptist Retreat Center, and have the opportunity to be the featured missionary each summer at a different camp they host. This summer it was R.A. camp and I had a blast. I grew up in R.A.s and currently lead the R.A. chapter at our church. God blessed me in a special way this year when a boy named Larry accepted Christ during one of my mission sessions. That was a first. Larry lived in the lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans until Katrina but now he and his family are in Pineville (central Louisiana). It's amazing how God brings people together to accomplish His will. Here I was 100 miles away from New Orleans and I have the opportunity to lead a displaced New Orleans resident to Christ. Amazing.

New Doors Are Opening

Thanks to the work of my friend Don Snipes, Operation NOAH Area Manager from the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas, a new work has been discovered. Don was able to build a relationship with a lady named Doris who was in need of home repairs due to Katrina. Through that relationship, Doris, her daughter, and granddaughter were led to faith in Christ. Now, Doris and her daughter are anxious to grow in the Lord. Just so you know, I usually have to ask about starting a Bible study at a particular location. In Doris' case, she offered her home as if it were the next logical step. Not only that, but she asked me how we could "get this (the Gospel) to the children and youth in this neighborhood." This is a missionary's dream. This past week, with the help of a volunteer team, we were able to spend a week ministering at and from Doris' still unfinished home. We prayer walked every street in her neighborhood, held a community cookout, and conducted a two day Kid's Club. This is only the beginning. Through these activities, we found several people in the area that were interested in attending the home Bible study once it begins. Don't you want a Doris or two in your church?

A Week in El Salvador

Jaime and I just returned from a mission trip to El Salvador. We, along with three others from our church, spent seven days in the city of San Salvador and the surrounding area working with Vida Neuva Baptist Church. We had the opportunity to share Christ with many people through one-on-one witnessing, Christian movies, kid's clubs, and speaking in public schools. It was a very productive week both in terms of the Gospel being shared and in personal and spiritual growth. Thank you for your prayers while we were away.

Virtual Prayer Walk Comming Soon

Thanks to the efforts of Media Ministry department of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, our WMU/BAGNO prayer walks will soon be featured online. Those wanting to lift the New Orleans area up in prayer will be able to log on to the Internet from anywhere in the world and take a virtual prayer walk of the many places we are focusing on during 2007. Check back for an update with the web address where you can access this information.

Prayer Warriors on the Move

April 21 saw the second of six WMU/BAGNO sponsored prayer walks. The Lord increased our numbers from the previous prayer walk as 58 men, women, and children took to the streets of New Orleans to lift up three churches and their neighborhoods in prayer. Each group that went out experienced unique pockets of New Orleans culture and saw the Spirit move in people's lives. The team was able to pray for the needs of several individuals and families and one person made a profession of faith in Christ. These prayer walks have not only blessed the churches and neighborhoods where they take place but they have also paved the way spiritually for the Gospel to be shared more effectively. How will God have you pray for the New Orleans area?

Taking Prayer To The Streets

On February 21, we held our first BAGNO/WMU sponsored prayer walk in the neighborhoods of three of our churches. This was the first of six to be held throughout the year. The churches involved were Grace Baptist Church in Bywater, Evangelistic Baptist Church in the Seventh Ward, and Good News Baptist Church currently serving in Destrahan. Twenty-two from around the state participated in the walks and it was clear that God is moving in the hearts and lives of people in the New Orleans area.

An Undate...Finally

I admit I got myself into a mess trying to write longer blog entries. I usually don't have the time to write at length and I should not have started. So I've removed the first two parts of a three part stroy that I now realize I won't finish and have gone back to short and simple. Sorry.

Change Is Still A Good Thing

Sometimes when God speaks we hear but do not listen. Been there, done that. In fact, my latest attempt not to listen to God was very recent. Since Katrina, I have been praying and looking and praying and searching and praying and seeking council and praying and praying and praying for God's clear direction regarding service in New Orleans. Yes, even missionaries struggle with knowing where and how they are to serve Christ. For the past three months, I have be setting up the volunteer village (I previously referred to it as a base camp) for Operation NOAH Rebuild. This volunteer village gig provided my Katrina weary mind, body and spirit with an easy street assignment for the next two years. However, my selfish desire to take it easy did not match up with God's call for greater action. I found myself at odds with God. This is never a good place to be. I had to surrender to the task for which God called me to fulfill. Therefore, I am currently in transition into an evangelism and church planting role in the New Orleans area. I could not be more excited. This has long been my heartbeat and through God's perfect timing, I now have the opportunity to serve Christ the way I'm wired. So once again, change enters my life and its not just a good thing, its a God thing.