Update 12-08-2008

Hi there. We are so excited about our Christmas project. Yesterday, we took the opportunity to visit with our friends at River Parishes Campus. These people have such a huge heart to serve and they are all getting involved. What started out as servings five families has turned into seven families and RPC is ready to meet all those needs. Isn’t that awesome? Their excitement is infectious and if we weren’t already excited about meeting our financial goal we are overflowing with joy now! So a big THANK YOU to every hand that is touching this project and most of all we praise God.

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Concerning our project to adopt three children for Christmas from the New Orleans Mission, we are waiting to hear specific on the children’s specific sizes for clothing and their desires for toys this Christmas. As soon, as we receive this information, we will update you further.

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On another note, Friday December 5, 2008 the street team beat the streets armed with 30 degree sleeping bags. Now that winter has set in and the cold makes the days & nights seem longer for our friends who sleep outside, we want to do everything we can to equip them to remain warm & healthy.

It was really a special outreach event for us as there were some really meaningful times of prayer with our friends. Ricky and Tim are becoming more open and receptive to the God we love. As we were talking with them both on the corner of Decatur Street and St. Ann Street Tim shared with us the challenges and difficulties he is facing with the home he leases. There are many structural issues which are creating great amounts of stress for him. We offered prayer as a solution, he responded positively, and he asked us to pray with him. There the six of us stood hands locked and each of us took turn in praying together. Please pray for Tim as we did, that he will find more ways and make time to spend with God each day. Also, pray that he would experience less stress related to his house.

Next we were able to reconnect with our friend Norman who had requested a pair of thermal pants and shirt, and some art supplies. In contacting him earlier that day, we found out that he had found some housing and was in need of some pots to cook their meals. As a result we were able to meet him and give him a pair of thermals and a set of pots. He was really grateful and we look forward to future opportunities to plant more seeds with him.

Then we met up with Miles, one of the balloon artists, and James, our friend and brother. In all of our previous experiences with Miles, he has brought up this book he read that is “better than the Bible.” He claims for it to be the words of Jesus verbatim. We know with confidence it is not the word of God and that Miles does not speak truth. As usual he mentioned the book and was more pushy this time. As a result, I withdrew from that conversation and led the children out of earshot of Miles voice. Miles pushed even further telling my children not to listen to me, which led me to confront Miles directly. I told him, “I do not believe what you believe because it is not truth. My children are impressionable, and I do not want you influencing them.” Even though my children did not understand why they could not have a balloon it opened up an impromptu discussion about false prophets and an elaboration of scripture we read together earlier that week. James, our brother in Christ, was nearby and was able to reinforce with the boys what I had already established with them.

James is doing well. He and his wife are expecting their first child and she is due this week. Please be praying for them both, their unborn child, and those in their support group. Please pray for the health of the baby and his wife Ashley. Please pray that James would continue to walk with God and now be the Godly husband and father he is called to be. Last of all, please pray for his family to receive abundant financial blessing as he supports his family, ministering in the quarter as an artist.

On the river we met up with Coolio, Orosco, Jim, and Chuck. You can pray for Coolio’s health, he was just released from the hospital with heart and knee issues. Orosco said he is doing okay, and that his most basic need is to keep warm. Chuck has been working. He said, “I finally decided to get up and work and now I am working. I understand things won’t happen for me over night, so I will keep on working.

There are some very specific requests for clothing items, winter accessories, and sleeping bags. We are looking to you our supporters to equip us with men’s winter coats sizes extra large and 2 XLarge, thermal pants and shirts sizes large and extra large, winter gloves, winter hats, and sleeping bags rated 30 degree or below ( preferably one that has a compression sack). You can equip us with these items three different ways:

1. Donating the item/s listed above.
2. Purchasing gift cards so that we can purchase specific sizes per individual.
3. Make a financial donation to Celebration Church on behalf of Celebrate Blessings STREET

OUTREACH.

We are so very thankful to you for your prayers, encouragement, and support.

Christmas Projects 2008

In addition to our daily ministry reaching out to the homeless downtown, CBSO is planning on two additional outreach opportunities for Christmas 2008. These two projects are the following:

1). Support 3 children for Christmas via New Orleans Mission. We plan to provide them with a “normal” Christmas, just as though we were shopping for our own children.
For each child, we would like to provide the following:

Clothing
o 2-3 pairs Pants
o 2-3 shirts
o School uniform (if necessary)
o shoes
o Package of socks
o Package of underwear
o Pair of pajamas

School supplies as needed

Toys/Christmas Presents
o 2-4 quality toys, age appropriate

The target amount will be $150 for clothing items per child and $150 toward presents for each child. Therefore, to reach out to three children at the New Orleans Mission, total proposed amount is $900.

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2). Support Celebration Church River Parish Campus to put together 5 Christmas baskets, providing a full holiday meal.

Each basket/box will contain at least the following:
7lbs meat (turkey)
2 cans cranberry sauce
2 boxes Stuffing
3lbs Box of Potatoes
1 Gravy Mix
2 cans Green beans
2 cans corn
3 lbs Yams
20 dinner Rolls
1 Pie or desert item

5 Christmas Meals at $50 per basket is $250.

Total Cost for both projects is estimated as $1150.

We are looking forward to partenering with our friends in the community to make these two projects possible. If you are interested in contributing financially to this project, all donations must be submitted by Monday December 8, 2008. Please email us at Beatingthestreets@gmail.com so that we can plan accordingly. We ask that you pray for these projects, that we would meet our budgeted goal quickly. We thank all of you who have faithfully and consistently supported us. Because of your burden for our passion and concern for our friends, we are continually equiped to meet needs in the community.

Love-

Angie & Kati

A Year In Retrospect

A year ago I prayed that God would send me a partner shortly after my previous partner had passed away. God was prompt in answering that prayer and meeting that need as specifically as the request that was made. In all things, he well passed my expectations. It was only 5 short days later that I met Kati and we were beating the streets together for the first time of what would be many more times to pass through bitter cold, extreme heat, and rain.

Yes God answers prayers.

I cannot give you an exact price tag, but I am certain through the donation of new clothing, used clothing, gift cards, and other donations, the worth exceeded $10, 000. We were equipped to equip the workers with appropriate clothing, footwear, and tools necessary to carry out their trade. We were able to put basic hygiene items, undergarments, and socks in every hand our path crossed. We were able to provide clothing, bedding, and outer garments appropriate to climate. We were able to place reading glasses and Bibles in as many hands as would receive that blessing. Finally we were able to also nourish our friends with food and water regularly. We know for certain that God provided every single donation in our hand and that was not only a prayer answered but an honor to be entrusted to disperse those items.

It is God who answered the prayers for David Keep who is now off the streets, gainfully employed, and now employing his own teams of workers whom mostly consist of people who struggle with homelessness. It is God who answered the prayers of our friend Russ who is now surrounded by other believers and is learning to overcome addiction and developing a relationship with the Lord. It is Russ who said, “If he (God) can change this one, he can change anyone.” It is God who answered Ruban and Shannon’s prayers by equipping them to earn enough income now to move out of their van and into an apartment. Also, now Shannon seeks to renew her relationship with the Lord and desires to be connected with a community of believers.
The Lord has answered our prayers and the prayers of our friends. We know that even in the examples above that they still have serious struggles and face numerous challenges, just as we all do. We continue to believe as we intentionally build lasting relationships with the people that we serve, we will witness our friends experience deliverance in their life, and move forward in confidence of Christ Jesus.

This past year has been such a blessing in so many ways. It is only through your prayers, love, and support that we were equipped to serve. We receive this responsibility as a blessing and pray that we have proven faithful.

Next week I will be sending out an update and a projection of our goals for the winter months. We will also have two Christmas projects that we want to present to you our supporters. So be watching for that!

Thanks.


Angie

"God helped fix my heart so I could share it with you"

Here is a letter from our friend and brother Donald. We wanted to share this letter with you and also take this time to recognize him and thank him publicly for the great asset he was to our team this last year. We can in no way take any credit, but like Donald give all the glory to our awesome God!

Donald worked with us behind the scenes, utilizing the gift cards we received from others. His ability to be frugal helped us stretch those gift card donations to serve more people and meet more needs. As a police officer of the levee district, he was also able to provide us with guidance, which helped us greatly with the ministry under the bridge at the Claiborne camp.

Shopping seems like such a simple thing, yet it was our greatest need of help over the winter months, as the physical needs list was greater. We thank you, for your willingness to go shopping in your time off, for your generosity, and dedication to help serve the needs of our friends. We are joyful that you have in turn found your specific ministry, working with those in need in Kenner. It is encouraging for us to witness how you allowed the Lord to reveal your gifts and for you to become obedient to that assignment He has placed on your life. It is a privilege to call you brother and friend.

Love-

Angie & Kati

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Angela and Kati,

Maybe you two
distributed a fire in my heart, but I know God lit this fire within me. I have my own calling, an assignment to share the gifts that God has blessed me with. I have found my place, helping the homeless men of Rivertown, Kenner, as police officer, coming out in uniform, to serve, and not just to protect.


Hello My
Friends,

Today was the day! But it was Alma's Day! Those of you who know the story, Alma is a homeless man that has been pulling on my heart for months now. It started with handing him a bottle of water, speaking to him with respect, feeding him whenever I saw him. What he has become to me, is a new friend, a gift to help someone else and an assignment coming to fruition that the Hoy Spirit has been helping me with, all along.

Alma was jumped a month ago and his bike stolen. From the moment of hearing that, I wanted to bring the joy back to a man of integrity, pride and worth who deserves it more than me. His long, unhappy face of losing his mobility became my duty to fix just a little of his life. While at Wal Mart, he picked out an "Old School" bike I could not have been happier in my heart then just to see him happy!
He blessed me, and a some tears came to my eyes, when he said, "This bike is lovely, just lovely." I tried to hide it, but it was tears of joy, I know he understood.

So today, off we went. He got some winter clothes, some shoes for another homeless friend, a coat for this wind and other things he asked for. Then we went to lunch, a hot meal, I could tell he really enjoyed pork chops!

He asked how he could thank me. My answer, "Know two things, Al. God helped fix my heart so I could share it with you. If you get the chance, you help someone else, anyway you can. Let's see how far this can go helping other people. That's all." He smiled and went off on the levee at Rivertown. I am so blessed.

And I am writing you all, to challenge you, for I know the goodness in you all, for you have shown me. It takes nothing, to help those who have so little, but need it so much. Let's keep this going, today two of God's children were given joyous gifts. Mine is bigger than Al's, for God helped me, help him.

Have a Great
Day! Donald!

September 20, 2008 hitting the streets again!

Hello Friends!

Greetings from Bolingbrook, IL, where I am currently spending time visiting with my family (I'll be on a airplane back to New Orleans on October 1).

I wanted to send out a post today to specifically solicit your prayers for our team as they head out onto the streets tomorrow morning. Although we hit the streets last Monday, the rainy weather kept most of our friends away from the usual hang-outs. So tomorrow will be really important in reconnecting with friends we have not seen in more than a month. Angie, Shaan, Jack, and Goke will be on the streets tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Please join me in praying for physical and spiritual protection for the team and for those they meet. I pray in faith that our friends will be encouraged and uplifted to reconnect with Angie and the boys as well as with Goke. I also pray that the street outreach team will also be ministered to during their time downtown. Please pray that the fruits of their labor will be sweet. Thanks for your support and for continually lifting us up through encouragement and prayer!

August 09, 2008

This week, we had the priviledge of working with a group of volunteers from Chicago. They helped us sort and assemble hygiene kits for our homeless friends. We have so much admiration, affection, and respect for these great people who sacrifice their vacation to come and labor in our great city of New Orleans. Not always, but often times, it is the youth who come here and serve. It amazes me, that these spirited brothers and sisters labor all day in the heat, and yet they still have the desire to serve by helping the team with mid week preparations. The preparations vary from week to week, sometimes it means making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and packing the brown bag lunches we will hand out on Saturday or assembling hygiene kits. The task is always different the desire to serve is always the same. It is so great being able to share in this joy with our friends that come to volunteer in New Orleans.

Often after the work is done, we have the opportunity to sit with the group and share testimonies. It is amazing to hear how God has moved in their lives and miraculously opened doors in order for them to be in New Orleans serving, giving, and encouraging. It is also really great to hear about their ministries at their homes. One other thing we hear often is how a lot of the volunteers that come here to serve and help heal the hurt end up experiencing great healing themselves!

We truly enjoy meeting and serving with all the groups with whom we connect. This week the fellowship was just a little bit "sweeter" as we introduced the Chicago crew to good old New Orleans snowballs. The boys equally enjoyed the fellowship this week.

I want to thank Hinesburg Community Alliance Church that so generously provided all the donations for the hygiene kits, and all the other great resources we were equiped with in order to serve our friends.

Below, I am including a special note from Sarah with Edgewater Baptist Church. I hope it encourages you as much as it has encouraged us. Also, be sure to check out the photos they shared with us in our slideshow.

Our group is from Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago. Many of us are involved in a the children's and youth ministries at our church. We have an afterschool program 4 days a week, along with a 6-week full day summer day camp program for families in our neighborhood. Many of our youth have come through the leadership training program that we have for junior high school students, and several served as day camp teachers this past summer. Being from an urban environment, we wanted to give the youth an opportunity to serve others in a different urban environment. So New Orleans and Celebration Church seemed to be the right place to go! We're really grateful to Toni Collins, Celebration Church and CrossRoads Ministry for housing and supervising our groups as we worked on houses in New Orleans this past week. We were pleasantly surprised to help out with the homeless outreach ministry this past Thursday night, as we packed up bags of donated deodorant, toothpaste, socks, etc. It was a huge blessing to hear the stories of Angie and Katie as they recalled the hand of God upon their lives over the past few years to bring them to where they are now.
And our youth had lots of fun playing with the boys!:)
God bless!

Sarah Shedd

PRAYER REQUESTS

Ricky- He was in good spirits, allowing the boys to play with his glove and softball as we visited. He again requested prayer for his sister Nancy. He is staying in a local motel which has given him the extra incentive to cut back in his drinking. He expressed the importance of living life one day at a time. We were really encouraged by Ricky taking time to walk over into the shade and join us in prayer. Shaan, Kati, and I took turns praying for Nancy and Ricky. Ricky took a turn praying for Shaan, Jack, Kati, and me in our specific needs as well. His specific prayer request is for his sister, Nancy. She has heart problems and needs surgery; however, the doctors are giving her medication to get her healthy enough for surgery. Please pray for our friend Ricky that he may receive deliverance from alcohol. Also pray that he will continue to seek the Lord, and that he may be a witness to his peers.

Terry- He was not very trusting of us. He asked many question about whom we were and our purpose of being in the French Quarter. His question to me was, “Are you some kind of missionary or something?” As a result, in brief I shared with him my testimony. Although, I offered to pray with him, he denied the opportunity. Instead, he asked that we would pray that he would receive a blessing. It is clear to me, that he is not very trusting and it will take some time to get to know him. Please pray that we will have more opportunities to visit with him.

Glen- He is waiting for his retirement to begin paying this next month. Until then he has no income and will be staying in Jackson Square on the weekends and at the Salvation Army during the week. His biggest challenge seems to be balancing his blood sugar while he lives on the street. Please pray for his health and for the time we share with him next week.

Don-Jack was drawn to him first. I think it was the baseball cap and the facial hair that intrigued him. Later Jack shared with us, that Don made him miss his dad. It was Jack’s fascination with him that opened the door for us to dialogue with him. Don shared with us that he suffers from frequent seizures as a result of epilepsy. He is also having issues with his feet swelling. He is trying to get social security but he has not seen any doctors regularly enough recently to have proper documentation. Please pray for his caseworker, to be able to serve him and provide appropriate supports for him. Pray for Don to receive relief from the seizures and the swelling in his feet.

Regge- He had just been released from jail after serving a four and half week sentence. He shared with us that during this time he experienced a God incident, when he had the opportunity to meet with a chaplain. Regge is walking out of jail refreshed, inspired, and sober. He was excited to see us and shared that although he had not thought about us for a while, that he thought about us that very morning, and there we were to greet him as he reentered the square. Please pray for Regge to experience deliverance from alcohol. Also, please pray that when he stumbles that he will not be discouraged, but will continue to the Lord for his strength.

Ruban- He and Shannon had a great time working in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, upon their return, several of their dogs were ill and most of the money earned went to an expensive veterinarian bill. Please pray for this friendship as we are going to have another opportunity to make a house visit and follow up further with them.

Sandy- Every time we meet with her, we are encouraged to hear how the Lord is moving in her life. Because someone blessed us financially, we were able to bless her by dining at the restaurant where she works. As soon, as she realized we were sitting at one of her tables, she ran over to tell us more about how God is moving in reconciling her relationship with her ex-husband and her teenage daughter. She exclaimed loudly as she walked away from our table, “Prayer works!” You can only imagine the joy we shared with her in that moment. Please continue to pray for the reconciliation of this relationship, as Sandy’s greatest desire is to be in her daughter’s life and be a positive influence. Also please pray that she will continue to be receptive to a relationship with the Lord and that she can grow in her own faith.

Popsicle Lady- A month ago we met her and were able to bless her by purchasing multiple popsicles on a hot day in the Square. I stood close by as the boys ministered to her and brought joy to her afternoon. Yesterday, she was especially joyful again to see them, but also because they remembered her. After they hugged her, he reached down below her cart and pulled out two identical toys she had purchased for Shaan and Jack, hoping she would see them again. Please pray for this woman and the boys that they will be able to continue planting seeds and share their own testimony with her.

Coolio- Although he clearly had been drinking, he was more sober than normal in the early afternoon. This is different because normally he is passed out from drinking as early as ten. He was very happy to see us and enjoyed allowing the boys to play his drum and bucket. Please pray that he will receive deliverance from his addiction to alcohol.
Ellory- He recognized us right away, as people who had helped him and his nephew in the past. He is going to be moving into a place in a few months and he is interested in receiving help with getting furniture. It was neat to see that he still had a contact card we had given him several months ago. He stated that we were an important contact. Of course, this was a great compliment to us and we were encouraged to know that we would have future opportunities to serve him and plant more seeds. Please pray that he will in fact reach out to us again, so that we can put him in touch with appropriate resources and provide some natural supports for him once he is in housing.

Russ- We never know what to expect when we encounter Russ from one week to the next. Regardless he is always excited to see us and engage in conversation. Even more recently has dropped his con with us and is more truthful with current circumstances. Most recently, he has suffered a mild stroke. Since we are not medical doctors we don’t know how severe the stroke has affected him. However, he has lost a lot of use of his right hand. We referred him to a clinic and social worker who would further be able to help him. Please pray for his health and for deliverance from his addiction to alcohol.

Tom- He returned to New Orleans earlier in the week from a tour of the Western United States. During that tour, he was finally able to visit his son in prison. Although his son wanted him to stay in California, he decided to return to New Orleans. His traveling partner is still in California healing from an injury, but intends on returning to New Orleans as well. It was interesting that he remembered us, and seemed surprised that we were still out on the streets, despite the Claiborne Camp being closed. Please pray that we will have more opportunities to invest in this friendship.

Beohbi- He was genuinely happy to visit with myself and the boys. He seems to really be encouraged just by our presence on the river, but also I am deeply encouraged to be greeted by his smile each week. He has such a genuine gentleness about him, and a natural gift of encouragement. Something different this week is that he requested prayer for himself. Normally, his prayer request is very specific, but always for someone else in his life. So please pray for him as he is recovering from what seems to be a stomach bug. Please pray for a full recovery for him, but also for clean health for all those who come into contact with him while he may still be contagious.

Chuck- Although we saw him on the river, we were unable to have the opportunity to visit with him. The one thing though I want to share, is that it was deeply encouraging to see, that he was still wearing the shoes that we were able to purchase for him. The other thing I want to share is that he was not hanging out with the normal crew. He was actually spending time over where Beohbi and another one of our friends vend their handmade jewelry. This may be a sign of his disconnecting from some of the negative influences in his life. Please pray for him, that his desire he expressed in recent weeks to find employment has been answered and will manifest quickly. Also, please pray that he will be begin to surround himself with positive influences daily in order to move beyond his current circumstances.

Guitar Mike- Mike generously shared his guitar with Jack and I. Jack strummed a few notes on his guitar first. Then I attempted to play “Blessed Be Your Name” on his badly tuned guitar. However, with the loud drumming of a boy across the sidewalk from us, and also a multitude of loud men and women wearing red dresses passing by, the song was inaudible. I do not have a specific prayer request for Mike.

Scott- It is really hard to know what to share with you about him. He is clearly in a delusional state. Not only that but he has been belligerently drunk the last three times we have spent time with him. He is aggressive and unable to control himself. Unfortunately, as much as we love Scott and have shared in some great times of prayer with him, we now have had to make the decision to disengage from contact with him. He is in serious need of an intervention in his life. PLEASE pray that God will intervene in his life, before he injures himself, injures someone else, or someone else injures him. Also, please pray for binding of the evil that has control over him, because clearly this is not the true Scott anyone knows.

Name Unknown- Although his face is a familiar one, there has never been any personal contact. However, today it was clear that he knows who we are, what are purposes are in the street. He stood by our side during our contact with Scott, and made sure that we were always safe. Please pray that we would have the opportunity in the future week to engage with him on a more personal level. Also, he expressed the desire to harm Scott, because of the disrespect he showed to everyone on the river. Please pray that God would show him more appropriate ways to help Scott rather than physical violence.

July 2008 Update

It has been at least two months now since both of the boys have been joining Kati and me in the streets. We have learned a lot from Shaan and Jack about generosity and unconditional love. We have tried to evaluate the worth of the experiences, but as always God far surpasses those expectations. This week we learned a valuable lesson from Shaan about boldness, faith, and prayer on our weekly visit to the library.


As we walked from the childrens wing of the library, we observed an senior adult laying down on a bench in the hallway. Now you have to understand, we have observed people sleeping and resting in some really peculiar places, so at first glance we walked past the woman. However, as we took the next twenty steps away from her, Kati and and I both began to internally process what he had seen and realized that this is in fact was not normal. Very quickly we dialogued and established that the person did not look physically well. Without saying much, we turned around and went back to the woman to check on her.




After a brief dialogue with the woman, we learned that she had just recently has surgery. She was feeling weak. So, she put her book down and laid on the bench to rest a while. We asked if there was a way that we might be able to help or serve her. She very kindly declined the offer repeating that she just needed a little rest. Once again I offered to help by bringing her some water, and again she declined the offer. She thanked us for stopping to inquire about her well being and closed her eyes.




We turned and departed from the bench. We had taken only a few short steps, when Shaan gently touched my arm and asked me, " Mom can I pray for the woman?" You can imagine how shocked I was at his request. I stopped, smiled, and replied, "Yes Shaan, go ahead." We were only a few feet away from the woman, so Kati and me stayed where we were, and Shaan left my side to reapproach the woman.




As he approached the woman once again, he asked her if he could pray for her. She was very grateful to receive prayer from Shaan and accepted his offer. Then, Shaan stretched out his hand towards her and began to pray, "Father God, I just ask that you would give this woman the strength and power to be healthy and have the strength and power not to be weak in Jesus name. Father God, I just thank you. In Jesus name, Amen."

What a profound example Shaan was to us and the others that witnessed Shaan's ministry. In that single moment he confirmed our admiration and respect that we already had for him. In that moment, we learned a valuable lesson about meeting people directly in their needs, boldness in our daily mission field, and the importance of what we model to our youth.




We ask that you will continue to pray for us and our friends as we grow in our faith walk. There have been several generous donations of material, time, and financial support from groups and individuals. We thank you for your generosity in supporting our friends and our efforts.



A special thanks to Kieren and Rachel from the U.K. for sharing your time and ministry with us. Also, a special thanks to Revolution women's mission team for helping us sort clothing donations. Also, a special thanks to our friends in OK and our friends on the North Shore; it is because of you that we are able to feed and clothe our friends. You make all this possible by equipping us to serve the people for whom we are impassioned. Most of all, we thank the Lord for putting this purpose in our hearts.


Below is the people we ask that you will pray for this month. We look forward to sharing their victories and future successes with you.





Tanya- We hear from Tanya at least five times a week. She has been committed to calling us and updating us on her daily progress. She has a monthly income, however, she seems to face many challenges in finding affordable housing for herself. She has made multiple requests for various phyiscal needs to be met, such as shoes, backpack, sleeping bag, food, hygiene items, etc. Although at times her need may be great, we see each opportunity to serve her as an opportunity to plant another seed. She is incredibly forthright and transparent in communicating. Please pray that we will continue to have opportunities to plant seeds in her heart of hope and love.



Chuck- He expressed his determination to get off the streets with us after having his pockets slit in his sleep. He was sober this particular night and so the attempt to steal his wallet woke him up. Now more than ever he is determined to get sober and find some work in order to at least be able to stay in a cheap room each night. We were able to bless him with a pair of work shoes after learning that he had been wearing a pair of shoes that were a full size smaller than his feet. Upon receiving those shoes, we saw a softer side of Chuck that we had never experienced before, and we were given a great opportunity to plant a seed of hope in him. In previous contacts Shaan has connected with him through his guitar. Please pray that the shoes provided to Chuck will serve as a vehicle for him to find work. Also, pray that he will experience deliverance from his addiction to alcohol. Shaan asks that you pray that Chuck will be healthy and encouraged.



Richard-It is always encouraging to talk with him as he is interested in our spiritual growth and well being. We had the opportunity on different encounters to be able meet needs such as purchasing prescription medications, sleeping bag, and a backpack. We are often encouraged by our visits with Richard, as he is open to sharing in the word and receiving prayer. He has expressed the desire for a large print Bible or reading glasses, and short term rental assistance in affordable housing. Also, he has serious health problems. We do not have necesarilly have the resources to provide the latter of his needs. Please pray for Richards needs to be met, and more opportunities to plant seeds.

Ruben & Shannon- We had the opportunity to spend time with them beyond our weekend outreach recently when we gave them a bed. They were able to acquire a new home, something for which we have been praying for since we have known them. They had lived in their van since Katrina. This is something they were able to accomplish without the help of rental assistance. It was an honor to be their first visitors and also allow them the opportunity to serve and share with us through a cold drink. Not only did God provide to them a place to live, but they were able to acquire enough furniture and accessories to fill their home without addittional costs. This was the first time we met Shannon and she shared with us the desire to further help their financial situation through her craft. She needs the proper instruments and tools in order to make this happen. Please pray that Shannon will be able to get the necessary equipment to resume her craft, for their continued health and that we will have plenty more opportunities to serve them.

James-He is what we consider a light in the darkness at Jackson Square. He uses his art as an opportunity to minster and share the gospel. As he draws his caricatures he boldly shares his faith. He is often a great encouragement to us. We always look forward to sharing times of prayer with him. Recently his prayer for reconciliation with his wifes family was answered as a result of his wife's pregnancy. Please continue to pray for reparations of these relationships and for the health of his wife and their unborn child.

Tim-He is engaged and living with a young woman that he saved from the streets. We have had the opportunity to pray and engage in dialogue with her, but still know very little about her circumstances. We ask that you contiue to pray for deliverance from alcohol for Tim. Also, pray that we may continue planting seeds of hope and love into his heart.

"The Pants"

Last week as Kati was waiting at O’Hare Airport she received a phone call from one of our friends, David Keep. He said, “Kati, it’s so good to hear a voice, I thought I would get a machine. Do you know who this is? This is David Keep. I just wanted to call you to say, Praise God for what He has done.”

Initially we met David Keep on February 10, 2008. Below is an excerpt from the Celebrate Blessings Street Outreach Book:

David Keep
David has asked for size 13 wide shoes, 5XL shirts. He is a 30 year painter who lives in his truck. He is looking for work, but has indicated that finding any consistent job has been very difficult. He has also dealt with some health issues including a tumor last year. Please pray that this man will be encouraged to get through this circumstance and that he would find a more consistent job that will provide enough income for housing and cost of living.

The following week, David returned to meet us, expecting that our prayers had been answered. That week the Lord had answered those prayers and allowed us to provide a new pair of shoes and some new t-shirts.

David continued to come out week after week to greet us, even though he was not living under the bridge. During those weeks, he did not request any physical need to be met, and yet he continued to meet us at the bridge. He was always very positive and encouraging during our encounters. He communicated his gratitude to God and us for all that we provided to the community at the Claiborne camp.

On March 22, 2008, David asked that we would provide a pair of boots, painter’s whites, and prayer so that he could find consistent work as a painter. He, like most of our working friends, anticipated the new week and the possibilities for work that week. Importantly, he was expecting God to answer his prayers swiftly.

On March 30, 2008, we were able to provide a pair of work boots to David. However, the painter’s whites proved to be more of a challenge because of David’s waist size. He was not discouraged, and rather came with a praise report and gave thanks for the boots.

This day, David and Angie stepped aside and spent some time together praying some very specific things for his life. After the prayer was over, he immediately approached Kati. He said, “Kati, you missed it.” Kati said, “Missed what?” David replied, “We prayed! And, it was really good!”

Below is an excerpt from the Celebrate Blessings Street Outreach Weekly Book March 30, 2008:

David K. David secured a job last week painting the Cajun Queen anticipating God providing the necessary work clothes. He is so excited to be working. His joy was evident and forthright in acknowledging God’s working in his life. We were not able to provide the painters whites, because they do not carry his size at Wal-Mart. However, that did not kill his joy. David and I prayed together before he departed. We prayed for continued favor with his boss and with his coworkers, that he would be able to share his testimony with all those he came in contact with, that he may continue to grow in the Lord, and that he may find his purpose in this life.

On April 5, 2008, David met us yet again at the bridge. He was so excited to give us a praise report, telling us that he had been painting the Cajun Queen all week. The employer had gone ahead and hired him despite David not having the uniform. He and the employer had a full expectation that he would have an appropriate uniform by the end of the week. He was correct. David’s faith in the Lord really, truly inspired both Kati and me. That very week, Kati made it her mission to find that pair of painter’s whites. That day we prayed a prayer of thanks to the Lord for meeting David right at his needs and in perfect timing.

Since, that day, we had not heard nor seen David. Many times over the past months, Kati and I have often wondered about David and how is doing. We, from the beginning of our work together, had to come to the realization that we are here on the streets to plant seeds, and most of the time we will never see them bear fruit. The one thing we had been confident about with David was that he was doing fine and would continue to grow in his faith walk. That confidence was confirmed with his phone call to Kati on June 25, 2008.

David’s story does not end there. The phone call to Kati was to inform us that he is now leasing a three bedroom home in St. Bernard Parish. Since the working on the Cajun Queen, he has been working fervently as a painter, and he even now has three jobs lined up. He also has just hired three homeless men that he met at the Claiborne camp. David is excited to experience God moving in His life, and he does not take that for granted as he aspires to share his testimony with others.

We are currently working with a pastor in St. Bernard parish to get David connected with other believers. We know fully that a roof over someone’s head is not the whole solution, but only a start. It is important that David now begin to build a genuine relationship with the Lord as well as seek other natural supports.

Please pray for David that he will get connected in a church, build Godly friendships, grow in his faith walk, and be able to share his testimony boldly.

Praise God!

Celebrate Blessings Street Outreach Update 06-14-2008

Dalvis- We have not seen Dalvis since the winter months. Last we had heard, he had been arrested on a blocking the sidewalks charge. He was really dirty. He told us that he only had the clothes on his back because when he was arrested, his bag was left behind. He has asked us for help in providing some basic essentials for him, to help get him started back on his feet again. Dalvis wears 34x32 pants and a medium shirt. He also has requested a hygiene kit. Please let us know if you can help him get back on his feet.

Richard- He has requested a backpack and a pair of 38x30 or 38x32 pants. He suffers from a terminal illness. He also reported that he has been sober for some time now. Although he is homeless, he receives a monthly income with which he uses part of it to provide food to the others he knows. He also mentioned that he tries to encourage the others around him. Please pray that he would be able to serve the others around him, and that he would be able to continue living a life of sobriety.

Joseph- This is one of our friends that we initially met at the New Orleans Mission. He needed to vent, and Kati was willing to listen. He must have ranted for fifteen minutes. Although, we offered to pray with him, and offer him comfort, he was only interested in venting. Please pray that he would have peace and understand that not everyone is out to get him. Also, please pray that he will encounter people who can encourage him rather than tear him down.

Larry- We met Larry earlier this year at the Claiborne camp. He is a former marine. He specifically came to the bridge to excitedly tell us, “Prayer works!” His VA Pension came through after a long wait. He is now living in a condo by the cotton mill. It was refreshing to see him clean, shaved, and happy. For the first time in his life, as a result of our prayers for him, he is tangibly experiencing the fruits of those prayers. Please pray that as a result, his faith will grow stronger and that he will be able to hold captive these experiences, that they may become a foundation for whatever is next in his life.

Paul- He is from Phoenix, Arizona. He originally came to work in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and the festivals that followed. He creates handmade jewelry and vends it at various events. The people he traveled here with decided not to return to Arizona. He also became a victim to predators that mugged him, and left him with only a few of his belongings. He now finds himself stranded in New Orleans. His desire is to return home to Arizona, where he owns a house and property. However, he is quickly losing hope that this will happen for him. If you can assist this man in bus, train, or airfare, please contact us, so that we can help make this happen for Paul. Please pray that he will continue to be receptive to receiving prayer. Also, pray that he will begin to see tangible ways the Lord is working in his life.

Tanya- She is of Cherokee heritage, born and raised in New Orleans. Although she has embraced the beliefs of her culture, but she is also a practicing Catholic. As a result, she allowed Goke and me to pray for her. Please join us in praying for her, that she will be able to find an affordable place to live in Westwego.

Angie's Update for 05-31-2008

I know something that Kati and I write frequently about, is how different our interactions in the community are from week to week. Yet again, this statement holds true for the weekend just passed.

When we arrived at the Claiborne camp, the first ten minutes were filled primarily with greeting our friends, exchanging hugs, and sharing words of affirmation. Following that short time, a news crew approached us. They were there representing ABC news network. The lead reporter was there doing a piece on the FEMA trailer deadline. As a result he wanted to get coverage of life at the Claiborne camp.

They spent the next twenty minutes speaking to us, our friends, and filming our interactions. I don't believe that any of this footage will be used for this story because our primary reason for being there did not relate to the story they were working on. It was, however, a great opportunity to be able to educate this news team of the dire living circumstances many of our friends face. Also, it was a great opportunity to share my testimony and plant more seeds.

When we moved to the other end of the Claiborne camp, I connected with a man named "Lit". He was visibly impaired by some type of substance. It was a challenge talking to him, because his thoughts seemed to be racing from one topic to another. Like a child tests boundaries, he verbally challenged me repeatedly. He seemed to be trying to shock me and the rest of the team. Depsite his oppositional attitude, he remained there engaging in conversation until we left the Claiborne camp.

For me, Lit is a perfect example of most of the people we meet on the street. He is looking, searching, franticly for something. He has no idea for what he is searching. As a result, he grabs hold to everything tangible (drugs, clothing, money,women,etc.) he can. What he does not yet realize is that the very thing he is searching for, is the very thing he is running from; that very thing he runs from is everywhere. All he has to do is just grab hold of his Savior.

We were able to share our faith with this man in the half hour or longer that he spent with us. I gave him a Bible, although he claimed to already own one and know it well. I marked several pages in the Bible for him to be reading this week. Also, when Goke prayed for him, he sank right into Goke. Lit is hurting.

Please pray for Lit and all the rest of our friends. Please also be praying that the Lord will begin preparing their hearts and minds for our return to the camp on Sunday. Last of all, pray for the team, that our hearts, minds, and bodies will be protected and prepared for the things we are called to do on the streets of New Orleans.

Thank you for all your support & prayers. I love you!

Angie

Donna- She is someone that we have not seen in quite a few months. We originally met her at “Bunker Hill” and she was one of the first to be removed from that park and placed into housing just before Thanksgiving. She has a friend that is now living at the Claiborne camp, and she comes out on the weekends to visit him. When asked her how we could be praying for her, she asked us to pray for her friend Charlie.

Charlie- He is currently working with a case manager at Catholic Charities. When we spoke to him, he was hopeful that Monday he would hear some news from his case manager regarding a move-in date on his new apartment. He asks that we will pray for him to get off the streets. He is another example of the working class among the homeless in New Orleans. He works at the Arena, Superdome, and also with Times Picayune. Also, he expressed disgust with the “night life” at the Claiborne camp. So, please pray that he will remain safe and protected from the evil and dangers that many of our friends endure in the night time.

Kenny- When we saw him Saturday, it was evident that he is losing weight again. Besides living on the street, he battles a terminal illness. Please pray for healing and relief from the symptoms of his illness. He has requested a belt, as a result of losing so much weight.

Larry- It was nice to see Larry again. We had not seen him in a couple weeks, so we were unsure if he had been arrested. He seemed to be doing well. He told us that he tries to spend as little time at the Claiborne camp as possible, in order to stay out of trouble. He also expressed agitation towards some of the men that live at the Claiborne camp and the threat he feels against his well-being. Please pray for him that the Lord will soften his heart, so that instead of fighting with his neighbors, he can learn to love them. Also, please pray that as a result of our multiple contacts with him, that the seeds planted will be watered and he will get to experience the power of freedom in salvation.

Russ- I would consider Russ as one of New Orleans core homeless. He is homeless and has no real plans to get off the streets. He is also well versed at being able to tell you what you want to hear. His greatest struggle that I have observed seems to be alcoholism. The team has only been able to connect with him superficially as he goes to great lengths to avoid any real conversations. Please pray for his deliverance from his addiction.

Coolio- He saw us at the Claiborne camp and walked over to greet us. Coolio is someone we typically see on the river performing for the tourists. Seeing him today was different from most days. He did not have his wheelchair today. He was walking and he was sober! I told him how great it was to see him standing and sober. He smiled and told us he was taking small steps at a time each day. While he visited with us, he prayed for the team and also our new friend Lit. Please pray that the changes he is trying to make in his life will be consistent, and that he will experience true deliverance from the strongholds in his life. Also, please pray that he and his wife Willie Mae will be able to connect with some strong Christians and be able to rebuild some natural supports in their life.

Pam- She came to greet us again this week. Yet again she is talking about seeking some in-patient treatment for her addiction. Although it always sounds good to hear our friends talk about positive change in their life, most of the time we find that it is what it is, just talk. One of the things we are finding is that as we go deeper with some of our friends, we are able to verbally challenge them. Please pray for Pam. She is struggling with drug addiction in her life. She has been in treatment before, and we would like to see her go in again and be successful this time. Please join us in prayer, that she will experience this freedom, like many of us.

Kati's Update 06-03-2008

Hello friends. Greetings from New Orleans once again! Since I last wrote to you, the homeless outreach continues to thrive as we seek to build genuine relationships with those who live on the streets. We have transitioned from the “winter” months now to the “summer” months, and with this transition includes a new focus for our weekly time on the streets. As far as physical needs are concerned, we are focusing each week on taking as many pair of new socks and underwear as we can, and most importantly having cold beverages to hand out as the weather becomes even more hot and humid. We are working towards being able to provide full, healthy sack lunches as well. Our greatest desire, of course, continues to be building relationships with those we meet, loving them unconditionally as Christ does, as providing them with support and encouragement on an individual basis. We are sharing food with over 100 people each week and connect on a deeper level with anywhere between 10 and 30 individuals. The time we spend on the streets takes a lot physically and emotionally, but seeing fruits of our work and your prayers make every moment of it well worth it.

Personally, I am in another transition period, perhaps even a waiting period, focusing primarily on resting and getting healthy. Some of you are aware of the challenges I have faced over the past years, and I really am making a concerted effort to do everything necessary to start the next chapter of my life full-force, without the health issues holding me back. Second to resting, my efforts have also been directed toward serving Angie and her family during a difficult chapter in their lives. We are able to mutually support one another and focus on healing and moving forward. As Angie is now at home with the boys full-time, my role in their family continues to change as well. Third, as is most evident by the pictures and emails you receive; my efforts are directed at serving the homeless in New Orleans. On our ventures downtown, we are also able to serve the street performers and artists in Jackson Square as well as some of the tourists we encounter along the way.

We have been spending hours each weekend serving at the Claiborne Camp, but my most treasured time is in Jackson Square and up along the Riverfront. At those locations, we have more opportunity to connect one-on-one, whereas under the bridge, we serve a lot of people in a very short period of time. No matter the location, I feel confident that we are able to build genuine relationships with those we serve, as well as with the team that goes out each week.

Angie, her two boys, and I go out each week, and we are joined by others each weekend as well. Two weeks ago, we had the joy of leading a team of adults from Savannah, GA, on the outreach and really began developing relationships with the team. This past week, a friend of mine from college was able to engage with us during the week in preparation for the weekend as well as serve with us on Saturday. We also have a gentleman, Goke, who joins us every other weekend. I love that our team looks different each week, and I am encouraged by the number of people that feel the pull to go beat the streets each weekend. I have hope and expectation that the number of people serving with our team will continue to grow in order to best serve those we meet. One specific prayer request is that God would send us one or more Spanish-speakers to join us on the weekends. Having multiple Spanish-speakers from Savannah was really a blessing, because we were able to communicate with many people with whom we have not in previous weeks been able to speak or communicate effectively.

We hope that these updates will encourage you and provide you with specific ways to lift up our friends in prayer.

-Kati