Being home is hard. I wasn’t ready to come home. I don’t want to be home. I want to be down there working, meeting more people of New Orleans to hear their stories and change their lives. I miss everyone more than ever and the pattern of life that had developed at Berean. There was something about being there that my heart clings to. It was the way we held on to God at each turn and strained to hear His every word. It was the way God blessed through us. It was those moments when everything faded away, but laughter and joy and God’s amazing grace.
Over the past week people have asked me about New Orleans and I struggle to find the right words. There is nothing I can say to sum up the trip and make them understand. It can be a little frustrating at times. Being home, I realized that I don’t want life to go back to normal. I want a new normal, one where I lay down everything that I have at the foot of His throne. I want to put others above myself and make them know I’m doing it all for Him.
There is still a lot to sort out and organize, but one thing I know is our God is so cool. He rocks and He has helped us do amazing things. I hope we will have the privilege to go back to NOLA. Who knows, God may have something else in store for us. I will follow where He leads me.
-Hannah Brown
It’s been almost a week since returning from my second trip to help the victims of hurricane Katrina. I can still see the faces of the many people that I was able to meet and hopefully be a refection of Christ to while I was there. I think about seeing the happiness and hope in Mattie’s face as the FEMA trailer that she had lived in for almost 2 years was towed off of her front lawn. I think about being privileged to hear about the storm and its aftermath from Ray, a soon-to-be-retired New Orleans police officer. I think about Carrie and her evacuation that involved a helicopter and airplane, and I think about all of her plumbing being stolen from her home. I think about Joe and Annie who, in spite of still waiting for their home to be demolished, greeted our team as if we were their own children coming for a visit. Yes, going to NOLA was truly about the people, not about the work, for me this year.
God spoke to me in NOLA this year. He told me to seek Him first and everything else will fall into place. He doesn’t want my good works, but rather he desires for me to be His hands and feet in this world. It needs to be God, others (family, friends, NOLA families, hurting families in Portland, ME, etc.), and then me. I so often get it backwards, but God is gently pulling my thinking in line with His. He also showed me that He will be faithful to His people if we seek His face. That’s my desire – to see His face in all things and in all people every day.
- Bob Gardner
It’s hard to explain all the feelings I have felt since we returned home early Tuesday morning. Happy, sad, tired, rejuvenated, eager…Although I have been enjoying sleeping in until ten or eleven everyday, I have missed getting up and going straight to work. My mom has had jobs for me to do outside the past few days that have help to bring back memories of NOLA. I have tried to attack all situations with vigor and enthusiasm after a week of seeing devastating living conditions. Even after being home for an entire week, I am still processing everything that I have seen, done and heard in the past month or so.
- Michael Gardner
Well, it's been a week or so now since I got back from New Orleans. I've been happier than usual. It seems like I have more to live for now. I feel more bold in letting people know about my faith. I also feel very close to everyone who went on the trip, and I thank God for the new frienships I made and the old ones that were strengthened. My relationship with God has been deepened as well. I really have a heart for missions trips and hope we can go somewhere next year!
- Kristan Bowie
After being home for a week and catching up on sleep, how lucky I am to have everything I do has really sunk in. I compare my life to those of the people of New Orleans and I realize that I've been living the good life. In New Orleans people are racing to bring their homes to the livable point before the deadline; meanwhile I'm living in my cushy Falmouth home relaxing in the AC. I feel guilty almost for living like this while others are struggling so much. Right now all I want is to be back down in New Orleans working in the unbarable heat, bringing Katrina victims hope. I want to be making a difference. I miss New Orleans and our NOLA 2008 team so much!
- Rebecca Howell
This past week (and a halfish?) has been so boring.. I miss waking up every morning with something to do.. We’re home now.. What do some of the people down in New Orleans call home? What about those people who have houses that are still untouched three years later? What do they call home? If that was my house, how could I just leave all of that behind? The trip went by so fast and I didn’t want to come home. I love waking up every morning and being with everyone and getting to serve. I love getting to meet/ talk with all of the people. When we gave Mrs. Shirley her card, it brought tears to her eyes.. and almost mine. The people at the school we were painting kept saying, “Oh, you’re not getting paid for this?!” Nope.. We’re not. This is what we’re called to do. It’s not for us.. but all for God. It’s about putting other people’s needs before our own. Sometime we’re so selfish and don’t even realize all that we have.. and that some people have pretty much nothing.
While we were there, it was great to see all of the improvements; there were so many less FEMA trailers and that was really encouraging. But it was also devastating to see that there are still houses completely untouched. Once again this year, I was so blessed with this opportunity and I will never ever forget it.
- Jesse Cinque
One week later I'm still putting the pieces together. I miss everyone so much! I made some awesome new friendships as well as renewed some, and I miss being around everyone 24/7. But what I miss the most is getting up everyday with a purposeno matter how hot it was, going out, getting dirty, and looking for the plans God had laid out for us, because we knew they were there. It seems different at home, although I suppose it really isn't. God's plans for us didn't end in New Orleans, did they? But somehow it's so much harder for me being here, where I'm not being held accountable or being reminded every morning that "this is the day the Lord has made," and to rejoice and be glad in it. I seem to have forgotten one of the lessons we learned, that our daily frustrations may actually put us in a place where God wants us. It's harder to remember God's calling for us when we're surrounded by the noise and distractions of our daily lives.
People have been asking me about my experience too, but I'm not really sure how to respond. I figured by my second trip I'd be able to communicate my experiences a little better, but it always seems it gets reduced to a quick summary of the manual work we did or a weather report on the week. I don't know how to make people understand the depth of what we were doing down there: what made Jimmy's eyes tear up, or what our emotional response to Mark Anthony's story was all about. I want to show everyone the pictures and walk them through the blog, to make them understand, but all I do is smile and say, "Oh yeah, I had a lot of fun down there." But I'm working on it. I'm just praying that I won't bounce back to the normal I lived before the trip, but that God will be creating in my life that "new normal" Hannah was talking about. In the words of Matt Thiessen, "Yesterday is not quite what it could've been, as were most of all the days before. But I swear today, with every breath I'm breathing in, I'll be trying to make it so much more." That's the prayer I have for our team.
- Heather Erdmann
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
A timeline of Hurricane Katrina
http://www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/flashflood.swf
We stayed at the Berean Bible Church which is in the Algiers neighborhood. This presentation shows the events that led to the flooding.
We stayed at the Berean Bible Church which is in the Algiers neighborhood. This presentation shows the events that led to the flooding.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Reflections made after Thursday July 3
“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” - 1 Cor. 16: 13,14 I realize that God wants me to be me – to use the gifts that I have been blessed with and do all I can for Him. If I go to bed knowing that I have lived and served Him today, I don’t need anything else.
- Anonymous
Coming down to NOLA, I was so pumped to help someone get back into their home. When I first saw my jobsite on Sunday I was quite disappointed because we were told that we would be working mostly on things like yard work, laying down bricks and fencing. As we continued on through the week, I was reminded why I was here. Hurricane Katrina destroyed so many lives, not just homes. I was here in the name of the Lord to help someone get their life back together. My big “ah-ha” moment was figuring out that we are here for the people of New Orleans, not just to re-build some homes. Tonight this was driven more into my mind as we heard the story of our post-high school peers heading down to the French Quarter of the city to share the Word and some McDonalds with a few of those either living in the streets or living in horrid conditions. We learned about one of the hardest of hard, Mark Anthony. Hearing what he has lived through, and him not believing in religion is disheartening but, we don’t believe in religion either, we believe in God. B y the end of their conversation those with him were actually granted to pray for a softening of his heart. We are here for the people, like Jimmy and Mark Anthony, not just for the city and the homes.
- George
It is so amazing to watch God at work. To watch Him place people in areas where they wouldn’t choose to go, to watch His perfect timing, to see His love in caring for and protecting those who may not feel well. The most touching and more amazing thing to see and experience is His answer to prayer, in seeing even the smallest glimmer of hope and inquisitive looks from unbelievers we speak to. He is at work in these people’s hearts, and in all of our hearts. When you read this blog, and look at the pictures, remember that you are reading about and seeing Jesus Christ at work.
- Dan Larrabee
It has taken me two life changing trips to New Orleans to fully realize why God calls us places. I always knew that “it’s about the people, not the work” but it wasn’t until today that that became a genuine truth for me. It took the lack of a work site and the “real life” atmosphere for my heart to truly break for these people and turn my spirit over to loving them not what I am doing for them. They are what is real, what matters. This may seem an obvious and blatant truth for many but today my heart was turned upside down with the realization that I hadn’t ever fully concluded, accepted or embraced the fact that God calls us to serve people not cities. My thoughts are scrambled and my words are messy, but what it comes down to is that before a single home is repaired the immediate focus must be on these people, each individual one. The fact that I am just now realizing this is very convicting.
- Amanda Berglund
My moment of this week was, well, more than any one moment. It was the entire experience whether it was completing a window frame or putting a second coat of paint on a wall, it was all important. What was more important, though, were the lives that were touched throughout the week whether it was Pastor Elijah who gave us advice about carpentry and painting when he himself had little experience, he just wanted to help in any way he could. A moment I felt God’s presence was at Pastor Elijah’s house all through the week, talking to people on the streets of a very racially charged area and the initial willingness of the surrounding people in that neighborhood. On Wednesday we arrived at Pastor Elijah’s and there was an eerie feeling about the area, the once crowded streets and door steps were now empty and on top of that we received a “do not work” order from the government. We felt strongly that something was going to happen on that day and God was making us unable to work that day so we would not get caught in the middle of a bad situation. I still pray for the men we will not able to talk to again.
- Sam
In life, questions, problems we seek that moment when we “get it”. Right now, I’m not getting it. In other words, I’ve gained so much from this trip but up to this point those pieces haven’t concluded in a time when I can say “I see it now, God, that’s what you were doing …” I’ve also started to understand that when we don’t “get it” frustration becomes a byproduct. I know that it could be days or weeks before I see the big NOLA picture. Maybe years from now something will click, but, in the meantime, I need to keep frustration and confusion at a minimum and know that someday I’ll understand.
- Hannah Brown
I finally realize I could not care less about the house I’m working on because I care so much more for the people. In five, maybe ten years, the lawn I worked on will be gone. It’s through the work that I get to meet people and witness to them. When I wrote my paragraph I saw the houses and neighborhoods as the base. I could not have been more wrong. The people are the base and nothing could be more unique and flavorful as the souls and personality of the people. (Acts 1:8) - Jake Linscott
I have lost my sense of time down here. What seemed important at home is now something that feels different. We have been working hard, but what has touched me the most is how the Lord uses us in unique ways and how we each can be used to glorify Him in different ways. This was definitely evident tonight during our reflection time. I pray that God will continue to unite us as one body.
- Andy Berglund
When I met Carry, the homeowner of a house I worked at, I could see right away she was a very upbeat, positive person. She was so thankful for the little she had and she was so happy even after all the horrible things she’s had to live through and endure. She was inspirational. At that moment of meeting Carry, it really sunk in that we weren’t here to repair houses. We were here to spread His Word and to love the people. Her amazing outlook and positive attitude towards life and the future really made me realize the people are what matter. That’s why we’re here.
- Rebecca
Today was a day like no other I’ve experienced. Hope, encouragement, sorrow and death. A spiritual death so heart wrenching that only a miracle can save the man whom the devil has taken hold of. Hypocrisy and racism has left this man with a heart of stone. He cannot trust anyone or anything for so many people have blinded his path. This man, Mark Anthony, knows the Bible but cannot trust because he has been let down so many times before. It’s my prayer that God will soften his heart and he will trust in the one truth that will make him alive.
- Josh Larrabee
What a week! I began the week full of energy and joy. It turned to heartache while getting a look into the life of a young child here who seemed so angry and hard-hearted already at 4 years old. It’s been a week of very mixed emotions and, at times, I’ve grown weary. Tonight after listening to the kids speak about their experience ministering in the streets, I am so hopeful and feel very blessed with our kids – how they are a light and are bold enough to shine for Him in some of the darkest places. What blessings they are. To God be the glory!
- Alicia
This week my eye opening experience was during my trip to the French Quarter to witness to the homeless. The first few people I met were eager to talk and were believers, but as we went it got harder. As we ventured from security to unfamiliar places of evil, we began to see how dead the lost really are. Jackson Square was one of the most beautiful places and, yet I felt threatened by evil while there, not by the people rather the evil that exists there. The eye opener occurred while speaking with Mark Anthony, a street- hardened, homeless man. I realized how genuine and cheated he was and, yet he is a dead man because the streets have driven him scared of trusting anyone but Jack Daniels, Jim Bean and others.
- Jake Groom
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We aren’t here to do the work on homes so much as we are here to minister and witness to people the love of God. Every day I find it more and more evident. Maybe, just maybe, we aren’t supposed to be working in a certain area because God doesn’t want us there or he wants us somewhere else. I constantly have to remind myself that it is not about putting up the closet shelves while I am there, but it’s about sharing God with people like the homeowners or people nearby. This is nothing new to me, but God is working it into my heart more and more every day. It’s not about the house, but what we do to the house is in God’s name.
- Colby Adams
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world … like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” (Eph. 2:1-3) Dead. Without Christ, we are dead. The sermon this Sunday centered on this verse and this week we have perhaps begun to understand it. Even though we, the body of Christ, are alive in Him, we are surrounded by living corpses screaming for a Savior. And all the while we stand by holding a pitcher of living water in our hands. When will we become confident enough to share this water?
- Anonymous
After stumbling over trial upon trial upon trial, whether they were physical, mental or emotional, I believe the Lord has begun to reveal my “AHA” moment to me. Although I can’t ever fully grasp what the Lord is thinking, I can come close. It’s not about the houses we are building or touching up; rather it’s about the people we come into contact with. God isn’t shown when a group comes, rebuilds then leaves without talking to the people they’re serving. God’s love is really shown when someone’s life is changed through words and prayer. Many people have missed this concept and are not able to affect someone’s walk with the Lord. For faith without works is dead. The cop-out answer for a mission’s trip is, “we’re going to rebuild”. However, when you really look into a mission’s trip and its deeper meanings, you will find that the correct response is, “we’re going to change someone’s life through rebuilding their homes and cities.”
- Michael Gardner
Today I got the chance to see some of the 9th ward. As we drove through it, Scott pointed out the fact that house after house once had been there but now what remained were fields of grass. In some of these places the grass was so tall I couldn’t see any of what was behind the grass. Then Scott and I drove by a neighborhood that, since Katrina, had not received any work at all. To look and see what many use to call home with nothing left broke my heart and my heart when out for these people. This evening also added onto my heart going out for these people as Josh Linscott shared about his day ministering to the people of New Orleans on the street. As Josh shared, he sang a song he wrote about a man who’s been so hurt that his heart is hardened and he is full of rage. After listening to the song most of us here were brought to tears and we prayed for this man’s heart to be softened, that he would come to know Christ as Savior. Throughout today, I have felt and seen what we are here for this week and that is the people. And it hasn’t been just today but all this week as I have been serving other for God. The lost and broken need to know Jesus. The Christians here need to be encouraged after all they have been through. Tonight my prayer has been, “God, make my heart break like Yours for the lost and help me shine You to those in the dark because those who don’t know You so need you, Lord, they really do.
- Dali Tauwala
I don’t know if I really had, what could be called, an “Ah ha” moment. I know we worked hard and served people well. For me, the most significant part of the week was watching our students grow in their faith. It is amazing that every time I serve with the students, it is clear that they are not only the church of tomorrow but also the church of today.
- Rus
Shocked. Pained. Awestruck. I almost can’t breathe. But why now? How can something that seems so right be countlessly rejected by so many? Why haven’t I been strong enough to share the light? Where are my words? Who am I now and why can’t I be who I must be? Where’s my heart at? Why am I confused? Why am I hurt? (Proverbs 10:20)
- Scotty
Today we were able to go to Carrie’s house to do some work. We painted parts of her shed and house and installed a door and some closet shelving. We were able to talk to her and hear her stories about Katrina … how she survived it and the steps she’s taken since then to gain some sense of normalcy in her life. My heart really broke for her and what she’s had to go through. It’s been almost 3 years since the hurricane and she is still fighting to get back into her house. She has tried so hard to get her house fixed, yet has been set back due to multiple thefts and contractor dishonesty. I was amazed at her upbeat attitude through it all. Her stories and her perseverance made me want to do everything I could for her. My prayer is that her good attitude will remain through all this, and that her main focus will be on God and that she will be a light for Him in a neighborhood of darkness. I pray that she will be back in her house by her deadline of the end of August and may she once again be able to sit on her porch and watch the ships come up the Mississippi River.
- Ben Adams
God has proved again and again how he guides us with every single moment and event in our lives. The rain that kept the group inside and gave them a chance to talk to this broken, dead and hard man is such a blessing and shows God’s real power to show us what we are really here to do. Change and touch lives.
- Jeremy
The story of Mark Anthony gave me the feeling of sadness because of his not being saved. All of the people in the world who don’t know God are spiritually “dead”. I need to share the story of Christ and help those who have not yet been saved. There are many kinds of people, some have heard about God and some haven’t. It is important to show them the way so that they can choose salvation.
- Annie
God, you are awesome. Wednesday night when we were singing with the kids from Florida, I realized that it was amazing how we were all different, yet we all were worshipping the same God. That was one thing we all had in common. It was humbling to realize that. Also tonight, when Josh told us about his experience with a man named Mark Anthony, I was reminded of the song ‘Tears of the saints’ and how we should be sad for those who are spiritually dead.
- Anonymous
Before we left, I prayed so hard that God would use me to change someone. But God’s will is perfect. He changed someone today and it was me. I’ve wanted to see those in sin as dead all week and today I did. God has broken me down in a way I didn’t think possible for me. Through the story of my friend, Marc Anthony, I saw a man who was dead. He couldn’t have been angrier or more hateful. My heart broke for this man; I pray constantly that God would soften his heart. I hope that maybe a seed was planted today and I know God can save this man. Today I also know how terrifying it can be to know, if he isn’t saved, where Marc Anthony will go.
- Anonymous
This year has been different from last year. Last year you could still see the devastation from Hurricane Katrina everywhere you looked. This year you can see some renewal, less FEMA trailers and more neighborhoods returning to normalcy, it makes one hopeful. That is until you enter the 9th Ward and you find still 3 years later – it is untouched. Then you can feel the anger and the hopelessness. You can see the untrust in the eyes of people. It’s then that you realize this is not about rebuilding lives. Only when we share the love of Christ can we truly rebuild New Orleans.
- Robin
I feel that through all of my quiet time reflection, through all of my conversations with homeowners, and through the processing of my team’s experiences, God has clearly been teaching me to seek Him first. I need to feed and nurture my relationship with Him in order to be able to do that which He has called me to do – whether that is as a husband and father, or a worker or a person trying to serve others in NOLA. Going half-way is not an option. If I’m in, then I need to be given completely over to Him. I see glimpses of that in me this week. I find that the people mean more to me than anything else, both the people of NOLA and my team as well as my family at home.
- Bob Gardner
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You. My ah-hah moment was this morning when brother/Pastor Lawrence met for a 2-3 hour prayer/opening God’s word session. Stuff clicked and that just translated into the street evangelism today that own team of seven did. One man in particular the Lord let to us. Hardest of hard, yet after almost an hour, he started sharing. He didn’t soften, but he opened up and we listened, and then prayed with him. The love we were able to show to him didn’t break through his shell, but he trusted us. Pray for Marc Anthony! May the Lord open the eyes of his heart, that he may see the Father!
- Adam
I’ve learned so many new things this week that it’s hard to keep track of them all. I believe God has called me down here for many reasons. One reason I believe is to bring me closer to Him because over this past year, I’ve felt distant from God. But glancing over this reflection, I see the biggest thing God has brought to my attention over and over again this week which is how many times I say “I” in a day. Constantly my focus is only on me and this week God has made me realize that that’s not right. My focus needs to be on Him and Him only.
- Kelsey Berglund
Jimmy briefly told us his story on the day he took us on a tour. He said that as he was going to his house he was thinking, “It’s only a house, it’s only a house.” What would I have been thinking? When people lost their houses/possessions, they didn’t lose everything. They didn’t lose anything at all. If they have all of their trust completely in God, there’s nothing to lose. He’s there through the calm and through the storm. That’s why we’re here; to let these people know that there’s hope. God has a plan. I’m praying that we’ll be a light to these people and their hearts will eventually soften and they will know the truth.
- Jess Cinque
I pray that as I return home I remain broken. How great a blessing to actually tear for the lives of others. If I would share my faith with Marc Anthony, the man the hardest of hard, homeless man here, why not share it with my roommate? My friends? My co-workers? Maybe I will change someone this week, but now I pray that God will bring change as He wills to further His kingdom. “For do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21)
- Josh Linscott
- Anonymous
Coming down to NOLA, I was so pumped to help someone get back into their home. When I first saw my jobsite on Sunday I was quite disappointed because we were told that we would be working mostly on things like yard work, laying down bricks and fencing. As we continued on through the week, I was reminded why I was here. Hurricane Katrina destroyed so many lives, not just homes. I was here in the name of the Lord to help someone get their life back together. My big “ah-ha” moment was figuring out that we are here for the people of New Orleans, not just to re-build some homes. Tonight this was driven more into my mind as we heard the story of our post-high school peers heading down to the French Quarter of the city to share the Word and some McDonalds with a few of those either living in the streets or living in horrid conditions. We learned about one of the hardest of hard, Mark Anthony. Hearing what he has lived through, and him not believing in religion is disheartening but, we don’t believe in religion either, we believe in God. B y the end of their conversation those with him were actually granted to pray for a softening of his heart. We are here for the people, like Jimmy and Mark Anthony, not just for the city and the homes.
- George
It is so amazing to watch God at work. To watch Him place people in areas where they wouldn’t choose to go, to watch His perfect timing, to see His love in caring for and protecting those who may not feel well. The most touching and more amazing thing to see and experience is His answer to prayer, in seeing even the smallest glimmer of hope and inquisitive looks from unbelievers we speak to. He is at work in these people’s hearts, and in all of our hearts. When you read this blog, and look at the pictures, remember that you are reading about and seeing Jesus Christ at work.
- Dan Larrabee
It has taken me two life changing trips to New Orleans to fully realize why God calls us places. I always knew that “it’s about the people, not the work” but it wasn’t until today that that became a genuine truth for me. It took the lack of a work site and the “real life” atmosphere for my heart to truly break for these people and turn my spirit over to loving them not what I am doing for them. They are what is real, what matters. This may seem an obvious and blatant truth for many but today my heart was turned upside down with the realization that I hadn’t ever fully concluded, accepted or embraced the fact that God calls us to serve people not cities. My thoughts are scrambled and my words are messy, but what it comes down to is that before a single home is repaired the immediate focus must be on these people, each individual one. The fact that I am just now realizing this is very convicting.
- Amanda Berglund
My moment of this week was, well, more than any one moment. It was the entire experience whether it was completing a window frame or putting a second coat of paint on a wall, it was all important. What was more important, though, were the lives that were touched throughout the week whether it was Pastor Elijah who gave us advice about carpentry and painting when he himself had little experience, he just wanted to help in any way he could. A moment I felt God’s presence was at Pastor Elijah’s house all through the week, talking to people on the streets of a very racially charged area and the initial willingness of the surrounding people in that neighborhood. On Wednesday we arrived at Pastor Elijah’s and there was an eerie feeling about the area, the once crowded streets and door steps were now empty and on top of that we received a “do not work” order from the government. We felt strongly that something was going to happen on that day and God was making us unable to work that day so we would not get caught in the middle of a bad situation. I still pray for the men we will not able to talk to again.
- Sam
In life, questions, problems we seek that moment when we “get it”. Right now, I’m not getting it. In other words, I’ve gained so much from this trip but up to this point those pieces haven’t concluded in a time when I can say “I see it now, God, that’s what you were doing …” I’ve also started to understand that when we don’t “get it” frustration becomes a byproduct. I know that it could be days or weeks before I see the big NOLA picture. Maybe years from now something will click, but, in the meantime, I need to keep frustration and confusion at a minimum and know that someday I’ll understand.
- Hannah Brown
I finally realize I could not care less about the house I’m working on because I care so much more for the people. In five, maybe ten years, the lawn I worked on will be gone. It’s through the work that I get to meet people and witness to them. When I wrote my paragraph I saw the houses and neighborhoods as the base. I could not have been more wrong. The people are the base and nothing could be more unique and flavorful as the souls and personality of the people. (Acts 1:8) - Jake Linscott
I have lost my sense of time down here. What seemed important at home is now something that feels different. We have been working hard, but what has touched me the most is how the Lord uses us in unique ways and how we each can be used to glorify Him in different ways. This was definitely evident tonight during our reflection time. I pray that God will continue to unite us as one body.
- Andy Berglund
When I met Carry, the homeowner of a house I worked at, I could see right away she was a very upbeat, positive person. She was so thankful for the little she had and she was so happy even after all the horrible things she’s had to live through and endure. She was inspirational. At that moment of meeting Carry, it really sunk in that we weren’t here to repair houses. We were here to spread His Word and to love the people. Her amazing outlook and positive attitude towards life and the future really made me realize the people are what matter. That’s why we’re here.
- Rebecca
Today was a day like no other I’ve experienced. Hope, encouragement, sorrow and death. A spiritual death so heart wrenching that only a miracle can save the man whom the devil has taken hold of. Hypocrisy and racism has left this man with a heart of stone. He cannot trust anyone or anything for so many people have blinded his path. This man, Mark Anthony, knows the Bible but cannot trust because he has been let down so many times before. It’s my prayer that God will soften his heart and he will trust in the one truth that will make him alive.
- Josh Larrabee
What a week! I began the week full of energy and joy. It turned to heartache while getting a look into the life of a young child here who seemed so angry and hard-hearted already at 4 years old. It’s been a week of very mixed emotions and, at times, I’ve grown weary. Tonight after listening to the kids speak about their experience ministering in the streets, I am so hopeful and feel very blessed with our kids – how they are a light and are bold enough to shine for Him in some of the darkest places. What blessings they are. To God be the glory!
- Alicia
This week my eye opening experience was during my trip to the French Quarter to witness to the homeless. The first few people I met were eager to talk and were believers, but as we went it got harder. As we ventured from security to unfamiliar places of evil, we began to see how dead the lost really are. Jackson Square was one of the most beautiful places and, yet I felt threatened by evil while there, not by the people rather the evil that exists there. The eye opener occurred while speaking with Mark Anthony, a street- hardened, homeless man. I realized how genuine and cheated he was and, yet he is a dead man because the streets have driven him scared of trusting anyone but Jack Daniels, Jim Bean and others.
- Jake Groom
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We aren’t here to do the work on homes so much as we are here to minister and witness to people the love of God. Every day I find it more and more evident. Maybe, just maybe, we aren’t supposed to be working in a certain area because God doesn’t want us there or he wants us somewhere else. I constantly have to remind myself that it is not about putting up the closet shelves while I am there, but it’s about sharing God with people like the homeowners or people nearby. This is nothing new to me, but God is working it into my heart more and more every day. It’s not about the house, but what we do to the house is in God’s name.
- Colby Adams
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world … like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” (Eph. 2:1-3) Dead. Without Christ, we are dead. The sermon this Sunday centered on this verse and this week we have perhaps begun to understand it. Even though we, the body of Christ, are alive in Him, we are surrounded by living corpses screaming for a Savior. And all the while we stand by holding a pitcher of living water in our hands. When will we become confident enough to share this water?
- Anonymous
After stumbling over trial upon trial upon trial, whether they were physical, mental or emotional, I believe the Lord has begun to reveal my “AHA” moment to me. Although I can’t ever fully grasp what the Lord is thinking, I can come close. It’s not about the houses we are building or touching up; rather it’s about the people we come into contact with. God isn’t shown when a group comes, rebuilds then leaves without talking to the people they’re serving. God’s love is really shown when someone’s life is changed through words and prayer. Many people have missed this concept and are not able to affect someone’s walk with the Lord. For faith without works is dead. The cop-out answer for a mission’s trip is, “we’re going to rebuild”. However, when you really look into a mission’s trip and its deeper meanings, you will find that the correct response is, “we’re going to change someone’s life through rebuilding their homes and cities.”
- Michael Gardner
Today I got the chance to see some of the 9th ward. As we drove through it, Scott pointed out the fact that house after house once had been there but now what remained were fields of grass. In some of these places the grass was so tall I couldn’t see any of what was behind the grass. Then Scott and I drove by a neighborhood that, since Katrina, had not received any work at all. To look and see what many use to call home with nothing left broke my heart and my heart when out for these people. This evening also added onto my heart going out for these people as Josh Linscott shared about his day ministering to the people of New Orleans on the street. As Josh shared, he sang a song he wrote about a man who’s been so hurt that his heart is hardened and he is full of rage. After listening to the song most of us here were brought to tears and we prayed for this man’s heart to be softened, that he would come to know Christ as Savior. Throughout today, I have felt and seen what we are here for this week and that is the people. And it hasn’t been just today but all this week as I have been serving other for God. The lost and broken need to know Jesus. The Christians here need to be encouraged after all they have been through. Tonight my prayer has been, “God, make my heart break like Yours for the lost and help me shine You to those in the dark because those who don’t know You so need you, Lord, they really do.
- Dali Tauwala
I don’t know if I really had, what could be called, an “Ah ha” moment. I know we worked hard and served people well. For me, the most significant part of the week was watching our students grow in their faith. It is amazing that every time I serve with the students, it is clear that they are not only the church of tomorrow but also the church of today.
- Rus
Shocked. Pained. Awestruck. I almost can’t breathe. But why now? How can something that seems so right be countlessly rejected by so many? Why haven’t I been strong enough to share the light? Where are my words? Who am I now and why can’t I be who I must be? Where’s my heart at? Why am I confused? Why am I hurt? (Proverbs 10:20)
- Scotty
Today we were able to go to Carrie’s house to do some work. We painted parts of her shed and house and installed a door and some closet shelving. We were able to talk to her and hear her stories about Katrina … how she survived it and the steps she’s taken since then to gain some sense of normalcy in her life. My heart really broke for her and what she’s had to go through. It’s been almost 3 years since the hurricane and she is still fighting to get back into her house. She has tried so hard to get her house fixed, yet has been set back due to multiple thefts and contractor dishonesty. I was amazed at her upbeat attitude through it all. Her stories and her perseverance made me want to do everything I could for her. My prayer is that her good attitude will remain through all this, and that her main focus will be on God and that she will be a light for Him in a neighborhood of darkness. I pray that she will be back in her house by her deadline of the end of August and may she once again be able to sit on her porch and watch the ships come up the Mississippi River.
- Ben Adams
God has proved again and again how he guides us with every single moment and event in our lives. The rain that kept the group inside and gave them a chance to talk to this broken, dead and hard man is such a blessing and shows God’s real power to show us what we are really here to do. Change and touch lives.
- Jeremy
The story of Mark Anthony gave me the feeling of sadness because of his not being saved. All of the people in the world who don’t know God are spiritually “dead”. I need to share the story of Christ and help those who have not yet been saved. There are many kinds of people, some have heard about God and some haven’t. It is important to show them the way so that they can choose salvation.
- Annie
God, you are awesome. Wednesday night when we were singing with the kids from Florida, I realized that it was amazing how we were all different, yet we all were worshipping the same God. That was one thing we all had in common. It was humbling to realize that. Also tonight, when Josh told us about his experience with a man named Mark Anthony, I was reminded of the song ‘Tears of the saints’ and how we should be sad for those who are spiritually dead.
- Anonymous
Before we left, I prayed so hard that God would use me to change someone. But God’s will is perfect. He changed someone today and it was me. I’ve wanted to see those in sin as dead all week and today I did. God has broken me down in a way I didn’t think possible for me. Through the story of my friend, Marc Anthony, I saw a man who was dead. He couldn’t have been angrier or more hateful. My heart broke for this man; I pray constantly that God would soften his heart. I hope that maybe a seed was planted today and I know God can save this man. Today I also know how terrifying it can be to know, if he isn’t saved, where Marc Anthony will go.
- Anonymous
This year has been different from last year. Last year you could still see the devastation from Hurricane Katrina everywhere you looked. This year you can see some renewal, less FEMA trailers and more neighborhoods returning to normalcy, it makes one hopeful. That is until you enter the 9th Ward and you find still 3 years later – it is untouched. Then you can feel the anger and the hopelessness. You can see the untrust in the eyes of people. It’s then that you realize this is not about rebuilding lives. Only when we share the love of Christ can we truly rebuild New Orleans.
- Robin
I feel that through all of my quiet time reflection, through all of my conversations with homeowners, and through the processing of my team’s experiences, God has clearly been teaching me to seek Him first. I need to feed and nurture my relationship with Him in order to be able to do that which He has called me to do – whether that is as a husband and father, or a worker or a person trying to serve others in NOLA. Going half-way is not an option. If I’m in, then I need to be given completely over to Him. I see glimpses of that in me this week. I find that the people mean more to me than anything else, both the people of NOLA and my team as well as my family at home.
- Bob Gardner
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You. My ah-hah moment was this morning when brother/Pastor Lawrence met for a 2-3 hour prayer/opening God’s word session. Stuff clicked and that just translated into the street evangelism today that own team of seven did. One man in particular the Lord let to us. Hardest of hard, yet after almost an hour, he started sharing. He didn’t soften, but he opened up and we listened, and then prayed with him. The love we were able to show to him didn’t break through his shell, but he trusted us. Pray for Marc Anthony! May the Lord open the eyes of his heart, that he may see the Father!
- Adam
I’ve learned so many new things this week that it’s hard to keep track of them all. I believe God has called me down here for many reasons. One reason I believe is to bring me closer to Him because over this past year, I’ve felt distant from God. But glancing over this reflection, I see the biggest thing God has brought to my attention over and over again this week which is how many times I say “I” in a day. Constantly my focus is only on me and this week God has made me realize that that’s not right. My focus needs to be on Him and Him only.
- Kelsey Berglund
Jimmy briefly told us his story on the day he took us on a tour. He said that as he was going to his house he was thinking, “It’s only a house, it’s only a house.” What would I have been thinking? When people lost their houses/possessions, they didn’t lose everything. They didn’t lose anything at all. If they have all of their trust completely in God, there’s nothing to lose. He’s there through the calm and through the storm. That’s why we’re here; to let these people know that there’s hope. God has a plan. I’m praying that we’ll be a light to these people and their hearts will eventually soften and they will know the truth.
- Jess Cinque
I pray that as I return home I remain broken. How great a blessing to actually tear for the lives of others. If I would share my faith with Marc Anthony, the man the hardest of hard, homeless man here, why not share it with my roommate? My friends? My co-workers? Maybe I will change someone this week, but now I pray that God will bring change as He wills to further His kingdom. “For do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21)
- Josh Linscott
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Thanks for such a great welcome!
It was so awesome to see everyone waiting for us when we pulled into the church at 1:30 am! Thanks so much. Thanks to Lilley's Limosine for donating three stretch limos to bring us from Boston. And thanks to Peter Therrien and Peter Sorensen for driving the bus down to get our luggage. It was an amazing may to end our trip.
Monday, July 7, 2008
NEW ARRIVAL TIME ESTIMATES
Arrival in Boston - 11:15
Arrival in Portland at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1:15-1:30 ish
We are no longer going to the Amtrak station but are going directly to the church where you can meet us.
Peter Therrien is bringing the church bus for luggage and Dan Decosta, of Lilley's Limosine, has donated limo service to get us home.
Arrival in Portland at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1:15-1:30 ish
We are no longer going to the Amtrak station but are going directly to the church where you can meet us.
Peter Therrien is bringing the church bus for luggage and Dan Decosta, of Lilley's Limosine, has donated limo service to get us home.
Just left NY more then 90 minutes late
That means, unless they have some way to makeup time, we get into Boston around 1130.
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
ARRIVAL CHANGE!
We will be arriving at First Baptist Church courtesy of Lilley Limosines!
Our train has yet to leave NY and is at least an hour late. This means would have missed the last train to Portland.
The Lord knew this well in advance and had arranged this surprise for us even before we left Portland for NOLA. Rus and I held the secret close so it would be a surprise for the group when we got to Boston.
I let them know just a few minutes ago when the stress was building as it became clear that we would miss the Boston connection.
Arrival time? That's unknown still. It depends on when we get to Boston. I am estimating 100 am right now.
God is good and provides for our needs before we even know them!
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
Our train has yet to leave NY and is at least an hour late. This means would have missed the last train to Portland.
The Lord knew this well in advance and had arranged this surprise for us even before we left Portland for NOLA. Rus and I held the secret close so it would be a surprise for the group when we got to Boston.
I let them know just a few minutes ago when the stress was building as it became clear that we would miss the Boston connection.
Arrival time? That's unknown still. It depends on when we get to Boston. I am estimating 100 am right now.
God is good and provides for our needs before we even know them!
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
Our Memorization Champions!
Eric Mason and Jake Linscott were our Bible memorization champs. It was quite a playoff to whittle it down to two. These guys were fast and good!
Congrats.
Congrats.
We're in New York!
Snoozers.
Do you think Rus is enjoying the train?
That's a lot of bags.
Colby Adams and I are sitting in Penn Station while the rest of the gang is out touring a bit with Bob Gardner. Pray for Colby ... he's feeling sick. I feel bad that he's missing the New York City fun.
Good Morning from Viginia!
Our team is starting to wake up . We'll have breakfast in the dining car and then settle in for our final day of travel. I imagine most of us will do a lot of sleeping over the next few days.
We do have a few who love sleeping on the train. They will be ready to roll
So good to be in the same time zone
It's 1140 and all is quiet Everyone has settled down for a night of sleep - which is not easy on a train. If you ever hear that coach is easy to sleep in because of the reclining chairs and foot rests don't believe it unless you are under 5 foot 7 inches. It's tough to fnd a comfy position if you are taller.
Most of us are so tired we could sleep upside down in a tree!
PARENTS AND ALL WHO ARE meeting us in Portland - be sure to check the blog at 1030 Monday night for an update of our arrival time. We've learned that trains may not arrive when scheduled - we've been early and late on this trip.
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Saturday's block party and French Quarter fun
Outside the Cafe du Monde a trumpet player had us sing "This Little Light of Mine" with him.
The Cathedral.
A human statue. He had just spooked the kids when I snapped this shot.
Can you hear me now?
Riding a train across the country makes you realize just how many places there ar that do not have cell service.
Half our group is in the dining car eating lunch and the rest of us will go after they get back.
You can tell that everyone is tired. There are lots of snoozers all around me
I think we're all excited to get home but also sad to leave NOLA when there is still much to do.
When your kids get home they might not talk a lot. Or, they'll only talk about the pleasant stuff and the fun. That's normal. It will take them awhile to begin to talk about all the painful things. Just give them time and it will start coming out.
We're in Alabama right now and only have about 36 hours left. At least we're not sitting by the bathroom this time. That will make the trip better than the trip down.
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
Half our group is in the dining car eating lunch and the rest of us will go after they get back.
You can tell that everyone is tired. There are lots of snoozers all around me
I think we're all excited to get home but also sad to leave NOLA when there is still much to do.
When your kids get home they might not talk a lot. Or, they'll only talk about the pleasant stuff and the fun. That's normal. It will take them awhile to begin to talk about all the painful things. Just give them time and it will start coming out.
We're in Alabama right now and only have about 36 hours left. At least we're not sitting by the bathroom this time. That will make the trip better than the trip down.
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Our last day in NOLA
We had a great day today. We spent 3 hours in the French Quarter, played games with kids at the block party, enjoyed a BBQ and then packed and cleaned and had our last worship session.
I will try to update when I get cell service on the train. Keep the porch light on, we're coming home!
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
I will try to update when I get cell service on the train. Keep the porch light on, we're coming home!
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
How has the money we raised blessed others?
AJ and Gaynel now have new windows and a ceiling fan for their home, in addition to all the mudding, sanding and scraping we did.
Jimmy is very close to moving into his house and said this week has restored his faith in teenagers and strenghtened his faith in God. Jimmy's house has a new lawn, new brick walkway, a fenced in patio, plants and flowers, painted walls and doors and more. He was crying as we said goodbye.
Carrie's house has new shelves and fresh paint. Her bills are astronomical and challenges in restoring her old house are huge. We will leave her with $3,000.00 to help her continue to move forward.
The Fisher School has two freshly painted classrooms and a nicely painted office. They also have new playround balls. Once things have settled out we will send additional funds to help this school which was taken over by the state because of it's poor condition, buy the "non-essentials" like crayons, cleaning supplies and teaching materials. Miss Shirley also shed tears with us when we left and said she was so thankful by how God had blessed her.
Future teams here at the mission headquarters now have five new GPS units to help them find their way to their jobsites more quickly. Time lost while driving is time lost in working.
The BBC also has a new commercial ice maker and commercial fridge for teams to use thanks to all who have supported our trip.
New tools to make future teams more efficient include a 12" chopsaw, table saw and stand, compressor and finish nail guns. All were purchased to help continuing rebuilding efforts.
It's hard to believe that our work week is over. It seems like we just got here and there is still so much to do. I know today will have opportunities of its own.
Thanks for your partnership in the gospel and caring for your fellow man. I wish I could show you just how much the funds you gave helped in so many ways.
Scott
Jimmy is very close to moving into his house and said this week has restored his faith in teenagers and strenghtened his faith in God. Jimmy's house has a new lawn, new brick walkway, a fenced in patio, plants and flowers, painted walls and doors and more. He was crying as we said goodbye.
Carrie's house has new shelves and fresh paint. Her bills are astronomical and challenges in restoring her old house are huge. We will leave her with $3,000.00 to help her continue to move forward.
The Fisher School has two freshly painted classrooms and a nicely painted office. They also have new playround balls. Once things have settled out we will send additional funds to help this school which was taken over by the state because of it's poor condition, buy the "non-essentials" like crayons, cleaning supplies and teaching materials. Miss Shirley also shed tears with us when we left and said she was so thankful by how God had blessed her.
Future teams here at the mission headquarters now have five new GPS units to help them find their way to their jobsites more quickly. Time lost while driving is time lost in working.
The BBC also has a new commercial ice maker and commercial fridge for teams to use thanks to all who have supported our trip.
New tools to make future teams more efficient include a 12" chopsaw, table saw and stand, compressor and finish nail guns. All were purchased to help continuing rebuilding efforts.
It's hard to believe that our work week is over. It seems like we just got here and there is still so much to do. I know today will have opportunities of its own.
Thanks for your partnership in the gospel and caring for your fellow man. I wish I could show you just how much the funds you gave helped in so many ways.
Scott
Our top ten
1) Jake Linscott
Heather came down with Humongousfootitus while we have been down here in NOLA.
2) Jesse Cinque
3) Josh Linscott
4)Heather Erdmann
5) Josh Larrabee
Tied for the final 5 spots
Sam Larrabee
Kelsey Berglund
Rebecca Howell
Laura Mason
Eric Mason
We have been working on memorizing 20 verses of scripture this week. Tonight we had our playoff to determine our championship round for Saturday night.
The first five to buzz in fastest and recite 2 verses correctly will move into the finals. Then, in that five, the first two to buzz in first and correctly recite four verses will be crowned our champs.
We're having a lot of fun, working hard and memorizing verses that we will carry for a lieftime ahead.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Head downtown on the ferry across the Mississippi
2:00 - Head back to Berean Bible Church
3:00 - 5:00 Block party, cookout where we will be giving balls and toys to children.
Evening:
Pack-up, cleanup, return rental cars, write postcards...
What an amazing week it has been.
We started off our morning praying for Terrence (middle behind #260). Our street team met him downtown yesterday and shared and prayed with him. Today he was rejoycing to be turning a new leaf and beginning a new life. He wanted to pray with us before boarding a bus for Mississippi.
We set a goal today to try to capture the elusive Laura in a picture today. She avoids pictures like a gnu avoids moutain lions. Heather final wrestled her into a shot.
Heather came down with Humongousfootitus while we have been down here in NOLA.
Friday, July 4, 2008
How The Streets Can Change a Man
During last night's debriefing time, Josh shared a song he wrote in the two hours since he got back with the street team. During their time of connecting with people downtown and handing out burgers to the hungry, they ducked into the famous Cafe Dumont. Lawrence, a pastor here at the mission, noticed a man sitting away from the outdoor cafe and tried to wave him to join the group. He refused.
Lawrence told the group that this man was a very hardened and bitter man that he had come across numerous times. He was so hardened that even the street people stayed away from him. He had no interest in being around Christians and had no trust for anyone.
Soon the afternoon thunder storm hit with a torrential downpour. Lawrence called to the man again and this time the rain drove him in to sit with our team under the cover of the outdoor cafe. For the next 45 minutes the team listened to his angry ranting about all the people who had hurt him or deserted him. They heard about his being abused by what he called "religion." His anger boiled as he talked about the racism that has cut him time and time again. They sat and listened.
His name is Mark Anthony. He told them that he will not turn the other cheek and that he won't even turn the first cheek. He will kill or be killed.
Our team talked with him and, for the first time according to Lawrence, allowed the team to pray for him and pray that God would soften his heart. Our kids prayed like they had never prayed before. They prayed with God's heart and truly felt His love for Mark Anthony.
Josh shared his new song with us. Forgive the cell phone video quality... it may help you to follow the lyrics below the video.
Lawrence told the group that this man was a very hardened and bitter man that he had come across numerous times. He was so hardened that even the street people stayed away from him. He had no interest in being around Christians and had no trust for anyone.
Soon the afternoon thunder storm hit with a torrential downpour. Lawrence called to the man again and this time the rain drove him in to sit with our team under the cover of the outdoor cafe. For the next 45 minutes the team listened to his angry ranting about all the people who had hurt him or deserted him. They heard about his being abused by what he called "religion." His anger boiled as he talked about the racism that has cut him time and time again. They sat and listened.
His name is Mark Anthony. He told them that he will not turn the other cheek and that he won't even turn the first cheek. He will kill or be killed.
Our team talked with him and, for the first time according to Lawrence, allowed the team to pray for him and pray that God would soften his heart. Our kids prayed like they had never prayed before. They prayed with God's heart and truly felt His love for Mark Anthony.
Josh shared his new song with us. Forgive the cell phone video quality... it may help you to follow the lyrics below the video.
How The Streets Can Change A Man
by Josh Linscott
I walk down the streets today
Backpack on my back
All I can do is pray
I barely can do that
I hear you calling me
The voice that whispers in my ear
Says to me it’s time to stop
stop and listen
Mark Antony will kill
Before he turns his cheek again
I don’t understand, I never will
How the streets could change a man
Mark Antony will kill
Before he turns his cheek again
I don’t understand, I never will
How the streets could change a man
How the streets could change a man
Is there any hope for the heart that's frozen
Is there any hope that his eyes will open
You keep calling me
Put the whisper in my ear
telling me it’s time to stop
stop and listen
Mark Antony will kill
Before he turns his cheek again
I don’t understand, I never will
How the streets can change a man
Mark Antony will kill
Before he turns his cheek again
I don’t understand, I never will
How the streets can change a man
Pictures from Thursday
Dali at the Katrina - Rita Hurricane memorial. The posts mark the rising water levels during the flooding
.Mudding and Sanding at Al's.
Friday we are taking Al shopping for new windows for his house.
Carrie's house in the historic district. She has had her copper pipes stolen and her house stripped. She has to renovate to historic standards and restore.
Fridge delivery. We delivered a fridge and filled it with $200 worth of food.
New Orleans late afternoon traffic and thunder storms.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tears from the saints
Tonight's team time was sweet with many tears and a powerful time of sharing.
I will try to update Friday as I'm too tired to sit at McDonald's tonight.
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
I will try to update Friday as I'm too tired to sit at McDonald's tonight.
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
9TH WARD
Ben's team is working in the 9th ward today and tomorrow at Carrie's house. She has a once-beautiful home in a historic destrict. She paid a man to replace her windows. He took her money and ran. Then someone made off with all the copper pipes under her home. She talked to a plumber and he want's $14000 to do the job. Ben says that is more than double what it should cost. But, with so few laborers, those who are here are price gouging and talking advantage.
We decided to bless Carrie with $1000 to help her. I drove to a Walmart to get her a prepaid card but discovered an abandoned Walmart store with portable trailers set up in the parking lot. In fact most shopping areas in the 9th ward are eerie ghost towns with tall weeds growing through cracked asphalt. Here it is 3 years later and the 9th ward has years to go to get the the recovery we've seen in other parts of the city.
Prepaid Visa cards put a steep fee on purchasing so I decided a cashier's check would be easier. But, guess what? I went to the bank of Louisiana with cash in hand and told them what we are doing. They told me that since I have no acount with them that they will not let me get a check. How frustrating! The Lord is allowing me to experience some of the frustrations locals are having trying to get things done. I will now try a third route and see if we can give Carrie some money. At this point it looks like a personal check might be the only route.
Our school team is treating the janitorial and office staff to lunch today. They are having Popeye's chicken and soda.
Gotta run ...
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
We decided to bless Carrie with $1000 to help her. I drove to a Walmart to get her a prepaid card but discovered an abandoned Walmart store with portable trailers set up in the parking lot. In fact most shopping areas in the 9th ward are eerie ghost towns with tall weeds growing through cracked asphalt. Here it is 3 years later and the 9th ward has years to go to get the the recovery we've seen in other parts of the city.Prepaid Visa cards put a steep fee on purchasing so I decided a cashier's check would be easier. But, guess what? I went to the bank of Louisiana with cash in hand and told them what we are doing. They told me that since I have no acount with them that they will not let me get a check. How frustrating! The Lord is allowing me to experience some of the frustrations locals are having trying to get things done. I will now try a third route and see if we can give Carrie some money. At this point it looks like a personal check might be the only route.
Our school team is treating the janitorial and office staff to lunch today. They are having Popeye's chicken and soda.
Gotta run ...
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Scott Linscott
Sent from my mobile PDA device
It is about to be Thursday already!
Wow. Thursday is upon us and we just finished getting Monday's blog entries up.
Ali flies home Thursday morning. She's had a great week with us but we're sad to see her go.
Thursday's Teams:
Street Contacts - Josh, Josh, Adam, Jake, Amanda and Shara are heading into the city on Thursday with 5 burgers in each of their packs. They will be feeding the hungry and having conversations with some of the NOLA street people. They will be taking a 3 hour class together in the morning to talk about how to best show love with people who are normally overlooked and forgotten.
AJ's House - Dan's crew continues the work at AJ's helping with painting
Jimmy's House - Bill's gang is getting ready for finish work.
Carrie's House - Ben's team is heading to a new project.
Fisher School - Robin's team will be gaining Sam L. because Sam has an infection in his foot. He is on an antibiotic to clear it up.
We had some exciting things happen today. We went on a shopping spree to help the mission work here. We were able to purchase a new chop saw, a table saw, some nail guns and some other tools that will be very helpful to us as we finish. Other teams will be able to work much more quickly as well. We spent about $1500 on tools to leave for the work here in NOLA.
We met a family that is cleaning up an old fridge to put in their house. The fridge was donated to the church. We filled it with food by supplying a $200 Walmart gift card.
We heard from a policeman who has seen so many changes in the city he loves. His name is Ray and he is very discouraged by the rising crime rate and the decay he has witnessed since Katrina. Pray for him if he comes to mind.
We also had an ice cream party with a team of Floridians who leave for home tomorrow. We played games with them, sang some choruses and then gathered around their group to send them off with prayer. It was sweet to hear our students pray for their Floridian brothers and sisters.
We will work Thursday and Friday and then sleep in a little on Saturday before going into the French Quarter for Begneits. Saturday afternoon we will be joinining a block party and giving out the toys and balls that the children of FBC collected at VBS.
Thanks so much for your prayers. We were tired and cranky today and had a few conflicts. We talked them out and are committed to doing a better job being united tomorrow.
- Scott
Ali flies home Thursday morning. She's had a great week with us but we're sad to see her go.
Thursday's Teams:
Street Contacts - Josh, Josh, Adam, Jake, Amanda and Shara are heading into the city on Thursday with 5 burgers in each of their packs. They will be feeding the hungry and having conversations with some of the NOLA street people. They will be taking a 3 hour class together in the morning to talk about how to best show love with people who are normally overlooked and forgotten.
AJ's House - Dan's crew continues the work at AJ's helping with painting
Jimmy's House - Bill's gang is getting ready for finish work.
Carrie's House - Ben's team is heading to a new project.
Fisher School - Robin's team will be gaining Sam L. because Sam has an infection in his foot. He is on an antibiotic to clear it up.
We had some exciting things happen today. We went on a shopping spree to help the mission work here. We were able to purchase a new chop saw, a table saw, some nail guns and some other tools that will be very helpful to us as we finish. Other teams will be able to work much more quickly as well. We spent about $1500 on tools to leave for the work here in NOLA.
We met a family that is cleaning up an old fridge to put in their house. The fridge was donated to the church. We filled it with food by supplying a $200 Walmart gift card.
We heard from a policeman who has seen so many changes in the city he loves. His name is Ray and he is very discouraged by the rising crime rate and the decay he has witnessed since Katrina. Pray for him if he comes to mind.
We also had an ice cream party with a team of Floridians who leave for home tomorrow. We played games with them, sang some choruses and then gathered around their group to send them off with prayer. It was sweet to hear our students pray for their Floridian brothers and sisters.
We will work Thursday and Friday and then sleep in a little on Saturday before going into the French Quarter for Begneits. Saturday afternoon we will be joinining a block party and giving out the toys and balls that the children of FBC collected at VBS.
Thanks so much for your prayers. We were tired and cranky today and had a few conflicts. We talked them out and are committed to doing a better job being united tomorrow.
- Scott
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
DAY ONE REFLECTIONS - The final bunch
Being here the second time is odd. It feels like we never left. All of the memories and lessons that I had forgotten suddenly came flooding back this morning as we got to work. The main lesson that I learned last year and once again learned today is to never take anything at face value. Today we were in a neighborhood where we did not feel safe and we learned quickly that we cannot judge people by their surroundings or circumstances and being unfortunate does not make you less human.
-Sam Larrabee
-Sam Larrabee
Love. That word has been coming up in discussions, readings, devotions and quiet time. Everything is pointing towards love. The discussion Scott and I had before leaving was of one of his books in which a Jehovah witness and Muslim said it was the action of love that brought them to Christ. In the book we read on the train there was a statement “love is a verb”. It has been the active form of love that is transforming New Orleans. God is showing me that in order to show his love I need to be actively loving others. If I am following Him I should be actively loving and showing the love of God.
-Robin Linscott
Still waiting to see.
-Eric Mason
I’ve seen the pictures of devastation, I’ve heard stories from last years team…but to see first hand the empty homes and broken neighborhoods brings it all into my heart. God is now showing me the people of NOLA. From Strangers in the stores who stop to say “thank you for coming down”, to the woman at the school who has praised God for our help, to the others who can’t fully grasp why I would take vacation time to come to NOLA to work for no “pay”. I’ve only been at work for one day and God has blessed me. He has laid it in my heart to pay attention more to the people of NOLA and the work is secondary. My heart is full of many emotions. I am thankful He has led me here to serve.-Alicia Berglund
I believe that I am here now to make an impact on the lives of the people at the school that I worked at today. Trey and “Lamama” are in 6th grade and preschool respectively and their parents work at the school so they spend a lot of time there. However, I am willing to accept anything else God wants me to do.-Jeremy Lydick
One of my biggest fears going into this trip was the sight of a lack of progress from a year ago. Having been here for two days that fear has been wiped away. No longer are FEMA trailers sitting in front of a devastated house. There are no more piles of debris taller than me. God has answered that prayer and has also answered others. My prayer for the rest of the week is that I’ll be able to continue to have conversations with people from New Orleans and really be able to connect with them like the people we talked with today.-Josh Larrabee
It’s amazing to see the way New Orleans is coming alive again. Its still in great need, but it is great to see God rebuild. I was frustrated today at times. I can’t imagine how frustrating 3 years of living in a trailer or living out of a suitcase would be. They say God is changing this place. I believe it. It's already changing me. Acts 16:31
-Andy Berglund
Pictures from today
Thirsty?
Dig those colors!
Fischer School
Loading up new tools purchasedfor the rebuilding shed.
Working at a new site.
Is it possible to serve selfishly?
We've been talking about that some. When we serve out of a motivation to satisfy our own needs, we serve selfishly. If we serve for the feeling we get ... we serve for the wrong reason. If we serve for the thanks ... we serve for the wrong reason. If we serve to achieve an emotional high ... we serve for the wrong reason. If we serve because we want to represent Jesus and bring honor to Him, we get it right.
Imagine serving day after day in a soup kitchen, on the streets or in a small room where no one ever saw you or praised you for your efforts. Would you still do it? Imagine coming back to New Orleans year after year after year until every home was rebuilt. Would you do it? Why are we here?
Some of us are recognizing that our motivations and expectations have been based on what we expect to get out of the "experience." Is that what this is? Is it just another experience? Are we using the people of the New Orleans to meet our own needs? That is just not right.
The Lord is again taking us from where we were working to gratify our own needs to a place that is surrendured to Him and meant only to bring glory to him. That is worship. Worship is not about tingles or experience, it is about surrendering ourselves to God to be used each and every day in whatever way He desires.
- Scott
Imagine serving day after day in a soup kitchen, on the streets or in a small room where no one ever saw you or praised you for your efforts. Would you still do it? Imagine coming back to New Orleans year after year after year until every home was rebuilt. Would you do it? Why are we here?
Some of us are recognizing that our motivations and expectations have been based on what we expect to get out of the "experience." Is that what this is? Is it just another experience? Are we using the people of the New Orleans to meet our own needs? That is just not right.
The Lord is again taking us from where we were working to gratify our own needs to a place that is surrendured to Him and meant only to bring glory to him. That is worship. Worship is not about tingles or experience, it is about surrendering ourselves to God to be used each and every day in whatever way He desires.
- Scott
Anna and Drew - here's a picture for you!
Hi Guys,
Kelsey and Amanda are working hard this week and getting to have fun too, Why would they give a week of their summer vacation to come here and work for other people for no money? They are doing it because they know how much Jesus loves them and wants them to share that love with other people.
Thanks for sending them a message!
More reflections from Monday
Right now I have a mixture of feelings. I’m happy to see all the FEMA trailers that are no longer lining all the streets. I’m also happy to be helping people out. And I know that essentially that is why I’m here. But last year the first day of the trip I was already experiencing a “life changing” trip. But three of four days into the trip I still don’t know exactly why God called me to go on this trip. I pray that He will show me that throughout the week.
- Anonymous
After a long train ride, we made it, and as soon as we arrived, I looked around and everything looked so familiar. It seems like just last week we were going over that same bridge to help out different people. Today I got to help out at Mattie’s and it brought back so many memories of all the unforgettable stories from last year. I keep thinking about Charlie, Annie, Erica & Lester, and Barbara… How are they doing now? It’s been so great to see all of the improvements. There’s a lot less FEMA trailers which made me feel so good that we helped them get out of those, although it’s still amazing that all the devastation is still here. I’m glad to be here again and I can’t wait for the rest of the week to see what God has for all of us.
- Jesse Cinque
My reactions to coming down here and actually seeing some of the houses that were damaged by Katrina were just that I was shocked. I thought it was pretty unbelievable at what the conditions of these houses were 3 years later, I expected to see the neighborhoods put back together and the houses rebuilt for the most part anyway. But when we drove by some of the neighborhoods, the houses have still been untouched after all this time. Although there has been a lot of progress it was sad to see some people have given up trying to rebuild, but very encouraging to see the church groups, and home owners haven’t.
-Nicole Mason
Last night the youth pastor from Berean talked to us about some of what has been happening here. He told a story about girls bringing sandwiches to homeless people while she was here. When she gave one man a sandwich he asked her where she was from and went on to ask if they had homeless people there. Of course she said “yes”, at which point the man proceeded to say “oh well you must do this type of thing all the time.” So many people take the perspective that Katrina was sent to change New Orleans and bring them a revolution, but Doug posed the question that maybe it was also sent to revolutionize the church and Christians. Not only can this storm allow for the people here to see Jesus, but it can also help the Christians realize that we not only need to see and believe in Christ, but also follow him and try to be Him. God calls us to do that not only here in NOLA or on a missions trip, but everywhere. This has been on my heart since last night. Who am I serving here? Are there people like them at home? Do I serve those people at home too? How can I serve and be Jesus not only here, but everywhere?
-Shara Linscott
- Anonymous
After a long train ride, we made it, and as soon as we arrived, I looked around and everything looked so familiar. It seems like just last week we were going over that same bridge to help out different people. Today I got to help out at Mattie’s and it brought back so many memories of all the unforgettable stories from last year. I keep thinking about Charlie, Annie, Erica & Lester, and Barbara… How are they doing now? It’s been so great to see all of the improvements. There’s a lot less FEMA trailers which made me feel so good that we helped them get out of those, although it’s still amazing that all the devastation is still here. I’m glad to be here again and I can’t wait for the rest of the week to see what God has for all of us.
- Jesse Cinque
My reactions to coming down here and actually seeing some of the houses that were damaged by Katrina were just that I was shocked. I thought it was pretty unbelievable at what the conditions of these houses were 3 years later, I expected to see the neighborhoods put back together and the houses rebuilt for the most part anyway. But when we drove by some of the neighborhoods, the houses have still been untouched after all this time. Although there has been a lot of progress it was sad to see some people have given up trying to rebuild, but very encouraging to see the church groups, and home owners haven’t.
-Nicole Mason
Last night the youth pastor from Berean talked to us about some of what has been happening here. He told a story about girls bringing sandwiches to homeless people while she was here. When she gave one man a sandwich he asked her where she was from and went on to ask if they had homeless people there. Of course she said “yes”, at which point the man proceeded to say “oh well you must do this type of thing all the time.” So many people take the perspective that Katrina was sent to change New Orleans and bring them a revolution, but Doug posed the question that maybe it was also sent to revolutionize the church and Christians. Not only can this storm allow for the people here to see Jesus, but it can also help the Christians realize that we not only need to see and believe in Christ, but also follow him and try to be Him. God calls us to do that not only here in NOLA or on a missions trip, but everywhere. This has been on my heart since last night. Who am I serving here? Are there people like them at home? Do I serve those people at home too? How can I serve and be Jesus not only here, but everywhere?
-Shara Linscott
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
More pictures
Ali is a nut.
Jordan is a workhorse.
Brothers.
Visiting with Annie and Joe. We worked on their lot last year. They are STILL on the waiting list for demolition of their house and living in their FEMA trailer.
Pictures!
At Fisher School.
The FEMA trailer gets hauled away!!! Yahoo!
Dan steadies "John Jones."
Andy types in blog entries.
Elephant ear plants from Annie and Joe's.
Several more initial reflections
Last year I felt like God was showing me what ‘s important in life, what serving is, and that my life is not all about me. This year , already, I feel like He is introducing a couple new things. We are here to serve these people by rebuilding their houses plus other things to the property even if they seem insignificant. It’s about the people, giving them hope, and if tilling their yard and starting a small garden does that then we have done our jobs. They have new hope and light that they’re one step closer to moving in. Serving isn’t conditional, it is unconditional.
- Sarah Krabbe
I am glad to see fewer blue tarps. You have to look for the trailers in the neighborhoods. My prayer is that progress is getting people in their homes and not just people giving up. It’s sad to see empty houses left behind with nothing done to them . It’s sad to hear of the red tape that is in the way, governmental or inspections being waited on. It is humbling hearing the stories of gratitude from the Body being the prominent group coming to help. Not PTSM, not Park Street Church- the Body of Christ. I just hope that the giving of the Body has been something that has been duplicated back at the homes of all the team members returning home at their church’s and neighborhoods.
- Bill Simpson
I really think God is trying to get me to go out of my way and share my faith with someone , even a complete stranger. I feel that he wants me to bring others to him through my words. The physical helping gets things started. But my words are going to be the final thread. I’ll be looking, and I know he’ll have me ready.
- Scott Gardner
Today it felt so good to drive down the street that my work house was and see no F.E.M.A. trailers. As it is written on the Katrina Memorial “We will come back!”. It feels as if I’m turning the last pages of the book of the effects of Katrina for at least one person. Years from now I pray that kids will only remember Katrina when driving by the memorial. For evidence that the hurricane ever hit, I want them to have to ask.
- Jake Linscott
- Sarah Krabbe
I am glad to see fewer blue tarps. You have to look for the trailers in the neighborhoods. My prayer is that progress is getting people in their homes and not just people giving up. It’s sad to see empty houses left behind with nothing done to them . It’s sad to hear of the red tape that is in the way, governmental or inspections being waited on. It is humbling hearing the stories of gratitude from the Body being the prominent group coming to help. Not PTSM, not Park Street Church- the Body of Christ. I just hope that the giving of the Body has been something that has been duplicated back at the homes of all the team members returning home at their church’s and neighborhoods.
- Bill Simpson
I really think God is trying to get me to go out of my way and share my faith with someone , even a complete stranger. I feel that he wants me to bring others to him through my words. The physical helping gets things started. But my words are going to be the final thread. I’ll be looking, and I know he’ll have me ready.
- Scott Gardner
Today it felt so good to drive down the street that my work house was and see no F.E.M.A. trailers. As it is written on the Katrina Memorial “We will come back!”. It feels as if I’m turning the last pages of the book of the effects of Katrina for at least one person. Years from now I pray that kids will only remember Katrina when driving by the memorial. For evidence that the hurricane ever hit, I want them to have to ask.- Jake Linscott
As we arrived and settled in and later toured the city, it dawned on me that the devastation is now familiar to me here. I expected an eye opening experience in touring as God provided me with last year, but this year as I am here and ready, the shock value is not there. Last year I learned and grew where as I feel this year God is calling me to grow and learn through speaking and teaching the locals about Christ. I was excited for the childrens team but when that did not work out I realized it was not what God wanted and I must be flexible.- Jake Groom
When God opened the door for me to come down to New Orleans this year I was very curious and excited to see what he had in store for me once I arrived I was in shock at the amount of damage still left after 3 years. This was a huge eye opening experience for me. After three years, people were still living in trailers, X’s remained on untouched houses, and houses completely abandoned by the owner. As the youth group pastor at Berean Bible Church put it, this was the best thing that happened to New Orleans due to the amount of Christian groups coming down. I knew God wanted to expose me to this and give me my first real chance to share my faith with others.
- Rebecca Howell
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