Faith Takes Root

Even before the storm, Faith Baptist Church has been a congregation without a building. They could have found property must easier elsewhere in the city but they are committed to the community where God has placed them. And now, after a lot of searching and prayer, the members of Faith have been able to purchase a building at the corner of S. Claiborne and Fern. Once renovated, Faith's nomadic days will be behind them and they will have a set place from which to anchor their ministry. The timing of this purchase is truly a God thing because Faith sits right in the middle of Zone 6, the area of the city where a small army of WMU ladies will be prayer walking this weekend. We have the opportunity to quickly get on the field and begin the process of spiritually tiling the ground to make hearts ready for the Gospel. Celebrate with Pastor Tim Searcy and Faith Baptist as they look forward to being into their new building.

The Big One

This coming October 27 will be our fifth and largest WMU/BAGNO sponsored prayer walk. For this event, the Louisiana and Alabama WMU have come together to lift up a specific part of New Orleans in prayer. Early in the post Katrina process, we divided the association in to zones for better strategic focus and Alabama Baptist adopted what is known as Zone 6. This zone falls in a part of our association that needs to be rebuilt physically and spiritually. Zone 6 has only two evangelical churches and they are struggling greatly. This zone is the most like a foreign mission field out of any other in our association. We are having to start at zero in many ways. Therefore, this zone is in desperate need of prayer. The WMU of Louisiana and Alabama have responded to this need and will be putting their feet to the streets the weekend of the 27th. As an evangelism strategist, I can't see us moving forward in Zone 6 without first laying a foundation of prayer. This will be the beginning of the work that is to come.

Fall is in The Air

Here in South Louisiana about the only way we know Fall has arrived is because the calendar says so. The leaves don't change and cooler air usually just comes in spurts. However, this doesn't stop us from engaging in typical Fall activities like football and camping. Another Fall favorite our churches enjoy is to host a Fall Festival for their community. These either take the form of a Halloween alternative or a more traditional community event over the weekend. Regardless of what shape it takes, Fall Festivals are a great way for churches to meet their neighbors, build a positive relationship with the community, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the lost. As it stands right now, there will be around ten Fall Festivals in the New Orleans area this year and each church has their own spin on the event. In total, these events will impact a few thousand people from their respective communities, many who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Pray for these upcoming Fall Festivals and for those who will be attending. May Christ be lifted up and glorified during this season. I'll take Kingdom growth over cooler air any day.

Paying My Respects

Its a little known fact that visitors are not allowed out of the state of Wisconsin until they have made a pilgrimage to Lambeau Field in Green Bay. No fan base is more loyal and die hard than Packer fans. Even a lifelong Saints fan like myself has to admit this (they only edge us out by a little bit). I watched the local newscast my first night in Wisconsin and was amazed at how they tied almost every news story, even the weather, to the upcoming Packers - Bears game on Sunday. Wisconsin eats, sleeps, and breaths Packers football all year long. After all, they own the team. So I wasn't surprised when I was offered a trip to Lambeau Field and the Packers' Hall of Fame. If you're a fan of pro football, you really owe it to yourself to swing by Lambeau Field regardless of who you root for on Sundays in the Fall. The stadium is open year round and is one of the most impressive football venues I've visited. There's a lot of history and great football that's come out of Lambeau and its worth seeing. I got to see three of the four Vince Lombardi trophies (the first two weren't named for Vince), a site that eludes us Saints fans for now. There is also a lot of historic Packer memorabilia for the history buff. I didn't buy a cheese head while I was there, but I did parade around the stadium in my Drew Brees jersey just to make it clear where I call home.

Baptist Frontier Land

I just finished a week speaking at churches in the Bay Lakes Association in Wisconsin. This was my first time in Wisconsin and my first time to personally experience what its like to serve in a part of the country where evangelical Christianity is the minority. No Bible Belt up there. It was an eye opening experience that has helped reshape my view of ministry in a positive way. Being removed from the Baptist culture we experience here in the South is not necessarily a bad thing. The work is more difficult, but that type of trial blazing excites me. I only spoke in one church building the entire week I was there. Most churches were less than ten years old and met in storefronts, hotels, and even a converted pallet factory. Although the area has few churches, spread out over a large area, I still met several people who had answered God's call to participate in the rebuilding of New Orleans. In fact, I was greeted by and Operation NOAH Rebuild T-shirt as I entered the building of my very first event upon arriving in Wisconsin.

Casting the Vision for New Church Plants

On October 1 & 2, the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans hosted a church planting vision tour which featured seven potential plant sites. Pastors from Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Maryland, and others came to hear directly from the strategist working on the plants and to see first hand the community where these efforts are being made. This event was different than the typical large group bus tour where individuals are asked to consider if and where God might lead them to plant a church. This tour started with seven actual proposals where the sites have been determined and demographic surveys conducted. This was the only tour that I've been on since Katrina that took and optimistic look at the devastation and real possibility of what God can and wants to do in the Greater New Orleans area. If you would like more info about these potential church plants and how you or your church and be involved, please get in touch with me. These church plants are a very important part of the spiritual transformation of our city.

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?